In the past I have written that it is common for soldiers to have individual routines or rituals that we go through while preparing for a mission, or the various items/charms we might carry with us for luck. One such item is a rosary that was given to me on our validation mission by a member of the 257 HET that I was driving with. The individual received the rosary by the chaplain before leaving on a mission. (The chaplains often stop by before each mission to pray, distribute small items, and offer support.) It is not fancy as it is made from some tan parachute cord, plastic pace-count beads, and a plastic crucifix. From what I was told the previous owner carried it in his truck hanging from the sun visor for over 8 missions into Iraq. I felt quite honored when he told me to keep it in hopes it would bring me protection.
I am not one to put faith in objects, I prefer to put my faith someplace else, but I am one for carrying on a tradition. I don't know how many missions I'll have before this deployment is over, but I do know that I'll have the rosary with me on each one, hanging from the sun visor. If all goes well, I'll pass it on at the end of the deployment to the in-coming unit we validate.
Everyone be safe.
~~~
(Photo of a rosary I was given.)
1 comment:
I'm glad your back to give us an insite into what soldiers go through or should I say show us through your eyes. The rosary will keep you safe and bring you back home.
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