Sports
A tender missive from father stationed in Iraq
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| BILLY HOWELL/The Clarksdale Press Register Grandfather retired Lt. Col. Daniel Shing Sr., Devyn Shing, and grandmother Carolyn Shing celebrate Devyn’s last day as a Lee Academy football player. |
By Billy Howell
Staff Writer
Devyn Shing’s tight knit family is no stranger to service and sacrifice. Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Shing, stationed at Joint Base Balad, Iraq was unable to surprise his son Devyn Shing at his last high school football game as planned.
Sgt. 1st Class Shing requested Rest and Relaxation (R&R) leave several months ago in order to surprise Devyn at his last game as a Lee Academy Colt. Due to combat missions and requirements for troops in key leadership positions in the 155th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, his leave was not approved.
In an email read by Devyn’s grandfather, retired Lt. Col., Daniel Shing Sr., at Lee Academy’s Friday afternoon Senior Recognition and Homecoming Ceremony, Devyn’s father expressed his deep sadness at not being able to return for his son’s last game as a Lee Colt.
He wrote, “I have stayed up each Friday night to listen to the Colts play, and I am proud of all of the Colt’s performances, regardless if the Colts won or loss.”
He thanked all of Lee’s coaches, WROX Radio, and Jimmy Harris the WROX Radio broadcaster for carrying the Colt football games live on the internet. Even 8,000 miles away, Sgt. 1st Class Shing felt like he was still a part of the “wonderful Lee Academy family.”
Devyn’s grandfather read the following words from his own son’s letter to Devyn with much emotion and teary eyes: “To my son, Devyn: I wish I could be there tonight to watch you play your last football game at Lee Academy, but I can’t and it really upsets me! I will again tonight listen to the game on the internet. It seemed like yesterday when you first started playing for Lee Academy. I could then see the Colt Spirit in you and the drive to give it your all. Over the years, you have fought for inches and even yards to run the football, score touchdowns, and make plays to motivate the team and excite the fans. You proved to yourself that you can win against all odds, especially after two shoulder surgeries. You have made me extremely proud to be a Colt father, and I am proud that I have been able to share in the many wonderful memories that you have had on the football field. Tonight is your last night as a senior Colt. Play hard and have a great senior game! I love you with all my heart and miss you very much! Love, Dad”
This past Friday, three generations of Shings shared a tender moment made possible by modern technology and a father’s love and appreciation for his son. The Shing family has much to be thankful for, most importantly the love and values shared by each one of them. This country, this community, and those fortunate enough to know the Shings are equally blessed to have three such fine men in their midst and on their team.
Sgt. 1st Class Shing requested Rest and Relaxation (R&R) leave several months ago in order to surprise Devyn at his last game as a Lee Academy Colt. Due to combat missions and requirements for troops in key leadership positions in the 155th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, his leave was not approved.
In an email read by Devyn’s grandfather, retired Lt. Col., Daniel Shing Sr., at Lee Academy’s Friday afternoon Senior Recognition and Homecoming Ceremony, Devyn’s father expressed his deep sadness at not being able to return for his son’s last game as a Lee Colt.
He wrote, “I have stayed up each Friday night to listen to the Colts play, and I am proud of all of the Colt’s performances, regardless if the Colts won or loss.”
He thanked all of Lee’s coaches, WROX Radio, and Jimmy Harris the WROX Radio broadcaster for carrying the Colt football games live on the internet. Even 8,000 miles away, Sgt. 1st Class Shing felt like he was still a part of the “wonderful Lee Academy family.”
Devyn’s grandfather read the following words from his own son’s letter to Devyn with much emotion and teary eyes: “To my son, Devyn: I wish I could be there tonight to watch you play your last football game at Lee Academy, but I can’t and it really upsets me! I will again tonight listen to the game on the internet. It seemed like yesterday when you first started playing for Lee Academy. I could then see the Colt Spirit in you and the drive to give it your all. Over the years, you have fought for inches and even yards to run the football, score touchdowns, and make plays to motivate the team and excite the fans. You proved to yourself that you can win against all odds, especially after two shoulder surgeries. You have made me extremely proud to be a Colt father, and I am proud that I have been able to share in the many wonderful memories that you have had on the football field. Tonight is your last night as a senior Colt. Play hard and have a great senior game! I love you with all my heart and miss you very much! Love, Dad”
This past Friday, three generations of Shings shared a tender moment made possible by modern technology and a father’s love and appreciation for his son. The Shing family has much to be thankful for, most importantly the love and values shared by each one of them. This country, this community, and those fortunate enough to know the Shings are equally blessed to have three such fine men in their midst and on their team.
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