09/21/2026
That stiff green collar on his uniform is coated in fine dust.
My morning started with a clean dryer sheet and warm laundry. His morning probably started with washing his shirt in a plastic bucket and letting it dry on a rusted wire. The distance between our comfortable routine and his day is wide.
Play the video again. Look at his face just before he asks for a follow. There is a tiny pause where his eyes focus right on the lens. He is waiting to see if anyone is actually on the other side of that glass.
He says American soldiers like him are easy to forget. It is uncomfortable to hear those words. He is currently deployed, sitting in the heat, wondering if we even remember they are out there.
He only asks for a simple hi to lift the spirits of his squad. Just a quick message typed out while we sit on our couches. We have the time to do that today.
Let him know someone is watching. Please say thank you to him in your own words. 🫡