While in Ho Chi Minh City some of my teammates and I were able to watch the movie Good Morning Vietnam, it was only appropriate being that I had been in Vietnam for a week and never seen the movie.
GOOOOODDDDD MOOORRRNNNIIIINNNNNGGG VVVVIIEEETTTNNAAAMMMM
Robin Williams is one of my favorite actors and he didn’t let me down in this role. I’m not sure if Hollywood got details of the war correct and I know they added in a love story but that didn’t matter to me. What I really appreciated and believe Robin Williams did a wonderful job portraying was the importance of laughter.
(It was also pretty cool recognizing the cities they mentioned and being able to say id been there)
There is a scene where Robin Williams runs into a few truckloads of troops where he ends up cracking jokes and asking questions, learning about the boys who have volunteered to fight. As I watched this scene I began to cry , I literally had tears running down my face. Here are young men who have traveled across the world, left their families and friends and had to find a new community in one another. I just thought how scared they must have been. Obviously they are strong, brave, courageous and maybe some just too oblivious to be scared but no matter how “tough” you are war is scary. What Robin Williams did was put a smile on their faces, brought laughter and in my eyes chose joy in a hard situation.
“Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances”
I think it hit me so deeply because my younger brother has chosen a path in the U.S. Navy. I could not help but picturing my brother and his new friends, young men who just a year ago were strangers and now are brothers. They have gone through hell and back training to defend our country.
Today my brother turns 22. He is grown into such a fine man and I thank God for him daily.
Mark you can make any room crack up.
You are bold. You are strong. You are disciplined. You are loving. You are enough.
You have a wonderful heart and those you love can feel it. In new situations, moving around the states and meeting new people you are able to create a fun loving atmosphere. You remind me of Robin William in Good Morning Vietnam. You speak truth, you care for others and you know the importance of having a good time and laughing. I pray that you do not overlook the gift God has given you. In unfamiliar circumstances and what could be scary situations, you are able to find joy and make others feel at home and comfortable.
You are a light. Make the most of the opportunities in front of you.
Oh and…. Happy Birthday. I love you!
