Sharing Our Stories

Ron Spradlin
Senior Claim Agent
Fort Wayne, Ind.

Jeremy Spradlin is a 22-year-old Corporal in the United States Marine Corps. He is serving his second tour of duty in Iraq, having been involved in the original invasion force in 2003. He was at the spearhead of the attack in 2003, and was also involved as part of the 11th Marine Expedition Unit in this year’s involvement at Najaf, Iraq, fighting the followers of Muqtada Al Sadr at the Imam Ali Mosque, in the cemetery. He is also my very best friend, my hero and my son.

His official function is to repair and maintain the communications gear for his unit, with over four dozen amphibious tracked assault vehicles (AMTRAKS) for which he is personally accountable. However, as a Marine, he is a fighter first in times of war. He has shot at the enemy and been shot at with numerous close calls. Thankfully, he has remained virtually unscathed. Although we weren’t too happy to read in a letter last year that his CAMERA had a lot of good pictures on it, but it took a round in the last battle and he doubted they would turn out. We wondered where it was when it got hit. We never asked and thankfully, he never told us. He has most likely got dozens of entertaining stories to tell about his service there, but right now he still does not like to talk about all of it too much, so I will tell you about Carla and Ron, his parents.

I don’t know how parents of earlier generations stood it, or maybe ignorance truly was bliss. From January to June of 2003 and ever since May 24, 2004, our household has helped raise up the ratings of CNN, CNBC and FOX News tremendously. It seems that’s all that’s ever on our TV. My wife is one of those who must stay as informed as possible. I, on the other hand, can only stand so much of watching about Iraq and occasionally leave the room. The stress is unbelievable, but we are only two of hundreds of thousands of others who also worry about the safety of their loved ones. I deal with it with humor (sick, I know) while she soaks up every syllable uttered about the war like a sponge.

Carla used to frequently ask me how I could stand to “not know everything?” After awhile, she learned the answer would always be…Today, I came home and there was no U.S. Government sedan or van or any other vehicle in my driveway, driven by someone who wanted to speak with me. Today is a very, very, good day.