It becomes real

Every night before I head to bed, I check facebook. I like to read about what my friends and family are up to. Last night’s posts were about partying, being in love, and good times. And then I read:

To All Tomahawk Soldiers and Family Members,

The Department of Defense released the name of our 13 Nov fatality this evening. Staff Sgt. Rayvon Battle Jr., 25, of Rocky Mount, N.C., died Nov. 13, in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 38th Engineer Company, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

My heart skipped a beat or two. My stomach fell. For Staff Sgt Rayvon Battle, Jr. was not only from the state I now call home, he was also from my son’s company. I have been trying to write this entry for quite some time. I can’t seem to find the words to express what is going on for me right now.  Many were wounded. Is my son one of them? This war has been going on for ten years. In the past, when hearing news of a soldier dying, it was a passing sadness complete with some sort of comment about war being stupid. I don’t know the soldier that died on November 13^th, still his death resonates with me.

On Veteran’s Day we all had the chance to talk to Sean. We passed the phone around. Giddy that we were able to talk to him halfway around the world. When I was done talking to him, I passed the phone off to Tony. They didn’t talk for long before it was handed back to me. It was important to Sean that he say, “I love you” to all of us before saying goodbye. (The same thing happened with Patti.)

I last heard from Sean through a facebook message the day before the explosion that killed the Staff Sgt. Rayvon Battle. Before the reality of war hit him smack dab in the face. He went into it knowing the potential costs, hoping he would never have to experience it up close. Miles away from him, I long to give him a great big hug to shield him from the ugliness of the world.

Here’s to you Staff Sgt. Rayvon Battle and to all the other men and women who have paid the ultimate price. We should all feel each and every one of your deaths.

Here’s to the soldiers who lay in hospital beds, both in the field and at home. It is our duty as civilians to be supporting you in your recovery as our way of saying thank you.

Here’s to Sean and all the soldiers off fighting in a war, not knowing the cost they will ultimately pay. It is up to us to let them know they are not alone. We need to let them know they are on our minds and in our hearts. (Interested in adopting a soldier in Sean’s platoon? Let me know. It is my goal to get 27 care packages sent out in February. One for Sean and each of the men that fight alongside him.)

In remembrance of Staff Sgt. Rayvon Battle:

     It is with the deepest sadness and heartfelt sympathy I am writing to inform the friends, family, and fellow Sappers/Soldiers of the tragic loss of Staff Sergeant Rayvon Battle. In the days and nights that have followed since this tragic accident I have searched for the right words to accurately convey the level of positive influence and impact that SSG Battle has had on Our Company. SSG Battle 

was one of those rare Non-Commissioned Officers who just shined, a tremendous leader with an intrinsic ability to perform magnanimously under pressure. Always displaying a positive attitude, he was a deeply and widely respected leader within his Platoon and the Company - definitely one of the many ‘hearts’ within Our Company.
     Throughout my career I have heard individuals talk of the intangible qualities of great leaders and Soldiers: Words like professionalism, dedication, personal courage, and my personal favorite intestinal fortitude. SSG Battle exemplified all of these and more, SSG Battle lost his life fighting alongside his fellow Squad Leaders/Brothers while attempting to stem an impending explosion of epic proportions. SSG Battle made a conscious choice to live by a code of ethics and a code of conduct, and on Tuesday, 13 November 2012, he exemplified the perspective that I and many others admired and respected about SSG Battle. SSG Battle paid the ultimate sacrifice while fighting for the ideals and the perspectives of something greater than himself in the service to our Nation. To the family and friends he left behind, I am truly sorry for your loss SSG Battle will never be forgotten and will remain forever in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers. On behalf of a grateful Nation, I thank you and I salute you. Tomorrow morning we will hold a memorial for Staff Sergeant Rayvon Battle.
     I wanted to share my feelings and personal gratitude for his service and dedication to our Nation, on behalf of my family and myself and the entire Brigade thank you SSG Battle, you are a true American Hero. 

With the deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences now and always very respectively, 

CPT Jefferson D. Mason, CDR 38th Engineer Company, Afghanistan
“Through the Breach!”, “Tomahawks Win!”, “Raiders to the Objective!”