Monday, April 07, 2008

Humbled

8 Apr 08

There was an award ceremony before I left Iraq. It was pretty strange. There was a group of doctors – 8 of us in all – who all came to Iraq together. We were all scheduled to leave on the same day, so the commander gathered us all below the American flag and surrounded us with the entire hospital staff. The Army Commendation Medal was presented to all of us for the outstanding work we did in the combat theater of operations.

Well, all of us except me.

No one said anything right away. There were all kinds of rumors. “Why didn’t Dr. Chako get an award?” “Did he kill someone?” “Did he piss off the commander?”

Actually, the Deputy Commander told me to tell everyone that I didn’t get an award because I was sleeping around, but they just couldn’t figure out with whom. I told people it was because I punched out the chaplain during a poker game.

The real reason I didn’t get an award is because my award took a little longer to process. You see, it needed to be approved by a three-star general prior to being signed by the Secretary of the Army.


20 comments:

MHG said...

Big congrats :)

BWoP said...

Congratulations!

Unknown said...

Karma, my friend.

I am even more proud to know you.

Congratulations and Thank You for your service.

Many good men didn't come home. I'm extremely glad you did.

Zeem said...

Thank you for your service. Welcome home.

The Bracelet said...

Job well done, doc.

I'll have you know that while you were winning that award I was also getting something.

My doc says it'll clear up in two weeks.

Congrats!

SirFWALGMan said...

Third Sucks Man! Why Did you not go for the Gold! You will never be a winner.

Haha! Just kidding Doc. Nice award for a job well done. Thank you for your service!

WSOP Floor Supe said...

Congratulations and happy belated birthday. I will be honored to shake your hand in June.

911siren said...

Oh my brother (not a monk) I could not be more proud of you than I am right now. And considering all of your accomplishments and hard work in you life, that is saying a lot.

It just got sunnier outside and I know that it is because dad is beaming his bright light down from heaven. He is overjoyed and I can feel it!!!

You are amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love Sister Michele (not a nun)

BamBam said...

Very nice Doc. No doubt in my mind that it's an award well deserved.

Daddy said...

nh

StB said...

Well done! Thanks again for your sacrifice.

John G. Hartness said...

Congrats, bro.

Wwonka said...

Congrats

Anonymous said...

Congrats!

Unknown said...

W-o-w

Well done Doc!!!

Heather said...

congrats!

Student of Life said...

Nice. Thanks for the work you did for your country. I could tell from reading it was not an easy task--on so many levels. Your accolades are well-deserved.

The NL Wife said...

You sure you didn't have to sleep with someone to get this?

Nice job, hon.

RaisingCayne said...

Congrats!!!

"...exceptionally meritorious service..."

Anonymous said...

Hey bro,

Those things don't come easy and yours is certainly well deserved. W00t!