Many miles away from home, father and son are combating terror

Courtesy Photo | Command Sgt. Maj. James Markey, from Fargo, N.D. and a battalion CSM for 7th Bn., 158th Aviation Regiment, and his son Brandon, 4th Bn., 23rd Infantry Regt., are currently serving in Iraq at different locations.  

11.19.2005

Courtesy Story

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By SSG Kevin Doheny
159th CAB PAO

For Veterans Day, many Americans probably spend their day honoring those who have served in America's Armed Forces and thank them for their service.

Some probably go to parades, barbeques or maybe even to cemeteries to honor the fallen.

For one father and his son, this year's Veterans Day was a way to reunite, even if it was many miles away from the frigid North Dakota fall they call home.

James and Brandon Markey, both from Fargo, N.D., spent Veterans Day enjoying each other's company and spending some quality time together.

But how was this different than any other father and son spending time together on a national holiday?

They did it in a combat zone; a place where American troops are battling insurgents daily and supporting those who are trying to make a dent on the war on terror.

James, an aviation command sergeant major for 7th Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment, serving at LSA Anaconda, and Brandon, an infantryman with Company A, 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, serving at Forward Operating Base Marez, both are in Iraq serving their country with pride.

James said having a chance to serve with his son in Iraq is an honor. He said he is as proud of his son as he has ever been and realizes the danger Brandon faces as he patrols the streets of Mosul.

"I think a lot about my son being over here in Iraq, because he is an infantryman in a Stryker Brigade," said James. "He's in a unit where as they say, "The metal really hits the road". He deals with insurgents almost on a daily basis. I have great concern for him, but I also know he's in a close-knit and well-trained unit."

Brandon said he is just as proud of his father as his father is of him and said his father is one of the heroes in his life. He said the safety of his father worries him just as his dad worries about him.

"I am obviously concerned for his safety because I am here with him and I know what happens and the unknown is always there," said Brandon.

James, 48, is a command sergeant major, which means he is the top enlisted man in his battalion. As the CSM for the battalion he watches over the morale and welfare for his Soldiers, executes the battalion commander's orders and is the senior-leader advisor.

Brandon, 24, is in an infantry unit which conducts searches, raids and other various combat operations every day.

Even though Brandon's father was in the Army prior to Brandon's enlistment, he said following in his father's footsteps was not his main reason for joining. He said he has a love for his country and his willingness to fight terrorism is the main reason why he decided to fight for his country.

"I wanted to serve my country in combat," said Brandon, "I knew joining the infantry at the time when I did, that it would probably happen."

"I would like to think I instilled a little of this pride in him, but he joined the Army all on his own," said James. "I remember when he called and said he had enlisted. I said, "Enlisted into what?" He said, "The Army and the infantry because it was the quickest way to get in." I have great pride and respect for my son for joining the Army. I stand by him 100 percent for the courage he has shown to join the Army at our nation's time of need. I brag about my son all the time to the Soldiers in my unit."

The two talk whenever possible and even though the Markeys have completely different jobs while serving in Iraq, each can help one another by offering their support and making sure the other one is OK at least every few days or so.

"My Dad is a great encouragement here," said Brandon. "Although we do completely different jobs I know that anytime I had a rough patrol or got into another firefight I can talk to him about it and he will ease my mind."

"I talk to him via e-mail on updates on IED's, VBIED's, and hot issues I hear about in Iraq; things that I think could effect his day-to-day missions," said James. "He knows he can call me or e-mail me any time he has a rough day and needs someone to talk to. We talk about incidents that have happened in our units to insure were both doing OK. I constantly tell him to think smartly and safely at all times."

The two also use humor to help the time pass while in Iraq. Both said humor is one of the reasons why they have such high morale.

"Humor is important to me to help keep morale up in this combat zone," said James. "I'm always e-mailing jokes and humorous stories to my son and my unit. Making people laugh and smile helps the time pass by more quickly."

At any time there is potential for the worst to happen. Both of the Markeys have experienced dangerous situations. Brandon being an infantryman has experienced these situations more times than his father due to the nature of his unit's mission, but James hasn't spent this long in Iraq without a close call or two.

"My platoon earned our Combat Infantryman Badges the first day in sector. I have had rounds snap right next to me," said Brandon. "It gets your adrenaline going that is for sure. As an infantryman it is our daily job is to find the insurgents. With that we are bound to meet some resistance along the way. We are very well trained and have great equipment and people supporting so I feel safe even in those difficult situations."

"I've had some close calls with some of the mortar attacks on LSAA, but I don't
talk about these incidents so I don't worry my family members," said James. "My son and I talk about these incidents, but it's best to keep them on hold until we both arrive home safely."

James said he hopes he and his son can have a chance to spend time together on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

• Date Taken: 11.19.2005
• Date Posted: 11.19.2005 15:11
• Story ID: 3805