Page 488 - Total War on PTSD

The Ft. MacArthur “SYSW Wolf Pack was in the middle of a ceremony. They were hidden in a meeting room without windows so we could set up as a surprise. Paul and I were sent in with Shadow, Alaska and Takoda in tow, but they let us in too early. The Colonel leading the meeting made a comment that seemed to suggest that he did not intend to be upstaged by the wolves and turned the microphone over to me. I had prepared something to say to honor the squadron.
“Like the wild Wolf pack, our service men and women epitomize the best of our nature...ensuring the safety and survival of all. What wolves and warriors have in common is:
• Loyalty and devotion is routine, not the exception.
• Strict discipline and exemplary leadership ensures the survival of the pack.
• The Wolf pack is unsurpassed by its unity of purpose and diversity of skills that make
each member invaluable and indispensable.
• What they lack in size, they outperform in solidarity and endurance. • In the Wolf pack...everyone eats...no one is left behind.
With pride, we honor all of you for demonstrating these qualities and the sacrifices you have made in the name of honor and country; from the bottom of our hearts, we thank you. Today we wish to share our gratitude with a bunch of big ole sloppy unforgettable licks of appreciation from the Shadowland Foundation wolves.”
After the ceremony, they surprised and honored us right back with a beautiful plaque we will always treasure.
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