Grandfather, grandson head off to war together
One of the fundamentals of life as combat soldiers is the buddy system. When one rests, the other is alert. It’s a guarantee that someone is watching out for you.
While the war on terrorism has changed many things, it hasn’t altered the Army’s buddy system. But have you ever heard of a soldier whose combat buddy is his grandpa?
Sgt. Larry Bledsoe, 51, and his grandson Pfc. Richard Rutherford, 19, are ready to fight side by side along the Iraq/Iran border as members of Kingsport’s Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2nd Squadron, 278th Regimental Combat Team.
On Thursday, the two marched in a parade and took part in a send-off ceremony at Camp Shelby, Miss., where the 278th has trained since June.
“I sort of hate it for him being young and going over,” Bledsoe said. “But in a way I’m glad he’s with me. It really helps.”
Rutherford says his grandfather has done a good job of showing him the ropes, and he’s more apt to ask him questions that others might label silly or stupid.
“It makes it a little bit more comfortable when you have family here, someone you love and that loves you,” Rutherford said.
However, the situation is not so comfortable for his family back home.
Instead of worrying about one loved one, the family is now focused on two members of different generations in harm’s way. For them, life is filled with constant worry and the awful decision of whether to watch the media’s coverage of the war or to tune it out. It will only get worse when the 278th arrives in Iraq.
Bledsoe lives in Clinchport, Va., while Rutherford lives just over the Virginia state line outside Kingsport.
“I guess his mom took it (the deployment) the hardest,” Bledsoe said. “She cried like a baby. And it’s worked on my son. He’s missed us a bunch.”
Bledsoe said his wife has held up well for the most part. However, as the time to go overseas nears, the thought of losing her husband and grandson has taken a toll.
“I’ve tried to teach her to be independent over the years, and I think that helps,” Bledsoe said. “But this week, being the final send-off, it’s been a bit tougher on everybody.”
One who doesn’t seem worse for wear is Rutherford. Under the brim of a hat pulled down tightly, you can’t miss a glint of enthusiasm in his eyes. He has a stoic look that says, “I am a soldier. Let’s get the job done.”
“I love what I do,” said Rutherford.
He’s a member of the 278th’s mortar platoon.
“I’m a combat soldier, and I love being a combat soldier. It’s a blast. I was ready to leave last week when we were at home (on leave).”
At least one of Rutherford’s friends doesn’t share his zeal for the military. The friend was supposed to sign up for the National Guard with Rutherford but backed out at the last minute.
“I told him I wish he was here, and he said he’s glad he’s not,” Rutherford said. “But he would have had a blast.”
Rutherford enjoys his current duties more than his civilian job as the assistant manager of a gas station. He said if not for the National Guard he would be making no real difference in the world.