Daniel Brian Hyde

West Point, 2007

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Adam Nordin on June 13, 2013:

Dan, I'm a little late this year. I'm currently sitting in my company CP, my company colors flapping proudly outside the door, at JRTC Fort Polk, LA. On Memorial Day weekend, I deployed to JRTC, and have had limited connectivity until now to write my reflections on your page. I feel like I let you down by having to miss Memorial Day. I want you to know that despite being late on my note, you were not forgotten. Recently I had a discussion with my BDE Commander about you; I believe he was your BN commander during your last tour to Iraq. He's a great man, and I'm proud to find yet another person with whom I have a connection with you. It's been a very adventurous year: following my return from East Asia, I went directly to work in the BN S4 Shop. Shortly thereafter, I began my transition to the 1-32 IN BN A/S3 role. I served in this job for about 6 months, during which time we conducted a division FTX, I received my EIB, we deployed to Fort Polk for 1 month as OPFOR augmentees, I spent the holidays at home with the family in California, and I went to Europe with some great friends that were about to deploy. In January of this year I took command of B/1-32 IN -- a rewarding and humbling experience. I'm proud of the team I have, and am looking forward to accomplishing one of the most difficult missions in the BDE: we will deploy to one of the last Company COPs in Afghanistan to secure a SFAAT team, conduct base defense, and prepare for retrograde. We will more than likely be one of the last US forces in that country... something that I know you can appreciate. Dan, though you are not here to experience the drawdown of the war or these wonderful opportunities, I know you are enjoying them with me, in your own way. I also know that I am very fortunate to be where I am, and I know that you are there, watching my step, shining some light, and keeping me safe from harm. It is the toughest burden of all, Dan, the burden for which you were involuntarily selected; a burden so demanding it required you to lay down your life for your friends. For this sacrifice, I am forever grateful. You are not forgotten, my brother. For as long as I have air in my lungs and blood in my veins, you will not be forgotten. -Adam

admin