The Long Shadow of Loss and the Light of Gratitude

A Reflection from the Wisecrack Warriors Society

It has been less than a month, and the chairs around our circle feel emptier. We have recently had to say goodbye to three cherished friends — three brave veterans, three unforgettable comrades.

The suddenness and speed of this loss is staggering. We were gathering this morning for breakfast to honor one of our fallen, when I received the heartbreaking news that another comrade had passed last evening.

The loss of three individuals in such a short span of time has cast a long, heavy shadow over our hearts, a shadow that feels particularly deep as we approach the Thanksgiving holiday. For their families, for their friends, and for all of us who shared a bond with them, the pain is real and raw. It’s hard to reconcile the traditions of gratitude and feasting when we are simultaneously grappling with the finality of death.

A Reflection on the Gift of Life

In times like these, we are reminded of just how precious and fragile the gift of life is. Our time here, while often defined by the immense challenges we faced in service, is ultimately too short.

• We reflect on their service: We remember the sacrifice, the grit, and the unwavering commitment they showed for our nation.

• We reflect on their post-service lives: We remember their laughter, their wisdom, their occasional "wisecracks," and the unique ways they continued to serve their communities and their families long after they hung up their uniform.

• We commit to living fully: Their passing is a stark reminder to embrace the present, to mend fences, to share a story, and to always answer the call from a buddy.

The Power of the Veteran Community

While the sorrow is consuming, I find myself also feeling an overwhelming sense of thankfulness. That gratitude is directed squarely at you—the veteran community.

The pain of these three losses is immense, but it is a weight we carry together. In times of profound loss, the veteran community demonstrates a transcendent unity that cuts through all distance and difference.

• We show up: We show up for the funerals, we carry the caskets, we stand silent watch, and we share the stories that keep their memory alive.

• We support the families: We rally around the spouses and the children, ensuring they know that the veteran bond extends to those they left behind. They are now our family.

• We find strength together: We shoulder the burden of grief for each other, recognizing that no one should ever face this alone. This community, forged in fire and bound by shared experience, is truly a lifeline.

This Thanksgiving, let us hold space for both the sorrow and the gratitude.

We mourn the absence of our friends, but we are profoundly thankful for the privilege of having known them. And we are eternally thankful for the warrior society we have built—a community that proves that while service may end, the commitment to each other never does.

Rest in peace, comrades. We have the watch.

If you or someone you know is struggling with grief or loss, please reach out to the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 and Press 1.