The Forgotten War

My heart is full today. As some of you may know Corey was commissioned into the Army Reserves about a year ago. My husband's choice to be in the military is not one that I have ever taken lightly, and if I think about it long enough I get very emotional. As a student he isn't required to complete any official Army training yet, but he has come in contact with a few other CRNA's (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) who are also in the Reserves. One of his CRNA friends chose to be deployed at this time to Afghanistan, he is working as a CRNA, and has sent Corey a couple emails during his deployment. We received an email today from him that brought me to tears, and I knew that I had to share it with you all. I will post it here in its entirety. Basically, I want to say thank you to our Armed Forces for all that they have done to protect our freedoms, and I feel SO blessed to live in a country where we have so many freedoms. Even if this war is often called the forgotten war, let us not forget the brave men and women who have died on our behalf.


Email written by Dustin Degman:

Hello All,
I write you all today with a sad heart in remembering the passing of an old friend from my hometown in Gardiner Oregon. For those who do not know, I grew up on the Oregon coast in a very small town of about 500 people, about 20 miles north of Coos Bay Oregon. In a town that small, memories are easily made. James Nehl was one of the people who lived in Gardiner while I was growing up. So I have many great memories of him, and the other five to six guys that lived in my small town. As with the passing of time, you end up staying in close touch with your closest friends, and occasionally hear about other friends through family and the community. I unfortunately lost touch with James many years back.


I will fast forward to today. I have had few opportunities to call back home when traveling to Afghanistan. Much time had passed before calling family and friends. Once I settled down at FOB Orgun-E my wife sent all of my magazines and newspapers I subscribe to. One of the weekly newspapers I receive is the Army Times. The Army Times prints the names of those who lost their lives in the fight for Operation Enduring Freedom. We had just lost a soldier here at Orgun-E two days before my arrival and our staff wanted to see his picture and short bio. As we turned the page and found our lost soldier, I saw the word under hometown: Gardiner, Oregon just to the right of the soldier who died here at Orgun-E. I then saw the age and put the pieces together before I even saw the name. Crazy part is the Army recruiter played basketball with all of us guys from Gardiner, and eventually recruited James. James later became a Ranger, came home with a friend and we all played football (like old times). His friend had cleats that put a large cut over my right thigh when I tackled him, a scar that I still hold today! I could go on with memories, but can honestly say that I never imagined personally knowing someone who died fighting in Afghanistan. There are around 2100 deaths in the last 11 years between Iraq and Afghanistan. In a country of over 300 million people, I just never thought I would ever have the chance of knowing any of the soldiers killed. Especially in a town of 500 people. So, I decided not to have sweets for the month of December to remember an old friend. He was assigned to the First Infantry Division, the same Division I am supporting today. His passing was Nov. 9th, the same day I left Asheville for active duty. I do not think any of the other 10 people on our surgical staff will complain if I place sweets in the staff room, but I will have to wait until January for my next sweet. Cannot think of another thing to sacrifice. Already without family, friends, and a cold brew! Do not want to give up breathing, eating, sleeping, or working out! Hope to give you better news with the passing of time.

(This email makes me want to be a better person, and that's why I had to share it with you all).