"Raising A Hero" (My Real Tribute to a Real American Hero!)
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A Tribute To Our Marine...
Raising A Hero
How could I know?
That I would help raise a hero.
Now…quiet are my thoughts of you,
When before we would’ve shared a laugh or two.
A good kid that could get into trouble,
Hey, that’s just kids, hope it don’t burst your bubble!
We ran our 8 mile run, close by the place where you are buried,
You answered your call back then, even when you were worried.
I learned a lot from you when you did,
I saw the man you became, I knew the kid.
I kept track of you as you veered left and right,
I went to get you once…and bring you home for the night!
I helped you with schoolwork, and took you on camping trips,
We didn’t argue much…every now and then…a few words crossed our lips.
The first day I met you, and your sister too, I won’t forget,
You talked on and on of your Dad, probably hiding your regret.
Then later on, I married your mother,
Relieved of duty from man of the house, you could return to son and brother.
And become the kid that was inside of you,
Everyone remembers your funny things of what you use to do.
But what amazes me is that in your short life,
You lived a lifetime…you still knew hurt and you knew strife.
But those are gone…you’ve been relieved of them, too.
PFC. Leroy Sandoval, Jr….I’m so proud of you!
Your Mom and sister will be fine,
You are always on their mind.
And for me as well,
Every part of War is hell!
But when the time came you stood up against the fire,
Any One, Any Where…would have to admire.
You were a brave man, and a funny kid,
I will never forget what you did.
And we were promised by the Marine Corp,
That your name would not be forgotten forever more.
Leroy…Leroy…LEROY! I had to yell out during our 8 mile run that day,
I screamed out of breath…‘Cause you were going the long way!
With your headphones back on, you couldn’t hear what I was trying to say,
So I took the shorter way, this was old man vs. new recruit…it wasn’t play.
Out of shape for the long run, we both needed to see what we could do!
I was hoping to run many more 8 mile stretches with you.
To see me already sitting down on the back porch…boy were you surprised!
We had been running neck to neck, and now looking back I realize.
That we crossed the finish line at two different times, just like in reality.
Oh, my young step son…I wish the one that took the bullet was the older one…me!
But...I mention this small little part of Leroy’s and my history,
To tell you how haunting that yell...out of breath...has come to be.
Sometimes I wake up...as I did this day,
And I’m screaming to him to turn, and run the other way!
This is not me trying to be poetic...It is exactly how I feel,
I hear myself scream out his name...I can’t believe that this is real.
Leroy stayed on his machine gun...when he should have run,
Today, like everyday... I think back to what he has done.
He fired back...and provided cover fire...and alone faced the enemy,
A lot of people in this world couldn’t do that...and that includes me!
How could I know?
That I would help raise a hero.
Now…quiet are my thoughts of you,
When before we would’ve shared a laugh or two…
__________________________________________
Leroy Sandoval, Jr. was killed in Fallujah, Iraq, on March 26, 2004, while returning evasive cover fire for his platoon: "Palerider 3", from on top of a HumVee during an ambush, set-up by the enemy to attack the whole platoon, at close range. His Platoon was set-up to block an intersection for Marines to return back to their base for the night. He was in position to fire on the enemy...and he was the only one who did return fire immediately...in response to the ambush. He was also in very close proximity to where the enemy was firing (17-30 meters as reported).
For the duration it took him to fire repeatedly from his machine gun...at the ones firing on the entire platoon...he was able to give his platoon the chance to gain cover. There have been accounts made where the bullets and RPG's of this ambush were passing in front of the faces of Marines and even, under their arms. It has also been reported that Leroy could be heard clearing several jambs to the ammo feed of his machine gun. He was firing for a very long time...as measured during combat. It has been stated that Leroy saved the lifes of upwards to half of his Platoon that day...and even more then that....without any exaggeration. When it was all over, Leroy's last remaining words were of his fellow Marines..."Is Everyone Alright?"
___________________________________________
Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved
Thank you, Leroy!
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That is beautiful and it made me cry what an honor and tribute you have given to your fallen son. I am certain that he is looking down at you and proud to call you his dad. :)
Thank you so much Rina and AE for your comments...I'm just so glad I was able to share a little about our great "Marine". God Bless Ya'll and to all that serve us...Thank you so much for what you do!
On Memorial Day 2009...My main wish would be...that we wouldn't add anymore to the list for the next Memorial Day...Semper Fi!
I commend you on your courage to share this hub in honor of your son. Thank your for a beautiful and humbling read.
Thank you...Am I Dead...Humbly, I agree with you: It is all about him and what he did...It is hard to forget the ultimate sacrifice made...especially when you know about it firsthand.
A truly moving piece of art. I feel for your loss, but also feel your pride in your son. This is a great tribute to your son. Thank you for sharing a special part of you and your son.
Thank You, Beth100. Leroy was a bright spark on the planet...a funny kid...that ultimately showed everyone how powerful he truly was! Everybody brings something special to the planet...I know my daughter is uniquely as wonderful! However...when that spark is willing to go to great lengths to stand up for you...and those around you. Well...let's just say you are extremely moved...and you never forget...oviously (Despite the fact that they are family...and it hurts more). But...it goes deeper than that. They have showed you selflessness by giving up their tomorrows. You just don't want anyone to forget their sacrifice!
Wow, I have no words, only tears and respect.
readytoescape: Thank you for this comment. I am still moved to many tears each time I read this one...over the heroism and self-sacrifice split decision thinking of my young step-son...every time I think of what he did. You are right...there are no words for it. I only tried my best to get these words right...in his honor! Humbly, MPM
I am at a loss for words, but feeling the need to leave a comment just the same. My family thanks your family for your sacrifice. His name will never be forgotten.
M Burger: Thank you for your comment. You know...it is all about a young Marine who took it upon himself...to volunteer for his country...and join where he felt he could serve the best. He was selfless in his devotion to these things...and when the time came he proved his selflessness...and did exactly what needed to happen to save Marines...and to not be defeated. God...I miss that kid (Man)...But...Quietly...I know that the Man (our kid) knew what he was doing...and would never have been happy with any less of an outcome...than what he helped to create!
"Leroy stayed on his machine gun...when he should have run,
He fired back...and provided cover fire...and alone faced the enemy...!" (These are true statements.)
And in so doing he saved a lot of his Marine Brothers lives...to the point that it could have been horrible loss statistics for our side...had he not stayed on his machine gun while others where able to gain cover. Respectfully, MPM
I was moved to tears by this. Your pride in him must be immeasurable, your loss, unimaginable. My condolences to you and your family on the loss of your son. To Leroy, my deepest respect.
semper fidelis
Thank you, PegCole17: Semper Fidelis....and thank you for this comment on this poem. I was just thinking of our Brave Marine...as I turned on the computer and checked my Hub account for the latest activity. Here is what crossed my mind as I read your comment...and re-read my poem about him...again:
This Poem was made out of Pride and Love for a Great Marine...and Step-Son. It is coming up on the 6th Christmas we will have w/o him...and not surprisingly...this Poem's few never-changing truths to it...hits me hard. We had a short time here with him to share our lifes...(Me even shorter)and very few Christmases. Ironically, the last time we all saw him was when he left after coming home for Christmas 2003. Seems so long ago...and like it was yesterday. I say these things in my comment...because they honor him. In a split second...Leroy lit up his machine gun and began returning covering fire to help protect his platoon during an ambush. His last words on this Earth were of concern whether his Marine Buddies were all alright...!? Leroy did what had to be done...there was no time to think about tomorrow...and so in Leroy's case...in a split decision...he gave up his tomorrows. Humblest Regards, MPM.
God bless our troops. http://hubpages.com/_1jlnpyoil2g4b/hub/TEARS-OF-A-
zzron: Amen...God Bless Our Troops !
Very touching. It really makes you think.
kimanesha: Thank you...yes it does. Losing a Serviceman or Woman is a Reality...Young ones do die in War. There is a sacrifice made. There is a Price to Freedom. These are not just sayings: "They are Reality!" Appreciate you commenting and reading this one....
And a Big Thank You goes out to Leroy! Best Regards, MPM
When I read about your loss , I turn to stone , there are no words ,stay well ....keep writing!
ahorseback: Thank you for your words of kind thoughts. Sadly...I regret that this poem ever had to be made...but is sadly true and real to me and my family.
Thank you for reading it and for commenting on it.
It is a sad truth...and a harsh reality...that people do die in War. I hope this poem can somehow express the loss of someone important in your life...when gone...in a moment's notice...because of War! Humble regards, MPM
You brought a tear to this old saddlerider eye. A fitting tribute to your son, he was brave and stood his ground and didn't run, he saved his comrades, a true brave soldier deserving all the LOVE and RECOGNITION from our master on high. May he RIP and know that he is missed by you his loving Dad and family. Peace and hugs my friend.
I am so Proud of our youngsters and how brave the servicemen are. Wars are so terrible I just cannot understand why anyone thinks "Killing" will make the world a better place...
I to have lost a Marine, my stepfather, and he was so proud to be one...but he died here at home..God Bless your tender heart and I must add SADDLERIDER posted this on FB and that brought me here...and I am so glad for that...:O) Hugs G-Ma
saddlerider1: Thank you, Thank you...for your words...and for posting this on FB. When you send out Love and Recognition for a selfless sacrifice (and a heroic one) it is noticed...I'm sure...by our Master on high! And by such a Marine. Truly, Truly...such a fine Marine carried out...unwavering in his duty...what had to be done...and only he was able to be in a position to do so. Pfc. Leroy Sandoval, Jr. was days into his deployment "in country" and at a Foward Operating Base...when during an ambush...returned covering fire by his machine gun...alone...to save Marines. And he did! It was his first deployment...he had finished School of Infantry training...and in less than one short year...he had gone right into the very fire that was on the news everynight! And he was PROUD to do so!
What more can a Proud Step-father say...except that he is so, so very missed by his family and friends...everyday...and very often...every hour!
Peace to you, my friend...Thank you for mentioning my step-son in honor with your comment. It is appreciated...for his sake...for what he has done...and put on the line for others! Best of Regards, MPM
G-Ma Johnson: I am also very proud of our "youngsters". I call them "Young Ones" because I have looked into their very capable eyes before being deployed in to a War Zone! They hold might and power and ability in their hands...but they are all human...and thus fragile. And...every last one of them...has their whole life ahead of them!
What more can you say about such Volunteers? I'm at a loss...especially when considering my Step-son. I just want to forever yell "Thank You" to what they have commited themselves, too!
War is Hell! And speaks horribly of how mankind is unable and incapable of settling matters amongst themselves. What price is War? For every side? It is the price of losing our very best and brightest "Young Ones"...as the first tragedy of War...the rest of the tragedy all falls into place...as well. There is nothing but death and destruction to mark the event of a War...and left behind in its' wake. God be with them that serve their country!
Sorry for the loss of your Marine! Thank you for commenting here on this poem about ours. God Bless you, G-Ma...Humblest of regards, MPM
Hello Manlypoetryman,
Wow, way too beautiful!!!
I really am sorry for your loss.
My eyes are tearing.
N.E. Wright: Thank you for that. Appreciate you reading this one...also. This one is a clear reminder of what being in service for our country can ultimately mean...for the one who serves...and to those around him. Humbly, MPM
RinaMonte 3 years ago
This is so moving, especially these lines, "
Oh my young step son…I wish the one that took the bullet was the older one…me!
But I mention this small little part of Leroy’s and my history,
To tell you how haunting that yell, out of breath, has come to be.
Sometimes I wake up, as I did this day,
And I’m screaming to him to turn, and run the other way!
This is not me trying to be poetic; It is exactly how I feel,"
Beyond words....