Editorial - Time with Phil Irizarry

Time with Phil Irizarry:
Marines & Trauma June 2011 Editorial

(click here for Interview with this Operation First Response board member)

On a Wednesday evening at a Mexican restaurant south of Quantico, I sat in a booth with former Marine sniper and current law-enforcement officer Phil Irizarry.

Sitting there with him, as it is with all the other amazing story subjects I've known in the nearly 10 years since launching our founding publication, CorpsStories, I am in the presence of greatness. Not him personally. But his actions, his heart, his sacrifice.

Something deep inside me knows this, and I am lifted. Maybe I sense the intense trust I have for him, and others like him. Maybe I sense the unspoken bond we share having survived or witnessed unthinkable traumas - leaving some of us more damaged than others.

All I know is that I was, for that couple hours, a useful tool working directly for God.

Irizarry's sincerity and openness soon turned the tables - the interviewer became the subject - unable to mask a personal storm I was living. I had recently taken a huge life-altering risk based on a commitment made to me by someone else. Soon that person was unable to keep their end. Now I had a choice. Do I keep my word? Do I back out justified by the other's choice? Or do I stand firm and do what I said I would, no matter the cost?

I'm not a risk-taker any longer. I can't afford the turmoil. I can't afford the stress. My precious life consists only of a loving, brilliant, brave son, three affectionate dogs, a small house surrounded by a beautiful river and family members, decent physical health, and a constant dialogue with God.

But I wanted more for a minute. And I was left without that 'more' - and I had to be as brave as I've ever been.

I had to find my inner John Monahan, my Marine mentor, whom I idolize. I had to find my inner LCpl. Lance Graham, a fallen Marine who went down knowing he was protecting much of MAP 7 in May 2005. I had to find my inner Phil Irizarry, a Marine who, through OFR, rushes to the needs of desperately ill warriors and their loved ones - without an ounce of fear on his face.

I kept my word, and God graciously delivered me from my risk. I was so scared. And I felt so alone. Yet I wasn't. I was being prayed for by Monahan and Irizarry and a few loving friends and relatives.

I have selfish reasons for interviewing Marines like Phil Irizarry. I am a far better person afterward.

Meriwether Ball, Editor.