Colin

Between being on leave, being tasked out, and having a large tendency to procrastinate, this next entry has taken far too long to come to fruition. I need to take a few minutes now to talk about one of the best medics that walked the hall of Evacuation Platoon, Colin William Wilmot.

Private Wilmot was an amazing person. He had in his arsenal a wide array of personality traits, all of which attracted people to him and made him someone that you enjoyed spending time with. Colin was 24 when he passed away, a victim of an explosion in the Panjwaii district, an area he had spent most of his tour.

Colin's smile was one that drew you to him. He was always smiling, and no matter how bad things got he just kept on doing it. Every time you would see him he would be smiling from ear to ear, whether he was happy to see you, or just happy to be in the position that he was in. I remember the day that Colin was added to the company; he was sitting in a chair in the common area and was just all smiles. He was so happy that he had been added to the tour and could serve with those people that he had begun his training with.

Colin listened! I was afforded the opportunity to work at a FOB (Forward Operating Base) with Colin for about a month’s time near the beginning of the tour. One day we were talking about home, and I was surprised to see that he knew everything about me. He knew my family size, make-up, girlfriend’s name, and even the different places where I had worked. Colin listened to everyone intently, no matter the conversation type or make-up. He invested time in people made their business his business and really tried to connect with people.

He was also intelligent. Colin was the top student on his introductory medical course—which was no small feat. In a class of 30 candidates, constant physical fitness periods, early mornings, and late nights, Colin came out on top.

I also remember that he would seldom back down when he knew that he was right: “Yes, Colin, there are four species of malaria, you were right!”

He was happy, and in love. A major source of Colin’s happiness was his fiancée. I remember the smile he had on when he showed me the dress he bought her at the market. I remember the excitement and sheer joy he expressed when he announced that he was engaged, and then told the story. I remember that all he ever wanted was Laura, kids, and to be a medic.

He was in constant search for new information. I used to dread watching House with him, because he would ask all sorts of questions to try to understand better. At this point I must admit, Colin; I never had a Toronto notes (medical text) far from my hand for those hard to answer questions. I really wasn’t that smart, I just passed myself off to be.

He never belittled anyone; not once did I heard him talk ill, or speak down to anyone. Never did I hear him complain or get discouraged. Until the last time that I talked to him, he was upbeat. Eager to work, learn and be all that he could be.

Colin ... thanks for letting me try to get all those IVs on you, thanks for the good times, the laughs, and the workout sessions. Thanks for everything, my friend, and I want you to know that I will never forget you, or the sock story!