We're the Military and Airpower Guys of Jonah Goldberg of National Review Online + a stray we found wandering around looking lost. All original material JHD, BHD, JR, WT, and KA 2003-2010 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2005/05/2lt_cowherd_final_roll_call.html Sat, 24 Mar 2012 16:02:08 Z Movable Type 4.12 en Copyright 2012 http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification This is the final chapter of last year's post. To keep in synch, read the post above this if you haven't already. "First Sergeant, Call the Roll." Lieutenant Leonard Cowherd... Lieutenant Leonard Cowherd... Lieutenant Leonard Cowherd... "First Sergeant, let Lieutenant Cowherd's name be stricken from the roll." Play this as you read. Amazing Grace (right click, open in new window, and return to the post) All, Before all that is to follow, I want to thank the Agnew's for hosting a gathering after the Arlington ceremony. They are the parents of Charles', Leonard's twin, roommate from VMI. This was 'just'... http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2005/05/2lt_cowherd_final_roll_call.html http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2005/05/2lt_cowherd_final_roll_call.html Sat, 28 May 2005 13:35:08 -0600 Hey, thanks for the link. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2005/05/2lt_cowherd_final_roll_call.html#comment-25632 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2005/05/2lt_cowherd_final_roll_call.html#comment-25632 Tue, 31 May 2005 16:56:21 -0600 Actually John, it's your post about Delftman's background that made me rethink as the first and second pass over his post lead me to about the same conclusion you had(well, that and going to his site). After both I didn't see it the same way. I saw a guy pissed off that he was wasn't appreciated for what he went through when he ought to be. Can't blame him for it or find fault. Considering that most society treats military folk as redheaded step children I can totally understand. Besides I like sticking up for the 'Crank'. I'm typically the 'Crank', and I'd like someone to stick up for me from time to time. Ry http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2005/05/2lt_cowherd_final_roll_call.html#comment-25610 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2005/05/2lt_cowherd_final_roll_call.html#comment-25610 Tue, 31 May 2005 11:46:55 -0600 After a lot of thought and consideration, I think Cricket's analysis of Delftsman's comment is probably correct. I hope he will drop by to clarify things, though. Hopefully it's just been a tempest in a teapot... :) http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2005/05/2lt_cowherd_final_roll_call.html#comment-25571 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2005/05/2lt_cowherd_final_roll_call.html#comment-25571 Mon, 30 May 2005 17:16:27 -0600 Delftman's comment was water off a duck's back. I think he was referring to those who do not understand what it means to serve, uniform notwithstanding. However, it can be construed another way. You see, spouses don't wear the uniform and are not excluded from that understanding, as we keep it together while the battles are fought. And there are those like FbL who truly do understand and are supportive and care enough to offer their prayers on behalf of those who are in harm's way. I couldn't have gone through all the deployments and training periods without a support system, and whether it was church, family or like minded friends, didn't matter. What mattered was they knew they were helping in their way and for that, I thank the American people who have stood by the military and on this day, stop and give thanks, remember and renew their committment to freedom. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2005/05/2lt_cowherd_final_roll_call.html#comment-25567 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2005/05/2lt_cowherd_final_roll_call.html#comment-25567 Mon, 30 May 2005 16:22:34 -0600 Ry - while I don't quite read it that way, good of you to point out the possibility! But then, you and I don't read a lotta stuff quite the same way, eh? Yet the fact the FbL (and others, in email) *did* read it that way indicates that, like a lotta comments, it perhaps wasn't crafted clearly... and only Bill, Dusty and I can swoop in an fix 'em. Regardless, all the points are well taken, and it won't be the first time I've used a comment as a springboard to insert an idea. Not like you guys don't hijack threads alla time! http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2005/05/2lt_cowherd_final_roll_call.html#comment-25562 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2005/05/2lt_cowherd_final_roll_call.html#comment-25562 Mon, 30 May 2005 13:18:20 -0600 After reading Delftsman again I think we're giving the guy some pretty short shrift. I don't read him as saying that FBl, myself, and the like don't matter; but instead the DU, ANSWER, FTT a$$hat, Rachel Corrie types, and Bob Herbert in todays NYT don't matter. He's right: on this day they don't. He's saying that these jokers will be seen as the historically illiterate and feckless, sunshine human rights protectors that they are, in time. He may have spent blood, sweat, tears, and untold grief(being away from kin, etc.) protecting these goobs, but Delftsman doesn't have to like it--and quite obviously he didn't enjoy doing it for THEM. He's proud, rightly so, doing it for US. Thanks delftsman, this 4 eyed geek who couldn't pass a military physical to save his life(I've tried 4 times) thanks you. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2005/05/2lt_cowherd_final_roll_call.html#comment-25561 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2005/05/2lt_cowherd_final_roll_call.html#comment-25561 Mon, 30 May 2005 13:09:51 -0600 Fuzzy - it helps with understanding Defltsman to know his history. He's a dutchman who came to this country and earned his citizenship. It's actually *not easy* to get to full citizenship for white europeans, we have a fairly strict quota (unlike for certain other ethnic groups). People who got through the hoops (to include military service in combat) to literally earn their citizenship tend to look askance at the people who were just born with it and take it for granted. Just as I suggested to Delftsman that we have to teach clueless native-borns to appreciate their gift... *we* have to educate *him* on that there are other avenues of citizenship and patriotism and making a contribution to the polity. Besides, there are others who know the costs of a civil society - any family members of 1st Responders and allied Law Enforcement (local cops are FR's, Federal generally are not, hence the distinction I just made). But anyone who takes an active interest in governance and the public square at any level is also doing their thing to contribute, even if we don't always care for their take on the subject. Unlike Heinlein's Starship Troopers, citizenship does not come only through a uniform, nor should it. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2005/05/2lt_cowherd_final_roll_call.html#comment-25556 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2005/05/2lt_cowherd_final_roll_call.html#comment-25556 Mon, 30 May 2005 09:43:32 -0600 I am in tears - of sorrow for the families who have sacrificed so much, but also of deep gratitude for that sacrifice. America is truly a blessed country, to have citizens who stand to do their duty so courageously. We will be driving back home today, like so many others. But on the way, in a small town we pass through, is a Veterans' Memorial. And so, we will stop, and lay flowers and say a prayer - and teach our daughter about the bravery and honor that has purchased her freedom. May God bless and keep our men and women in the Armed Forces - past, present, and future. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2005/05/2lt_cowherd_final_roll_call.html#comment-25549 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2005/05/2lt_cowherd_final_roll_call.html#comment-25549 Mon, 30 May 2005 05:47:08 -0600 I have come back to this site several times today, but I have not known what to say. Words fall woefully short in the face of such sacrifice and loss. And Delftsman, no I do not personally know what it means to serve in a military capacity. But I see the sacrifice of all involved and I deeply feel my infinite indebtedness to them. My liberty IS paid for by others, and I devoutly wish it were not so! But I serve only as I am capable, and thus I honor our fallen from my humble position as mere receiver of their extraordinary gift. May we all be worthy of their sacrifice! http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2005/05/2lt_cowherd_final_roll_call.html#comment-25537 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2005/05/2lt_cowherd_final_roll_call.html#comment-25537 Sun, 29 May 2005 23:21:45 -0600 All these galant warriors have gone on to Fiddlers Green. They have also joined the list of America's finest who as President Lincon said "men who have given that last full measure of devotion" and have watered the tree of liberty with their blood and tears. May GOD hold them all close to his heart and give them peace and eternal rest in HIS great house. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2005/05/2lt_cowherd_final_roll_call.html#comment-25535 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2005/05/2lt_cowherd_final_roll_call.html#comment-25535 Sun, 29 May 2005 22:50:35 -0600 Please. I have not served... But I have cried for these, and others. And a military man can't buy a meal if I'm in the restaurant. I don't know what service is, but I know what honor is and I am grateful. God bless their souls. May we justify the price. Blake http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2005/05/2lt_cowherd_final_roll_call.html#comment-25529 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2005/05/2lt_cowherd_final_roll_call.html#comment-25529 Sun, 29 May 2005 19:44:34 -0600 Semper Fi! to all the Jarheads, living and dead, touched by the Castle or no! http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2005/05/2lt_cowherd_final_roll_call.html#comment-25522 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2005/05/2lt_cowherd_final_roll_call.html#comment-25522 Sun, 29 May 2005 17:18:11 -0600 John, thank you for the posts about America's finest. The LCpl is home this weekend and we read your posts together. It's sobering and noble. To you and all that fight the good fight he sends a hearty OORAH! And to those that have fallen, be they killed or wounded, we raise a glass. He understands and sings their praises! One thing Da Grunt wanted me to pass on was that he wants to celebrate his friends that didn't come home. It's a time of memories and deeds. We've spent quite a few hours this leave being regaled by his stories of his friends and their deeds. I stand in awe of these young men and women and I too celebrate them with my heart and soul. This is the first Memorial Day weekend in three that we've all been together. With a special addition in the form JarheadNiece, my lovely little granddaughter, his older brother's new baby girl. The LCpl held her tenderly, almost fearfully as though he'd break her, looked up at me, and said this simple statement; "This is why I fight!". And that is why our finest, our bravest, serve their Country and what our Fallen were fighting to protect. We should be so worthy! He'll be leaving again shortly but he's gotten to be home and to celebrate his comrades with his family by his side. That is enough for now. From Da Grunt and all of us to you and yours John: THANK YOU and GOD SPEED! http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2005/05/2lt_cowherd_final_roll_call.html#comment-25520 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2005/05/2lt_cowherd_final_roll_call.html#comment-25520 Sun, 29 May 2005 17:13:40 -0600 Delftsman, "Those that don't, don't matter; they are countrymen in name only, just parasites enjoying liberty paid for by far better people than them." I must respectfully disagree... in many respects, our very success, and the quality of our service, creates the environment where it is possible to not understand. Far better, I think, than to be Finland, or Poland, or any other of a bunch of nations whos entire populations understand all to well. It simply falls upon us to try to make them aware - as I did with this post, and you did yours. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2005/05/2lt_cowherd_final_roll_call.html#comment-25517 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2005/05/2lt_cowherd_final_roll_call.html#comment-25517 Sun, 29 May 2005 16:19:59 -0600 'There's no greater sacrifice than one laying down their life for others.' Cliche, but true. If I ever make it to Heaven I expect Lt. Cowherd to be there in high praise and of good cheer. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2005/05/2lt_cowherd_final_roll_call.html#comment-25516 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2005/05/2lt_cowherd_final_roll_call.html#comment-25516 Sun, 29 May 2005 16:06:43 -0600 Thank you for the view of just one family that paid the ultimate price. They represented all of the families,mourning,but proud. There was no flaw in your post. Lt. Cowherd represented all of our brothers and sisters,fathers and mothers mothers,sons and daughters,husbands and wives lost in service to our country. May God keep them all. Those of us who have served understand, as do our families. Those that don't, don't matter; they are countrymen in name only, just parasites enjoying liberty paid for by far better people than them. I will pour a drink to those on Fiddlers Green. Thank you for the link. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2005/05/2lt_cowherd_final_roll_call.html#comment-25515 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2005/05/2lt_cowherd_final_roll_call.html#comment-25515 Sun, 29 May 2005 15:44:09 -0600 Kat - it's bigger than that, really. The point I didn't make well (in that it's up top, not down below, and in between you get wrapped up in the Cowherd-Cerri family, is that it's happened more than that... 1647 battle deaths in *this* war. 651,008 preceding (up to Gulf War 1). And then there's the non-battle deaths, which hurt just as bad, and before WWI, outnumbered battle deaths (we finally broke the code on disease in camp). The WWII vets you know have their own dead they drink to. I have some scattered from Vietnam to OIF. But you *did* unintentionally point out a flaw in the piece. If I do this again, I'll rewrite it with that in mind! http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2005/05/2lt_cowherd_final_roll_call.html#comment-25507 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2005/05/2lt_cowherd_final_roll_call.html#comment-25507 Sun, 29 May 2005 08:28:00 -0600 That was very touching. I can't put into words how I felt. This has happened over 1647 times as I type tonight. I won't forget them. Every day I remember that we have such men and women in our ranks. Unswerving from duty. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2005/05/2lt_cowherd_final_roll_call.html#comment-25503 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2005/05/2lt_cowherd_final_roll_call.html#comment-25503 Sat, 28 May 2005 23:27:49 -0600 My heart and prayers are with them. I thank them for their sacrifice and for raising a wonderful man who did his duty and showed love for his country. May God bear up on wings of faith and your hearts find peace. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2005/05/2lt_cowherd_final_roll_call.html#comment-25495 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2005/05/2lt_cowherd_final_roll_call.html#comment-25495 Sat, 28 May 2005 20:23:57 -0600 John, Profoundly moving. I thank the Cerri's for sharing. It is very sad and yet it makes you proud to be an American and comrade of such people. America will live while we produce such families. Jim http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2005/05/2lt_cowherd_final_roll_call.html#comment-25490 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2005/05/2lt_cowherd_final_roll_call.html#comment-25490 Sat, 28 May 2005 16:09:46 -0600