by spread the word IRAQ NAM [Subscribe] Thu Apr 19, 2007 at 01:15:24 PM PDT
MEET TIM ROBINSON, AMERICAN SOLDIER with 19 years proud service. His mother is in bad shape, and dying. His superiors don't care:
The 19-year Army veteran with five months left on his enlistment tried unsuccessfully to get an extension on his two-week leave.
He faxed word back to his unit that his mother was dying, and he asked for another week. His request included a note from his mother's doctor explaining her condition, he said, but his commanding officer denied the extension.
Robinson then went to Redstone Arsenal earlier Tuesday to get help from the Judge Advocate General Corps but was told he had to go through American Red Cross first. He then realized there wasn't time to go through the proper channels. Rather than risk damaging his record and getting a dishonorable discharge so close to his retirement, he decided to return to his unit.
"It's either that or get arrested," Robinson said. "And I don't want that. I don't want to put any more stress on Mom." spread the word IRAQ NAM's diary :: :: Tim Robinson, American soldier, is a remarkable man in more ways than one:
He showed no anger at his predicament and said he's not mad at the Army. It's just part of the sacrifice soldiers are willing to make when they sign up, Robinson said.
His mother has diabetes and fluid on the heart. She's been moved from a nursing home to the hospital. Machines are all that are keeping her alive.
Machines, and maybe the chance to spend a little more time with her son.
Robinson spent his time with her Tuesday afternoon. His father, Al Robinson, and his new bride, Elizabeth Robinson, were alongside. He repeatedly spoke words of encouragement to her, and she appeared to try to answer him, even mustering tears.
Before leaving, he thanked the intensive care unit staff for giving him "peace of mind" of knowing his mother will be well cared for after he leaves.
"It's going to be all right," he said, sniffling and stroking her head and face. "You'll be out of here before you know it.
"I'll be back before you know it," he said. "We're going to celebrate together. I love you Mom. You know I do."
Now the Red Cross has intervened on Tim Robinson's behalf. Because they read of Tim Robinson and his mother in the paper. It looks like he'll be able to stay.
So why this diary?
It's because of something that Tim Robinson said, before the newspaper story appeared and the Red Cross intervened...
It's just part of the sacrifice soldiers are willing to make when they sign up, Robinson said.
"I just want people to know what we're going through," he said.
Something that might be said by every soldier, marine, sailor and airman in the insane hell that is Iraq, tens of thousands whose names will never be known, whose individual stories and sacrifices will never make the paper...
And may not a day go by that we fail to remember that Tim Robinson, American soldier, spoke for them all.