My son is in the Dutch army. At the moment his right now he and his platoon are on an exercise in Germany together with the Germans.
Thursday evening he called me on the phone. He wanted to tell me he was okay, but a terrible accident had happened and a young Dutch officer was killed during an exercise. He knew this officer. The army gave all soldiers permission to contact their families before the accident would be in the news.
I was so happy my boy was okay, but I could hear from his voice he was really shocked. We could only talk for a short while and he did not know yet what was going to happen. Would this exercise continue or would the be coming home. I haven't heard from him again yet, and although I know he is okay I just want to see him and give him a big hug.
But my heart goes out to the young officer and his family. How devistating it most be to lose your son.
I realize that being in the army brings certain risks, but I never imagined that something like this could happen during an exercise. I am proud of my son and of all young people who join the army, but at this moment I just want my kid to be home.
Thursday evening he called me on the phone. He wanted to tell me he was okay, but a terrible accident had happened and a young Dutch officer was killed during an exercise. He knew this officer. The army gave all soldiers permission to contact their families before the accident would be in the news.
I was so happy my boy was okay, but I could hear from his voice he was really shocked. We could only talk for a short while and he did not know yet what was going to happen. Would this exercise continue or would the be coming home. I haven't heard from him again yet, and although I know he is okay I just want to see him and give him a big hug.
But my heart goes out to the young officer and his family. How devistating it most be to lose your son.
I realize that being in the army brings certain risks, but I never imagined that something like this could happen during an exercise. I am proud of my son and of all young people who join the army, but at this moment I just want my kid to be home.