AMY GALVEZ -- PROUD MARINE MOM
On August 20, I was notified that my son, Cpl. Adam Galvez USMC, had been killed in action in Iraq.
Little did I know the chain of events that had been set in motion. The loss of Adam is the most difficult experience I have ever faced, but it also opened the door to more blessings than I have ever known. The support shown to us by the Marine Corps was beyond anything I would have imagined, and that was just the tip of the iceberg. The outpouring of love and support from friends, neighbors, the community, the country, total strangers, organizations, and dignitaries including President Bush, provided us with comfort and strength unlike anything I had ever known.
The connections and networks we had formed since the time Adam joined the Marines truly became a sustaining strength. After the funeral when life should return to “normal” people were still there for us, a true blessing for sure. The 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Adam’s unit, returned from Iraq on September 30. A memorial service was scheduled at the base in 29 Palms for the battalion and the families of those who did not return, eight in total. Our few days in 29 Palms is the experience I want to share with you. We arrived in 29 Palms around 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 4.
Three Marines who had worked closely with Adam, and had come to Salt Lake City following his death, and remained with us until after the funeral, had found a very special place in our hearts.
These three arranged for an evening where we would get to meet some of the Marines Adam served with. They set it up at a local pizza restaurant and had made arrangements for about 25 people.
When we arrived at Rocky’s, the parking lot was filled with young men, Marines. One by one we were greeted, hugged and loved by these young warriors who had just returned from the battlefield. I was handed bouquets of flowers. Some of these Marines held me and cried as they told me how much Adam meant to them.
They told stories of their experiences and expressed such sadness at the loss of a good friend. Over and over, we were told Adam enjoyed being on the “front lines,” and did an excellent job, always trying to improve, teaching others and going the extra mile for a fellow Marine.
In a letter given to us, a Marine wrote, “I remember how fondly he spoke of both of you, how no matter how badly he messed up, you were always there for him.” Knowing my son shared his love for us with friends, is something I will always treasure.
It took at least an hour to work our way through the people in the parking lot. After entering the restaurant there was more of the same. Marine after Marine came up to me expressing their feelings and showing us more love than I have ever known in my life.
There were also several serious conversations with those who were involved in the attack that killed Adam. They filled in many details surrounding Adam’s death that had remained elusive until now.
Despite our tragedy, losing our son, these young Marines were there, and knew first hand the gruesome details. They too are expected to return to “normal life” as we are.
This may not be as easy as it sounds. I think in some ways it was comforting and healing for them to meet us, like it was for us to meet them. An evening that was planned for about 25 people grew to nearly 100. Unbelievable! The day of the memorial service, Thursday, October 5th, proved to be another incredible experience.
In the early morning, we met with the commanding officers of Delta Company and H&S Company -- Adam had served with both companies -- as well as the battalion commander and many others. They filled in more details as well as showed an amazing amount of support and love. Our loss was their loss.
Families of the others killed during this deployment were also present. It was a great time of getting to know each other and realizing we had all been thrust together by tragedy, but had formed a bond that will last a lifetime.
The memorial service was beautiful. Hundreds of Marines stood in formation on the general’s lawn facing the families seated in the stands. Before us were eight memorials of the familiar helmet atop an inverted rifle with dog tags dangling and a pair of boots signifying a fallen warrior.
An 8-by-10 photo of each man lost sat beneath the rifle, between the two boots.
One by one, Marines took turns speaking about each man who had not returned from this deployment. Yes, it was sad, but there was such joy in the celebration of the lives of each of these young Marines. Twenty-nine Palms is notorious for its blistering heat, but that day was cool, with cloud cover and a slight breeze which was a reminder of the special treatment God was giving us. Following the ceremony, a reception was held at the Officers Club where we continued to meet and talk with more Marines and families. Again, words cannot fully describe the experience or our gratitude for the way we were treated.
Much to my chagrin, I found my husband talking to General Paxton about a Purple Heart my son had been overlooked for from an earlier attack, in which he had been injured. I recovered from that and continued to enjoy every moment of this day.
After the reception, the families of those killed were taken to a classroom where the company commander explained the details of the attacks that killed our sons.
He drew maps and diagrams showing exactly what happened, who was where, where the enemy was, what vehicles were where, and that type of thing that gave a very clear understanding of the events that lead to the deaths of our sons. The way in which each family was treated, confirmed we have been given a special place of honor within the United States Marine Corps. I have never been more proud to be a Marine mom and am grateful to be part of this very special Marine Corps family. As Americans, we take so much for granted. We complain about the silliest things. We get busy with our lives, forgetting why America is great. The men and women of our Armed Forces, who willingly give and serve so we can enjoy the liberty we know, sadly get overlooked in our busy lives.
We truly could never thank them enough for what they do.
I hope this account of our experience will serve as a reminder that freedom is not free. A price is being paid every day. For our family, it is a very big price, but we are not alone in this sacrifice.
As Americans we must respect, cherish and protect our liberty and way of life.
Let us never forget the cost of freedom.
- by Bob Lonsberry © 2006
