Phillip Isaac Neel

West Point, 2005

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Adam Nordin on May 25, 2026:

Phil. It occurred to me it's been 19 years since you last walked among us. 21 years since I last saw you. I was struck by how far through the class list I needed to scroll to reach 2025. I've been more conscious about my age lately- maybe it's because I'm 41 now. Maybe it's because I have the option to retire next year - 20 years of service - and the word retire is tied to age. I've noticed a walk with a slight hunch... years of working out and not stretching is catching up! I remember our reps and sets in Arvin gym... and the miles we ran training for the Sandhurst competition. Simple, carefree fitness and friendship. I'm a year into command this year. Tim Boswell is coming out of command this year- I saw him a couple years ago at a training event in California- he's killing it. Lots of folks from our company are doing really well. It hurts me to tell you that- I know you already know how we're doing, but I feel like I want to say it because there's no doubt you'd be right here with us. My battalion supported the NASCAR Coca Cola 600 event yesterday at Charlotte Motor Speedway. I brought my son and wife and good co-workers. We were treated like royalty. I got to ride a lap in one of our new trucks. I thought about you the entire time. When I spoke to my battalion during a Memorial Day event at work, I told them that I write to you and a few others every year. Most of them don't know the pain of losing a friend to combat. I don't hold that against them- it's not their fault. I implored them to just think about the people who came before them and gave their last breath to what they believed is right. It's powerful to walk the path many have come before. I wish I didn't have to, but I'm honored and humbled by the journey. Until we meet again, brother. Thank you for your light. Thank you for your principles. Thank you - and your family - for your sacrifice. We are all better for having known you. -Adam

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