Sgt Hook's tribute to Sgt Galvan

A must read:

We’ve all been asked to give of ourselves for this deployment fighting the War on Terror. To give a year apart from our families, to miss our kids’ birthdays, to mark the passing of our anniversaries alone, to imagine the commencements, soccer goals, first words, and so much more for the defense of our nation. We’ve all been asked, and we’ve all answered the call. Some have answered the call by giving more, by making the ultimate sacrifice. SGT Daniel Lee Galvan has given his all.

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Afterwards my mind was full of thoughts. Thoughts about the soldier, the husband, and the father who had died so that people in Texas, New York, Florida, Maine, Minnesota, and elsewhere could enjoy the freedoms we’re so accustomed to. His children gave their dad so that the children of Afghanistan might have a future devoid of war and oppression. And then I thought of my soldiers and their families. Had I trained them hard enough? Am I keeping them focused? Do they have the equipment they need? Are their families cared for? Will the day come when I’ll have to stand up and call the roll? Rest in peace SGT Galvan, you are a true American hero, I’m proud of you.

And we, Sgt Hook, are proud of people like you.

UPDATE: Hook has heard from Sgt Galvan's father:

Thank you Sgt Hook for telling us about my son’s memorial in the plywood chapel. His Mom and I would also like to thank everybody kind and gracious enough to post their words and thoughts. I don’t know how we will be able to respond to all individually. His Mom and I are very proud of our soldier and your words and thoughts and our pride in our son will hopefully give us the strength to carry on, which we must for his siblings, his wife and his kids. Again thanks to all who have posted in this and every other blog and site.

Blas E. Galvan MSG USA Retired

And in a follow-up e-mail, Papa Galvan writes:

If I may be so bold, I charge Daniel’s Division with completing the duty we have to make sure that the lowlifes that hit us on our homeland on 911 are brought to justice. You can pass the word to Daniel’s fellow soldiers that his Dad is proud of him and of all who wear the uniform, I will pray daily for all and that we bring this action to a fitting and just conclusion in a timely manner; I can think of no better tribute to Daniel that that.

In closing let me say that Daniel loved the Army, flying, his family, his parents and above all he loved the USA. I used to say that my heart pumped OD blood (half in jest) but I believe that Daniel’s heart did.