Coming home blog post becomes heartbreaking memorial instead
Published: August 2, 2012
WASHINGTON – Here’s heartbreaking news from the bloggers over at Mudville Gazette: Sgt. Eric Williams, a 27-year-old flight medic stationed in Fort Bragg, N.C., was killed in Afghanistan last month just days before his expected return home, and just days after sharing his end-of-tour thoughts on his personal blog.
In his online posting, Williams voiced concerns about returning from the seriousness and somberness of combat to an America where citizens “want their Starbucks and celebrity gossip and their ‘16 and pregnant.’” He voiced pride in his service, but also worry about what would become of him and his fellow servicemembers.
The truth is everything has changed, we collectively have changed. We have changed as people, as an army, as citizens of the United States. We face uncertainty in nearly every aspect of our lives. … I am preparing to jump on a plane and return to a world that I don’t really understand anymore.
When I was younger I used to think I had it figured out. The older I get and the more aware I become the more lost I feel. There is a widening gap between service member and civilian, our economy is still struggling, jobs are scarce and I can only sit back and watch as our home slips into a more prevalent ideology of entitlement.
Now, family and friends have turned that final posting into a memorial wall mourning Williams’ death. Among the comments: “Can't wait till you're on American soil once again … I love you and safe journey! XXXOOO Mom.”
