A sentinel awaits a soldier’s safe return

A sentinel awaits a soldier’s safe return

On a Tuesday at the beginning of February 2017, an Army military police captain was notified he was going to have to leave for deployment in Afghanistan that Saturday. He was given four days to get his life in order. Unfortunately, his girlfriend, also in the Army, was out of town for the week on military maneuvers so a proper goodbye wasn’t in the cards. This MP captain spent the week getting his gear and paperwork ready, and on Saturday he hopped on a flight to Texas where he received his deployment processing. Within another week, his feet landed on the soil of Afghanistan, where he will be working for an undisclosed amount of time keeping our special services soldiers safe.

This same scenario is played out in military bases across the nation on a regular basis. Men and women who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines must put their lives on hold as needed by our country. They must say “till next time” to their loved ones. They need to update wills, ensure they have uniforms and weapons ready, and then they need to leave to do what they do. Sacrifice. Protect. Defend.

This morning, we hiked up to the top of Schunnemunk Mountain, the highest peak in Orange County. After a few days of 60 degree temperatures, our hike started with temperatures around 30 degrees, a slight wind and snow showers. But we had a mission and were not going to be deterred by a bit of chill. So we started on the way, and two hours later we had reached the summit.

When we arrived we placed a United States flag at the top. We added a note that read, “This flag planted to honor a soldier currently serving in Afghanistan. February 2017. Go Army.” Our plan is to visit the spot every month or so to make sure our American flag is still standing sentry duty. Flying in honor of a soldier who has left his life here to do his duty elsewhere to keep our country safe. In this case, we happen to know the soldier personally, but this sentry stands for all those soldiers who protect us.

When our soldier comes home, we plan to leave the sentinel in place. It will be flying for all those who remain in harms way.