Page 34 - 100 Hours to Destiny

around the logistics vehicle rear hatches and sort of brushed myself off and
moved quickly to the 1Sgt. Of course, standing next to him was Captain
Roger “Rock” Pollard. With an enthusiastic “Roger that 1Sgt!” I trotted the 25
yards over to the 1Sgt and popped to attention, and sounded off with a
hearty, “LCpl Witcher reporting as ordered 1Sgt.” My heart was pounding
like a big bass drum as I was standing by to be bound to the yardarms and
lashed with a cat of nine tails. Only to have been completely wrong in my
diagnosis of the Captain’s pointing action. Now realizing he was merely
instructing the 1Sgt to traverse down the southeast side of the Company Coil
for a health and welfare inspection of the troops. 1Sgt Alfonso Villa ordered
me to parade rest and spoke to inform me that the Captain had some
questions for me.
Captain Pollard began to speak, “Stand at ease War dog,” he said.
“We know you’re with the Company Gunny now and that’s good. The 1Sgt
and I made the decision to shift you off the line to help the Gunny and to
give you a break from Red 5. We need experienced drivers up here because
this is about to get very demanding. You do understand that Witcher?”
“Aye-Aye Sir. I’m very proud to be with the Company Gunny and
honored to be in Headquarters Platoon.”
Captain Pollard stood there and looked at me for about 15 seconds
and finally said, “I say again, and I know you were listening when I said this,
we’re going to make it through those obstacle belts with zero casualties, you
did hear me say that, right Witcher?”
“Sir, yes sir, I heard you loud and clear.”
“Now we have an understanding, but here’s what I’m encouraging
every Delta Marine, not just you Witcher, but every Marine in this Company,
take some time and write some letters to your loved ones. Let them know
how much they mean to you and thank them for their support… We know
we’re going to be prepared in every way, and not only am I encouraging, but
ordering you to write letters to your loved ones. You’ll be glad you did when
you’re sitting back home and reading them with those family members.
There’s only so much time left, as we could get the order to make the
Invasion any day now. Make the most of your time, keep your vehicle
squared away, and now Witcher you and the Company Gunny are going to
be very busy taking care of my Marines.”
“Aye-Aye, Sir!” I popped back to attention and saluted the Captain;
He and the 1Sgt moved on down the line of Delta Company to speak with
other troops. I took a big deep breath…with a sigh of relief. Then I thought
about the new tasks that lay before me. Captain Pollard just ordered me to
take care of his Marines, and that statement filled me with pride.