Phillip Isaac Neel

West Point, 2005

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Adam Nordin on May 29, 2011:

Phil, It's been 4 years my brother. 4 years since I've last heard from you and 4 years since I saw you finally laid to rest. Much has happened with me in the last 4 years. I achieved my Ranger tab and completed 2 deployments... 1 of 4 months in Iraq, then another full 12-monther in Afghanistan. I was fortunate enough to be a platoon leader and XO in Afghanistan and really get to see the counryside of the Middle East. I want you to know, brother, that every time I rolled out of the wire, I saw your face. EVERY time. I saw your smile, and I heard your voice. And those things, those qualities, and those traits, that I derived from your life are what gave me strength to endure more than I ever expected. I pushed my men harder than they wanted, I know. I put them through situations and experiences that they knew were avoidable. But I knew - I knew of your sacrifice and of those who have sacrificed - and for those reasons alone I required more of my men. I know you are there. Watching over me. Looking after me and the rest of our brothers of the long gray line. And I thank you. I thank you for your sacrifice and for ensuring that we get home safe to our families. It is Memorial Day weekend, 2011. Your memory is not forgotten. -Adam

admin