22 April, 2009: I witnessed something today that instilled in me why we live
in such a great country. Why I as a naturalized citizen, having been born in
Germany and adopted later by an American military couple, take in everything
that makes the United States of America what it is today. From the justice
being given to someone who steals millions of dollars from retirement savings
from people, to the conviction of a former (and probably future still) football
stalwart who destroyed dogs because they did not fight well enough to make
him money, to our own corruption in Okaloosa county. But what I seen today
brought back the realization that there are still good to be found throughout
this murky times of economic financial recession and terrorist strife which
has led to a nearly twenty years of “War on Terrorism.” You cannot
truly have a war on an ideology such as “terrorism” but we have
what we have.
Before I describe what I witnessed on that bright sunny cloudless April mid
morning
I want to quote a few lines from the “Airman’s Creed”:
I am an American Airman
I am a warrior…
I defend my country with my life
I am an American Airman
Wingman, Leader, Warrior
I will never leave an Airman behind
I will not falter and I will not fail
Army Specialist Michael J. Anaya was not an Airman, but he is a warrior, an
American Warrior. All who ever donned a uniform in support of the United States
military
are then and forever more Warriors to the American cause and will always have
that connection as “Brothers in Arms” no matter what uniform you
wore for whatever branch of the military you served. We have many in our Sandollar
midst who are members of that “Brotherhood in Arms.” I also include
in that term the females who donned the uniform in service to our country. My
one legacy I cherish with my father is that we both served and retired from the
United States Military. Additionally I relish the times I ride and converse together
with each and every one of my Sandollar Motorcycle Club “Brothers” because
we all share a common thread that bind us together: that being our service to
our nation.
Spec. Anaya returned home to the Crestview area on 22 April 2009 after having
been killed in a roadside bomb in Iraq at 23 years of age. He defended his country
with his life. We see and read the saying, “All gave some, some gave all.” Spec.
Anaya gave all. But his return does not end the day or end this writing. I witnessed
something more that day. I witnessed a message to the world that we will “never
leave an Airman behind.” We as a country will show a combating world that
we are like no other nation. We do not discard our soldiers, airman, sailors,
or marines on the battlefield to be broadcasted to the world’s media as
vanquished beings in the streets of the cities. We bring them home to fellow
warriors and to a country that respects and honors their service for the freedoms
we cherish as a democracy.
I stood along State Road 20 outside the East gate of Eglin awaiting the arrival
of the honorary precession bringing home this valiant warrior. I chose a place
that I thought I could be by myself. I chose not to be with others in my tribute
to my fallen “Brother in Arms”, to maintain my solitude to one and
not be part of the crowd. I stood alone on this stretch of road and could see
the motorcade approaching. First the Valparaiso Police escort lead, followed
by the Patriot Guard with the motorcycles carrying an abundance of waving American
flags, then the hearse carrying Michael Anaya, and followed by the myriad of
automobiles in the memorial caravan of family and such. My solitary gig was up
as soon as two Patriot Guard saw me and one waved in acknowledgement.
Robert L. and Sharron L. were in that Patriot Guard formation. Here were two
Sandollars that are currently out of work but still taking the time and money
to honor one of my “Brothers in Arms.” With misty eyes (no not tears)
I stood tall and proud. I am Proud to be a Sandollar, Proud to be a Veteran,
and Proud I chose to be an American. I am not much on fanfare and such, I retired
with nary a ceremony after nearly 26 years in the military, but when my father
or I die my single request will be to have a tribute with the Patriot Guard escorting
our remains wherever they may go.
I WILL NEVER LEAVE AN AIRMAN BEHIND
I WILL NOT FALTER AND I WILL NOT FAIL
(These are the thoughts and memories of our club member "The
Mitchell")
Last revised: May 2, 2009 |
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