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A Letter to My Friend Glen Doherty: Originally Published Via The New York Times
Featured image: Courtesy of Brandon Webb
Left, thousands lined the streets of Boston as Glen Doherty’s coffin passed on its way to burial. Right, Mr. Doherty’s folded flag.

Glen,

I still can’t believe you punched out early on me, but glad to hear from the guys that you fought like a hero–no surprise there.

You should know, your efforts resulted in the rescue of over 20 Department of State personnel. They are alive today because of yours and Ty’s heroic action.

I know you hate funerals as much as I do but, the service in Winchester was humbling and inspiring. The people of Boston are amazing. I had to choke back the tears as me and the boys rolled through town, and thousands of people lined the streets to honor a hero and our friend and teammate. Seeing American citizens united around a hero, if only for a brief moment, restored my faith in humanity and that there’s other things more important in life than killing each other.

Your family is and was amazing. Their poise, patience and the dignity they displayed was incredible to witness. Your mom, Barbara, stood by stoically for hours to ensure she greeted everyone who came to pay their respects. She was an inspiration to everyone who watched. Seeing your dad, his sadness and how proud he was of you, made me give him a big hug, and reminded me to work harder at patching things up with my own father.

Greg delivered one of the best talks I’ve ever heard under the most difficult of situations. What an amazing brother; I hope to get to know him better. His speech made me reflect on my own life choices and how important our relationship with friends and family are. I’m going to work harder at embracing my friends and family the way you always did.

Katie gave such an awesome toast at the wake with all the Bub lessons to live by, I smirked secretly to myself knowing that I’ve heard them all before and will never forget. “Drive it like it’s stolen!” and “Kids don’t need store-bought toys, get them outdoors!” and all the rest.

Glen A. Doherty on a fishing trip in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The author is taking the picture.

Courtesy of Brandon WebbGlen A. Doherty on a fishing trip in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The author is taking the picture.

Your nephews are amazing and so well-behaved. Great parents of course. F.Y.I., I told them I’d take them flying when they come out west. They were beaming when I described all the crazy flying adventures me and their uncle went on. I told them how you and I would fly with my own kids and take turns letting them sit on our laps to get a few minutes at the controls. I’ll do it up right and let them each have a go at the controls.

Sean has been steadfast in his support role and has handled everything thrown at him. Helping him this last week really showed me why he was such a close friend of yours. He’s solid, and I look forward to his friendship for years to come. You chose well having him execute your will, he’s solid.

We are all dedicated, as you explicitly indicated to us all, to throw you the biggest eff-ing party we can, and to celebrate your life as well as our own. Done deal; Sean and I are on it.

Most of SEAL Team 3 GOLF platoon showed up in Boston. It was great to see how guys like Tommy B. just made stuff happen, no matter what was needed. Things just got handled like men of action handle them, no questions asked and no instructions needed — just get it done in true SEAL fashion.

One by one the Tridents….read the rest here.

Comments(4)

    • usapatriotonthemove

    • 12 years ago

    Brandon, I’m in the process of reading your book, which is truly inspiring.  I’m almost halfway through it now,  It’s a great read that I find hard to put down, you did a great job on it man.  Last night I read the part about your 12 mile ruck run in the desert, when I read the part about you meeting Glen at the water station, my damn eye’s teared up a bit.  I’m sorry for your loss.  I’m from Massachusett’s so I guess it hit home more because Glen was from here.  Though, it saddens me when  hear of anyone lost on the front lines. 
    Thank You-for your service, it doesn’t seem like much on this end, but I do what I can to support our warriors whatever way I can.   Not sure what the feeling is in the teams, about public opinion, but there are those of us in the U.S. that think of you and your efforts on a daily basis, (serving or not) and appreciate all the hard work, dedication and sacrifice it takes to do the job and keep us safe. Not to mention SOFREP, that’s just good stuff! 
     

    • usapatriotonthemove

    • 12 years ago

    Brandon, I’m in the process of reading your book, which is truly inspiring.  I’m almost halfway through it now,  It’s a great read that I find hard to put down, you did a great job on it man.  Last night I read the part about your 12 mile ruck run in the desert, when I read the part about you meeting Glen at the water station, my damn eye’s teared up a bit.  I’m sorry for your loss.  I’m from Massachusett’s so I guess it hit home more because Glen was from here.  Though, it saddens me when  hear of anyone lost on the front lines. 
    Thank You-for your service, it doesn’t seem like much on this end, but I do what I can to support our warriors whatever way I can.   Not sure what the feeling is in the teams, about public opinion, but there are those of us in the U.S. that think of you and your efforts on a daily basis, (serving or not) and appreciate all the hard work, dedication and sacrifice it takes to do the job and keep us safe. Not to mention SOFREP, that’s just good stuff! 
     

    • usapatriotonthemove

    • 12 years ago

    Brandon, I’m in the process of reading your book, which is truly inspiring.  I’m almost halfway through it now,  It’s a great read that I find hard to put down, you did a great job on it man.  Last night I read the part about your 12 mile ruck run in the desert, when I read the part about you meeting Glen at the water station, my damn eye’s teared up a bit.  I’m sorry for your loss.  I’m from Massachusett’s so I guess it hit home more because Glen was from here.  Though, it saddens me when  hear of anyone lost on the front lines. 
    Thank You-for your service, it doesn’t seem like much on this end, but I do what I can to support our warriors whatever way I can.   Not sure what the feeling is in the teams, about public opinion, but there are those of us in the U.S. that think of you and your efforts on a daily basis, (serving or not) and appreciate all the hard work, dedication and sacrifice it takes to do the job and keep us safe. Not to mention SOFREP, that’s just good stuff! 
     

    • usapatriotonthemove

    • 12 years ago

    Brandon, I’m in the process of reading your book, which is truly inspiring.  I’m almost halfway through it now,  It’s a great read that I find hard to put down, you did a great job on it man.  Last night I read the part about your 12 mile ruck run in the desert, when I read the part about you meeting Glen at the water station, my damn eye’s teared up a bit.  I’m sorry for your loss.  I’m from Massachusett’s so I guess it hit home more because Glen was from here.  Though, it saddens me when  hear of anyone lost on the front lines. 
    Thank You-for your service, it doesn’t seem like much on this end, but I do what I can to support our warriors whatever way I can.   Not sure what the feeling is in the teams, about public opinion, but there are those of us in the U.S. that think of you and your efforts on a daily basis, (serving or not) and appreciate all the hard work, dedication and sacrifice it takes to do the job and keep us safe. Not to mention SOFREP, that’s just good stuff!