It is no secret that Hamas did better militarily in this war than last, and, without disarmament, may, God forbids, do better yet next time. This concern brought you from Texas to Israel.
A lone soldier, they called you.
Recently in Israel, I met another lone soldier, a young man from Indianapolis, IN. Watching his Golani friends dote on him, I realized the contributions of the lone soldier are greater than just serving. When military service is mandatory, as in Israel, the passion and creative juices conferred by choice can be lost in the process. When a volunteer joins from abroad, it gives power and purpose to the rest of the group, too. It allows those who were drafted to choose their path, along with the lone soldier. I imagine that your brigade saw you the same way, giving them the ability to choose a process to which they were obliged.
Sean, you earned your place in Israel. You embodied the hope, the promise, that the draw of the soul is stronger than the comfort of the body, that the draw to our people is stronger than the draw to a calm existence. This is the battle of our time and you played a role in it.
Go in peace, dear Sean. We are inspired by you. And we will never forget you.