Friday night’s opportunity to join the...

Friday night’s opportunity to join the Spence family for family

night at Camp Pendleton to say goodbye to Marine Staff Sgt. Cass

Spence before his deployment to the Persian Gulf was one of a

lifetime. Having never been to the base that I have driven past a

million times, I had no idea what to expect.

Ammunition, guns and supplies lined the pavement as wives,

children and family members circled their loved ones ready for

departure to an unknown mission overseas. Everywhere I turned there

were little slices of life unfolding right before my eyes. Some

hugged, some kissed and some posed for pictures.

One image sticks in my head. It was this soldier, all alone. No

visitors, no family members to wish him a safe trip. He sat there

alone inspecting his weapon, checking his pack. It just brought the

world stage right to my front door.

After that I knew I could never watch another newscast about the

military without remembering that night.

-- Sean Hiller