He is a teacher in public schools here, a dad with a precious 2 year old daughter who has him firmly wrapped around her pinky.
His wife is an immigrant from a country that suffered long from trying to negotiate with terrorists before finally crushing them.
He is a med, trained in NBC, and is an E-5.
He is completely excited, commited and dedicated in going.
He says that the vast majority of men and women in his unit who are going want to go and get the job over with completely this time.
He says this while hugging and kissing and loving his beautiful daughter so close, and knowing the support his wife has for him in going into harm's way.
It was a small dinner, not a large party.
The mood was focused, with all of us knowing that this man and his family are doing something that is important for all of us.
My friend is secure knowing that there is a network of people for his family who care and support him no matter what may come and that people he knows and respects are there for him here at home.
Regards,
Ed