Saying Goodbye

This is the last day of work for one of my minions. He's a good, hard worker and I shall regret his leaving. He is not leaving to go to a different company, he's not looking to start a new career. He's been called up to active duty and will be shipping to Iraq next week. Today we are having a big party for him and they are going to be taking him out tonight for one last celebration.

He's not thrilled with the idea of going, but he is not complaining as it is his duty as being a reservist. I guess saying he is not thrilled with the idea of going isn't 100% correct. He's not thrilled about possibly getting injured or killed. He wants to do his part for his country. He knew this time was going to come sooner or later, so he was not surprised when he received notice back in November.

Many of my minions have children, brothers, sisters or cousins that are serving. But this is the first time it is one of my minions. I know there are anti-war people that work here, but you couldn't tell that today. Nope, not today. Today the entire office is done up in red, white and blue. Today there are balloons, banners, streamers. Today there is a banquet table with food. Today everyone in the office is wearing red, white and blue. Today everyone is wishing him luck and giving him "survival gifts". (calling cards, prepaid shipping for packages through a local company for his parents, etc.) Today the entire office pulled together to make this man's last day of work special. Today we say good bye to one of our own, we hope he comes back safe and sound. Today the women in my office are teary eyed as the possibility of this man not coming back is realized for the first time. Today the men in this office look at him and give him knowing nods. Today we are not republicans, nor democrats, nor libertarians, nor independents. Today we ARE Americans supporting our friend, coworker and employee.

Hopefully he will come back uninjured. I wish him and the rest of his unit the best of luck.