Phillip Isaac Neel

West Point, 2005

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Adam Nordin on May 30, 2017:

Phil, Another year passed - truthfully, it feels this last year went faster than usual. Much has happened. I married the love of my life, Mandy (I know you'd like her), I spent an inordinate amount of time working on the long-range staff, and, right when we thought we were going to PCS, my BN Commander asked me to stay and command a Ranger Company - an honor of a lifetime. The last few weeks have been turbulent for us. We were selling our house when we were asked to stay. Unfortunately, we cannot escape the sale, so now we are scrambling to find a place to live in a very competitive market. Surely, something will come up. I went to West Point last December as part of a recruiting trip for the Rangers. It was humbling and fulfilling to walk through those old halls, eat at a cadet table during lunch, and re-live some of those 4 years. I ran into some great friends who are teachers now. I couldn't help but take pause at various moments and think about some of the good times we had there. I remember eating dinners and getting a few extra reps in at the gym with you before turning in for homework in the evening. I remember running through sandhurst and spending time around the company. I remember being fortunate to have a guy like you looking out for me, especially since you were a couple years ahead. I also remember when the news broke about you. I stood on the apron and delivered the news to the company... I was very immature to deliver such a message to anybody and didn't appreciate the weight those words carried until later. Phil, you're always there with us, and there's no doubt in my mind that you're the reason I've been able to overcome some of the hardship I've faced recently in life. I've thought more about you and some of the others in the last couple weeks, about how we continue to get older, but you remain as you were - humble, kind, and sincere. You left your life as perfect, and that is how you will always be remembered. Until we meet again, Phil, I take pride in having known you and having been your friend. Rest Easy, Brother.

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