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Justin was with us for about a year before he shipped out to boot camp. During that short time, he proved himself as very capable firefighter. He was willing to learn, and effective at putting what he learned into practice. We are eager to have Justin back in our ranks. Justin's mother provided us with the following letter on her son. It provides a unique perspective to the type of person Justin is, and gives a sense of the great men and women we have in harm's way protecting our freedom.
Dear Mr. Norris,
Let me begin by thanking you for your prompt response to my plea for prayers and support for my son Justin. We have always tried to have the motto "Git her done" and it seems that the firefighters of Wexford might have the same mantra! I guess I should not be surprised since Justin thinks so highly of all of you. I have enclosed three pictures of Justin, one in his ACU's from Basic Training and two that I personally took when I went down to watch Justin's last two qualifying jumps to become Airborne Infantry. Please feel free to use any of the pictures as well as any or all of the printed words I now send to you. Thank you for personally adding him to your prayer lists and for thinking that he is special enough to honor him in your newsletter. He would be so humbled by your kindness and proud!
Just a brief history of Justin that you might find of interest; Justin has wanted to serve his Country since he was three years old. My husband bought him a GI Joe and of course my immediate response was "What were you thinking? Next thing you know he will want to join the Army!" Well any married man would easily realize that simple action brought on 15 years of "I told you so's". I would like to think that the simple little action figure was what influenced Justin to become a soldier but in actuality I believe it was destiny.
The majority of my family served in the armed forces, mainly Army. When Justin was born on September 5th 1987, I brought him home from the hospital on Labor Day. Justin had always been extremely patriotic and on September 11 2001, Justin came home from school and announced that his plans to become a History teacher would have to wait, that he would be joining the Army instead. On his 18th birthday, the day after Labor Day he enlisted. He said he wanted to be a "Spartan, one of the 300" and anyone who say the movie 300 or knows a bit of history will understand. My response was for him to be careful for what he wished for, he might just get the wish. His original ship date was to be July 4th 2006 but an injury delayed his leaving. His second date of deployment was September 11 2006.
On that day he went to the crash site in Shanksville to pay his respect to the victims and their survivors prior to being picked up by the Army recruiter. He was transported to Fort Benning, Georgia where he completed 15 weeks of basic training to become a soldier in the United States Infantry, the "Queen of Battle" as they are known. Within a week he entered the Airborne program and despite a serious ankle injury after his first jump, which caused him to be incapacitated for two weeks, and pneumonia, he persevered to complete an additional five jumps and graduate in February. Two weeks later he entered into RIP or Ranger Indoctrination Program where he received 7 weeks of special forces training and was to graduate with Outstanding Academic Achievement. He was to come home for Memorial Day but instead found himself on a plane headed for Fort Richardson, Alaska to become part of the 4th Brigade 25th Infantry Division. The most shocking and ironic thing of all is that brigade is known as "The Spartans" and if you log onto the website you will see a picture of a Greek warrior. One week later he along with five other young men, was approached to join the 425th Brigade Special Troops Battalion that was already stationed in Iraq. This is a special division of men whose sole purpose is to protect the Brigadier General of the Battalion, "Bullet Catchers" as they are lovingly referred to as. Most of the men assigned to this unit have been either killed or injured and he was to be part of the replacements needed. Justin and four others rose to the challenge of the request. I am not ashamed to tell you that I asked him not to do this and why he would want the role; of course Justin responded that he felt he could make a difference.
The group has had two weeks of intense training in hand to hand combat, boxing, jujitsu, pugel sticks, as well as classes in how to drive a Humvee that is under attack and emergency first responder courses. Being stationed in Alaska during the summer months allowed for very early starts and very late finishes to each day because of the extended period of daylight available. The past week has found him back in Fort Benning Georgia where it all began for Combat Readiness Courses and the issuing of all of his gear including chemical PPE and body armor. He told me that yesterday he had training in Urban settings of attack involving the use of IED's. He told me he had been blown up in one of the scenario games and that the feel of the trip wire on his boots was one of the most sickening feelings he had ever experienced. He said he had enough time to look down at his boots before the explosive and smoke bomb went off. I pray to God that I will never hear those words again. Fourth of July will find Justin stationed somewhere in Iraq, so much for his Independence Day.
So it seems as though so much of Justin's destiny has revolved around patriotic holidays; Labor Day, Fourth of July, Memorial Day. Justin is my only child and I often say that my role in life was to have him and believe me when I tell you now and forever, no greater honor will I ever have. May God speed him home to me and to all of those who love and respect him. Git her done Justin, and come home to us.
Love,
Ma
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