My Brother
When It All Started
I would say it all began back in 2005 when I first deployed. I stepped on a bus and headed to MOB station in Texas. I said goodbye to my son and my brother, and to his family, who looked at me with tears in their eyes and the concern “Is this the last time I’m going to see you alive?” When I arrived in Texas, I called my brother and son to let them know I had arrived safely.
The next few weeks were filled with fast-pace training and lots of sitting around, waiting for the next training mission. While in Texas, the support from my brother and his family was incredible. They sent me letters daily, as well as many care packages. After training, it was off to Iraq and convoy ops. I was greeted in Kuwait with many letters and care packages from my brother and nieces. It was then that I really began to realize that I was not there alone or without family: my brother and best friend was right there with me, taking on the enemy as brothers do; as a family does.
Deployments
Over the years, I have been deployed many times; I’ve actually spent more time deployed than at home. However, no matter where I am in the world or what enemy I face, my brother and his family are always there for me. They were there when I left, they were there when I called, they remembered me at holidays. Even though I wasn’t home, and they weren’t there with me, I was always on their minds and in their prayers. I have spent many years away from home, most of them deployed and at war; yet nothing has ever changed at home. My brother has been my best friend, shown me an unbelievable amount of support, and always taken pride in what I was doing. I was always greeted at home with lots of hugs and gratitude from my brother and his family.
Since My Injury
When I was serving in active duty, I thought there was no way my brother and his family could ever have done more for me than they already had; that is, until January 2016, when I arrived here at Walter Reed. To my amazement, I was quickly greeted by my brother. He took me to his home, which was amazing, given that I had nowhere else to go other than Walter Reed. I was given my own room, which used to be his dining room. I was more than I’d had at AWW. I stood there trying to fight back tears, reading the cards that my nieces had made for me. The flags of the units with whom I had deployed covered the walls. Since my injury, I have lived there with my brother and his family from time to time. My nieces and their wanna-be boyfriends don’t like it so much, though; it’s because, for some reason, the boyfriends get run off after they meet Uncle Billy!
“Thank You” Will Never be Enough
There is no way that I could ever repay my brother and his family for their constant support, help, and assistance. My brother has sat with his wife in too many waiting rooms, waiting for word after one of my many surgeries. His support for me has never changed, and yes, it has bought us all closer. I will say thank you to my brother Bob, my sister-in-law Candi, and my nieces Kimberly, Amber, and Sarah. You have been more than a friend to me, more than family. I don’t have the words to describe my sincere gratitude for you all. However, I can say that since you have always been there for me, I will always be there for you. You deserve more awards then I have ever received. You each give a new meaning to the words “support our troops”!
- What’s Missing in Today’s Military: Integrity - March 20, 2018
- What’s Missing in Today’s Military: Honor - March 19, 2018
- Veterans without Care: What’s Wrong with the VA? - December 18, 2017
