arodonfox's Blog

In the dictionary, the literal definition of the word hero is "a person of distinguished courage or ability, admired for their brave deeds and noble qualities."  On Saturday, Spc. Ebe F. Emolo, of Greensboro was killed in combat. He wasn't born in this country, but he is an American hero. My assignment today was to learn about him so I could tell his story to the public. Before joining the Army in 2005 and serving in the 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team with the 82nd Airborne Division, Emolo worked as a security officer at the  Women's Hospital in Greensboro.

He fled a worn torn country (Africa) for this one. His former supervisor, Floyd Rollins says, "after obtaining his citizenship in this country, he decided he needed to give back." Saturday, he gave his life. He and 3 other soldiers from his unit were on patrol just south of Baghdad when a roadside bomb exploded. Rollins says before he left to join the Army he told him he just wanted to be a good soldier. I'm still trying to wrap my mind around how a person not born here would be willing to risk their life for people who might not even look him in the eye because English isn't his first language. What an awesome sacrifice.

Like Spc. Emolo, my brother was a "good" soldier. A master sergeant in the Dela Force. I was being a "good" sister when I answered the door bell (2/21/91) only to be greeted by a tall, stone faced soldier, in full military dress asking for my father using his full name. Since there wasn't a Chaplin, I thought maybe my brother was hurt and we could drive to Iraq and get him. I was only 11, but I was pretty sure my dad could be the Terminator, my uncle could be Rambo, I could drive, and together we could find my brother and bring him back safe.  I immediately called my parents, and my uncle. By the time they arrived home, I had suitcases packed. I didn't get to answer the door when the soldier returned but I still remember everything about that day... what I was wearing, what I had for lunch, my father's reaction. I had never seen him cry before. 

Thousands of families have shed the same tears. While you know the dangers of War. I think the only way you can sleep at night or even function is because you convince yourself that it won't happen to your loved one. My family found comfort in the fact that my brother died doing what he loved to do. Soldiers train for battle. In the military, there is no higher honor than to die in the line of duty.