My Brother, The Hero
September 2, 2005
My brother, Philip John “PJ” Tirrell (Jr), is an amazing person. I’m convinced I could actually write an entire book about the guy, but what makes me think of this at the moment is his impending departure for New Orleans. A veteran of the first Gulf War, he returned to the states and made his career as a professional firefighter. Apparently helping people in times of extreme crisis or disaster is what drives him. He stayed in the Guard after returning and was called up again last year. He returned from Iraq for the second time this February.
He is now headed out with the New Hampshire 744th to help with Hurricane Katrina aftermath.
The Concord Monitor: “New Hampshire Guard headed for New Orleans” says:
Gov. John Lynch announced his decision to send 488 troops yesterday for a mission that is expected to last at least 14 days. Units being activated include the 744th Transportation Unit based in Hillsboro, troops under command based in Concord, a field artillery unit in the North Country, a military police unit in Manchester, a field artillery unit in southern New Hampshire and members of the air refueling wing in Newington.
Interestingly enough one of my students is in the North Country unit and has also been activated.
Finally I want to take this opportunity to thank all the volunteers and guard units who are helping in this effort and helping to better mankind in general. I truly appreciate it.
Update:
More on the 744th in Louisiana:
From Concord Monitor: State reaches out to Katrina’s victims
Four Concord firefighters are on their way to help with relief efforts, too. Firefighter Philip Tirrell, a sergeant with the 744th Transportation Co. who returned from Iraq last March, will be in New Orleans by today to help with cleanup and police duties. Lt. Robert Chaisson and firefighter Alexander Matson will leave tomorrow to volunteer.
Other related press coverage:
Union Leader: NH Guardsmen leave for ‘battle’ on new front
Tags: concord, guard, gulf war, hero, hurricane, hurricane katrina, katrina, national guard, new hampshire, New Orleans, philip tirrell jr, public service, tirrell
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[…] As a quick side note related to some details discussed in his biography, Belle’s father was in Vietnam and then became a firefighter. I couldn’t help but think of my brother. If history repeats itself does that mean my brother’s son could become like David? […]
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