Sergeant First Class Armin Jochaim Blake was a career soldier and a big
brother to most men in his unit(s), the reason being he was probably 12 - 15 years
older than the soldiers he was responsible for. They were the 2nd brigade Long
Range Reconnaissance Patrol and the second of the eighth (2/8) infantry fourth
infantry division. Before he was sent to the 2/8th infantry as a platoon sergeant
he had been platoon sergeant of the 2nd brigade Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol.
The men I spoke to that knew him had nothing but great things to say about him.
They called him lifer like all of us that were career minded, but they knew it
was great to have a lifer leading when the rubber hit the road. Armin's experience
and cool thinking helped alot of young men get back home. The day Armin left us
his new unit the 2/8th infantry were in a convoy and the enemy, in force using
AK-47, SKS, and B-40 rockets sprung a surprise attack on the convey. The irony
of the situation was a Long Range Recon Patrol team was on a hill watching the
ambush take place . Armin their former platoon sergeant was in trouble and neither
knew the presence of the other. The team did all they could to help, they called
in the ambush and directed Artillery fire to break up the attack. When it was
learned that Armin was killed it brought a respectful silence over his former
unit, the 2nd brigade Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol. He had been lovinly called
old man, lifer, and pops by these guys but today, they remembered him as a good
leader and a friend. It was said of Armin, he did not shirk obligation to his
men and unit for self preservation, no, he fought to his ending. As we read these
words of "TAPES", let us remember him and the days we had him with us. Day
is done, Gone the sun, From the Lakes, From the hills, From the sky, All is well,
safely rest. God is nigh. Fading light, Dims the sight, And a star, Gems the sky,
Gleaming bright, From afar, Drawing nigh, Falls the night. Thanks and praise,
For our days, Neath the sun, Neath the stars, Neath the sky, As we go, This we
know, God is nigh. At ease soldier, you have done your best, now rest. Anyone
knowing family members is urged to call and let them know we have not forgotten
men such as Armin. To the family that has had to bear the loss of Armin,
we offer our heart felt thanks for your standing so strong. Many that enjoy real
freedom have been affected by the great contribution he gave towards our freedom.
He is still dearly loved and missed, even to this day. Lord, those who knew
Armin are so thankful you allowed them to be graced by his being among them. We
his brothers of like spirit, a spirit that says all people, of all nations, should
enjoy the right to live free and to choose for themselves, do also thank you.
He stands out to us and the world as a symbol of the price of freedom. Your Word
says; "no greater love hath a man than this, to give his life for a freind" Armin
did just that! He forsook self preservation for others to live. He acted out of
love, a love that required no contemplation but rather action. Surely it never
crossed his mind at the moment that he would come to be known as a "HERO". We
thank you for men and women like our brother that thought it not to much to give
his life for others to live. Lord, this day give comfort to those loved ones that
have been all these years without him. Help them to know he is at rest with you
and Warriors of like kind. May we never forget our freedoms were bought by the
blood of others. Lord, regarless of our belief, help us as we remember him and
the many like him to consider the following words of wisdom; to love the Lord
our God with all our hearts, soul, mind, and strength and secondly to love our
neighbor as ourself. Truly acceptance and application of this wisdom by all people
of the world, is to see war and all other atrocities against humanity end! May
our hearts be charged to honor the sacrafices of such men and women with a continuous
and sincere effort to promote peace on earth and good will towards all.
Bob
Smyers |
