13 November, 2008

1,000 Words

I was talking to a friend of mine yesterday, a recently-retired Marine Command Sergeant Major, about my impressions of Admiral Mullen after having observed him with the wounded and others in close proximity last week. He remarked that in his experience, those selected to be Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff have been surprisingly humble and gentle men, and went on to speak highly of former CJCS and fellow Marine, General Peter Pace, based on having repeated interactions with him over the years.

Rather serendipitously, I stumbled across a photo of Gen. Pace while doing a Google image search this morning. I couldn't find the context (I'm guessing it's one of the Friday Pentagon tours for the wounded where everyone lines the halls and cheers as they arrive), but it seemed to speak for itself.

Look closely [click to enlarge]. So much said in every detail of everybody in this picture...

Heart-breaking, joyous, sobering, inspiring and more... all at the same time.

Life in time of war...