FORT HOOD, Texas— Soldiers are called upon to fight against the continuing war on terrorism, but one Soldier had to fight a different battle last week when he helped a fellow Soldier who was in need of assistance.
The quick thinking of Sgt. Richard Lamas, a native of Bovina, Texas and an operations noncommissioned officer for the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, helped save the life of another Soldier who was intent on ending his own life.
Lamas was heading home at the end of the day June 4 when he noticed a Soldier loitering in the parking lot of the Ironhorse Brigade Chapel. Lamas asked the Soldier if he needed assistance when the Soldier stated ‘I don’t think I can go back to my room because I might hurt myself.’
Lamas talked to the Soldier while they went to the chapel and sought assistance for the soldier. Finding the chaplain gone, Lamas took the Soldier down to the Headquarters and Headquarters Troop’s company area and sought the number for the chaplain on call.
I thank God every day for all the amazing people who serve America in the armed forces. I beg to differ with what SGT Lamas said, that he did what anyone would have done. Unfortunately, that is not true. Most people would not have done what he did. Most people would react badly by avoiding the soldier, becoming afraid. Many would have treated him like he was dangerous, of being nuts. The stigma against those who lose hope so entirely that they want to die is still very strong in America. Instead of being lavished with love and encouragement, too often, they are shunned or, worse, they are locked up.
Thank you to all who don’t run away, who don’t make a report to the authorities, who don’t pass judgment. Listening and giving an un-ending embrace can save a life.
Iig, it is great that SGT Lamas took the initiative to care for a fellow Soldier and human. Unfortunately, as you say, there are those who wouldn’t take the time to do so. Thankfully, that number is decreasing, I believe. I know of Soldiers who are alive today because another Soldier cared enough to get involved.
Fr Daniel, I sincerely hope that you are right. I know more Soldiers will look out for each other than the average person not in the military. Speaking just about the culture of America, we no longer display unity with fellow Americans. Too many are eager to show solidarity with any other not American. It’s a form of suicide on a national scale. In the misguided over-doing of tolerance, we now tolerate many, many people amongst us who despise America and commit acts, an accumulation of small, seemingly unremarkable acts, to slowly kill her. I am a native American. When I say “native” I mean those of us who were born here and were brought up by the progeny of The Greatest Generation. Though many of us believe in and fight for the America that survived The Depression, just enough of others of our generation have spawned children who have no clue about how to protect and cherish America.
Thank you Fr Daniel for your work and generous heart. Thank you very much.
Today, July 8, I learned that SPC Joseph Dwyer died. As surely a casualty of war as if hit by direct fire. In his name, I thank you Fr. Daniel for your service to Our Troops. In his name, I ask God to make your work even more excellent to better serve Our Troops who toil in harm’s way. Every day you are on my mind, every night you are in my prayers. I’m not a religious person, but some things just seem to be true. And in the name of the 52 killed in London on July 7, 2005, I ask God to hear the prayers of Our Troops only after hearing those of their mothers. God keep you all, God help us all.
Iig, thanks for your kind words. Please continue to pray for the Soldiers of our nation who fight the hard battles both at home and abroad. May we never forget those who have paid with their lives in combat and those who have paid with the disruption of their lives at home.