A Dad's wish for Fathers Day

As a father of an amazingly brave young man, I can't help but to think of my boy running around the mountains of Afghanistan hunting and quit possibly being hunted on a weekend when we normally would be BBQing, drinking a few beers, laughing and wrestling as we have in the past. Don't get me wrong here, I will celebrate Fathers day with my wonderful daughter Michele who is Alex's older sister. She prefers to study to be a pediatrician while her brother is out saving the world and serving his country. Yes I will enjoy Sunday whether with my daughter even if it is only for few minutes on the phone or perhaps even see her if she gets back from Los Angles on time. She is currently in L.A. for work with the University conducting student orientations. I always have my anchor Amy, she supports me and both my children. Perhaps we will catch a movie and dinner. Regardless, The Sky Soldiers will be in my heart, she will understand me.

Deep down in my heart, I will be celebrating my very first Sky Soldiers Day. Yes, I dedicate this day (fathers day) for the men serving 173rd and there Fathers as well. As many of you are reading this, you can relate because you either have a son, husband, brother, loved one or a friend serving this fine unit. I will keep the two fathers that have already lost their son's in the first two weeks of being deployed and the fathers that are at the sides of the dozen or so men that have sustained injuries during these two attacks in my heart and prayers.

I only wish that we lose no more men in this battle for freedom in this country called Afghanistan. I wish that no father should ever go through what the families of our fallen soldiers must endure on a day dedicated to Fathers in past traditions. I only pray that these fine young men will once again spend a true fathers day with their dads again real soon. Too our Sky Soldiers!

A Fathers Love,

Larry Arnone

AKA Bluestardad

Father of PV2 Alexander Forbes Arnone "Airborne"