Irish Maam's boys

[Walt's Daughter]

These guys rock. So touched by this story tonight. Is anyone here with me?

 

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1LT Christina Schneck

 

Baghdad, Iraq- SPC Taylor Schmit of the 227th Supply Company, no stranger to convoys, watched as the gun truck squad readied for yet another mission. Precious cargo to be picked up would be an understatement to Schmit. This convoy would be picking up his older brother, Dustin, serving with the 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment. After nearly eight months without seeing each other, two brothers, Taylor and Dustin Schmit, would reunite ten thousand miles away from home. Both are fighting in Operation Iraqi Freedom 3.5.

 

Both brothers joined the Army immediately following the attacks on the U.S. on September 11th, believing that they needed to do more. “It is easy enough to wave a flag and say that you are patriotic,†said Dustin, “To us, it meant serving our countryâ€. Taylor then said, “I plan on pursuing a teaching career after the Army. History taught from schoolbooks is one thing, but to teach what I actually experienced, now I am part of history. I can help break the stereotypes from what I have seenâ€.

 

Both brothers are conducting missions that put them in harm’s way. Dustin’s unit conducts patrols around the city and Taylor’s unit provides security on the supply convoys that run on some of the same dangerous streets of Baghdad. When asked how they feel about having their brother in a combat zone, both laughed and responded in unison, “It is fine for me but I worry about himâ€.

 

“It is also part family tradition†said Dustin, “We have had a family member serve in every major conflict from the French and Indian War to the present dayâ€. Taylor caveats with “Our mom, even before we were both over here, would send soldiers care packages. I know she worries about us but she is proud to have her sons serving in the militaryâ€.

 

As the desert sun slips into the horizon, two brothers get the chance to enjoy each other’s company, at least for a short while. And for the two, all is right in a not so free world.