Posted on 11/30/2004 5:04:22 AM PST by Mike Bates
Mayor Daley's only son, Patrick, has joined the Army during a time of war.
He reports to active duty as an enlisted soldier in the Army's regular airborne infantry.
His activation date: between Christmas and New Year's. His destination: presumably North Carolina's Ft. Bragg. His final destination? It could lead him to Iraq or Afghanistan within a year.
"He wants to serve his country," said a Sneed source. "He's a patriot. It's just that it's a pretty dangerous time to be doing so. His father is very proud but his mother, Maggie, is nervous as any mother would be. It's a pretty honorable thing to sign up in a time of war."
Earned MBA
In an exclusive interview with the Sun-Times, Patrick Daley -- who recently graduated with honors from the University of Chicago's MBA program and could have pursued lucrative job offers -- told Sneed why he made the decision.
"It's been in the back of my mind for some time," said Patrick Daley, one of Mayor Daley's four children, including Nora, Elizabeth and a second son, Kevin, who died. "I left West Point during my freshman year when I was 18 years old and always remembered their motto, 'Duty, Honor and Country.' But I was so young and not really old enough to understand what it really meant. But I know now.
"I suppose when you're 18 years old -- as I was at West Point -- you're selfish and I didn't want to devote 10 years to an uncertain future. It took me a while to learn that there's also a virtue in selflessness. And I believe that virtue is to serve your country. And the values of West Point are still with me."
So what turned him around?
"I suppose you could say that one defining moment was Sept. 11 and the nightmare at the World Trade Center. I had flown into New York the night before because I had worked there for Bear Stearns. But I was frustrated, I didn't know how I could help. I didn't know what I could do, so I gave blood and volunteered at a hospital.
Decided in grad school
"But it was really last fall when I decided I wanted to serve my country by joining the military. It wasn't that anything special was happening. I was still in graduate school. But it had always been in the back of my mind. And before I knew it, it was in the forefront. I graduated from the University of Chicago in June and could have gone into investment banking or private equity, but it didn't surprise anyone when I told my close friends I wanted to join the military.
"I'm 29 and on the old side to go into the military but not too old."
Patrick Daley's father and uncles were young men during the Vietnam War. "Although my family has a history of serving in the military reserve, I will be the first person in my family to go active."
Patrick Daley decided to enlist rather than enter service through officers training.
"In the military, doors go up and out rather than down," he said. "It's a close bet that I may make a career out of the military, and it's better to start at the bottom. But I can tell you one thing: My family wasn't surprised."
So did Patrick Daley have the biggest collection of G.I. Joes? Was he a big fan of war movies? Did he play soldier as a kid? "I suppose some of that is true, but I will tell you that I always enjoyed military history," said Patrick Daley, who graduated from Mount Carmel High School before finishing his undergraduate degree at the University of Illinois.
It's no secret among Patrick Daley's close friends that he was a big supporter of President Bush. "Well, that's true," he said. "I just hope that I can be of service."
So is he scared?
"Look. I have friends in Iraq and Afghanistan. They tell me it isn't as bad as you read in the press, that much in those countries is working and that we are making progress."
Mayor supportive
So how do his parents feel?
"Dad is very supportive and mom is doing just what mothers are supposed to do, worrying about her son."
In the end, Patrick Daley found a way to fulfill his view of public service. "There are many paths of service -- policeman, fireman, political and the military -- but it's an all-volunteer era. I've always wanted to find a way to serve . . . just like my grandfather and my father. Think of it. It's amazing. I get to serve my country."
Sounds like an outstanding man. All the political connections he would ever need and he chooses to serve his country first.
very impressive guy.
Fine post. God speed to this young Patriot and all the brave soldiers who are "known" only to their family and friends. They All are doing service to this country.
But this can't be! The military is full of nothing but poor blacks with no other options! Al Sharpton and Charlie Rangel told us so!
So is he scared?
"Look. I have friends in Iraq and Afghanistan. They tell me it isn't as bad as you read in the press, that much in those countries is working and that we are making progress."
Illbedamn. This is a child of Socialist privelege? He supposed to HATE me! And he GETS it?!?
Well, Private Daley, here's to a success at Jump School, and we'll see you downrange!
Patrick Daley seems to be a perfect example of the "old" Democrat... Stay safe!
I have a niece who wants to join the military. Her ultimate goal is to become a trauma surgeon. I think she needs to get her medical schooling out of the way and then do her internship with the military.
Downrange?
He'll be coming to the Ft Bragg area and I'll be able to see him at the PX or the mall. 30-ish young man with a military haircut and an Airborne swagger. Yeah, he should be easy to pick out.
For all you not in the know that is posted as a bit of humor.
Best of luck to him.
If this guy is a moderate and has a good combat record he may have a good political career in his future. Man...I hope the Dems aren't getting smart.
The nut did fall and roll away from the tree. Good for him! I wish him, and all the other men and women who are signing up during wartime Godspeed, and I thank them for their service to America.
Bless his heart!!! I'm so glad to hear about this! Yeah, 29 is a bit old to get started - but I didn't have full glide in my stride until I hit 30. I already had eight years of Soldiering under my belt by then though. His actions are commendable.
I tell ya - as an "old" Soldier with 17 years on active duty, I have to admit I am impressed with the numbers of very young adults who now seem to "get it".
Somehow, some way - my age group (39) and those a few years older have managed to instill a sense of understanding the big picture to our kids -- who are enlisting with the clear knowledge they'll likely be going to war.
Contrast this to the warped sense of entitlement and "anti-everything" mindset propogated by the early Baby Boomers. (Not that I'm casting a negative dispersion on ALL of any particular generation, but I'm speaking in general terms here.)
Enlistment and reenlistment has not fallen off the charts as many might predict and expect.
We all get paid for what we do in service to our Nation - but we certainly are not getting rich. The skill sets I have acquired, (along with certain other high-value career selling points), make me highly marketable in the private sector. My wife actually went that route and now makes over six figures doing the same things she did on active duty. She did stay in the Reserves, and will be mobilized soon - which suits her just fine....since she's been in Iraq since July already!
I cannot wait to go back over there. We have a lot of work still to be done. It really isn't as bad as the media makes it out to be. So much real progress is being made that goes unreported. Same old same old - bad sells. What a despicable concept!
It's about more than money - at least it is for me. It appears that bottom line has been driven home to the younger generation. It's doubtful we'll ever be completely safe from attacks on our own soil - but we're damn sure taking effective steps in that direction.
God Bless our President and my brothers and sisters in arms.
And God bless Patrick Daley!
Really? You want to pay for Medical School? Instead of letting all of us taxpayers chip in for her schooling?
Seriously, the military turns out some pretty fine doctors and I don't mind one little bit subsidizing their training. Your niece could do a whole lot worse.
Heard about this on the radio this morning, and checked to see if it was posted yet. Bump to a story worth reading.
My daughter-in-law went through the schooling to become a Medic as a National Guardsman. It was considered Active Duty for Training.
Your concern is certainly valid, look at young Mr. Daley! He got an appointment to West Point, which is no mean feat. After a year, he gave up on it. But the strength of his convictions brought him back.
Each of us is different as an individual, so we can't say which path is best for someone else. I posted as I did to make it known that the option exists. Whatever happens, I wish your niece the best of luck and offer my sincere appreciation and thanks to someone who wishes to serve her fellow man!
We had a pretty interesting conversation at thanksgiving. My aunts and uncles were telling her she needed to get into college to avoid the draft and my 16 year old niece attempting to pound reality into their heads.
She says that if there were a draft she wouldn't worry about it because she would enlist before she could be drafted.
No kidding?! I love your niece!
Thanks for sharing that.
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