Marine Corps Reserve Lt. Col. Tom D. Barna, 45-year-old father of three, spent eight months in the Persian Gulf when his son, Alex, was just 2. In October, he was called away again from his home in Eagle Lake, Minn., to deploy, just as his son, now 12, was picking up golf and weightlifting, two of his father’s favorite pastimes. Barna plans a family trip to Las Vegas when he returns.
Dear Son,
Right up front, let me tell you that I love you, I am proud of you, and I am safe. It’s hard to believe I am over here again! When I left the desert 10 years ago, at the conclusion of the Gulf War, I just never thought I would be here again. When I was here last time, I was an active-duty captain in the Marine Corps. This time I return as a lieutenant colonel in the Marine Corps Reserve.
I’ve joked with your mom about not being sure which was worse — leaving her alone with three babies [during the Gulf War] or leaving her behind with three teenagers. I can still hear her laughing.
Son, my deployment seems a little more personal this time. As you know, it was our nation that was attacked. It was our people who died. And this fire has been brewing for quite a while. I think all Americans are finally ready to rid the world of men bent on imposing their evil will. This time it’s different … this time we just won’t take it! This time we finish the fight.
I will be honest with you: Nothing in my life is greater than serving the Corps, God and country. But I am here for another reason, too — a reason that personally motivates me. I am here so you won’t one day have to come back and finish something we didn’t take care of here and now.
Your grandpa served in Korea and in Southeast Asia and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. He fought so that I could live in a world of peace … and men and women like him ended the Cold War. Now it’s my turn, along with men and women of my time. We must be at war, to once and for all bring a time where our children — that’s you, Alex — can live in a world of real peace.
This one is for you!
I so very much miss you, your sisters and your mom. I’ll be home soon. We’ll all be home soon. In the meantime, I will pray for you and dream of you often.
Love,
Dad
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