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WE SHARE THE MAIL
Background: Joseph A. Mikos is a young man whom I came to know
when he was about 11 or 12 years old. He asked me to baptize
him. So, I went through some one-on-one instructions with him.
When he was ready, I baptized and confirmed him and gave him
his first Holy Communion. We maintained contact with one another
until he was about 17. Then I lost track of him. Just recently
I found out that he is in Iraq. I emailed him and he replied
within days. The boy has become a man and is now a soldier —
evidently a good man and a good soldier. For this we give thanks
to God. May God protect him and all of his fellow soldiers in
Iraq and Afghanistan.
Dear Joey:
I got an email from Mrs. Thye the other day. You remember her,
don’t you? She said that she ran into your Mom and that
your Mom told her that you are in Iraq.
Wow! I didn’t know that! The last conversation I remember
having with you was when you were a senior in high school.
You told me that you had joined the Army Reserves. You asked
me a question about whether it would be a sin for a soldier if
he had to kill an enemy combatant. I remember thinking that you
had a beautiful, sensitive conscience. I also remember that,
at the time, you had a part-time job at Burger King in Cressona.
I’m trying to think how long ago it was that I had that
conversation with you. Probably about four years ago. That means
you must be about 21 years old now — maybe 22?
Your Mom told Mrs. Thye that you are due to come home in the
latter part of January. I’d be happy to see you again and
get re-acquainted. I’m proud to know that you are serving
with honor in the US military. Thank you for putting yourself
on the line for your country.
Stay close to God. I’ll mention your name to Him, that He
will keep you safe and healthy.
I send you my love and all good wishes.
Father Edward B. Connolly
PS — I left Pottsville in July of 2008. I had been there
for 22 years. Now I am in Girardville, which is a small town
between Ashland and Shenandoah. I have two churches here.
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Father Connolly,
Of course I remember Mrs. Thye. I could never forget her. She
has been a significant influence in my life since I met her.
Same as you Father.
Yes, I arrived in Iraq in the end of August. I was nervous and
scared. It was an unknown experience to me. But I was confident
and motivated at the same time. So far, events here have been
calm and easy. There isn’t much for soldiers in my career
field to do anymore. The career field that I am in is called
Explosive Ordnance Disposal, or EOD as we call it. To simplify
that, EOD is the Army's Bomb Squad. Anything that has been designed
or created to go "BOOM", I am trained to disarm it
and make it incapable of going "BOOM". I’ve trained
on bombs, rockets, hand grenades, nuclear weapons and Improvised
Explosive Devices, or IEDs. Like I said, anything that is designed
to explode, I make them not explode.
I as well remember that conversation with you about killing an
enemy. I remember many of our conversations. They have been a
guideline that I have used in my life many times. I have great
respect and admiration for you. You have taught me many things
that are both wise and useful.
As for me, yes, I will be 21 this coming January. Also, as my
mother said, I am scheduled to come home in the latter part of
January. I was told by my mother that St. Joseph's had closed
some months ago. I was very upset when I heard that news. I enjoyed
being there. Sometimes, when I was in Pottsville for martial
arts lessons, I would skip the lesson to come to the church and
pray. It was a solemn and peaceful place that I could go to,
to think about things and clear my conscience. I will miss St.
Joseph's just as much as you likely do. When I am home, I will
be absolutely sure to come and see you. It has been too long
since we have talked.
I remember a conversation we had on the way to the Pro-Life Rally
one year. We hadn’t talked since we left Dunkin Donuts.
You turned to me and asked if something was wrong. I said no,
that I didn’t really have anything to talk about. You told
me that a good way to start a conversation when you have nothing
to talk about is to talk about one’s day so far. You began
asking me what I did after I woke up that morning. How I put
my shoes on, what I had eaten for breakfast, how i got dressed,
and so on. After those first few questions, we talked for the
rest of the trip about whatever popped into our minds.
I miss those trips and regret not being able to go to them. But
I have a duty to my country to fulfill, and I will fulfill it.
The military is my "calling". I believe I was meant
to be in the service. I love what I do, just as you do.
Father, it was very exciting to hear from you. I honestly thought
I never would again. But I have been proved wrong, and I’m
glad I have. I hope to hear from you again Father. Thank you
for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers. You are in mine
as well.
JOEY |
Saturday,
26 December