Lt. Col. Thomas Killgore, father, deputy Multi-National Corps – Iraq command chaplain, and son, Sgt. Andrew Killgore, euphonium musician, MNC-I Special Troops Battalion Band, hold physical representations of their jobs with the Army; Lt. Col. Killgore holds a bible while Sgt. Killgore holds a euphonium Camp Victory, June 18.
Father’s Day in Baghdad
Story by Pvt. Karin Leach
CAMP VICTORY, Iraq
While most fathers in the U.S. sit down to share a home cooked meal with their families, Lt. Col. Thomas Killgore and his son, Sgt. Andrew Killgore, are planning to sit down in a dining facility at Camp Victory, Baghdad.
Sgt. Killgore, Colombia, S.C., bandsman, Multi-National Corps-Iraq Special Troops Battalion Band, performs with his euphonium to bring Soldiers back to happy memories they have experienced.
Lt. Col. Killgore, Colombia, S.C., deputy MNC-I command chaplain, enjoys seeing his son perform in the band for other Soldiers entertainment.
“As a father it’s gratifying being able to see him do something he enjoys for Soldiers,” Lt. Col. Killgore said. “I minister to the heart, and he plays for the soul. So we make a good team.”
When Sgt. Killgore found out I Corps and his dad were deploying he put in for a transfer to Ft. Lewis from Ft. Knox. A few good words from his father on his behalf, combined with the bands need for a euphonium musician and Sgt. Killgore was on his way to Iraq with I Corps.
“I think the coolest thing about having my dad here is being able to just hang out and relax with him,” Sgt. Killgore said. “What better way to be deployed than to be deployed with your father?”
Often when the duo gets together teasing occurs.
“What are you getting me for Father’s Day,” Lt. Col. Killgore asked.
“Maybe I got it already.” His son replied after grinning.
“Yeah, a few drinks from the chow hall don’t count,” Lt. Col. Killgore said, followed by a laugh.
Though the Killgore family usually sits down near a lake to share laughs and gifts, Lt. Col. Killgore isn’t too upset about this Father’s Day being different.
“Last Father’s Day was spent on my deck, overlooking Puget Sound and everyone giving me ugly socks,” Lt. Col Thomas Killgore said. “This is probably the Father’s Day I will remember most. Because this Father’s day is not only a date but a snap shot of all the values and beliefs I’ve taught my son that he now is putting in action.”
Wild Thing’s comment…..
I like this ……. “This is probably the Father’s Day I will remember most. Because this Father’s day is not only a date but a snap shot of all the values and beliefs I’ve taught my son that he now is putting in action.”