I have just finished one of the most emotional weeks of my life this past Sunday and would like to share it with all you great Tiger fans and veterans. All season long my uncle has called me during the LSU games and we enjoyed talking about the success. On the day of the SECCG he started calling me at 5:00 to talk about the other games of importance which had an impact on the BCS. Throughout the night we called each other and conferenced my mother and brother into the conversation as we were all excited about the game. Finally at 11:30 I called him back and asked if he was watching ESPN and listening to what they were sayng. We were both excited about the possibility of LSU playing for the NC; I told him that I never thought I would see this in my liftime. As we finished our daylong telephone calls I told him I'd talk to him on Sunday after the BCS results were finalized; I was traveling to Baltimore on a business trip, but we'd talk. At 6:30 on Sunday morning my mother called me and told me my uncle had been shot to death by his step son-in-law at 4:00 that morning. All of a sudden the "high" from the game went to one of my lowest moments. My uncle was a big influence to me. He spent 20 years in the Navy and was a Vietnam vet. When I was in the 10th grade I told him I was going to be like him and join the Navy; he immediately told me that if I wanted to go into the military that I need to go to college first. Coming from a person that I admired so much was all it took for me. I did got to college, was commissioned, and spent 20 years in the Army. I thought it was ironic that my uncle died on Dec 7 "Pearl Harbor" day. The funeral was Saturday in Pineville; many family and friends attended. My uncle was totally committed to God, country, family and Louisiana. On Sunday morning the first thing I saw on TV was that Saddam Hussien had been captured. This event was the best thing that could have happened to get me out of a temporary depression. I live in the Ft Hood, Tx area and work for a defense contractor that provides support to the 1st CAV and 4th ID. I have many friends in Iraq and one of my coworkers returned from over there last month. It is great to see the 4th ID get a little recognition for their efforts. I am extremely excited about LSU playing for the NC and will miss my phone calls with my uncle; I told his wife that I'd be calling their house anyway. You see, Jan 4 would have been my uncle's 60th birthday.
Sorry to hear about your Loss. Just remember that god now has a great person beside him to sit down with on January 4th and watch the Tigers win . Thank you, and your uncle for the service you both provided to our country. MSG Hamilton US Army Special Operations Command Instructor/Trainer.
Your story is a reminder to all of us not to take the time we have with our loved ones for granted, we never know when the last time we visit with them will be our last. Be thankful for your time together and from your story I am sure that you were a source of great joy and pride to him, and that he looked forward and enjoyed those talks with you even more than you did. One of my biggest regrets in life is for the things left unsaid to my Grandfather, for time lost with him because of being too busy with "important" matters that dont matter one hoot today. What I would give for one more telephone call with him. God Bless You and Your Family GEAUX TIGERS!
77Demon, I have nothing to add to the previous posts. Just wanted to let you know you are not alone. Thank you and your uncle for your service. God bless you and your family now and always. If you have never turned to Jesus before, I hope this will cause you to stop and see how quickly we can be called for that eternal destination. If you have not acccepted His gift of forgiveness and eternal salvation yet, I urge you to do so now. Your life will be forever changed. May you walk with Jesus from now on. Mike "THe Tiger":geaux: :geaux: :lsug: :lsug:
Sorry to hear about your loss, MY grandfather is buried in Pineville also, just two years ago and he was also a Veteran, og WW 2 though. he was also a big LSU fan. May your Uncle Rest in peace. Our prayers are with your family. JS
77Demon, My heart and prayers go out to you and your family. May God continue to bless you and your family through these difficult times. I myself, know what it's like to loose a loved one due to violent crimes. Just keep God first in your life, and ALL of that love that you have for your uncle, give it to God. Your uncle will receive it and you too will be blessed. I also share your pride and your joy in hearing the news of Saddam's capture. I have served my country by means of "The United States Marine Corps" for three and a half years during peace times. Here's to you, The 1st CAV and 4th ID! "Oo-rah" and "Semper-Fi" Thanks guys! Next: Osama. Geaux Mean Green! When LSU beats the Sooners on January 4th, you, me and the rest of the LSU fans here in the Tigers Den can dedicate the win to Jeff Boss, your uncle and all of our LSU faithful before us, that have been put in that leaning rest. Geaux Tigers!
