Godspeed to Jarhead

Jarhead at Red State Rant is re-enlisting in the Marines at age 35 to go to Iraq and fight. He actually volunteered to go. He’s got a heart-rending post up today.

He writes about leaving his job at the local Sheriff’s office:

Last Sunday I went in for shift change at the Sheriff’s Office to say so-long to all the guys, and to turn in my patrol car and gear (why they made me turn in all that stuff for a military leave of absence I’ll never know- I told ‘em they’d better be expecting me back in about a year). Several fellow deputies with tours under their belts as Marines made a special point to pull me aside, shake my hand, and let me know that my home will be watched, and my family will be well cared for under any circumstance. God bless them.

Preparing for a horrible possibility:

First thing Monday morning, my wife and I went to the lawyer’s office to file our Last Will and Testament. I also filed a living will, durable power of attorney for health care, and a general power of attorney. I know the military would have done all of this for me, but I was willing to pay for a local attorney. After learning of my deployment, he wouldn’t accept payment. God bless him, too.

Thanksgiving Dinner:

Of course there was a big Thanksgiving dinner at my parent’s home, with my brother (who is deploying with me) and his wife in attendance. When my cousin asked for the blessing, he naturally asked for God to be with us as we embark upon our tour. After we said, “Amen,” my mother left the room with tears in her eyes. Something got in mine, too

But despite having to leave his family, the Marine is ready for battle. Eager to fight for our country, eager to fight for freedom. He’s not there for a signing bonus. He’s not there to shut up some liberal wacko on a website most people haven’t heard of. He’s there because he loves this country and is willing to sacrifice so that we might be free.

Our prayers go with you. I’ll remember Jarhead in prayer and I hope the rest of you do, too. Its people like him that allow people like you and me to enjoy freedom. I conclude this post with this simple prayer for Jarhead:

“The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift up the light of his continence upon you, and give you peace.”

Amen, and come home safe.

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