Page 70 - 100 Hours to Destiny

thought of my mom’s beautiful face as I did so, “May the road rise up to
meet you. May the wind always be at your back. May the sun shine warm
upon your face. And rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of his hand.” Comforting words. Just a little
gift from mom for me to hold on to.
As the poem reluctantly faded from my thoughts, I mechanically
walked slowly around the logistics vehicle as instructed by Gunny. Walking in
a circle, following the hands of the clock, roving in a clockwise motion
around the vehicle. I had counted eight trips in my time alone and had
thought of so many faces and events. I made a special point to do this, as
really, I had become resolved to perhaps not seeing the sunrise tomorrow.
So, my mind was afire with thoughts of relatives, family, girlfriends – past
and present, fishing trips with my dad and brothers, pets, sports events, cars
and motorcycles, boats I had enjoyed, when suddenly I heard footsteps
approaching from 11 o’clock. I said loudly, “Delta.”
Quick responding came, “Seven.”
I held my M16A2 at the ready but made proper protocol to never
aim at my approaching friend and Commander. “Good to see you again
Gunny. I was about to drive myself crazy over here thinking too much.”
“Stand easy lad and shake my hand.” As I put my hand in Gunny’s
strong weathered hand, he gripped tight, like an old friend. As we held the
shake Gunny spoke these words to me in the darkness, “Monte, you just do
what I tell you, when I tell you, don’t hesitate… even if you think you should!
I’ve been around war for a long time. I’ve seen more than you need to ever
know about combat. Son, you just trust the old Gunny to lead you straight
through this! We’ve got the best men around us in the world, and
everybody’s going to be fighting like hell for each other. Now I’m going to let
loose of your hand, but you remember this handshake….because we are
brothers, and we are Marines, and we have each other's back….110% of
every minute and every action.” Upon releasing my hand, “Now you get your
ass up in that driver’s compartment and you stow that weapon and check it
to be on safe one last time and strap it into its carrier. You get set in that seat
in the down position, put your comm helmet on and button up. And you
standby to move.”
“I’m ready Gunny. I’m ready to go all the way. Whatever happens,
happens. And you know Gunny that all of Delta Company loves and admires
you. You are Delta Company’s GySgt, and so much more than that. And yes
Gunny, I have your back.”
Gunny looked in my face and barked the command, “Move!”
I sprung out of my sentimental moment and did just that….I moved
my ass quickly into my place of duty, the driver's compartment of the