Tuesday, July 28, 2009

It is almost 3am and I just got off my second video call with Charles in Kuwait. He is to leave his 2nd tour in just 3 days- a huge relief. I asked him today what he was most worried about upon returning home and he said the adjustment. I can only imagine. He has been thrown into the Middle East during very distinct times. The first time was in 1993, actually the very day Liliana was born he was boarding a plane heading towards war. It was the triumph of the Iraq "victory." The statue of Saddam Hussein was brought done and the world applauded. However, Charles in his humorous accounts told of mayhem and chaos in the streets and towns. There was no guidance. Charles was crowned mayor of a portion of Baghdad. He had to create order, which he did.

It is now 2009 and the world and our country angers at the mention of the Middle East conflict. Random acts of violence permeate the city. He is married and not with his wife.

I believe it was Christmas of 2007 that I wrote him a very lengthy letter. We are so different. Our paths don't even cross often @ 3018 White Pine Drive. Our lives do not share many similarities. Maybe one day we will no longer even bear the same name. But my LOVE for him is deep. Somehow we conclude that different is bad or at least not as good as "me". I told him that I RESPECT him for ALL that he has done and will do. He has lead men into battle and saved their lives. He has showed integrity and honor in the worst of circumstances. One of his Soman soldiers took the time to write a letter to my dad praising Charles as a leader and man of character. He did the same on the police squad. I will never forget the day that he called me so that I could translate for him. A humble Mexican man who sold "paletas" (ice cream) in Atlanta was having issues and my brother wanted to be assured that he was on his side.

So, today I salute you Captian Charles Jerome Scheck. God Bless You!