“Late one night that August, I was chatting with Sergeant Sean Scarborough, our Noncommissioned Officer in Charge, who made it home from deployment but is no longer with us. He told me, “Sir, you’re different. You actually care. You and RV have love for the Iraqi people. You really are different from most trial counsel. You have compassion.” And I was like, “I hope you don't think my compassion stops me from crushing someone in an instant.”
A little over an hour before I opened and read this, I also had a flashback, to 2005. Wish I had kept a journal like you did. Our Afghan “son” whom we assisted a few years ago is now working a temp project and video called from Texas tonight to introduce us to 3 young boys he is assisting. All brothers from Afghanistan - 16, 15, and 13. I have been nauseous ever since the call ended. We laughed and enjoyed the conversation, but when it ended all I could think of was how strange joy and sadness feel when combined in an emotional cocktail that I have “tasted” before. I so wish I could meet them in person. As well as others whom I have escorted virtually through a hellish process, yet never met in person. That would be a heavenly “closure” for me. At least to some degree. Those lost due to delays or hesitation or downright lies will never be forgotten. Thank you for sharing Patrick.
Thank you for enduring all that & still care about the Iraqi people who were trying to fight their oppressors. Takes more than courage alone. You represent the best in us.
Thank you for reminding us what a real patriot is like.
Love this part:
“Late one night that August, I was chatting with Sergeant Sean Scarborough, our Noncommissioned Officer in Charge, who made it home from deployment but is no longer with us. He told me, “Sir, you’re different. You actually care. You and RV have love for the Iraqi people. You really are different from most trial counsel. You have compassion.” And I was like, “I hope you don't think my compassion stops me from crushing someone in an instant.”
“No, Sir, that’s what’s so cool about it.”
Anyone who knows you knows this is true, lolll
A little over an hour before I opened and read this, I also had a flashback, to 2005. Wish I had kept a journal like you did. Our Afghan “son” whom we assisted a few years ago is now working a temp project and video called from Texas tonight to introduce us to 3 young boys he is assisting. All brothers from Afghanistan - 16, 15, and 13. I have been nauseous ever since the call ended. We laughed and enjoyed the conversation, but when it ended all I could think of was how strange joy and sadness feel when combined in an emotional cocktail that I have “tasted” before. I so wish I could meet them in person. As well as others whom I have escorted virtually through a hellish process, yet never met in person. That would be a heavenly “closure” for me. At least to some degree. Those lost due to delays or hesitation or downright lies will never be forgotten. Thank you for sharing Patrick.
Thank you for enduring all that & still care about the Iraqi people who were trying to fight their oppressors. Takes more than courage alone. You represent the best in us.
Your service and sacrifices for our country are incomprehensible. This was gripping and enlightening. Thank you my Brother
Thanks brother. I so appreciate you saying that bc I have so much respect for you.
Great...read...
Airborne ATW!🇺🇸🪂