Let me tell you about my friend Lukasz Rogowski, more affectionately know as Rogo. We served together in 1st platoon, Delta company, 4th battalion 31st infantry, 2nd brigade combat team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum. We were some of the first new soldiers assigned to the unit when they returned from their previous deployment. Those were the tough days that made us into men, we were doing push ups all day long as punishment for our big mistake of being new guys. We shared a lot of painful experiences, but Rogo managed to always keep smiling. He must of had the biggest smile I’ve ever seen, it helped lightened the load. One time on CQ our squad leader had us holding our hand like binoculars against the window all night constantly scanning and he kept smiling. At JRTC in Louisiana we got in a fight and I said things I still regret, it’s was so hot our brains got fried. That sort of thing was typical and didn’t effect our friendship. Years after I was discharged he reached out asking life advice questions and when he signed off said “don’t be a stranger”, I try to be better at communicating with people now thanks to him. When I saw some odd behavior from him I reached out, knowing what I’ve been through I was afraid he was experiencing a similar situation, I wish I could have done more for him. When he first got to Drum I remember his POV looking like a monster truck, he loved his cars, so I was happy to see after he passed his family had his current vehicle fixed up and it looked great, he would have loved it. I want to give these men more of the honor they deserve so if anyone has stories of Rogo, feel free to share.
Chris' Morning Pages 