Walking the Point

posted by Writer on Aug 26

“Attention to Orders,” said the Army sergeant, standing behind the pulpit with a flag draped casket of yet another soldier killed in Afghanistan a few feet in front of him.

Those in the audience currently serving in the military snapped to attention upon hearing the command – they knew what it meant. The sergeant then proceeded to read the medals that were awarded posthumously to this fine young man.

Sitting to my left, a sharped dressed Marine stood erect, honoring his colleague, as the commendations were read aloud to the congregation.

The Marine requested leave to attend the funeral of his high school buddy, traveling across the country at his own expense to be there. This would be a quick trip, through different time zones, because the he had to report back to his own unit within forty-eight hours.

Once more, a sedated American public, at least those in the church sanctuary, were reminded that we are at war – a war many have forgotten about. They also fail to realize how determined our enemy is to bring the crescent to every corner of the world.

As I looked around the church, I noted all those severing our country and how they had given the best years of their lives to protect us. Some, like the soldier in the coffin, gave it all. They “walk the point” and are America’s pointman.

However, those of us who never served need clarification as to what this phrase means. I know of no better definition than the one provided by Lieutenant John Morrison of the San Diego Police Department in a eulogy to two fallen officers from his department:

“There is an answer to why they died, something I learned half-a-world away many years ago as a young soldier, preparing to face an enemy in combat for the first time. It was then that my sergeant explained that there are only three rules in war. Rule No. 1 is “Young men die.” Rule No. 2 is “You can’t change Rule No. 1” and Rule No. 3 is “Somebody’s Got to Walk the Point.” You see, when soldiers advance, knowing the enemy is near, there is always one man way out in front of everyone else. His duty is to look and listen for and sense that first contact, to spot the enemy, pinpoint the ambush, fire that first shot and, as a consequence, take those first shots. It offends the logical mind and denies the instinct for survival. It ages and saddens and wizens and sometimes kills those who take their turn “walking point,” but it must be done or there would be no protection for the rest, and more bloodshed, more grief.  The point man is there to save lives, even if he gives his own in the process.” (1)

So welcome! Welcome to “Walking the Point.” I’m not putting myself in the same category of those fine people serving, I’m just someone who is concerned about the direction our country is headed, concerned for the sake of the next generation. I can’t sit back while others are working to destroy our nation. I don’t claim to have all the answers or be the only voice of reason. Like the military, there are many others who have been fighting to preserve our rights. I just have the desire to share some things with other good, decent Americans like you.

America is at a crossroads. Our Constitutional rights are under constant assault, and if we do not stand for our rights, our children may not have them.

Colonel Dave Grossman (2) divides people into three groups: sheep, sheepdogs and wolves. He says the sheepdogs are the police and military who look to prevent the wolf from devouring the lambs. Tonight when you go to bed, don’t forget to say a prayer for the “sheepdogs” while realizing “the wolves are at the door.”

1. Eulogy; Walking the Point, honoring officers Ron Ebeltoft and Harry Tiffany by Lieutenant John  Morrison, San Diego Police Department, June 1981.
2. Lt. Col. Dave Grossman’s speech; “Sheep, Sheepdogs and Wolves.”