Daniel Brian Hyde

West Point, 2007

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Adam Nordin on May 29, 2023:

Dan, For over a year, the US Army has not been engaged in large scale combat. Russia is still at it in Ukraine, and Ukraine is holding its own quite well. It's weird, it's like we don't know what to do with our hands. The Army we joined is much different than the Army we have now- the pace feels the same, but readiness and preparedness are the new key buzzwords. My new job is a little strange- my role is marginal, but the organization is laying groundwork for all that readiness we're doing. I've met some great people, many who served in the early days of Iraq and Afghanistan. I'm learning what closure means to some people- I was fortunate to see the last days of Afghanistan. But, many didn't see that closure like I did. I've learned that the story of those last days is so powerful... many who've kept their days bottled up, and for them to hear the truth about how it ended makes an enormous difference in their lives. I'm glad I can tell the story, though publicly it's still sensitive thanks to politics. For now, that chapter in our lives is over, Dan. I wish the closure meant you came back to us- as if you've just been in the penalty box until the end of the game. I always want you to know you are not forgotten. Though the hardest days are behind us, I'm certain many more hard ones are in our future. I rest easy knowing you'll be with me at the next line of departure. Rest well, brother. -Adam

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