Encouragement

---

The Commander’s Voice
© 2011

by

Stephen A. Peterson


It had been twenty years since now Army Sergeant Major Mike Sweazy had participated in the invasion of Kuwait. As he walked down a busy street now saturated with young Kuwaitis sounding their horns memories flooded back when he spotted the office building he and his platoon were ordered to secure. Amazingly it still stood. Metal bars crisscrossed its windows and doors with holes sprinkled to its front and chunks missing from its edges.

A vignette from that event suddenly appeared on the Sergeant Major’s mental screen: Private First Class Hank “Shorty” Shorter volunteering to take the point even though everyone knew you do not volunteer for anything in the Army. Maybe he volunteered because he was crazy or it might had been because he was from Tennessee. Whatever it was Private Shorter was proud of his Tennessee roots and didn’t mind showing it either.

Every chance Private Shorter had he talked about his beloved state and its tradition of volunteering when the fight was on. He talked about Davy Crockett, Monroe (where he lived), and the mountains. Gosh, how he talked about those mountains and the hunt!

Suddenly, the scene became too personal, too intimate and painful for the Sergeant Major, who at the time, was a Sergeant E-5. Though Private Shorter was lost in the conflict, he did not have to make the ultimate sacrifice but a sacrifice he did make nonetheless. During the action, Private Shorter was shot multiple times in his left arm and leg. Though shot, he did not scream in pain. He kept firing his weapon making certain that the member of the unit could get in the building to rid it of the Iraqis.

Reluctance at first held the Sergeant Major back for a time but giving honor to Private Shorter forced him, it seemed, to go closer to the building. Now at the front door, he recalled the ceremony in honor of Private Shorter and the rest who freed Kuwait city that day.

“To all who hear my words,” said the Commanding General, “they fought bravely for a noble cause for a people yearning to determine their own lives in their own country. This day we recognize their sacrifices and service. Those who lost their lives they hear our thanks in a far better place. You who suffer injuries, not a single one of you I talked to ever doubted God, not his goodness and mercy.”

Sergeant Major Sweazy found himself back in Iraq after week long rest and relaxation period to reassume his duties as Division Sergeant Major in a more peaceful environment. Then once again long after that first awards ceremony he head a Commander’s voice once again. But this one belonged to the Supreme Commander. “Witness, if you will these soldiers of faith. Their faith, that lasts through think and thin, reflects devotion and love for that which is good. We shall not diminished their gifts. My gifts I gave to them are forever! No, I do not require your life, suffering nor your treasure. Only complete devotion and loyalty to Me! For whatever seems as a loss to you will be a gain for Me!”

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE