I have gotten to meet several of my son's commrades as they have come home on leave from Iraq. I met several at his service the week of March 2, 2007. I am so honored to now call them friends and to have heard from them stories and emotions of life with Josh. I wrote this letter to those who had to send Josh home while they fought on.
March 5, 2007
To Ghost Platoon,
Such is the nature of our human experience that joy and sorrow are the two sides of a single coin - joy and sorrow share the measure of a person equally.
My joy as SSG Hager’s father, Josh’s dad, has always been so great. He was the funniest kid, smiles and asleep in my arms. A fall, a cut, a fight, small sorrows.
We lived in different cities for many years - a larger sorrow and each of you know how difficult distance can be. But coming together at special times made joy all the brighter. Words do small service to the honor I felt when witnessing my son’s advancement in his service in the Army. Boot Camp and the Iron Mike - his wings and the 82nd - then seeing my father pin the Ranger tab on my son - Joy so large.
I was given the privilege of officiating Heather and Josh’s wedding on a beach in Florida. Joy so large.
Now in this moment, if given free reign, sorrow could wipe out the countless moments of joy forever. That will not happen.
In your lives and in your service I have a new source of joy and experience. Please share my lifetime of joy in Josh that you may go forward.
Rangers lead the Way.
God Bless,
Kris Hager