I was thrilled to read a few minutes ago that Sgt. Williams’ leave from Iraq has now been approved once more. He and his wife are at their son Gabriel’s side while he recovers from a lung infection.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-armyleave_webdec25,1,5285694.story?ctrack=1&cset=true
Standing out in the crisis has been the kindness of a national charity leader who e-mailed an offer to help defray medical costs, a retired steelworker who sent chocolates to the Williamses, and hotel managers who have refused payment while the Williams’ child is in Munster Community Hospital across the street.
The above is touching. The following made both of us shake our heads. Did I mention that The Dauphin served in the military as well?
Some of the confusion about the extension arose because Williams’ commanding officer has been out on combat operations, said 4th Stryker Brigade spokesman Maj. Shawn Garcia. When Williams’ company commander returned to base and learned of the sergeant’s plight, he extended the soldier’s leave, Garcia said.
The article goes on to state that Sgt. Williams’ leave was always to extend to December 28th. The first spokeswoman at Fort Lewis evidently did not get that memo, did she?
I realize that there are hundreds of thousands of troops still in Iraq. I hope that they will return home to their families and friends, safe and sound, and as quickly as possible. I’d like to thank whomever made the phone call to help Sgt. Williams and his family out.
We send all healing thoughts and prayers to young Gabriel on his first Christmas.
-S
