Today we lay a Soldier to rest.

[Sistema1927]

Today will be the memorial service for my Dad, US Army 1950-1971, with tours in Korea and Vietnam. When he enlisted in the airborne, he had never once been up in an airplane. He jumped nine times before he ever landed in an airplane. His first duty assignment after jump school was with the 508th Airborne Regimental Combat Team (patch below).

Dad was a hard drinker when he was a soldier, and even in retirement. This made things hard for me growing up. However, he had been sober for over 40 years at the time of his death last month. A testament to the grace of God and the efficacy of the AA fellowship. Today I will have the privilege of preaching his memorial service, just as I did for my Mom seven years ago.

My Dad became one of my closest friends after we attended an AA meeting with him at Christmas time while I was in seminary. We "worked the steps" together, and resolved the issues of his, and my, misspent youth.

Rest in Peace valiant soldier, a grateful nation, and a grateful son, are proud of you.

 

[Rudi]

May the LORD bless your Dad and you.

 

[Heinz]

A good man and Patriot. Glad he found better ways of handling the aftershocks.

 

[walter o]

Sounds like you and dad have been already blessed with memories

 

[Rustyt1953]

My deepest condolences on the loss of a beloved father and friend.

He left you a legacy of pride, accomplishment and admiration. Not all sons get to carry a testimony like he left you.

Bless all who knew and loved him.

 

[ACORN]

I’m sorry for the troubles of your past and glad you got to mend fences.
You have my condolences.

 

[Baxter6551]

My condolences for the loss of your Dad. Mine was in the Army from 1939 to 1945. He was a 1st LT in the Pacific. He carried his demons and struggled with alcohol but didn’t beat it like your Father. He died too young in 1984 and we were not friendly at that point. You were lucky to have yours so long.

 

[pmanton]

RIP Soldier. He's in the Lords arms now.

 

[mckenney99]

I am so sorry for the loss of your father, glad you were able to clear the air between the two of you before you lost him. May he Rest In Peace.

 

[Erich]

I'm so sorry for your loss; may his memory always be a blessing until you meet him again.

 

[skwchock]

God Bless. Rest in Peace

 

[lkabug]

A slow hand salute.
My condolences for your lost.

 

[WardenRoss]

I miss my Dad everyday. WWII (Pacific combat) and Korea veteran.

What they went through.


I wish you many blessed memories. Thank you for your great post. Made my day.


,

 

[pawncop]

Very grateful you and he were able to reconcile and get close. Please accept my condolences and a prayer for your peace, comfort, and strength.

 

[ZGrand]

Today we honor your father and his service. May he rest in peace.

 

[jeffrefrig]

So sorry for your loss. Yes, AA works if you let it. So does Al Anon. I lost two sisters that were in denial.
Glad your dad had over 40 good years with you. May he rest in peace.

 

[chuckie]

So sorry for your loss!

 

[jscheck]

My condolences on your loss. It sounds like you were both at peace the last 40 years and that is a wonderful thing!

 

[Squarebutt]

Condolences on the passing of your Dad. Mine was also a WWII Army vet.
One of our local heroes, and an old friend of mine, was in the 508th. They set an example that's rare to see today. God bless them all.
They saved the world.

 

[Old 44 Guy]

Prayers sent in an Old soldiers memory