Luke Schmitz Survived Iraq

A loss of words today.
Today the emotional part of me has arrived. Honoring the life of Sgt. Joshua Hanson with the hundreds of other mourners in Pelican today was more difficult than what I had prepared myself for. Families who watched their son in their review mirror as they drove away from Camp Shelby in March, or those who watched them board the plane in Fargo last October, and those all around the United States all share this fear. I especially broke down with the actual visual realization of the alternative ending in Luke's incident. The military really brings people together; I have gained so much family in the last year. Not only do those soldiers have bonds together, but families, girlfriends and friends back home get to know the 'battle buddies' like kin and the other families more than just a support group.
The auditorium was filled with present and past military, Gov. Tim Pawlenty and other office holders, friends and of course the family of Josh. The ceremony itself was nicely done and emotional for even the people who didnt know him personally. I saw the most tears during his brother's song Amazing Grace, the presentation of medals and the recessional.
I really am not able to express all the feelings that are here today. I've had many people come up to me in the last 2 days saying they read my notes on Luke and enjoy getting the updates. People I've never met and those I've known for years alike, even those who just recognized me from my photos on here.
I am stopping here tonight. I talked to Luke, but I will write that tomorrow. He is well and his blood count went up again.
God Bless everyone and Rest in Peace with the Lord Joshua Hanson.