A Holiday Salute

This blog has nothing to do with running. I tell you that up front so that you won’t waste your time if you’re looking for running information or inspiration. This is a blog about family, about duty and honor, about sacrifice, and about how life teaches us lessons whether we want to learn them or not.

My son, Terry, sent me this photo. He is in THE U.S. Army Band [Pershing’s Own], stationed in Washington, DC. Right now he is somewhere in Kuwait, or Iran, or Afghanistan, he can’t say for security reasons. He’s there as part of the Sergeant Major of the Army’s Holiday Salute to the Troops. He’s there to entertain his Army colleagues who are doing their jobs, their duty, in that part of the world.

He goes to sleep with a handgun at his side. He’s a trumpet player when he’s on stage. He’s a soldier at all other times.

As I sat on the steps of his house at 3 in the morning, watching him put on his uniform and pack his gear I couldn’t help but think of all the other fathers, mothers, wives, husbands, and children who have had the same moment. I am proud of him. I am worried about him. I know he has to do his duty. And I know that his time over there will be short, unlike so many others.

Those who serve, in any capacity, are in a special category. They have said that they will do what’s asked of them, no matter what that is. They have put duty first. The put duty first every day.

I am hopeful that my son will return safely. I also know that other sons won’t.

So to everyone who has ever worn a uniform, to anyone who has ever taken that oath to “support and defend” I send you special holiday greetings and a heart felt thank you. And to those that have loved the ones that have served or are still serviing, I send you my sincerest appreciation.

Waddle on,

John “the Penguin” Bingham. Proud Army veteran. Proud Army dad.