The Few, The Proud, The Brave

Just a few that have died for our freedom! Sorry this really isn't on the 4th but I thought it was appropriate to write something about our independance.

4th of July, this is a great holiday and it honors our great nation.  Independence Day, this is perhaps, the most celebrated family holiday other than Thanksgiving and Christmas and that's appropriate.  Because the 4th of July is about our families. Our nation declared its independence in order for our families to live free, not just for one generation but for future generations. 

And what odds they faced. It must have seemed impossible.  When the Continental Congress unanimously adopted a resolution on July 2nd, calling for independence, within two days the Congress endorsed the Declaration of Independence in its final form.  The 4th of July would ultimately become the most revered national holiday in our country.  But over 200 years ago, it was just a hot summer day.  Our forefathers went up against the world's most colossal empire since ancient Rome.  No colony had ever successfully left a
mother country to set up a self-governing state. The odds were against them. King George III sent a massive armada for what became the largest assault of the 18th Century, over 300 ships and 32,000
men.

On July 12th the British decided to test the rebel defenses by sending the Phoenix, a 44 gun battle ship and the Rose, a 28 gun frigate past southern Manhattan into the Hudson river.  With guns blazing and cannonballs falling on rooftops, one of the first battles for independence occurred in New York.  The rebel response was led by Alexander Hamilton who commanded four of the largest cannons in the American arsenal. But, you know how the story ends. 

General Washington led his troops across New Jersey.  He would avoid large scale confrontations that played to the British strength and begin a new battle strategy.  "We should on all occasions avoid a general action or put anything to risk unless compelled by a necessity into which we ought never be drawn," he told Congress. Small scale skirmishes and guerilla tactics which favored American forests and landscape would replace traditional methods of battle.  And, it worked. He won. We won. And the "United Colonies of America became "Free and Independent States."  The United States of America was born.

It is ironic that our battle against terrorism also began with New York City as one of the first battlegrounds.  The attacks on September 11th initiated a new war, a war on terrorism.  As Deputy of Defense Secretary
Paul Wolfowitz recently told troops is Fallujah, Iraq, "What you're doing is fighting another kind of evil.  It's not fascism; it's not communism; but it's every bit as evil.  And I think it's every bit as dangerous to our country. "

In this war, there is no armada of British ships visible across the New York harbor.  The enemy is present but hidden. We must rewrite the battle plans of the past and create new ways to combat this enemy.  Our ability and agility will form the foundation of future war fighting. Our determination to win, however, was forged over 200 years ago when insurmountable odds were overcome.  The 4th of July is truly our Independence Day, a day of celebration, or remembrance and of rededication to our country.

I know that you share with me your pride in being an American.  Our country has been criticized for being the richest country in the world. I would say that we are proudly the richest country in the world, rich in our
multi cultural heritage, rich in our traditions, rich in our entrepreneurial spirit, our zest for the unknown and our reach into the future.  The American colonies became the United States of America because of our determination, our self discipline and most of all, our dreams.  Our desire for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, which is not a coined phrase, but a day to day philosophy celebrating free expression, freedom of religion, freedom of speech and the right to be and remain free.

It is in this spirit of freedom that the 4th of July should be celebrated. Our military is working all over the world to support the vision that became a reality over 200 years ago. So I hope between the boating and the BBQ and the picnics and the fireworks, each of you will take a few moments to send a prayer of thanks.   Thanks to our forefathers for their vision and thanks to our military around the world for their dedication.

Happy 4th of July to each of you.  May you continue to celebrate our
freedom, in freedom.

Ultimate Sacrifice

A former high school class president in Michigan who became an Army combat medic and was considering a career in health care was killed in Afghanistan over the weekend during an insurgent attack.

Army Pfc. Brian J. Backus, 21, he grew up in the Thumb community of Harbor Beach, and was deployed to Afghanistan in March. Backus is survived by a 2-year-old son Jack, brother Paul and parents Alan and Anne

"Brian was a beautiful young man, and this is really hitting us hard," Rev. Paula M. Timm, pastor at Harbor Beach United Methodist Church, where Brian had attended. Before he was deployed overseas, he attended church in uniform and received the congregation's blessings, Timm said.

Backus joined the Army in June 2010, and underwent training at Fort Sill, Okla., and Fort Sam Houston, Texas. He was part of the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division based at Fort Drum in New York. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo ordered flags in the state lowered to half staff Thursday in honor of Backus.

Remember Brians family and friends today and if I could say anything to Brians family I would say, Brian is in heaven now. This is not the time for you grieve his death but it’s your time to celebrate his life. Don’t ever forget Brian. I'm sure he wouldn't want to see people cry. He would want you to be happy. So as you lay his body to rest, think back and remember how Brian touched your lives. How he made you laugh and how good Brian was as a person. This is not the moment for you to shed tears but the time to be thankful that you were given the chance to have known a man named Brian. A man who paid the ultimate sacrifice for you and me.

My Chains are Gone

A Marine sniper who grew up in Cuba, in Allegany County, died from injuries he suffered from an improvised explosive device in the Helmand province of Afghanistan. Sgt. Mark A. Bradley was 25. His father, Jack Bradley, remembered his son Friday as a “true patriot and a true hero and a true American.” “He was doing exactly what he wanted to do,” Jack Bradley told The Buffalo News. “He loved it. He died in the service of his country in the proudest of traditions.”


Mark Bradley joined the Marine Corps a few months after graduating from Cuba-Rushford High School in 2003.“He grew up in a military family,” said Jack Bradley, who is retired from the Air Force. “It was kind of a calling for him. He joined the Marine Corps. We encouraged him to.” He was assigned to Camp Lejeune in North Carolina and his family soon moved South as well. His father moved to Mississippi and his mother, Sherry Bradley, settled in Clayton, N. C., so she could be closer to her son.


In Clayton, Mark Bradley met his wife, Samantha, whom he married a little over two years ago. Bradley was on his fourth tour overseas with the Marines, his father said. It was his first tour in Afghanistan. He had served one tour in Iraq as an infantryman and two more aboard ships as part of a Marine Expeditionary Unit, one in the Persian Gulf and the other in the Indian Ocean.


Last fall, he and his brother, Steven, a corporal in the Marines, graduated from sniper school. They were about halfway through their seven-month tour in Afghanistan, serving in the same platoon but in different locations of the country when Mark Bradley was injured.

Bradley was airlifted to Germany with his brother escorting him. The sergeant was then flown to the Bethesda Naval Hospital last Friday. “He survived for 13 days,” Jack Bradley said. “There were a couple of times we really thought he was going to come through.” Doctors performed multiple surgeries, amputating both of his legs, and worked on his brain, trying to control bleeding. “He was getting better, getting stronger and then the other day they discovered he was hemorrhaging again in the brain,” the father said. “And then his brain just swelled and it was just not recoverable.”


Bradley died Thursday morning at Bethesda. His father said he hoped people would remember his son as a hero and a young man filled with life and love. “I think the thing they need to know is what a fantastic son, husband and Marine and hero he was,” he said. “He was fun loving. He lived every day to his fullest. He will be sorely missed for sure.”


Although his family had moved away years ago, Sgt. Mark Bradley was remembered at his alma mater and throughout Cuba. Gary White, athletic director at Cuba Rushford High, recalled how his sons often played whiffle ball with Mark and his brother when they were little. “He was a great kid,” White said. “It’s stunned us all here. We just found out yesterday. It’s just tragic. You wonder why.”


On Friday, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo directed flags on state government buildings to be flown at half staff on Tuesday in Bradley’s honor. “On behalf of the people of New York, I want to express my sympathy to the family, friends, and fellow Marines of Sergeant Bradley,” Cuomo said in a statement. “As we mourn the loss of this young Marine from Western New York, we honor and remember his service to our nation.”










Indicative of his spirit, Mark fought to the very end, but his body was just too sick to survive the massive wounds he received in combat,” Jack Bradley wrote. My son, my hero, great husband to Samantha and one of the Marine Corps finest warriors"


The death of a loved one creates a hole in the soul. A hurtful, empty place. An emptiness beyond mere words that seemingly screams to be filled. It aches to be filled with despair and anger, but we struggle to fill it with positive things instead. Nothing works. It still screams out to be filled and the pain is intense. So what can we do to fill this awful void that has penetrated deep into our soul?

Logic is the basis of the human thought process. Logic says that if you find a hole in the yard, this means some of the dirt has been removed. So, logically, you get a shovel of dirt and begin to put it in the hole until it's filled again.  The hole is gone.The ground once again is level.

Logic doesn't work with the soul.  Logic is a physical thing.  This void in our soul isn't physical.  It's emotional.  Logic is not emotional.  So naturally, the logical thing to do doesn't work.


You have to believe they are not gone. They remain here beside you just in a different form. Look for them in your heart and there you will find them. In those moments when you feel alone look for them in your thoughts and you will find them. And every time a tear forms in your eyes look up to the heavens and you will see them.

Keep Marks family in your prayers today, especially his young wife. Honor Mark today by being greatful for the life you have been given and never take for granted the life he gave. Honor God and pray for peace because he is the air we breath and the water we thirst for.

Im leaving you with lyrics from a song that remind me that even though a life may have been lost, God has a much bigger plan. And now Marks chains are gone and he has been set free.

Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy rains
Unending love, Amazing grace


 

"Don't cry over me"

There's only two people whose ever died for me
Laid down their lives just so I could be free
They both went through hell bared crosses and shells
And both got back up again after they fell
They never pick a fight but their there to pick up the pieces
God only knows where we'd be without soldiers and Jesus

The day Lance Cpl. Nicholas O'Brien's battalion shipped out for his first deployment to Afghanistan, the young Marine sent his parents an email to reassure them and tell them to sleep easy.

"If something happens to me, don't cry over me because this is what I want to be doing," he wrote.
That was in March. On Thursday evening, three Marines arrived at his family's home in Stanley to give them somber news: About 10 hours earlier, O'Brien had been killed while on foot patrol in Afghanistan's Helmand province.

O'Brien was a 2008 East Gaston High School graduate who turned 21 about two weeks ago in Afghanistan.
A talented high school baseball player, O'Brien was offered college scholarships to continue playing ball, said his father, Richard O'Brien. "He had a lot of choices in front of him," Richard O'Brien said. But he was determined to go a different route. "Nic made his mind up when he was about 15 years old that he was going into the Marine Corps - come hell or high water," said his father, a veteran Marine.

Nic O'Brien entered active duty in fall 2009. He was an infantryman in 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment of the 1st Marine Division, which is based at Camp Pendleton in California. His father said his son knew he'd be heading to Afghanistan. In fact, it was his goal to go there. "He was a true American hero in every sense of the word," said Richard O'Brien. "He sacrificed his life for something he believed in."

As news of his death spread, his friends began sharing memories of O'Brien on Facebook while others made plans to meet at a local baseball field Friday night to honor the fallen Marine. Richard O'Brien said he and his wife, Tammy, were stunned by the outpouring of love and support on Facebook. "Thank you Nic for everything you've done," wrote one friend. "You will be truly missed."

Ginger Petty of Belmont said she was devastated by his death. She said she'd known O'Brien since he was about 10 years old. He grew up playing baseball with her eldest son, Lee. She described O'Brien has a "wonderful boy" and a great outfielder who never belittled anyone and found a friend in everyone. He was the kind of person who wasn't afraid to step in when he saw a friend in need, she said.

She also said her son Lee struggled with the death of his father when he was a senior in high school, and he was in jeopardy of not graduating. But O'Brien talked to him about what was going on and encouraged him. The pair graduated together weeks later. Petty said she hadn't heard that story until Friday. "It was the first time Lee ever told me," she said. "I thought it was amazing for someone at that age...Nic deserves to be recognized."

East Gaston High math teacher Chad Owens taught O'Brien as an 11th-grader and helped coach him baseball. He described a student who "always liked to be out front... who made catching a baseball look easy and effortless." Over the years, the two became friends, especially after O'Brien graduated and became a Marine.

"You always hear how the teacher impacts the life of a student," Owens said, his voice choking. "In this situation... it's the other way around. "It's a student who's impacted a teacher, an athlete who's impacted a coach. "And now, he's my hero."

Richard O'Brien said his family plans to travel to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware to meet his son's body when it arrives there. He said there will be a local memorial service, and his son will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery.



Shortly after O'Brien's body was flown into Charlotte on Monday, the tears fell as six Marine pallbearers placed his flag-draped casket into a hearse. They cried for the boy with the brainy, "disproportionately big" head, who at East Gaston High won the Algebra II award as an 11th-grader, starred on its baseball and soccer teams and who couldn't wait to get to Afghanistan to fight for his country.

"It is the human thing to weep and to grieve," said the Rev. George Sherman of Shady Brook Baptist Church , O'Brien's family church. "But there is a time to smile as you reflect."

His body arrived at Wilson Air Center in Charlotte. As it was transferred to a hearse, O'Brien's father, Richard, himself a former Marine, wrapped his arms around O'Brien's mother, Tammy, and his younger sister, 16-year-old Haley. Dozens of law enforcement cars and hundreds of Patriot Guard motorcycle riders escorted the family and casket. Along the way, hundreds lined U.S. 74, waving flags and holding signs of thanks to O'Brien. Bob Bradley and Walt Thompson, both former Marines, held a sign with big letters: "SEMPER FI," the shortened motto of the Marines.

Just outside Belmont, Diana Shipman of Gastonia brought her daughters, Katelyn, 10, and Kamryn, 7, to pay respects. "I wanted them to see that people do honor and respect the military," Shipman said. "This young man gave his life for this country." And John Hayes, 63, sat in Gastonia, dressed in his former Marine dress blues. "I wore it to show my respect for the uniform and this kid who died way too young," Hayes said. "He was just a kid."

When I am sitting down to post these stories I read a lot about soldiers who have been killed in action. I wish that I could try and tell a little of everyone of their stories to the world. Since I have been here I have helped send about 70 fallen heroes back home to their families so when I am reading their stories I try to get to know each one of them as best as I can.

I think of their family and friends and what their last hours on this earth must have been like. I thank God for instilling the power in each one of them to make the sacrifice they made and for giving me the opportunity to honor them in my own way.

For the last few weeks I can imagine that  Nics fmaily and friends every thought has had a "won't" in it. He won't come home, we won't talk, we won't laugh. That boy with the ironic gaze and the awesome sense of humor won't be anymore. That young man with the wisdom so much more profound than his age won't be anymore. That warm smile and that healthy appetite won't be anymore, that uncommon combination of determination and tenderness won't be anymore, his common sense and discernment won't be anymore. Nic was a son, brother and friend. I imagine he illuminated lives  and made it hard not to love him. I imagine he was a man of value and he had courage to do anything. I only hope that someday I will be able to thank each and every man and woman who has given their life for you and me in person.

The other day I was listening to a General tell a story about an experience he had in the Mall of America parking lot. He said that as he was walking the in the mall he noticed a man getting out of his vehicle with a bumper sticker that said “Support the Troops”. The General struck up a conversation with the man as they were walking in the mall and he said “thank you for your support, I am a General in the Air Force” and so on. As they were talking the General said “well what do you do to support the troops”? The man replied with “well I bought the sticker”

I thought this was funny and I wanted to share it with Y’all. There are so many ways to supprt the troops, wether it be; sending a care package, writing a letter, donating to a foundation or even just taking some time out of your day to say a prayer and thank God that you have someone fighting for you. So I have to ask you “what are you doing to support our troops”? Because God only knows where we’d be without soldiers and Jesus!

In Christ Alone

Army Spc. Devin A. Snyder

 

U.S. Army Spec. Devin Snyder of Cohocton, a military po­licewoman, died Sat­urday an explo­sion near Mehter Lam Afganistan in the east­ern part of the country. A 20-year-old sol­di­er from Steuben County who becom­e the first female from the western NY region to die in the war.

The blast also killed three oth­er U.S. sol­diers riding in a vehicle with her. The De­part­ment of Defense confirmed today that Snyder; Sgt. Christo­pher R. Bell, 21, of Gold­en, Miss.; Sgt. Joshua D. Pow­ell, 28, of Quitman, Texas; and Pfc. Robert L. Voakes Jr., 21, of L'Anse, Mich. were killed in Laghman province when in­surgents attacked their unit with an impro­vised explosive device.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo today di­rected flags on state govern­ment fa­cilities to be flown at half-staff. Specialist Snyder's par­ents, Di­neen and Edward Snyder, were at Dover (Del.) Air Force Base on Monday to meet her body as it arrived at the base's pro­cess­ing center.

Edward Snyder, a for­mer mayor of Cohocton, said he talked with his daugh­ter on Facebook the morning that she was killed."She was very proud to serve our country. She was always a team player and she always put oth­er people before her­self." Her hope, he said, was to carry over her military expe­ri­ence into a ca­reer in law enforce­ment. "She was a military po­lice officer and she wanted a ca­reer and to have a fam­ily right along with it."

Snyder was stationed in Alaska, and was on her first deploy­ment.The fam­ily has a tra­dition of ser­vice. Her broth­er Damien is in the Army; her sis­ter, Natasha, is in the Navy; and her fa­ther is a Navy vet­eran. "It's been tough on all of us," said her step-grandfa­ther, Clair Fairbroth­er. "A re­al shock."In Albany, State Sen. Tom O'Mara, R-Big Flats, issued a state­ment ex­press­ing "endur­ing grat­i­tude and respect" for Specialist Snyders service to our country.

Hundreds gathered inside a stadium for the first part of Snyder’s funeral, hundreds more were outside, honoring her by hoisting American flags and shielding the family from a protest that never materialized. Snyder would have been reluctant to accept praise for her sacrifice, her mother, Dineen Snyder, said after the funeral. “Devin was humble. She didn’t look for recognition for anything that she did,” Dineen Snyder said. “She’s probably up there thinking that we’re making a big deal out of nothing.” If her daughter had a second chance, she would have done it all over again, Dineen Snyder said. Both of Devin Snyder’s parents said she was focused, dedicated and an achiever. “She was genuine. She had a heart of gold,” said her father, Edward Snyder. “Since the day she could walk, she ran.”

During the funeral, the procession entered the stadium under a large American flag hung from the ladders of two fire trucks. Snyder’s casket, draped in an American flag, was carried on a horse-drawn caisson with an Army honor guard. Bagpipers and drummers played. Pallbearers from the honor guard lifted her casket and carried it to a platform for the service. They also took the flag from her casket, raised it, then lowered it to half-staff where it remained during the service.

The Rev. David Bernard spoke about Snyder. “Devin was pretty much an all-American girl,” he said. “She loved life. She loved her friends. She loved her country. “I suspect if she had her way, everyone here would be wearing pink with polka dots.”

Army Maj. Gen. Gregg Martin said he felt personally connected with Snyder because he was her commanding general at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.“Like thousands of other young American soldiers, Devin willingly put her boots on the ground in order to protect our nation and enable others to live better lives,” Martin said. Snyder enlisted in 2008 and was deployed to Afghanistan in March.

After the ceremony, the procession took a course of about a mile from the stadium to Zion Lutheran Cemetery. Hundreds walked behind the caisson on Erie Street, which was flanked by people holding American flags. The procession crossed the Conhocton River on Maple Avenue, then turned south onto South Dansville Street toward the cemetery, where at least 100 people were waiting to salute. Hundreds more carrying American flags stood on roads high above the cemetery, forming a belt of red, white and blue around the place where Snyder would finally be laid to rest. “That was phenomenal,” Edward Snyder said of the sight of hundreds of flags on the heights. “I’ve never seen, I never want to see anything like that ever again, but it was excellent.” On Loon Lake Road, which looks down on the cemetery, the Patriot Guard Riders stood quietly as a faint drummers’ cadence signaled that the procession was arriving. The sounds of soft sniffling filled the time between drumbeats. The procession entered the cemetery, flanked by people saluting and holding flags, and the honor guard pallbearers again lifted her casket from the caisson. Later, pallbearers solemnly removed the flag draped over her casket, folded it into a triangle and gave it to another honor guard member, who gave the flag to Martin. Martin approached the Snyders, got on one knee and presented the flag to Dineen Snyder. "On behalf of the President of the United States, the Department of the Air Force, and a grateful nation, we offer this flag for the faithful and dedicated service of Spc. Devin Snyder. This is what is said when the folded flag that drapes the casket is handed off to the next of kin. Then he embraced both parents as Dineen Snyder wept.

After the funeral, Dineen Snyder said the Army was Devin Snyder’s love. “She gave 110 percent,” Dineen Snyder said. “She was somebody who never quit. Never. “She always wanted bigger, better, and to do much more than she was already doing. I don’t know how it’s possible, but that’s how she was,” she said. “She loved with her whole heart.


Above is a picture of Spc. Snyders body being
carried off the plane when it arrived at Dover AFB

I know the likelyhood of anyone who knew Spc. Snyder reading this is slim to none but I want to leave them with some words that have comforted me over the years.

In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand



                  

A Soldiers Prayer

If you read my blog yesterday you know that I have decided that in an effort to bring some more recognition to those who have given their life for our country, I am going to tell the story of a selfless man or woman who has paid the ultimate sacrifice for me and you. Unfortunately there are thousands of men and women who have died since the start of this war, not to mention all of those lost in previous wars. So needless to say I won’t be able to put everyone on here, but I figure if I’m able to just tell one person’s story then maybe one more person will understand the price of their freedom.

Today I want to Honor Sgt. Kevin W. White

 

Sgt. Kevin W. White, 22, of the U.S. Army, resident Westfield, N.Y., died Monday, May 2, 2011, after being injured in action, while serving with the Army at COP Honaker-Miracle, Afghanistan. Sgt White was born May 20, 1988, He is survived by his parents, Paul L. and Patricia J. (Baer) White and his two brothers: David J. and Stephen J. White, all of Westfield, N.Y.; his maternal grandparents: James W. and Joan (Bamberg) Baer of Busti, N.Y.; and his paternal grandmother, Mary Ann (White) Wheeler and her husband, Woodrow of Mayville, N.Y.

A Westfield resident all his life, Sgt White was a 2006 graduate of Westfield Academy and Central School. During his youth he was active in the school Rifle Club, and Ski Club, played soccer, tennis and volleyball. He was in several high school plays and sang in the chorus. He enjoyed turkey hunting, snorkeling, spear fishing and all things Hawaiian. He was an avid air soft player. His family says he enjoyed the opportunity to travel and experience new things.
Upon graduation from Westfield Academy and Central School, Sgt. White joined the Army on July 25, 2006. He did basic training at Ft. Benning, Ga. His first duty station was at Smith Barracks Baumholder, Germany 1st Armored Division and he later proudly served his country in Germany, Iraq, Hawaii and Afghanistan.

He served overseas duty in Germany from November 2006 until October 2009, and during that time he was deployed to Iraq from April 2008 until June 2009. Sgt White had served in Afghanistan since April 7, 2011. His military training and awards include but are not limited to: Air Assault training in 2010 and the Warrior Leader Course for Military Education in 2011 where he made Commandant's list. Sgt. White was Awarded The Bronze Star Medal, posthumously, The Purple Heart, posthumously, the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, twice, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, the Iraq Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, twice, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, also twice, the NATO Medal, posthumously, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Air Assault Badge, the Combat and Special Skill Badge, Basic Marksmanship Qualifying Badge Bar, and Weapon: Rifle Expert.

Sgt. White proudly served his country for four years and nine months. He was killed by a roadside bomb in Kunar province May 2, less than a month after arriving in Afghanistan. Mourners called him a soldier's soldier, dedicated to others. Maj. Gen. Kendall Cox said the soldiers who served with Sgt. White described him as a teacher and mentor. More than 400 people gathered for the funeral of Sgt. White

So today as we reflect on all of those who have gone before us and we remember their service and all of their sacrifices, we should also remember their committment to something greater, something biigger than themselves.

Today I want to leave you with “A Soldiers Prayer”

Brave warriors, should fate find us in battle, May our cause be just, May our leaders have a clear vision, May our courage not falter, May we be triumphant and earn victory as we show mercy to our enemies. May our efforts bring lasting peace, May our sacrifices be always appreciated by those we serve. May we return to our loved ones unharmed. Should we be harmed, May our wounds heal, Should we perish in the struggle, May God embrace us and find for us a place in His Kingdom.

Traveling Soldier

Since today is Memorial Day, I thought it would be appropriate to give you all a blog about this day in history, the people we honor on this day and a little of what it means to me. Memorial Day is a US federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May. Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates men and women who died while in military service to the United States. First enacted to honor Union and Confederate soldiers following the American Civil War it was extended after World War I to honor Americans who have died in all wars. Memorial Day always hits home with me not only because I'm in the military but also because as most of you know I have an uncle who was killed in Kosovo ten years ago. This Memorial Day has especially hit home for me, more than any other year because of where I am.

Everyday I hear of more men and women who have been killed in Iraq and Afganistan. A lot of people dont know that there are still almost daily casualties in this war. And one thing that I do have the opportunity to do over here is participate in fallen warrior ceremonies, which is a way to honor fallen soldiers in their route to their final resting place. This is depicted in the movie "Taking Chance" Based on real-life events, Lt. Col. Michael Strobl, a volunteer military escort officer, accompanies the body of 19-year-old Marine Chance Phelps back to his hometown of Dubois, Wyoming. I strongly urge everyone to watch this movie if at all possible.

Now these ceremonies can certainly be one of the toughest parts of the job but it certainly is one of the most hunbling. If it were my choice I would never have to attend one of these ceremonies because soldiers would be safe at home, but thats in a perfect world and we all know we are far from that. But, in an effort to look at the positive I have concluded that atleast I know that these soldiers are getting the respect and honor they deserve all the way home. And I am greatful to know that my uncle got the same treatment on his way home back in 2001.

Now when I came over here it was my goal to put out blogs to keep family and friends updated on life but I have to admitt I have been slacking. The reason being that just about everyday is the same here. Day in and day out I work, eat and sleep and in that order. I have tried to think of creative things to write about or ways to keep you guys interested but I have already run out of ideas.

So with Memorial Day here and with all the deaths I have been learning of in the war I got to thinking of ways that I could show my gratitude to all of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country. I have decided to start using my blog to tell the story of one service member who has been killed in action each day. I figure the world doesn’t hear enough about those who have died for it.

So today I want to Honor Cpl. Brandon M Kirton

Insurgents killed this Fort Campbell, Ky., soldier May 18 in Afghanistan. Cpl. Brandon M. Kirton, 25, of Centennial, Colo., died in Kandahar province when insurgents attacked his unit with small arms fire and mortar rounds. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division. Kirton was an infantryman. He joined the Army in January 2008 and arrived at Campbell in July 2008. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal and Combat Infantryman Badge. Kirton is survived by his father, Robert C., and his mother, Kathleen A. Kirton, both of Parker, Colo. He is also survived by his daughter, Heaven Kirton of Centennial, Colo.

 

Today Cpl. Kirton's friends and family mourn the loss of a loved one. If it were up to me the whole world would know of this selfless man who gave all he could give. If you are reading this I hope that you would take just a second to say a prayer and remember Cpl. Kirton and his family.

 

I hope that everyone realizes the price that is paid for our freedom everyday, but especially today. Cpl. Kirton and so many others have given their life for us. In our country, we do a wonderful job of creating and building physical memorials.  Such as the Vietnam Wall, the WWII Memorial, the Korean Memorial, the 9/11 Memorial.  At these sacret places, we can see and even trace with our fingertips the names of those in who have given their lives in defense of our country.

Memorial Day is a single day during which we honor the spirit of all those who died in service to our nation but whom we continue to remember and honor in our hearts.  Instead of seeing a stone monument, on this day we see the faces of all those who over the years have sacrificed their lives in defense of freedom.

Memorial Day for some may just be another day off work; a reason to have a barbeque; or, the beginning of summer vacation.

President Kennedy once said “A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces but also by the men it honors, the men it remembers.” 

Of course today we equally honor service men and women, but a key component of our nation’s greatness lies in our ability to honor, appreciate, and cherish, through our actions and our memories all those who have died to ensure our freedom.

Today is our day to say thank you to those who for generations have paid the price with their lives, and to their families and friends whose lives are forever changed, and to whom we owe an enormous debt. All of the good we do in the world today is because of the legacy given to us by those who gave their lives in service. 

I want to close now with a prayer for all of our troops. Past, Present and Future.

 

Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and keeping of all the men and women in our armed forces at home and abroad. Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace: stregthen them in their trials and temptations; give them the courage to face all they may encounter; 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 precious name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen