| Author | Message | ||
     Olinxb12r |
I won't be posting on the board this weekend after I leave work this afternoon, so I just want to say happy Memorial Day! Thanks to all of those who have served, will serve, been injured or lost their lives for this great country that we call home! I hope everyone stops for a second to think about why we get this three day weekend every year admist the partying and good times to remember the people that risked their lives in the past and the ones that continue to do so today. James | ||
| Dragonbuell12r |
amen | ||
| Alanshouse |
My Memorial day gift is I get to leave the battle next week. I am going to include in this post a letter that I received today from one of my closest friends. We met 8 years ago in basic training. Served together in the 10th Mountain Div. out of Fort Drum. I went on to the PA National Guard and he joined the Texas Guard. In 2003 his unit was activated to take part in the Iraq conflict. In 2004 he was seriously wounded in a chemical explosion in Fallujah. This is what he had to say this Memorial Day: Everyone, This Memorial Day, while our nation is fighting a global war on terror, Americans will be honoring our military service members who gave the ultimate sacrifice with their lives. Not only will we pay tribute to the 2,750 troops lost in Iraq and Afghanistan but to all who died during their service dating back from our Civil War. It is important to honor our nation’s heroes for their duty. Alongside these fallen veterans, respect and thanks should also be directed towards the family members of these brave individuals. War is not kind. Death and destruction runs rampant during combat. We, the United States of America, have an all volunteer military force right now that understands these dangers. These troops chose to be a part of the world’s most historic and greatest military force. Our military is made up of active duty, reserve, and national guard components that want to protect their loved ones and stand up for fellow citizens. As a wounded veteran who lost fellow troops during a tour of duty in Iraq, I understand the importance of having a grateful nation. The thank you’s, prayers, and kind words spoken to myself and my family members helped me on my way to recovery. When I left for Iraq, I expected to come back as a well rounded combat veteran or with a flag draped over my coffin. Never did I think that my body and soul was going to endure shrapnel wounds and 3rd degree burns over 40 percent of my body that kept me unconscious for two weeks. Due to the severity of my injuries I had to learn to walk and use my hands again. After being so independent during my military service right out of high school, all of the sudden I had become very dependent of those around me. More then a dozen surgeries later and 20 months at Brook Army Medical Center, my road to recovery is still ongoing. Organizations like the Fisher House Foundation, the Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes, Wounded Warrior Project, and Disabled American Veterans, work with the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs to ensure that wounded troops and their family members are given the best possible support system due to their individual traumatic events. These organizations need the continual support of the public and this nation to make sure no one is stranded without help during their time of crisis. While learning to adapt to my disability, I had to accept limitations, but I also found a grateful nation. Today’s military service members choose to serve and are usually reluctant about taking thanks from others for their selfless service. After my injury I was able to see how deeply affected my family and friends were. From my own anger at being hurt and seeing the pain of my loved ones, alongside the difficulty of witnessing fellow wounded troops in the medical hospital, I learned to reshape and refocus my thankfulness of having a patriotic country. When you read an article mentioning troops killed in action, try to find the number wounded in action too. Over 18,800 have been wounded during combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. We must not forget these men and women who volunteered to risk their life and limbs for our nation. This Memorial Day, their physical and emotional scars will not let them forget you, your safety, and why they served. Sergeant (Ret.) Joe Washam I thank everyone that has supported us throughout this journey. My request to you at home is; if you know a soldier or run into one this weekend, give him/her a pat on the back...We know they deserve it. | ||
| Bomber |
in my town, they read the names of all fallen service members back to the French and Indian War (poor guy walked from north of Chicago to Lake Champlaign) thanks are appropriate at any time -- a trip through the airport, for me, is always schduled to take about 15 minutes more than otherwise needed -- I can almost always find a trooper that looks thirsty the biggest change for the better in this country ove rthe last 30 year, IMO, is the support the men and women in uniform receive -- good for the US! lastly, a heartful Thank You to all who are/have served! It is better to be shot from a gun than squeezed from a tube -- HSThompson | ||
| Missin44 |
Doing the ride Sunday. Get in the saddle and join me. | ||
| Slickster |
Alan Great Memorial Gift. Thanks for Serving. Additionally, please extend our thanks to your close friend, Ret. Sgt. Washam for his service and sacrifice to our country. Wayne | ||
| Buelldawg |
THANK YOU!... Doesn't seem like enough, but it's from the heart. George | ||
| Thunderheart69 |
Thanx Guys! I'm a 03-04 Vet and I'm go'in back in 07 summer to do EOD work for AZNG. I'm gonna mis My 12r for a year...... |
