The Day the Laughter Died

“No man is an island, entire of itself. Any man’s death diminishes me because I am involved in mankind. And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee”

              - John Donne

     I first met SGT Arnold Duplantier II a few years back, in a sandy desert hundreds of miles south of here.  At the time our company was tasked with securing the Patriot missile batteries sprinkled across the Kuwaiti desert, each platoon assigned to an individual battery.  Every so often I would get the chance to visit the other platoons, and it was on one of these random visits that I first bumped into a young soldier with a smile as broad as a barn door. I was stopped at the entry control point for a vehicle inspection, and while my vehicle was being inspected SGT Duplantier rattled off a joke that left my sides aching. That was what I remember most about SGT Duplantier – that wide, easy grin and infectious sense of humor.

     This time around I didn’t see much of SGT Duplantier.  Every so often I’d see him laughing and joking in the DFAC with his troops, but that was it. 

     I won’t ever see have the chance to hear SGT Duplantier tell another joke because yesterday a sniper took his life.  That lone bullet didn’t just kill a good man – it wounded and scarred every man lucky enough to know him. 

Comments

[devildog6771]

My sincerest condolances to you, Sgt. Duplantier's family, and his men. I have lost someone in the war too so much as possible I understand your loss. I will pray for you all. God Bless you. Be safe.

[Pam in Fresno, California]

We must go rejoicing in the blessings of this world, chief of which is the mystery, the magic, the majesty and the miracle that is life. At this moment many hearts are filled with grief at the loss of Sgt Duplantier and I pray for divine understanding of how to accept this loss. I pray that his loved ones and friends are filled with peace. I pray that his loved ones and friends are filled with comfort. I pray his loved ones and friends are filled with acceptance and strength. Listen closely with your heart to hear him walk along side you with courage. And as Patton once said, do not mourn this man's loss--be grateful and celebrate that such a man as he has lived! God's speed. Get home safely, dawgs!

[TNunn]

My thoughts and prayers are with Sgt. Duplantier's family. May God bless them.

[TNunn]

My thoughts and prayers are with Sgt. Duplantier's family. May God bless them.

[Sharon]

By regularly reading these blogs, one begins to feel that they know the bloggers, and their friends. My condolences to you and your comrades, on this loss and to the family of the Sgt., my heartfelt prayers for their continuing strength through this horrible loss. May you all continue to stay safe and keep us involved in what you are doing there. You all remain in my thoughts and prayers every day.

[Beth A.]

Donne was right. Please don't be sad, though, T6; any man with that infectious a spirit would not want you to remember him for the last few seconds of his life, but for the laughter and goodwill he spread while he lived. God bless you both. I don't know either of you (except thru what you write so eloquently) and yet I am sitting here crying. Be good to yourself during this and at all times.

[Cheryl]

Another angel lost in the fight for freedom. I am so very sorry. My condolences and prayers go out to you and Sgt. Duplantier's loved ones.

[Chevy Rose]

The loss of a good person is another reminder of the evil that walks among us. It tests our will and resolve, but doesn't break us. The sniper's life is on the short list, I'm sure. God bless you and all our soldiers.

[MOM]

T6, I heard about this. A few bloggers have shared. I am sorry for your loss. It is hard knowing a part of your extended family has lost their life. I will pray you are comforted at this time.

[toni]

My regrets T6. It's hard to know what to say when I read about another of our hero's going down. I know it's difficult for you but I can't really understand. So - my thoughts and prayers are with you and Sgt. Duplantier's family.