OT.....Remebering our soldiers fallen, serving and retired.

This week we honored and buried a fallen solider from our community. He was a great solider and wonderful person all around. He was serving in Afganistan. He was only 24 years old. It was amazing to see how our community and the surrounding communities rallied around his family with support in honor of him. On Monday his body returned to our town, they flew him in and it was about a thirty minute drive to get him home. On the way the patriot guard and law enforcement escorted them, the town south of ours the children stood outside of their schools along with people on the street holding flags and wearing patriotic colors and our community did the same as well. I honestly have never seen anything like it in my life, it was truly amazing and heartwrenching at the same time. Tuesday was his funeral and we had approximately 500 to 700 patriot guards escort his body to the funeral and then to the grave side service. Again people lined the streets to give their support and honor him. Approximately 2,000 people attended his service and a local radio station broadcast the service so people who were unable to attend were still able to hear the service. This young man selflessly gave his life so we could be free. I am so proud of my small community (12,000 people give or take).

As we go on in our busy lives we many times forget those out there that are serving or have served for our country and our community. I guess what I am saying is that no matter how crazy my life gets how angry I get at my husband or children (bio or step) I am so thankful that I get to go home to them everynight, see their smile and hug them and tell them I love them. We take so much for granted. Love your family and let them know you love them everyday. Because tomorrow may be too late.

I am thankful for everyone that so selflessly gives so that we have freedom. Thank SSG Juden, for the gift of freedom you have given all of us. You will NEVER be forgotten.

Hope everyone has a good weekend!!!

yesican's blog
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Thanks

Thanks for taking the time to post this. It's so easy to be enthralled with all of our issues and forget about those serving here and overseas. My man did two tours in Iraq with the Air Force and is now a member of the Reserves. I don't know what I would have done, or do now, if anything were to happen to him. I was nearly brought to tears by your story. Thanks again for posting
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Any idiot can face a crisis - it's day to day living that wears you out.
Anton Chekhov

Please tell your dh thank

Please tell your dh thank you for me and my family! Growing up in a military family my dad was in the navy for 22 years (that makes me a Navy Brat!!!) I know how much toll it take on the families and those that serve. God Bless you and your family for your service to our country.

...the way I see it, you can either run from it, or learn from it. - The Lion King

I have the utmost respect

for our military and pray for them every single day. I also adopted a soldier through the adopt-a-soldier program and we exchange emails once or twice a week.

My heart goes out that young man's family and the entire community.

Thank you for the reminder!

Wonderful post!

I think sometimes when we get involved in the drama that has been around here lately, we forget about the important things.

My heart goes out to that family who lost a true hero. That man gave his life so we can post on this board and live in a free society.

I adopt soldiers too, and I find it very rewarding. I know they feel like they are forgotten sometimes, and for them to get a letter or a care box from someone back home can really lift their spirits...I would encourage everyone to at least look into it if they possibly can. Some just want an email, and a letter costs only a few cents. You don't have to send them a care package, although it's nice to do. A lot of our young people are over there and seeing things they don't need to see...a little support goes a long way!!

"In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: It goes on." ~Robert Frost

A good reminder

I am so sorry to hear about this young man. A good reminder that, Freedom is not free. I did not know you could adopt a soldier?

My DH was in the Navy a long time ago now, but is/was very proud to serve. I sincerely thank those who serve and pray for them every night!!!
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Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale
Her infinite variety.

William Shakespeare, "Antony and Cleopatra", Act 2 scene 2

We have a lot of pt's in our

We have a lot of pt's in our VA hospitals and nursing homes with no family to visit. Just something to think about if anyone ever needs something to do in their spare time.

To every thing there is a season.

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