Serving Quietly in Iraq

I ran a six mile loop today around D.C.'s major sites, including the Arlington Cemetery and the Vietnam War Memorial, to commemorate Memorial Day. I wasn't prepared for the heat, though, and stopped looking at my watch to check my pace. Let's just say I ran really slowly. Feeling the sun beam down on my face made me think of Baghdad, Iraq, where I worked from 2012-2013. My colleagues and I were housed in two bedroom apartments, two per unit, with our roommate assigned by chance. Mine was a budget supervisor in his mid-60s, who some viewed as a bit gruff and cantankerous, but we got along well and there was a lot I admired about him.

In addition to skyping with his family twice a day, he was super disciplined with his workouts: he woke up every day at 4:00 a.m. to go to the gym and would work out again at noon. And he was unfailingly consistent. He followed this schedule everyday, except for when he "slept in" once until 6:00 a.m. with a cold. During my last week in Baghdad, someone told me that he used to serve in the U.S. Army Special Forces, which explained a lot. His demeanor was consistent with the creed to serve quietly, not seeking recognition, which made me respect him even more. To my former roommate and our brave servicemen and women, thank you for your courage and dedication.