Today was Fathers' Day. Nobody here really noticed. What we have noticed in the intelligence section is that although arhabi attacks in general are still well below average, we have seen a little bit of an uptick in IED's here in our area. I had a very few people wish me a happy fathers' day today beacuse they know my beautiful wife is expecting our first child. My thoughts on Fathers' day still turn to my father, who passed away, too young, almost two years ago, at the at the age of 71. He was an exceptional father and human being. A finer example of manly chivalry, I have never seen. I wrote this poem for his funeral. I wish he had seen it before he passed.
MY HERO
Be whatever you want
But be a good one
Always do the right thing
And be sure to have fun
He is the man
That I want to be
A daunting task
For the likes of me
Kind and thoughtful
Always and all ways
Exemplifying the Golden Rule
To the last of his days
Responsible, trustworthy and loving
He taught me about being a man
Philanthropic and wise
For one should if one can
His words are oft repeated
The wise and the jest
Intelligent yet humble
Gave family his best
A bit of a kook
He loved his life
Only exceeded
By love for his wife
Like a good wine
Should not stay on the shelf
His faith daily drove him
To serve higher than self
A road less traveled
With others in need
When no one was looking
He’d do the right deed
There’s a hole in the world
Where he used to be
Now a darker place
Since he is now free
To know this man of honor
We have been truly blessed
“Pass it on.” He would say
“And give it your best”
To Andrew John Krappman Jr.
-GJK
As a soon-to-be father, I have a very tough act to follow....
Maj K,
You have the right stuff...you learned well from your father, and you will pass it on to the next generation without fail. Without men like you, we would not be worth saving.
Thank you.
Posted by: Edward | June 20, 2005 at 03:12 AM
Major K.
You ARE a father! So happy father's day!
And thank you very much for sharing your poem with us. To me... It fits my dad so perfectly it's almost scary.
My brother and I took dad out for a round of golf for father's day (He's really easy to please and so very hard to live up to). The golf was really ugly, but much fun was had.
Keep yourself and your men as safe as possible.
Derek
Posted by: Derek S. Ford | June 20, 2005 at 03:26 AM
It's said that if you want to see how you show up in the world, look at your children. Soon you will have an opportunity to do so. In the meantime I want to thank your father for raising such a fine son who believes in love of God, love of country and love of service. I want to thank you for allowing me and mine to sleep safely tonight. Thank you for being of service. And finallly, I want to ask your Father in heaven to see to it that you return safely to your family's loving arms. Happy Father's Day!
Posted by: Pam in Fresno, California | June 20, 2005 at 03:55 AM
Thanks, Greg. I miss him too.
paully
Posted by: paully | June 20, 2005 at 05:48 AM
Happy Father's Day Greg, (you too Paul and John)
you all are good men and good fathers and that pays tribute to dad.
Love you
Gleppie
Posted by: Beth | June 20, 2005 at 07:11 AM
What can one say about a Life? God Bless you and your family. Your dad was right about the things you wrote about. How did he get it? From his dad, family,and life experence. As you are the result, He was a Fine Man! Be Safe BE QUICK AND GET HOME FASTER:)
Posted by: m. p. sheehan | June 20, 2005 at 07:13 AM
We didn't forget you or Estrada this Father's Day. God Bless You!
Posted by: Stacy Torres | June 20, 2005 at 07:26 AM
Greg,
You make us proud. My family and I think of you often and we want you to know we appreciated the work you and the military are doing to keep us safe.
Douglas Nilsen
Posted by: Douglas Nilsen | June 20, 2005 at 08:37 PM
Major,
It has now occurred to me that all we young men who had father's we revere,have a complex about "measuring up".
I cannot tell you how many times I have told my own now grown up children how I always had this lack of self confidence about being as good a father as mine was.
Something tells me your son will feel the same way and as his father before him,will become a great father as well.
Posted by: Patrick | June 24, 2005 at 01:51 AM
I can add nothing to what has already been said. God Bless you Major.
By the way, did you get that pakg from the Chaplains group yet? I hope so and that there is something in it that will give you some measure of comfort in coming days.
Posted by: devildog6771 | July 03, 2005 at 04:14 PM