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Chapter 5

Chapter 5

24 weeks of training in Fort Benning Georgia earned David Diegert the rank of Private First Class. He distinguished himself by achieving expert marksmanship on the firing range with rifles and handguns as well as mastery of Level 4 in Modern Army Combatives. Diegert paid attention to his instructors and not only learned to become an effective and efficient fighter but he also embodied the Army’s creed of selfless service and teamwork. Now stationed at Fort Hood, outside Austin Texas, he was a soldier in the 1st Cavalry Division. An enlisted infantryman, whose skills and abilities were broad enough to fulfill many different roles in the Army’s vast network of needs.

Through texts with his Mother he learned that Tom did not see a doctor and although the wound healed, the slug remained in his hip. The limp in his gait was worse in the morning, but whenever he was in pain he had David to blame. Surprisingly Tom did not let Jake burn the note that David wrote, instead he folded it carefully and kept it in a drawer. David wondered if it was sentiment or a hope for vengeance that caused his Father to keep the note.

“Private David Diegert,” shouted Sergeant Jesse Rodriguez from the entrance of the barracks.

“Yes Sergeant,” snapped Diegert as he jumped off his bunk and stood at attention.

“Get over here Diegert, I’ve got something important for you.”

Diegert quickly hightailed it over to his Sergeant who led him through the barracks door.

“Captain Corcoran wants to see you. Head over to his office right now.”

Bursting with excitement, Diegert briskly walked to the captain’s office. He had applied for Ranger School and he was hoping the captain was going to tell him he’d been accepted. In the captain’s office Diegert stood at attention.

“At ease soldier,” said the dark haired 30 something year old officer. Looking up from a file on his desk he began, “David… Diegert, you’ve been here at Fort Hood for four weeks, how do you like Texas?”

“I like it sir. I love the 1st Cavalry.”

“Good, that’s what you’re supposed to say and I appreciate a man who knows his role.”

“Yes sir.”

“Do you know why I’ve called you here today?”

“No sir.”

“Care to guess?”

“Well sir I did apply to Ranger School and I’m hoping you’re going to tell me I’ve been selected.”

The captain stepped from behind his desk and paced over to Diegert.

“Private Diegert I’m afraid such is not the case. You are being deployed to Afghanistan.”

What? When and why, were all questions racing through his mind, but he had learned not to give voice when receiving orders from an officer.

“You’re shipping out tonight and it’s just you.”

“Just me? Why…?” The statement burst forth before Diegert could restrain it. “Sorry sir.”

Captain Corcoran stepped closer to Diegert.

“We’re the rear detachment for our company in Afghanistan. One of our squads suffered a loss and through the Individual Replacement Program you are being sent to backfill the open position.”

“Yes sir.”

Stepping out of Diegert’s personal space the captain continued.

“You’ll be joining a squad from the 1st Cavalry. Fellow soldiers who’ve trained here at Fort Hood just like you. You are the only one, but don’t make it sound like we’re abandoning you like a lost puppy. Get your shit together and report to transport at 1600.”

“Yes sir.”

He sent a text to his Mother letting her know he was being deployed to Afghanistan and 36 hours later the hot, dry environment of central Texas seemed like an oasis compared to the hot, dry, dusty conditions at Kandahar Airport in Afghanistan. The heat was oppressive and the fine sand in the air eventually clogged one’s nose with silica snot.




Next Chapter: Chapter 6