Geez:
Bradley Clark’s job is to help bring the war dead home to their loved ones. The fallen soldier he’s taking home today is his only child, Sgt. Michael Kyle Clark. Clark, a U.S. Army soldier from Sacramento, was killed in Iraq last week. He was only 24…
“Sergeant Michael Clark was a courageous soldier who sacrificed his life in defense of our nation’s freedom,” Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said in a statement Wednesday. “His dedication and service to our country is an inspiration to us all, and he will forever be remembered.”
Bradley Clark and the flight crew will be on the charter jet arriving today in Sacramento, and honor guards will accompany the casket on and off the jet, Bradley Clark said.
“I’m sad but proud and thank him for the service he’s done for our country,” he said.
Amen.
I cannot imagine what the emotions must be to lose a child, regardless of the circumstances. Then to know that the soldier you are bringing back is your own son. God bless them one and all.
However, when I read the comments to the original story, I was overcome with anger. What a crass, petulant and unforgivable society we have allowed to develop. To use the comments to put forth all sorts of political drivel about the President, the war, etc, all the while offering solace to the family. Cretins, they are.
Is it not enough to simply recognise the loss this family bears, let alone the young man’s own wife and child? Must everything be turned to political advantage. When did we fail to teach our youth about shame and humility?
Sigh.
I don’t know, I only saw two that were “anti” and one was polite and at least intelligently made his point. The other one I marked as abuse as “Politically filled Hate!” . Whether that makes any difference at all, probably not, but maybe we need to start playing the left at their game.
I have known and worked with the Kalitta organization for many years. Connie and his nephew Doug own the two companies and my hat is off to them for conducting this important duty with dignity, care and grace.
The aircraft is a Falcon 20.
My condolences and prayers to the father and family of this courageous young man.
A toast, to Absent Companions!
Paul
aka V5
Sincere sympathies to the Clark Family in this trying time of their loss. And also congratulations on having reared such a fine young man and soldier.
The reality of this possibility isn’t something one tries to dwell upon but with 3 each in uniform now it has become the elephant in the room at times. Mini-me’s unit was alerted this past week for their next time in the hopper. I worry more for their mother should the unthinkable overtake us than my own feelings. Lipstick 6 said it wasn’t as difficult with me as she knew who and what she had married, but with the boys ….
God bless the Clarks and most especially SGT Mike Clark
GEO6
Yeah, my son just reported for duty with the 173rd Airborne Brigade. They just came back from Iraq, so he’s prolly got 18 months or so of training and etc before the redeploy, if they do.
I talked to his mom about it, but she is still a bundle of nerves. I tried to explain that it is the life lived, not the time spent that matters. She’s an only child so she has a rather hard time with siblings, kids, etc, but all in all, it is what it is.
Oldest daughter is a senior in college. She is worried about paying off the student loans and I referred her to the OCS programs, which incurred me another ration of wrath from her mother. Oh well…..
Seems to me that in these trying times a young women with a good head on her shoulders could do much worse than obtaining a commission and spending a few years earning her sea legs or as a dust eater. But hey, I’m just her Dad…..
It is always sad to see the loss of so many young. Yet, Shakespeare nailed it when he wrote that “the coward dies a thousand times, the valiant tastes of death but once.”
We have to let them go, and make their own destiny. It’s hard as hell to step back, and see them journey forth, towards whatever fate holds for them, but it is something we each must do. I ask myself, “did I do enough”? “Did I prepare them well”? and yet, we give them too much and not enough.
I pray my son comes back, but I also pray he lives his life full throttle, and has a ready room full of like-minded comrades to share his time with.
God bless ‘em all…..
My deepest respects to the Clark Family. SGT Mike Clark, I just want to say, “Thank You.” Thank you, for your sacrifice for this Nation.
As I look at the Clark Family, I noted SGT Clark’s sacrifice. I just want to say “Thank You, to the whole family, Wife, Son, Mom and Dad, the true unsung heroes of this war.”
Mr. Bradley Clark, you have a tough normal task in your job. I believe you do it with respect for the fallen and respect for the living. Now, it is time for you to receive the same respect you have given to others.
All of you are in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for doing the “Hard Duty” for others and even yourselves.
AW1Tim,
Best of luck to your boy. I suspect he has what it takes as he is his father’s son. Next time I get over your way, which is a coupla times a year, we gotta have a beer. Guinness maybe. In honor of our host here. And for all the sons (and daughters that we have passed the guidon to)
geo6
” I feel how weak and fruitless must be any words of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering to you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save. I pray that our heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom. Yours very sincerely and respectfully, Abraham Lincoln.”
For the Clarks.
AW1 Tim- I salute you and your entire family for your service to our country. It is often harder being the family at home, than the one in the fray. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Moms (and most women) are more emotional than logical, so any hazard hits them hardest. (Not a sexist comment, just scientific fact).
I strongly endorse the comment above “Sincere sympathies to the Clark Family in this trying time of their loss. And also congratulations on having reared such a fine young man and soldier.”
Nothing to say, except walking outside right now to spill libation. I hope Milwaukee’s Beast is acceptable; am short on bucks right now.
Done. Back indoors, now.
Oh, and Amen to what GEO6 wrote.