I thought about this - I just don't care anymore -

I wrote "On a Wing and a Prayer" I wrote it for the guys. I love those guys!!!

I am FMJ Pacheco.

Dad was a Major in the US Air Corp (later the USAF) And My mother was an evac nurse in the
Army. Dad had two presidential citations, a croix de guerre and three DFC's. Purple heart with oaks - all that.

My uncle was the XO on the Kearsarge - and all that. All true.

And that was Uncle John way back when that commanded with 3rd Army-

Di Silva, Pacheco = like smith over there.

From this day - I will not worry about it again.

I don't know everyones numbers - Dad's was A0831458 - mom's - N-762414.

That was dad that knocked out the first 262 for the americans way back - that is my dad in those history books.

I did this post - and I have no more need to hold back ever again.

I know war - very coldly.

Joe Pacheco

Keeping you and your son in my prayers.

Joe keep posting

My brothers - they didn't think so much of officers. (nice way to put it).

One of my brothers had it pretty bad. He was sick once at Ord. My father found out - got a hold of that captain - talk about ripping someone a new asshole - my god.

We went up to Monterey - all that - but when we got back that seargent got a hold of my brother - taught him about what new asshole really meant.

It was an educational experience - to me - since I wasn't at Ord - to my brother - something greater - It is funny now.

Wasn't at the time to him. Pretty funny now though - -really funny when I think about it!!


Joe

And trust me, perhaps we all should tell funny tales

Some of them apply regardless of service or army

We got an inspection, by a desk jokey too young to wear that rank... it is nice when you know people, if you get my drift

So he starts going over all that is wrong... we chuckle....

He also starts goign over why we should not wear a particular patch... the uniform had not been authorized locally yet... but you get the picture


So we go out on a call, and we have all the gear he's only seen on a damn book. We work the patient and get him to the ER, and then he starts chewing another medic for doing things he's not trained... and he turns and points to his patch... he was just the medical director....

That night I start passing my railroad tracks... come morning he was not sure who was in charge.

So we are all tired, and ready to go home from watch, but he forces the formation.

He screams, who's in charge? The whole company steps forwards with a loud thump...

Oh he was so embarrased... but what could he do?

And yes, I was the ring leader... got more stories from this desk jockey, spit and shine... who never (or rather rarely) saw the field, and who was a real pain.

Oh and it was funny then, it is hysterical today

Oh and Joe

We know how bad things are, and we hate it... we hear you...

If you need to talk, send me a PM

this country will yet again do you proud.

You have a vested interest in this, Joe.

How is Troy?

And how are you?

If you still have my number...

call me.

Take a few deep breaths and take it easy, Brother.

Troy better be on the airplane from Kuwait city right now to home.

This is not going to go away Tom - know how I know??

Kid had the same look in his eyes as my father - dead look.

There was this fight in Samarra - a firefight - four little kids killed. There were six shooters on our side - four little ones killed. They got in the way.

He loved the kids - loved them!!

Like I said - at 200 yards who knows who killed who.

I'll tell you - a lot of his rations, a lot of his pay went to the kids.

I know that look Tom - I have seen it before - never thought I'd see it in my kids eyes.

But I know.

Joe

if you need to talk, I'll send you my phone number over PM

And I am sorry about the kids... I could post the usual tripe, but I won't lie to you, and you won't lie to me.

You know what really scared me - there was a loud noise - and I watched him duck my god - like the olympics. Never seen anything like it in my life. Hard to describe.

I know what happened all those years ago- not to my kids, though.

Like that -

Joe

and it is always harder when it is your kid.... but as I said, I won't lie to you. And it is time for all of us to continue the fight. We owe them that much Joe, we do.

We are their voices... and there are those amongst us that hear you loud and clear and support you.

We are here for you, ok

ducking and diving ain't no big deal.

Happens to a lot of us.

We can hope for that.

I fought to get the kid to jump to CO - not a fucking chance.

As you say - a worthy goal -an attainable goal.

Joe

I know.

Tom

The fight in the Valley - (god forgive my spelling) Kwa and Que Sahn -

I don't know anyone that lived in Kwa but I do in Que - Dear god, what happened to the kids up there that lived - it is just not right!!!

They pushed them from one end of the valley to the other until they got flushed out at Que -
And then it was just a blood fight.

My brother in law will die now cause of that fight - they tried to defoliate the valley - and they pushed them out there -

Jesus Christ what happened there - dear god.

Well, I know you know - and I have no intent to be graphic.



Joe

posts

?? is everything okay with you??

(and congrats on writing the book!)

As best as I can.