Beyond The Ghosts (Legacy Falls Project) (14 page)

“Ma'am—" I looked at Goemans' mother seated in the first row with Pierson at her side "—I'm so sorry for your loss. No parent should ever outlive their children. I am proud to have known and served with him. He is not truly gone. Those of us who remain behind remember, and will continue to remember, because he now resides forever in our hearts. We all thank you for your son and wish you peace in knowing he made a difference. God bless."

I walked away from the podium and took my seat next to Christina who had tears streaming down her face. I wrapped my arm around her and pulled her to my chest as the next speaker took the podium. 

I couldn't leave my men, but I didn't want to leave Christina. I wasn't sure which one would hurt worse in the end. 

After the reception, Christina and I went back to the hotel and we laid in bed after fucking ourselves to comfortable exhaustion. The television was watching us and another sitcom with a laugh reel provided background noise. 

"Do you like Texas?" I asked, pressing a kiss into her scalp.

"It's nice, I guess. Not much different than Legacy Falls, just ... bigger."

"How would you like coming back here?"

"Sure, why not. I will go with you. Coming back to visit your friends?"

"Not exactly," I whispered. "This is my duty station."

"You're staying?"

"Not today, but I have to come back ... soon." She got stiff in my arms as the reality of my words set in, and I lifted her chin for her to face me. 

"I want you with me."

"Why?"

"Because I love you. You calm me."

"No, why do you have to go back? I thought you were done?"

"That’s what my mom wants. This is who I am, but I want to be better. I won't be a soldier forever. I can retire in just four years. I just don't want to wait four years for you."

"You're a good man, Peter."

"I want to be better, and I want something to come home to. I want to come home to you." 

"I thought you weren’t good at relationships."

"I never tried. You're worth trying for." 

"A monkey could do my job, I guess."

"You don't have to make a decision today. Just think about it."

She nuzzled against my chest and sighed deeply. "Yes."

The next morning, I woke up another day without nightmares. I looked down at the mass of light brown hair that was spread across my chest like an octopus. Christina was still sleeping, and her slow even breaths heated my chest. I kissed the top of her head, and she inhaled sharply as she stirred. 

"Hey, sleepy head. It's almost ten. We have to check out soon."

"Mmm, but this bed is so comfy. Can we take it home with us?"

"I think they might charge us for it. I'm gonna go pack up my stuff next door."

"Okay, I will be right here."

I smacked her ass, and she squealed and sat upright in the bed with her lip stuck out in a pout. "What was that for?"

"If I have to get up, you do too. Come on, Munchkin, get that pretty ass moving."

She wiggled her ass on her way to the edge of the bed. "I bet you say that to everyone."

"Hell no. Just you. I don't tell my
men
they have pretty asses, only that they are gonna lose them if they don’t move them."

"So, you think I'm pretty, huh?" Coy, faux-naïve Christina was back. 

"Baby, you're beautiful. I'm going to go pack."

Back in my room, I gathered my things and packed my dress blues in my garment bag and stuffed my toiletries into my backpack. I sat on the edge of my bed and changed into a pair of jeans and a t-shirt and tugged on my boots at the foot of my bed. I wasn't wearing my issue socks and my boots felt funny. I stood up and took a few steps and something was poking me in the heel. 

I removed my boot and shook it upside down and out dropped a single dog tag. 

Pierson, Daniel 114-68-6122

A Pos

2 Sept 1978

Catholic

No, no, no.
I held the boot to my face and pulled the tongue down and looked closer to see Pierson 6122 written in black Sharpie on the inside of the tongue. I looked around for Pierson's stuff and his ruck sack was tucked in the corner of the closet. I didn't even see it when I had taken out my garment bag. 

A cold shiver ran down my spine as I turned to face the closed bathroom door. I opened the door and my worst fears came to fruition. Pierson's limp body hanging from the overhead pipe in his dress blues and patent leather shoes would haunt me forever. 

This book holds a very special place in my heart. It is dedicated to my eldest uncle and godfather, Airman First Class Pedro Juan Garcia Jr., United States Air Force, Vietnam, 31 Dec 1952-31 Aug 2003 who has always been my hero and my male role model. Long before any other children were born in our family, he was the firstborn and so was I, and that bond can never be severed. His guidance and lessons remain in my heart forever. I am blessed he was able to see my daughter, Ariel Elizabeth, be born and experience another generation in our bloodline before he was taken to heaven. His legacy remains forever. I love you, Uncle Pete.

Also to my cousin, Staff Sergeant Pedro Juan Garcia III, carries on our family legacy as he continues to currently serve in the United States Army as a 13 Bravo, Howitzer Section Chief. P.J. has served three deployments to date: two in Iraq and one in Kuwait. I cannot express the love and pride I have for my cousin and the honorable man and father he has become. Your dad loved you and I see his spirit in you every time you smile.

For my daughter, Ariel Elizabeth Pardo, you are my life and everything I do is for you. Never underestimate nor take for granted each opportunity you have been given. Even though war and the ugliness of the world may be out of sight and out of mind, every day men and women around the world fight to protect our freedoms and keep us safe. Always take the time to share in an elder's wisdom and thank a man or woman in uniform. Through their sacrifice, our happy days are possible. 

I conducted multiple interviews with both active duty and retired soldiers as I wrote this book that have served in the Army, the Marines, Army National Guard, the Navy, and the Air Force. Words cannot begin to describe my appreciation for their candor, insight and raw honesty, even if it meant digging into some locked, buried depths of their memories bringing sometimes painful and/or disturbing memories to the surface. While the characters portrayed are fictional, the stories, emotions and experiences are very real. I hope I have done them all justice. 

With deepest thanks to: (in rank order)

First Sergeant David Ray Hickman, United States Army, 13Z Field Artillery Senior NCO, has 21 years of service and is currently serving as a Senior Leader Course School Chief at Fort Sill NCO Academy in Oklahoma. Thank you for being a great friend. I enjoy our walks, hikes, and talks, even if you cut my balloon bouquet down and let them fly away. Have faith, my friend, there is still hope.

Sergeant First Class Charles E Mills, US Army, 11B Infantry, has 18.5 years of service and is currently serving as a Senior Instructor/Writer at Fort Sill in Oklahoma. Thank you for motivating me to be better and push a little harder every day. Even on days when I didn't want to move, your commitment made me do it.

Staff Sergeant Paul M Nebel, US Army, 14E Enhanced Patriot Operator/Maintainer has 16 years of service and currently serving as Instructor/Writer at Fort Sill in Oklahoma. It takes a village and we have a tribe. Thank you for trusting me with your thoughts, your boys and making our #familybychoice even bigger. Every day is a new joy and a new experience as we all grow together. 

Sergeant Amber Martin, US Army, 94F Drill Sergeant/Computer Detection and systems repair, has 9 years of service and is currently serving as a Drill Sergeant for new recruits at Fort Sill in Oklahoma. Amber aka Mackenzie's mom has become a member of my #familybychoice. Our daughters are best friends who bonded as the two new kids on the block on the volleyball team. Who knew that two random parents sitting next to each other grumbling under their breath during orientation would share kids, laughs, meals, homes, dogs, and become family. Apparently, the kids did as we texted them both and they trotted back together. The universe works in mysterious ways. God definitely had his hand in that one.

Timothy Allen Hoosier served in United States Marines as a Corporal from 1997-2001 as 0844 Fire Direct Field Artillery. He continued his service in the United States Army as a Specialist from 2003-2014 in multiple job titles including 13D Fire Directions Control and 88M Motor Transportation Specialist. Now retired, Tim currently serves as a Corrections Officer in Oklahoma. God puts people in our lives for a reason and your path to me was kind of roundabout but I'm glad you made it and stuck around through it all. In an odd way, I think it worked out that I suck at checking my email because somehow I don't think we would have had as many laughs, beer tastings (that Red Hoppy one still sucks) or late night fun had things panned out any other way. Thank you my friend, Cheers! Bring the beer...

Specialist Kaleb Andrew Killough, United States Army, 94F Computer Detection and systems repair served his country from 2006-2008 and was honorably discharged. You are more than just a spouse or part of a package deal, you are a true friend, good parent and I'm glad you are in my #familybychoice. It's awesome to be able to sound off and you give it right back in spades. Zero fucks given, get butthurt or get over it. 

And to all those who I have met at Fort Sill, Camp Smith, Fort Hamilton, Fort Leonard Wood, Fort Bragg, Fort Hood, Fort McClellan, Fort Jackson, Altus Air Force Base, Sheppard Air Force Base, and Fort Benning that sat with me, chatted, answered endless questions, explained what to you might have seemed trivial or goofy things to me, and were so patient and have chosen to remain anonymous, thank you for your time, friendship and sharing your experiences with me. 

Sora thank you for Mei. #challengeaccepted. What greater challenge than a mute. I look forward to more adventures featuring Mei. Thank you my graveyard shift fellow vampire.

It's my hope that this book while entertaining, builds awareness and support for both active duty military and veterans. Twenty-two veterans a day ... or even one, is one too many to lose to suicide. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a serious and very present factor as well as lack of support services for returning soldiers. The 22 Project is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, established to support our returning veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Many veterans return with severe psychiatric and psychological impairment, including rage, addiction to alcohol and/or drugs, as well as criminal behavior and suicidal thoughts.