War is Hell.
When our main element took small arms fire from the enemy, our most experienced machine gunner, Specialist Philip Schiller, was caught in the line of fire. He was taken down by a bullet that killed him instantly. Support was immediately called to get him and any other injured soldiers off the battlefield.
I was part of the vehicle team that removed our wounded warriors from the fight. It was an experience I'll never forget. The ride back to our base was filled with many thoughts and emotions. I thought about what we could have done differently. If it would have saved his life. I thought about memories of Schiller and myself--whether cleaning his M249 or sharing a laugh over dinner at the dining facility, and our recent trip to see the movie Act of Valor where he remarked that the sacrifices made in the movie motivated him to be better at his job.
Schiller had one of the warmest hearts in all of Blackhawk Company. He had no enemies among us. When others showed up to work at 5:30am with a frown and a hangover, Schiller was always on time with a smile, ready to take on the day's task. He never turned down a task because it was too hard.
His presence is already missed here in Afghanistan, but I'm sure it pales in comparison to his family and friends back in Texas and Connecticut.Our thoughts and prayers are with him. The last conversation I had with him, I apologized for missing his recent 21st birthday party. I told him when we get back to the US, that first round will be on me. Schiller, I'm going to make good on that promise. First thing when i get back I'll be there to visit you.
I love you man.
"It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived. "-Genral George S. Patton
Until next time...
Chris
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