I am moved by this post. I have never served in any military capacity. Nor have I served in law enforcement. Yet “Only the dead have seen the end of war” sends chills down my spine and makes me want to continue ever stronger in the war against tyranny. God only knows what lays ahead but I pray for strength and courage to walk the path of righteousness. I too have 4 daughters as well as 1 son. I am listening to you on Seraphyns show as I write. Thank you guys so much for being who you are. The spirit tells me you guys are good men! Your actions confirm that! God bless!
Yes, I am also moved by this post! Reminded me of one of my SAC’s who was one of the helicopter pilots in Mogadishu! He rarely talked about it, but once gave a small presentation, telling his experiences! Not like the movie or books (although I liked them), just a whole different perspective! Maybe the worst was how he described the media accounts, especially how Christine Amanpour released names of the fallen before families could be notified! Also a very close coworker who had fought in the first Gulf War, tried to kill himself more than once, until he succeeded! So you’re exactly right! It goes on and on! God bless the truth teller!
My father-in-law earned a Bronze Star in battle in the Philippines. He would never talk of his experiences there and in Malaysia/Burma. He did however RELIGIOUSLY attend his unit’s reunions. Annual at first, less often as they aged. Even while on dialysis, he went to one. I wonder after reading this the reunions were possibly a good suicide prevention program for these WW2 soldiers. Good post, Garret. As always -deep thinking.
Great insights into going to war. I think people may think of warriors almost like robots at times . They are not - they are humans and you relayed all those feelings - before, during and after - the war. I was touched by the stories of those who died. I am an animal lover and was sickened by the killing of those innocent dogs, man's best friend - heinous, especially when it was done. Thanks for sharing.
I finished this post in tears. I thank you for putting down those words which no doubt costed you dearly.
My youngest brother served in Iraq for what felt like far too many years. He lost several friends there and came back a different person, a much weightier person. He has now lost more of the men he served with by suicide now than he did while there. He doesn't talk much about it. Your words give me some insight.
Pardon my babbling. Thank you for sharing, and thank you for your service - all of it.
Not babbling at all. I used to never share. Most don't. It's important we do. It does extract a toll. But, it is also helpful. I wrote through tears of my own at times with this one. Thank you for sharing about your brother. It certainly changes us. We are still...in the desert.
I’ve never served. Have always respected those who are serving and have served. I’m I child of veterans. It’s a brotherhood that changes the men who do. My Pop a ww2 veteran who lived till 84, and thought often of his friend who didn’t return from France when he did. He would never speak to the experience to us kids. But family members shared… I am saddened to hear that you lost a friend.
The duality of your story speaks volumes to me as a sinner who seeks Godly grace. This country is facing difficult times, where men like yourself, the other suspendables and those who served may not be in the service now, but only those hardened by experiences are capable of serving in another capacity. May God Bless you and your family for all you have sacrificed. It crushes me the lack of respect and compassion that this country you served did not serve or care for you as well. 🫶
Thank you Christine. I'm grateful for you sharing about Pop. I was invited to a paratrooper convention shortly after I got out. It was primarily for WWII guys. It was an honor to even sit with them. We certainly are facing difficulties as a nation. By God's grace, I pray for national repentance and a turn back to Him. It's the only way.
Thank you, Bill. I cried too. Another myth from society about true manliness is that men don't cry. Another satanic falacy. One need look no further than Jesus's loss of his friend Lazarus. "Jesus wept."
Garrett. I am the mom of a female Marine. On 9/11 as an 8th grader she told me God was calling her to serve her country. That she wanted to follow in her father’s footsteps and
Graduate from the Naval Academy. She told me in the car on the way to school that dreadful morning where to bury her. I recall the hairs on the back of my neck
Rising as I recognized the call of The Holy Spirit in her heart. I responded: “ honey if this is what you feel God is calling you to do I promise you- you have my full support”. Well it I had any doubts God made it abundantly clear from her 8th grade year through her admittance ( one of the coveted guaranteed early acceptance offers the Academy offered)... that this was her path. The first class of Arabic majors...studying abroad twice as a midshipman in Jordan... commissioning as a Marine... immediately pulled for SpecOps deployment to a remote Afghan area ( you know all the training that prep would have been for a young woman)..... Oh the number of times and hours I lived out my promise to prayerfully support her! And the years following where she added marriage and motherhood as a dual Marine military family. And yes- the toll the
Dual deployments and horror of war hammered at my girl. I saw it happen. The ones she lost as you have. Her own mental struggles. The Brass useless decisions ( yes even junior Officers have many of the same crazy stories enlisted do about their higher ups) ... throughout this entire time I have had a mantra prayer- repeated in my head and heart and soul. The prophets Micah and Isaiah speak about a time when people turn their swords into plowshares and “ nations shall LEARN WAR NO MORE”.
You and your buddies/ my daughter , my husband, my son-in-law... all have “learned war” with the best of intentions to protect our country and loved ones. But at such personal (family) cost!!
I remain on my knees often joining the many many now and millennia of generations before me who pray for the day our Messiah Jesus returns and we all beat our swords into plowshares
Garrett you are inspiration as one of the Suspendables. Keep writing. Keep quoting Bible Scriptures. We all got your back. Thank you for today’s post
I really appreciate you sharing a little bit about your own personal story. A few people have here in the comments and it means a lot that you would. There are so many stories out there that need to be told.
I have seen your words in my brothers eyes after return from Iraq. He was almost 30 years in Marines so I'm unsure how much of his maturity was age or experience, the eyes though, tell a story that only his time overseas could tell. Time moves on & it subsides, but his most relaxed is with their dogs. There is certainly something to that bond which D-O-G🔄 ignites.
Hope you know how much you are appreciated Garret. From your "giant teddybear" thru "scripture ready" personality. Blessings to you, Heidi & your 4 precious angels.
Thank you Rose 🙏 I appreciate it. The eyes certainly tell a lot. Thank you for sharing about your brother too. I truly have a heart for my military brother and sisters and first responders. Maybe part of this path, that I never would have chosen, is to help them somehow. For now, at least a handful of people read the substack. "Who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this." I know the Lord is at work. I see it more and more clearly as time goes by and the wicked ones try to keep my down in their purgatory. The Lord cannot be thwarted though.
Garret, I am sorry for the loss of your fellow soldier, especially by suicide. I have brothers, nephews and close friends that served. They all have their scars, their stories, their battles being home. I am thankful for them, as I am thankful to read and listen to your words of wisdom. Having lost a sister to suicide, we never really understand why, only that they found dying easier than living with the torment in their life. So very sad. God bless you.
I never heard my grandpa talk about his service to others.
But, when I spent summers there, we would go to his shop in the basement, where he would tell age-appropriate stories of his men and time spent overseas.
He let me drum on his wooden leg and would answer questions I would posit to him. He would tell me stories about his unit with a far-away look in his eyes.
I would pat his wooden leg and put my hand in his to anchor him. I felt his pain.
I cherish those memories and the patience he had for my questions.
You remind me of him, Garret. He was a God-fearing man., and with that characteristic one can discern truthfulness. I see that in all of the Suspendables.
Thank you for sharing this story. Beautiful. I used to refuse to speak about these times except for with the guys I swerved with. I now realize the importance of sharing these stories. Thankfully, somewhere along the way my heart softened and/or I realized speaking to others who would ask mattered more than I used to think. Sure, they may never really get it, just as I will never understand what it is truly like for a woman to give birth. That hasn't stopped my wife from telling me about those four experiences. I think of men like Eugene Sledge who wrote "With the Old Breed," one of my all time favorite books. If he didn't open up, share, and write, no one ever would've known that story. An all too important one, like many. Men like your grandpa are the true warriors I always wanted to be. There certainly is a special bond formed with service members. Especially those who go to war. I'm so grateful for you, and a number of others, who have shared personal stories like this. It has meant a tremendous amount to me.
Garret, you have a talent for sharing your experiences in a way that takes the reader into them. As I sit here, wiping tears away after reading this, I am reminded of the years I spent living around Yuma, AZ with an MCAS on one side and Yuma Proving Ground on the other. I made some good friends who were enlisted and, after they deployed, came back so changed. Some lost their lives and I tried to be there for the families during their grief. It remains so clear in my mind. Some came back so changed they were broken and chose to take their lives. I am always in awe of those who can see war up close but heal and find faith a comfort. I pray for your friends who are lost and those who are broken. God bless you and all of those who are struggling every day.
I am moved by this post. I have never served in any military capacity. Nor have I served in law enforcement. Yet “Only the dead have seen the end of war” sends chills down my spine and makes me want to continue ever stronger in the war against tyranny. God only knows what lays ahead but I pray for strength and courage to walk the path of righteousness. I too have 4 daughters as well as 1 son. I am listening to you on Seraphyns show as I write. Thank you guys so much for being who you are. The spirit tells me you guys are good men! Your actions confirm that! God bless!
Burt, thank you for this comment 🙏
I really appreciate it.
Yes, I am also moved by this post! Reminded me of one of my SAC’s who was one of the helicopter pilots in Mogadishu! He rarely talked about it, but once gave a small presentation, telling his experiences! Not like the movie or books (although I liked them), just a whole different perspective! Maybe the worst was how he described the media accounts, especially how Christine Amanpour released names of the fallen before families could be notified! Also a very close coworker who had fought in the first Gulf War, tried to kill himself more than once, until he succeeded! So you’re exactly right! It goes on and on! God bless the truth teller!
Thank you for sharing Cindy. So many stories out there that we never get to hear! Thank you for reading too. 🙏
My father-in-law earned a Bronze Star in battle in the Philippines. He would never talk of his experiences there and in Malaysia/Burma. He did however RELIGIOUSLY attend his unit’s reunions. Annual at first, less often as they aged. Even while on dialysis, he went to one. I wonder after reading this the reunions were possibly a good suicide prevention program for these WW2 soldiers. Good post, Garret. As always -deep thinking.
Thanks for sharing about your father in law p🙏 I'm sure those reunions helped! Those guys were as hard as woodpecker lips as we say. 😊
Great insights into going to war. I think people may think of warriors almost like robots at times . They are not - they are humans and you relayed all those feelings - before, during and after - the war. I was touched by the stories of those who died. I am an animal lover and was sickened by the killing of those innocent dogs, man's best friend - heinous, especially when it was done. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Keith. I appreciate it. Yes, as seems all too common, those "in charge" are often the worst of the worst. Heinous indeed.
I finished this post in tears. I thank you for putting down those words which no doubt costed you dearly.
My youngest brother served in Iraq for what felt like far too many years. He lost several friends there and came back a different person, a much weightier person. He has now lost more of the men he served with by suicide now than he did while there. He doesn't talk much about it. Your words give me some insight.
Pardon my babbling. Thank you for sharing, and thank you for your service - all of it.
Not babbling at all. I used to never share. Most don't. It's important we do. It does extract a toll. But, it is also helpful. I wrote through tears of my own at times with this one. Thank you for sharing about your brother. It certainly changes us. We are still...in the desert.
God bless Garret. 🙏
I’ve never served. Have always respected those who are serving and have served. I’m I child of veterans. It’s a brotherhood that changes the men who do. My Pop a ww2 veteran who lived till 84, and thought often of his friend who didn’t return from France when he did. He would never speak to the experience to us kids. But family members shared… I am saddened to hear that you lost a friend.
The duality of your story speaks volumes to me as a sinner who seeks Godly grace. This country is facing difficult times, where men like yourself, the other suspendables and those who served may not be in the service now, but only those hardened by experiences are capable of serving in another capacity. May God Bless you and your family for all you have sacrificed. It crushes me the lack of respect and compassion that this country you served did not serve or care for you as well. 🫶
Thank you Christine. I'm grateful for you sharing about Pop. I was invited to a paratrooper convention shortly after I got out. It was primarily for WWII guys. It was an honor to even sit with them. We certainly are facing difficulties as a nation. By God's grace, I pray for national repentance and a turn back to Him. It's the only way.
I am sorry for the loss of your friends, your brothers. I cried.
Thank you, Bill. I cried too. Another myth from society about true manliness is that men don't cry. Another satanic falacy. One need look no further than Jesus's loss of his friend Lazarus. "Jesus wept."
Garrett. I am the mom of a female Marine. On 9/11 as an 8th grader she told me God was calling her to serve her country. That she wanted to follow in her father’s footsteps and
Graduate from the Naval Academy. She told me in the car on the way to school that dreadful morning where to bury her. I recall the hairs on the back of my neck
Rising as I recognized the call of The Holy Spirit in her heart. I responded: “ honey if this is what you feel God is calling you to do I promise you- you have my full support”. Well it I had any doubts God made it abundantly clear from her 8th grade year through her admittance ( one of the coveted guaranteed early acceptance offers the Academy offered)... that this was her path. The first class of Arabic majors...studying abroad twice as a midshipman in Jordan... commissioning as a Marine... immediately pulled for SpecOps deployment to a remote Afghan area ( you know all the training that prep would have been for a young woman)..... Oh the number of times and hours I lived out my promise to prayerfully support her! And the years following where she added marriage and motherhood as a dual Marine military family. And yes- the toll the
Dual deployments and horror of war hammered at my girl. I saw it happen. The ones she lost as you have. Her own mental struggles. The Brass useless decisions ( yes even junior Officers have many of the same crazy stories enlisted do about their higher ups) ... throughout this entire time I have had a mantra prayer- repeated in my head and heart and soul. The prophets Micah and Isaiah speak about a time when people turn their swords into plowshares and “ nations shall LEARN WAR NO MORE”.
You and your buddies/ my daughter , my husband, my son-in-law... all have “learned war” with the best of intentions to protect our country and loved ones. But at such personal (family) cost!!
I remain on my knees often joining the many many now and millennia of generations before me who pray for the day our Messiah Jesus returns and we all beat our swords into plowshares
Garrett you are inspiration as one of the Suspendables. Keep writing. Keep quoting Bible Scriptures. We all got your back. Thank you for today’s post
Thank you Diane. 🙏
I really appreciate you sharing a little bit about your own personal story. A few people have here in the comments and it means a lot that you would. There are so many stories out there that need to be told.
I have seen your words in my brothers eyes after return from Iraq. He was almost 30 years in Marines so I'm unsure how much of his maturity was age or experience, the eyes though, tell a story that only his time overseas could tell. Time moves on & it subsides, but his most relaxed is with their dogs. There is certainly something to that bond which D-O-G🔄 ignites.
Hope you know how much you are appreciated Garret. From your "giant teddybear" thru "scripture ready" personality. Blessings to you, Heidi & your 4 precious angels.
Love in Christ. Rose
Thank you Rose 🙏 I appreciate it. The eyes certainly tell a lot. Thank you for sharing about your brother too. I truly have a heart for my military brother and sisters and first responders. Maybe part of this path, that I never would have chosen, is to help them somehow. For now, at least a handful of people read the substack. "Who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this." I know the Lord is at work. I see it more and more clearly as time goes by and the wicked ones try to keep my down in their purgatory. The Lord cannot be thwarted though.
Garret, I am sorry for the loss of your fellow soldier, especially by suicide. I have brothers, nephews and close friends that served. They all have their scars, their stories, their battles being home. I am thankful for them, as I am thankful to read and listen to your words of wisdom. Having lost a sister to suicide, we never really understand why, only that they found dying easier than living with the torment in their life. So very sad. God bless you.
I never heard my grandpa talk about his service to others.
But, when I spent summers there, we would go to his shop in the basement, where he would tell age-appropriate stories of his men and time spent overseas.
He let me drum on his wooden leg and would answer questions I would posit to him. He would tell me stories about his unit with a far-away look in his eyes.
I would pat his wooden leg and put my hand in his to anchor him. I felt his pain.
I cherish those memories and the patience he had for my questions.
You remind me of him, Garret. He was a God-fearing man., and with that characteristic one can discern truthfulness. I see that in all of the Suspendables.
Thank you for sharing this story. Beautiful. I used to refuse to speak about these times except for with the guys I swerved with. I now realize the importance of sharing these stories. Thankfully, somewhere along the way my heart softened and/or I realized speaking to others who would ask mattered more than I used to think. Sure, they may never really get it, just as I will never understand what it is truly like for a woman to give birth. That hasn't stopped my wife from telling me about those four experiences. I think of men like Eugene Sledge who wrote "With the Old Breed," one of my all time favorite books. If he didn't open up, share, and write, no one ever would've known that story. An all too important one, like many. Men like your grandpa are the true warriors I always wanted to be. There certainly is a special bond formed with service members. Especially those who go to war. I'm so grateful for you, and a number of others, who have shared personal stories like this. It has meant a tremendous amount to me.
I'm an avid reader, I'll look up the book reference.
Thanks!
Garret, you have a talent for sharing your experiences in a way that takes the reader into them. As I sit here, wiping tears away after reading this, I am reminded of the years I spent living around Yuma, AZ with an MCAS on one side and Yuma Proving Ground on the other. I made some good friends who were enlisted and, after they deployed, came back so changed. Some lost their lives and I tried to be there for the families during their grief. It remains so clear in my mind. Some came back so changed they were broken and chose to take their lives. I am always in awe of those who can see war up close but heal and find faith a comfort. I pray for your friends who are lost and those who are broken. God bless you and all of those who are struggling every day.