Posted on 08/15/2006 5:36:45 PM PDT by SandRat
I wrote a commentary recently about my husband’s upcoming third deployment. In that article, I referred to him as a hero.
When he read it, he zeroed in on that word and said I was wrong, that he wasn’t a hero – just another Soldier doing what he was told to do.
I explained to him my reasons for describing him a hero: because he was able to leave his family and step foot on a plane when he knew he may not come back. Because he was one of the people who volunteered to do that. Because he saw a cause bigger than him, and wanted to do his part of it. But above all, because he wanted to continue the line of military service started in his family four generations ago.
After our discussion, I asked him what his definition of hero was. He said it was someone who lost a limb – or a family member – and still stayed in the Army.
In the wake of the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team’s four-month extension, I’ve added those family members – the spouses who dried their tears and got back on the horse – to my list of heroes. I don’t know how I would have reacted to the news that I’d have to take down my welcome-home banner, and wait months more for my husband to return. But these spouses have done it with a grace that has made so many Soldiers proud of their spouses.
A hero is different for everybody. It could be the friend who baby sits so you can have an hour of quiet time, or the teacher who goes out of her way to encourage her students to excel.
Regardless of the definition, if you see a hero, please tell them so.
One thing is for sure: there aren’t enough heroes out there.
We need more Strykers
God bless the men and women heroes of the United States military!!!!!!!!!
My son (a 1st Lt.; a Stryker platoon commander from Ft. Lewis, WA) and his unit 'relieved' these guys......just as they were being told they were being extended by 4 months AND being sent to Baghdad, the last bastion for the Bad Guys (yes, folks, they see it as their last stand).
We talked about this very possibility for him and his unit down the road. He made it clear that if that happened.........well yeah, it'd suck, but they'd by God do it and not flinch.
I believe him.
He also survived......without a scratch.....an IED (a 152mm artillery shell at that) this past Saturday that went off right next to his Stryker; hell.....right next to his hatch.
He also happens to be FReeper "Future Snake Eater", so please keep him and his troops in your prayers, my friends.
My prayers for the future Green Beanie.
God Bless him!
Just a quick reply saying, "Thank you!" I'm in Bagdad now, getting things set for our company to arrive. There will be more to follow for you guys and gals that have so continued to support our efforts.
Oh yeah, our guys will deffinately keep low, kick butt, and take names. I am very confident that as unfortunate for us as it may be, that we are the right guys for the job
God Bless your son and all who serve like him this night.
Thank you. And thank your son for me. And ask him to thank his platoon jarheads for me and for my wife and my two daughters. Thanks!
Future Snake Eater, this is for your service brothers and sisters.
Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and keeping all the men and women of our armed forces at home and abroad. Defend them day-by-day with your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them courage to face the perils, which beset them; and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be.
Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. I ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
RightOnline, this is for you and all the waiting wives, mothers, fathers, husbands, and children.
Before I lay me down to sleep...And fall into a peaceful slumber deep...
Hear this little prayer of mine...Hope it gets to you in time...
Bless those on land and sea and air...Who fight for freedom here and there...
Send special blessings from above...Protect them with your shield of love...
Return them safely, we humbly pray soon one day...
To the land of the free...
And the Home of the Brave...
God bless all of our heros and heroines in the U.S. military!!! BTTT!
Thank you for your service, Future Snake Eater!! You have our deepest respect, gratitude and support for all you do. And thank you, RightOnline, for raising such a good man, and for all the sacrifices you and your family proudly endure.
I've walked that walk as well, and I just can't thank our military men and women enough. God bless, chena
Thanks for that.
I think the truly brave thing a man (or woman) can do is to sign up. The rest is follow through.
I have a disabled former Navy friend. Carrier mechanic, ran out to pull the cable off the aircraft hook some thousands of times. Illness got him. I made it through 4 years as an Infantry officer without a scratch. The difference? In my case, luck. In his case, less so.
All honor to those who serve.
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