Free Republic 3rd Qtr 2025 Fundraising Target: $81,000 Receipts & Pledges to-date: $41,744
51%  
Woo hoo!! And now only $376 to reach 52%!! Thank you all very much!! God bless.

Keyword: floridasbest

Brevity: Headers | « Text »
  • Common Name, Uncommon Valor

    03/29/2006 4:51:22 AM PST · by oldtimer2 · 25 replies · 614+ views
    OpinionJournal ^ | March 29, 2006 | RALPH KINNEY BENNETT
    Common Name, Uncommon Valor BY RALPH KINNEY BENNETT March 29,2006 Since his days growing up in Tampa, Fla., the lanky kid had wanted to be a soldier. By this bright morning, April 4, 2003, Sgt. First Class Paul Ray Smith had more than fulfilled his dream. He had served 15 of his 33 years in the U.S. Army, including three tours of duty in harm's way--in the Persian Gulf, Bosnia and Kosovo. Now all his training, all his experience, all the instincts that had made him a model soldier, were about to be put to the test. With 16 men...