The John Craig described in the title of this post is on the right.
(Click on the picture to see an enlarged version)
I can't help but feel proud. Johnny's sense of humor is evident: he is smiling as his friend seems to be teasing the Afghan children a bit before handing over whatever it is (chocolate? money?) he intends to give them. Johnny's bravery -- and the bravery of every soldier who signs up for a combat role -- goes without saying.
But as proud as I am, it is impossible to view this photo without trepidation. How easy it would be for a Taliban gunman to come bursting out of one of those doorways, or snipe at them from behind one of those walls. How easy it would be for a suicide bomber to walk up to them in the midst of all that good will.
Johnny looks happy in the photo. I just hope he keeps his guard up. And that the gods smile on him. Because no matter how careful you are, there's always a lot of luck -- good and bad -- involved in war.
All I want is for him to be able to look at that picture when he's my age and feel as proud as I do.
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10 comments:
Amazing picture, John! I am so happy you posted it so I could see it as well! This is a long year for your family and will be for mine when George is deployed. Donna
Donna --
Thank you so much. And yes, we can all worry together.
John, Great to see him smiling, but surreal nonetheless.... Julie
Thanks Julie....Surreal is a good word for it.
Dear John,
Thanks so much for posting, Chris told me about the photo on the facebook page. I pray for both Johnny and George every day.
Mad Dog
Thank you Mad Dog.
John,
I hope they don't pull out too many soldiers too quickly. It might be dangerous for soldiers left behind, including Johnny and George, when the extras from the surge leave!
And thank you Mad Dog for your prayers and kind thoughts.
Donna
Donna --
I was thinking the same thing. I'd imagine they'd use a FIFO system, and if we were withdrawing more quickly, I'd also imagine that the military would be engaged in less aggressive types of maneuvers.
Great photo! Nice to see his smile. You mentioned that you saw the picture posted on Johnny's Facebook page. Does that mean he finally friended you? :)
I hope he's having a terrific adventure. I'm sure lots of prayers are going up for his safe return.
Anonymous --
Thank you so much. Yes, I see that smile -- in my tremendously biased way -- as heroic, under the circumstances.
But no, I'm afraid he hasn't friended me. My daughter had to forward me that picture. She told me that someone other than Johnny had posted it on his Facebook page.
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