Lance Cpl. Ryan T. Mathison detonated a blasting cap connected to an IED in Shosharak, Afghanistan on Friday. Somehow, even though it was triggered, the IED did not explode. After bomb technicians examined it and discovered the power of the bomb – enough explosives to destroy a truck – and realized the toll it could have taken on their patrol, many of the Marines broke the tension in the usual way, lighting up cigarettes and talking of buying Lance Cpl. Mathison a drink for his good luck.
The article in the New York Times describes the scene:
They passed cigarettes, except for Lance Corporal Mathison: He pulled a lollipop from a plastic bag and popped it into his mouth.
We are glad that this young man and his fellow Marines are safe. We are also glad that candy can be a stress-reducer even in combat situations and that the troops have some sweet treats to enjoy. Susan talked before about helping troops through candy donations to Soldiers Angels. Now seems like a good time to do that again.
Will you help with the effort?
