What is the price paid?

Over the years, hubby and I have watched "Band of Brothers" more than once. For those who don't know, it follows the story of Easy Company of the US Army 101st Airborne division and their mission in WWII Europe from Operation Overlord through V-J Day. It is informative and moving. More than once I have stated that given all they (and every other soldier in every other war) went through, it's amazing that so many came back able to "function" in the world. There are points in the story that are heart breaking to me, and I'm just watching it.

Our daughter was medically discharged from the Navy last December after 9 1/2 years of service. In that time, I came to know several of the wonderful young people who voluntarily serve our country. She did not see the front lines but many of her friends did. Each time one left, my heart ached knowing they would see and possibly do things "in the line of duty" that would scar their souls.

We, those of us who have never been in these situations, have no idea of the cost. Many a brave and noble warrior has come home without visible scars but we have no idea what price they've paid. Unfortunately, being labeled with PTSD doesn't necessarily mean they will receive the care they need. In some cases, it causes further pain and turmoil. 

Operation Restored Warrior
Our mission is to raise up these wounded warriors to speak, share, and move with courage and certainty in order that those held captive to their life experiences may be released.  Those men who are alone and without hope may receive a new expectation.

Those whose life has been impacted deeply will be the new army to reach those whose lives are yet to be transformed.  So they must be given the chance, the place to heal and the audience to speak to.  Their own life will be the script, their stories the power, their restored hearts the evidence of things possible.

Our focus is to walk with God to help heal, restore and release these wounded warriors who are suffering from the effects of PTSD and to validate their incredible sacrifices and set them free to rescue others by the power of their own stories.

I'm not asking that you send money, I only ask that you be aware...

Veteran

She didn't serve on the front lines but she did put in her time with the Women's Royal Air Force. But when she passed on 2/4/12, Florence Green, at the age of 110, was the last known surviving WWI veteran.   It is seen as fitting that the last veteran would be a female. After all, wars are not confined to the front lines, they affect life everywhere. It's a collective experience.

The service trained women to work as mechanics, drivers and in other jobs to free men for front-line duty. Green went to work as a steward in the officers' mess, first at the Narborough airdrome and then at RAF Marham in eastern England, and was serving there when the war ended.

Green's husband died in 1970. She is survived by two daughters, a son and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The date of her funeral was not immediately known, but Air Force personnel will attend and the RAF Association will provide a bugler and a Union Jack to drape on the coffin

Veterans Day

Lyrics American Anthem
by Norah Jones

All we've been given 
 By those who came before 
The dream of a nation 
Where freedom would endure  
The work and prayers 
Of centuries 
Have brought us to this day
 
What shall be our legacy?
What will our children say?
Let them say of me
I was one who believed  
In sharing the blessings 
I received 
Let me know in my heart  
When my days are through 
America 
America
I gave my best to you
 
Each generation from the plains
To distant shore with the gifts  
What they were given 
Were determined 
To leave more  
Valiant battles fought together 
acts of conscience fought alone 
these are the seeds  
From which America has grown
 
Let them say of me 
I was one who believed 
In sharing the blessings 
I received 
Let me know in my heart  
When my days are through  
America 
America
I gave my best to you
 
For those who think  
They have nothing to share  
Who fear in their hearts  
There is no hero there
 Know each quiet act  
Of dignity is  
That which fortifies 
The soul of a nation
That never dies
 
Let them say of me 
I was one who believed
In sharing the blessings  
I received  
Let me know in my heart  
When my days are through  
America
America 
I gave my best to you

Happy Birthday

1775: Founding of the Marine Corps

A legacy is born

During the American Revolution, many important political discussions took place in the inns and taverns of Philadelphia, including the founding of the Marine Corps.

A committee of the Continental Congress met at Tun Tavern to draft a resolution calling for two battalions of Marines able to fight for independence at sea and on shore.

The resolution was approved on November 10, 1775, officially forming the Continental Marines.

As the first order of business, Samuel Nicholas became Commandant of the newly formed Marines. Tun Tavern’s owner and popular patriot, Robert Mullan, became his first captain and recruiter. They began gathering support and were ready for action by early 1776.

Each year, the Marine Corps marks November 10th with a celebration of the brave spirit which compelled these men and thousands since to defend our country as United States Marines.

More info here...

Happy Birthday!

I'm about a week late with this...but since daughter is a 1st Class Petty Officer in the US Navy, I wanted to say Happy Birthday!

The United States Navy traces its origins to the Continental Navy, which the Continental Congress established on 13 October 1775, by authorizing the procurement, fitting out, manning, and dispatch of two armed vessels to cruise in search of munitions ships supplying the British Army in America. The legislation also established a Naval Committee to supervise the work. All together, the Continental Navy numbered some fifty ships over the course of the war, with approximately twenty warships active at its maximum strength.
 

A Hero in my eyes

My daughter has served in the military for 9+ years now and although I have never answered the "knock at the door", she and those who serve with her are never far from my thoughts and always in my prayers.

We did not ask for war.  We do not want war.  But there are those in the world who want to bring war to us, for whatever distorted, irrational reasons they may have.  It is men like Sergeant Michael Prince, and women and families like his, who out of a sense of duty and commitment to others beyond themselves, willingly answer the call to meet the terror, to pay the price, not out of revenge, not in anger, but out of the desire to protect family, home and country.  We are humbled by such largeness of character.

Read the story of a hero and his family here.

Wounded Warrior Project

The Wounded Warrior Project is our (us regular folks) way to help out those who serve in our Armed Services. There are many who never know what it is like to have a person close to you serving in the military. The worry, doubt, fear, helplessness...especially if your loved one is serving on foreign shores.

Now just imagine if that loved one is wounded...most people believe the government steps in and takes care of it all...and they do try (I have to believe they do), but there is so much need and so little coverage. The purpose of the project is three fold:
# To raise awareness and enlist the public's aid for the needs of injured service members.
# To help injured service members aid and assist each other.
# To provide unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of injured service member

Go and read "Who we serve" and you will see that the events of September 11 were a catalyst for the creation of this program...

All I ask is that you check it out, then do something if you feel led. Please remember: "The greatest casualty is being forgotten"

Always a soldier...

The Army believes that after 39 years of service, Command Sargent Major Jeff Mellinger is the last draftee to retire.

Take a moment to read his story here...

All I can say is Thank you for your service!