The contents of my today's parcel:
Yep ... one of these things is not like the other.
(So what order should homecoming be ... my new moves, then Restrepo? LOL)
I have read a lot of positive buzz on Restrepo (click for link to site), and asked Sebastian if had had a chance to see it. He hadn't even heard of it, which suprised me, but he looked into it and responded that he had been in country and in the area for the events depicted in the film, and yes he would like to see it. So I went ahead and purchased a copy. Now I am wondering if I should watch it myself first, to desensitize myself, or if i should wait and watch it with him. I will likely wait.
I did watch the clip of the interview with Staff Sgt Sal Giunta, the first living American Medal of Honour recipient since the Vietnam War. The scene in the interview that resonated the most with me was when they asked him "what went through your head when you heard you were going to be up for a Medal of Honour?" and Staff Sgt Giunta's response is "Fuck You". He goes on to explain it, but that response is what truly makes him worthy of the Medal. Those of you who know soldiers who live what they are will understand ... and I can't explain it to the rest.
The Sal Giunta Story from SebastianJunger/TimHetherington on Vimeo.
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Comms have been very frustrating lately. MSN and Skype will both show me as on line to him, but will not show me that he is on line, and either won't deliver his mesages to me, or won't deliver my replies to him. This morning I was getting messages and answering them, but he obviously wasn't getting my answers, and he eventually decided I really wasn't here and gave up. I felt just awful. I did follow up with an e-mail, but haven't had a reply yet.
Soon, soon we will have more communication options available to us, and he will (hopefully!) have a more reliable internet connection. Soon.
As I observed elsewhere though, the closer "soon" gets, the more it seems to be dragging its feet! Time seems to have slowed down. The days are just dragging lately, although thankfully I am very busy with work, so that keeps me distracted during the days.
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I also got this parcel via UPS this morning - a replacement power supply for my external hard drive. Really, was this the most efficient use of packaging??
As you know, I've seen Restrepo and highly recommend it. I was very moved by what I saw but none of it came as a surprise, I was under NO illusions that war was "glorious" or "fun" nope and these film makers do something remarkable: they capture the under lying humanity, humor, loyalty, intelligence, bravado, valour and overall strength of the (American) Combat Soldier. It was impressive and honestly, I think you should watch it if that is something you feel strongly about.
ReplyDeleteI have watched Sal’s MOH interview videos as well as his visit to that asshole, David Letterman. He IS a class act. Like all the other MOH recipients I have seen and read about, he claims he did nothing special. Just his job. I’m not a boots-on-the-ground grunt (more like an ass-on-the-bunk sailor) but I do understand his attitude and salute him for it. And you can watch Restrepo on NetFlix free, too.
ReplyDeleteHi Honey......
ReplyDeleteListen....all the best to you and yours for the time ahead ! I often brush by your site when I'm online and send good wishes your way. merry Christmas !!