Ben Healy
Tonight I had a very rare treat. Back in Basic I got to know 44 people. They were my platoon. 4th platoon, Alpha 2-10 Infantry. The best of them was Ben Healy. He was 18 years old and a PVT, the lowest rank in the United States Army. You can tell the people of this world who are decent people with not a great effort. He was one of them. I have lamented the lack of good company since joining the military. It attracts a lot of people that don't share the same values and ideals and dispositions as me.
Ben has a lot going for him. He is well-centered, reserved, intelligent, able to laugh at himself and a decent and earnest guy. He was one of the people whose presence was a boon through the dark days at Leonard Wood. I have not seen him in over three years. And he hasn't changed a bit. Every bit the great person that I had met years ago. I am in Georgia and that is where he is stationed. So we spent the last five hours catching dinner and catching up. Time has flown by. The conversation was great. I feel joyful.
Ben, four promotions later, is a sergeant in the US Army. He is still the best of us 44 and one of the finest men I have ever met. Life has taken me to strange places. More than once have I looked down and been surprised to find myself in a uniform. Life has taught me hard lessons. Some of which have been heartbreaking. And then come the days when you talk to the person that gives you supreme confidence in the human race. And on that day, you shall find the most comforting rest of your life. Sleep easily, my friends.
Ben has a lot going for him. He is well-centered, reserved, intelligent, able to laugh at himself and a decent and earnest guy. He was one of the people whose presence was a boon through the dark days at Leonard Wood. I have not seen him in over three years. And he hasn't changed a bit. Every bit the great person that I had met years ago. I am in Georgia and that is where he is stationed. So we spent the last five hours catching dinner and catching up. Time has flown by. The conversation was great. I feel joyful.
Ben, four promotions later, is a sergeant in the US Army. He is still the best of us 44 and one of the finest men I have ever met. Life has taken me to strange places. More than once have I looked down and been surprised to find myself in a uniform. Life has taught me hard lessons. Some of which have been heartbreaking. And then come the days when you talk to the person that gives you supreme confidence in the human race. And on that day, you shall find the most comforting rest of your life. Sleep easily, my friends.