Tribute to a Mentor, Friend, and Comrade in Arms
today is the memorial service of a mentor and friend of mine. i served under his command for a while and he's been a friend for almost two decades. i know it's WIOW, but i just can't seem to get into the right mood for it. as a tribute to my friend, i'm posting this pic instead. in a strange sort of way, i feel like he would've loved this pic. he was larger than life, from his loud voice, to his huge bearhugs, and even the way he entered a room. he was one of those John Wayne kind of guys, without trying to be.
he was a brother in arms and a great commander. in my own, fucked up sort of way, this is my final salute to him. he, more than anyone else, would've understood what i was trying to say, he always did. it was an honor for me to have served under his command. Godspeed Bill.
he was a brother in arms and a great commander. in my own, fucked up sort of way, this is my final salute to him. he, more than anyone else, would've understood what i was trying to say, he always did. it was an honor for me to have served under his command. Godspeed Bill.
posted by JD at 9:47 AM
21 Comments:
Hey, from the way you speak about him, he would've LOVED your salute to him.
Sorry to hear you lost your friend, JD. I'm sending a big hug your way, sweetie!
Great tribute!
Another hug coming your way :)
I'm sure he sees it and appreciates it, too! Sorry for your loss, sweetie, kisses...
While honoring your friend, you did me a favor!
Thank YOU! *SALUTING*
{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}
You're a great guy--you do know that---in spite of your funny post, I think your tribute was done in good taste!
I am sure your friend would of loved that. I am sorry for your loss.
*hugs
another HUG and smooch coming your way from me.
Great salute!!
I'm tearing up - no really! I am!!! So sorry to hear about your loss jd... you've got all the hugs you can handle, but I'll send one your way anyway!!!
(((((((hugs!!!))))))))
From your brief description the tribute seems fitting.
Thinking of you!
thank you all so much. he was a big man, with big love. and he certainly would've loved every one of you ladies. i pretty much kept it together until they played Taps and then folded the flag to give to his wife. if you've never been to a memorial service with full military honors, i suggest you go to one. even if you don't know the person, it's incredibly emotional and makes you feel alive all over again.
thank you again, you are all very sweet to me. and i certainly can use all the hugs. you are all friends in a very real way. Bill is surely smiling down on us right now.
Oh JD - I've been to too many a military funeral in my life... I hang in there like a champ till they play Taps and fold the flag - and as for the three volleys - forget it. I'm done.
You're right - everyone should go to a military funeral at least once in their life... if only to gain a deeper appreciation for the lives of those who serve...
Hi JD,
First visit to your blog. I'm sorry to hear about your loss. Nice to be able to post a tribute! I was all teary-eyed until I scrolled down and saw the picture. I'm thinking he was very special to you for being able to end the tribute like that!
Take care.
I know the feeling - experienced that at my brothers funeral. What really got me was the gun salute, at that point I couldn't take any more.
Take care darlin'!
Lucky, thank you hon. it's so hard to put into words, that feeling. the guns made me jump, even though i was expecting them. but taps and the flag had me balling like a baby. as soon as they the bugler played the first note, i saluted, and the floodgates opened.
Asa, thank you and welcome to my blog. it's not usually so serious, or, not serious at all. He was special, and he certainly would've loved all the female attention, he was a huge teddy bear. enjoyed reading your blog, a little of it. i'll be back to read more.
Rachel, i'm sorry to hear about your loss. the whole time i was thinking, i'm a wreck, and it's not even a relative. i couldn't imagine what his family was going thru.
thank you all again, your comments have made me feel so much better. it's been a rough day.
Ah, your sensitive side again JD. I see it and it is a very nice side of you.
I am very sorry for your loss. What a nice tribute for your friend.
Baby I am so sorry to hear about this...my prayers are with you and his family. Kisses more than ever before...Fame
I am sure he would have loved it, him and any other man that happens to trip upon this picture. It was great tribute.
So sorry JD - big cuddle for you. x
I agree with the rest - a great tribute to your friend. xx
Wonderful Tribute!!!
and she's sexy
Both of my Grandfathers are buried in a military cemetary. One had the full service. There's no one that didn't have tears rolling down their face as Taps was played.
thanks ladies. your comments make it very easy to see why i've become so attached to all of you. your support in all matters has been wonderful. i can't thank each of you enough. and Bill is loving every minute of this as he looks down at this lovely group of ladies that show so much class and compassion in each of your comments.
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