As the impending war news hit the airwaves, he visited various military branches, but none of them could guarantee him that he would fly. The only military branch that could guarantee him that (dependent on passing some exams) was the U.S. Marine Corps. So, he enlisted with the U.S. Marine Corps. He spent months training for boot camp and off he went to serve his country.
Determined and wholehearted he entered into the U.S. Marine Corps and loved being a part of it. He enjoyed boot camp and every aching bone and joint that came with the job. He spoke of the good time and friends he made, but was especially excited to hear his MOS assignment as crew chief. It was official, he was going to fly and that’s all that was important. Finally things unfolded as he planned. He would be flying armed with his faith in God and be among new friends whom shared common interests.
After serving his first tour in Iraq, JR was determined to move up the military ranks. He enjoyed military life and wanted to make it his career. Family and friends at home encouraged him otherwise, but no one could stop him or provide him good reasoning to leave the military. He felt that if he worked really hard to learn as much as he could, he could eventually fly an aircraft. That was his plan and he was really getting serious about his military and personal life and started to go out on dates. He met his future bride, Clowie and eventually married her prior to departing on his second and final tour just six weeks short from coming home to attend his sister’s wedding and his own formal wedding in late June.
He also reenlisted and was looking forward to his next duty station in Hawaii, his wife’s home state. He had numerous plans and was looking forward to moving on to the next stage of his life. Instead, his plans were abruptly interrupted when he and five other young men and one young woman pilot came together on February 7, 2007, the final fateful day.
Remaining are countless pictures and videos that JR’s laptop safely stored and arrived home to his wife. Looking at these last pictures and watching the videos of the young men at work and play in Iraq, I sense my son felt compelled to chronicle his life and tell us his journey, his story. So, his laptop will forever remain frozen in time with nameless faces and memories from just a few days prior to that dreadful day, February 7, 2007. Numerous questions and nameless faces remain unanswered, but not the character of the seven faithful servants onboard the Morphine 1-2.
JR’s last poem Faithful American clearly depicts the spirit and character of the Morphine 1-2 crewmembers, but also of those serving today. Though our seven faithful servants completed their final fight and flight mission, they remain flying high above. Their flight wings flying still as their eagle eyes watch over our current war warriors whose character is armed with our crewmembers’ strong virtues and values along with love for God and country. God bless our military personnel and God bless America and…
Seven Stars, let your eagle eyes fall on us, we miss you still.