My little brother is going to war. (Albeit, not a declared war.)
By the end of this week he'll be on the other side of the world, with a gun in his hand.
I just got back from farewelling him now.
I don't know much about what he'll be doing. And even if I did (which I don't), if I told you (which I wouldn't), then I'd have to kill you (which I'd have to think about), because it's SECRET.
Knowing that he's being deployed has been bothering me for a while now.
I feel much better having seen him this evening.
He said it's OK for me to release public information about his name, rank, and the fact that he's being deployed overseas in the service of the Royal Australian Air Force. So: 22 year old Leading Aircraftman Timothy James Clephan Elliot will be deployed on active service in the Middle East later this week. Hopefully he'll be home in time for my 25th birthday.
If I had to guess, I'd say he was a part of Operation Catalyst, but I don't know that for sure.
He's in good spirits. He's as fit as a trout. He's well trained. He's well equipped. He's a professional soldier.
We're all very proud of him.
I'm worried shitless about him. I've nearly thrown up twice this week just thinking of my little brother in a dangerous foreign place far outside of my reach or ability to save him. It might sound tacky, but it really does bother me. Tonight when I gave him a hug goodbye, I saw that look in his face that reminded me I'm his big brother. Seeing my little brother in a fight that I'm not in bothers me. But I am proud of him, and the hard truth is that he'd kick my arse these days anyway, and if I got in a fight, I'd need him to save me. I'm sure he'll be able to look after himself, and will do us all proud while he attends to the service of our country's national interests.
I lent him my Midnight Oil 20,000 Watt R.S.L. CD to take OS. Emphasis on *lent*. The deal is that he brings it back. In person.
Tim, I love you mate. Make sure you look after yourself, and I'll be thinking of you everyday until you get back home.
Take care Tim. See you at John's 25th.
