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May 9, 2006
by Lonnie D. Story
There are some things in life we can handle. There are other things in life we must handle. There are some things we cannot handle. This is one thing, I cannot, and will not, handle. How about you?
As this email goes out, the date will be April 1, 2006. It is not an April Fool's joke. It is real and it is sincerely serious. For those who don't know yet, April 1st 1982 was the day that Dustin Brim was born to Larry and Lori Brim in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Two years ago this very day, Lori received a telephone call from her only child in a Baghdad hospital. "Mom, I've got to tell you something." Lori thought it was a miracle of surprises. Dusty was calling her at 3 am. her time, in Florida on her son's birthday. "Dusty, happy birthday, it is so good to hear your voice!" The conversation went. "Mom! I have to tell you something." The voice continued from 6,000 miles away. "Mom, I'm sick." Dustin imputed. "Dustin, you are not sick, hon." "Mom, I am sick. The doctor is right here and he can talk to you. They say I have cancer." His words slowly drifting upon the induction of morphine to ease his innocent pain.
I can go on from here and I can write things that will make your hair stand on end and make you so angry you too could spit nails. I won't for time sake, at least, not now. I am Lori's trusted confidante. I am writing Dustin's story. Six months from the date of that telephone call, Dustin Brim died at Walter Reed Medical Center of what was diagnosed as Hon-Hodgkins Diffuse Large B-Cell lymphoma.
The reason I write this email is a test of sorts. I want to know how many veterans I have as brothers in arms. I, too, am a veteran. My son is serving proudly in the U.S. Army, as his father, grandfather, step-grandfather, uncles and great-grandfather. We have a long line of military tradition. I want to know if anyone really gives a damn about a very small matter.
(Article Continues Below)
Larry and Lori's son died two years ago today. What is so unacceptable about the matter? After two years, in direct violation of military regulations (within 30 days, Army protocol), Dustin's personal belongings have NOT been returned to the rightful owner. If my only son, the life of me, had been buried in the sand of Iwo Jima or Fallujah, I would want his last unsent letter, his shaving kit, his magazines, his cologne, his socks, anything that said "this is my son."
After two whole years, 24 months, for 735 days this mother has NOTHING! Not an answer, not an excuse as to why her son's belongings never arrived. It was the responsibility of the Commanding officer to retrieve the belongings and forward them through the "Comfort Officer" to the Next of Kin. I am fully aware of this because I had four (4) uncles in Vietnam and personally served in a manner I will not address here.
It is unacceptable.
I plead with you, before Easter arrives, let this mother have the clothing, the belongings of her sacrificed son. Two thousand years ago, a mother stood at the foot of a wrought tree and saw her son displayed before all humanity in the most vile and inhumane way. All the while, the belongings were not given to the mother, soldiers were casting lots for the possessions. I pray you do not let the sun go down nor allow the U.S. Army and the United States Government to cast lots for the belongings of Spc. Dustin Brim. I ask you to take one second and forward this message around the globe and through the channels of our Congress. To every veteran organization you can imagine and every person in your family. Dustin Brim belongs to his mother, and though he cannot hold her tonight, she should, at least, be able to hold him through his belongings.
This is real, it is a fact, it is true. Lori asked the Army, she asked the Dept. of Defense and now she has asked her own Congressman, John Mica. Why can't Dustin's belongings be found? This is unacceptable.
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Lonnie D. Story [send him email] is the author of "The Meeting of Anni Adams " and is working on "Without A Shot Fired: The Dustin Brim Story" Write Mr Lonnie D. Story at 1339 Center Avenue, Holy Hill, FL 32117.
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