Lunch with SSG Will & Family
Category: War on Terror...
Posted Wednesday, February 08, 2006 at 03:42 PM [GMT-6]

The lunch I was being so coy about earlier today was with none other than SSG. Will and his charming wife and drop-dead gorgeous baby daughter. They came through Midland on a road trip that took them through San Angelo and which will eventually end up in Oklahoma visited members of both families. I was so happy they were able to stop and let us meet them and express our appreciation for his service and the sacrifice their family has made on behalf of our nation.

We were joined by Jeff McDonald and his wife, and MLB. As you may recall, Jeff was running Will's reports from Iraq on the KWES-TV website thereby giving many more people an opportunity to read first-hand reports from the war.

Will is obviously happy to be home with his family, and will return to his civilian job on March 1. He's not saying goodbye to the military, having re-enlisted in the Texas Army National Guard for another tour of duty. However, if things work like they're supposed to, he won't be eligible to be tagged for combat duty for three years. I know he's willing to serve in that way if called, but we're all praying he'll be able to serve in other ways closer to home.

It was great to finally meet the family for which we'd been praying for such a long time. I took the occasion to officially retire the HeroBracelet I'd worn in his honor, and presented it to him. In turn, he promised to send me an M1 Abrams tank just as soon as a spare became available. ;-)

The next best thing about lunch -- a very nice one, by the way, at Venezia -- was that Jeff picked up the check. Jeff, if you think that gesture is sufficient to put an MSMer back in the good graces of this blogger...well, it's a wonderful start!

Permalink
Comments

Jeff really did bail me out! And picked up the check to... it's good to have friends (who, at least used to be) from PA.

The presentation of the hero bracelet sounds pretty special and moving... what a nice touch.

And I want a ride in that tank when you get it!

Posted by: Jim at February 8, 2006 04:32 PM

Yeah, and he said that you would be paying him back next time he's up there.

I'm pretty sure those tanks come with a "No Riders" bumper sticker. Sorry, I don't make the rules. (But with an M1 Abrams, I can sure enforce 'em!)

Posted by: Eric at February 8, 2006 04:55 PM

Well, you can take the bumper sticker off with a little Goo Gone and no one would be the wiser.

I'll be happy to pick up Jeff's Churchill tab when he comes to town.

Posted by: Jim at February 8, 2006 06:05 PM

"He's not saying goodbye to the military, having re-enlisted in the Texas Army National Guard for another tour of duty."

Now there's a real hero with a hero's natural courage, particularly now that Iran is heating up.

Glad he's home and finally getting a chance to spend time with his family!

Posted by: Mr. Freen at February 8, 2006 10:46 PM

Welcome home, Will!

I's been good to know you were over there, and it's good that you're back with your family now.

Posted by: Brian at February 9, 2006 05:36 AM

I would just like to add my appreciation for the hospitality of the Siegmunds in allowing us to use their beautiful home as a way station and then being treated to an excellent Italian lunch by either Eric or Jeff...last I saw, they were each outdoing the other over the check. Anyways, it was a treat guys, and it was worth the detour.
As far as reenlisting...I can't just let the young pups get all of the glory and they will need an old guy there to keep them on the straight and narrow. And yes, I would not hesitate to go another round w/ the terrorists if called upon.
SSG. Wife, Little Bit and people like y'all and your families are what make my decision all the easier...every one of you are worth it.
Thanks again Eric and Jeff and your wonderful spouses. Talk to ya soon.

Posted by: SSG. Will at February 10, 2006 08:46 PM

Will, be sure and holler next time you're in Midland...we'll skip the foo-foo food and go for the barbecue! ;-)

Posted by: Eric at February 11, 2006 08:48 PM
Post a comment [Take your time...we're in no hurry.]
Note: You must provide either a website URL or an email address...but there's no rule that says you have to tell the truth. If you don't want your email address published on this site, just input a website URL, or make up an email address.









Remember personal info?