"The Final Inspection"

Like a lot of people, I get those chain-emails that go around and around the "e-verse". Some of them are laugh-out-loud funny, some of them are silly, and some of them are real tear-jerkers. Unless the email message is really good, or really funny, I usually don't pass them along....at least not since my son told me he really doesn't read "Mom Spam." When I do pass them along, it's only to a select few that I know will appreciate the humor or will be touched by the message.

Having said that....today I got an email from a very good friend. I know I've seen this email before, and was touched by it then. I don't remember if I passed it along, or not, but for some reason I feel compelled to post the email's poem....so here it is:

THE FINAL INSPECTION

The Soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass..

'Step forward now,Soldier ,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?'
The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
'No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear...
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the Soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

'Step forward now, you Soldier,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell.'

Author Unknown~

h/t Mutt & Jeff

Memorial Bracelets

I grew up in the 1960's and 70's. The Vietnam War was in full swing. It wasn't a "popular" war, and for some people, that unpopularity flowed over onto our military. We've all heard the stories of returning servicemen being spit on, called "baby killers," and treated with disdain. Even though the War and our servicemen and women were "unpopular," the American public still supported those who were missing-in-action or who were prisoners-of-war. We proudly bought and wore our metal POW-MIA bracelets, hoping that the person with the name we wore on our wrists would make it home safely. I had one. "My" serviceman didn't come home. As far as I know, he's still MIA.

Today, while the War against Terrorism might not be popular, it is necessary. I believe the American public knows this. I believe that's why we "support our troops." We all recognize that our fighting men and women stand between us and those who would harm us, our country, and our way of life. It is only fitting that we honor these men and women who give so much for us. There are a number of things we can to do give our military their due; volunteering for Soldier's Angels, sending packages to "Any Soldier," donating to charities that support the families of those who gave their lives, or by simply saying "thank you" to anyone you see in uniform.

My Marine Son has pointed out another way to honor those who have given all; a memorial bracelet. These bracelets are similar to the POW-MIA bracelets of the '70s. Like those bracelets, a memorial bracelet is a simple way to keep the sacrifice of those who "gave all" in the forefront of our minds. They're a way to remember. You can order a memorial bracelet at MemorialBracelets.com. You can order a bracelet with the name of someone you know, someone from your hometown, or home state. You can order a bracelet to memorialize someone who gave their life in Iraq, Afghanistan, or Vietnam; or someone who was the victim of terrorism. It's not hard to order, and wearing the bracelet is another way to show support for our military.

I ordered two bracelets today. I ordered them to remember two young men that I didn't know. I may not have known these young men, but I will honor them forever; not only because they gave their lives for this wonderful country, but because they served with my son. He knew them. He said they were "good kids." He mourns them. So to honor him, and to honor them, my husband and I will proudly wear these bracelets in memory of LCpl Leopold F. Damas of Floral Park, New York, who was 26 years old when he died in Afghanistan on the 17th of August 2009, and for LCpl Javier Olvera of Palmdale, California, who was only 20 years old when he died in Afghanistan on the 8th of August, 2009. May God Bless them both, and may God Bless their families.

Pearl Harbor Day

I don't often blog about the Navy....but today, on the anniversary of the day Pearl Harbor was attacked, I have to take time to remember and honor those who have served in the Navy. I'd like to honor them with this clip of the Navy's Presidential Ceremonial Honor Guard Drill Team.



Now, I'm not old enough to "Remember Pearl Harbor." But, like a lot of us, I have taken the time to learn about the attack; how we were unprepared, how our courageous service men (and women) tried to respond the best they could, how so many died, and how our collective surprise turned into determination not to allow our collective complacency to become our Achilles heel. The sleeping giant awoke after Pearl Harbor and took care of business.

I am old enough to remember 9/11. I had a small part to play in the Air Force's response that day, and in the days and weeks following. I will always remember the shock and horror I felt when I realized that we were under attack; not by a state entity, but by extremists bent on forcing their beliefs on us through terror.

I thought that the sleeping giant had awoken after that cowardly attack; and it did...for a while. But it seems to me that we have slipped back into our collective complacency. Although we are actively involved in military operations against terrorists in multiple places around the world, there is no real impact on the majority of us. We have not been asked to alter our selfish way of life. We have not been asked to do all we can to support the effort. We have not been asked to sacrifice.

Unless we have friends or family who have courageously volunteered to serve in our fighting forces, we seem to have forgotten the need to stand fast and fight for liberty and against those who would use terror to deprive us of our freedoms. I've heard the cynical saying that "the military has gone to war, and Americans have gone to the mall." Unfortunately, it seems that it's true. The "sleeping giant" has willingly gone back to sleep....leaving those who serve in our military forces, and our first responders, to keep their eyes open and carry the burden of protecting and preserving all that we hold dear. May God bless them for their willingness to stand firm.

President's Plan

So, President Obama finally made a decision. He's going to send 3o,ooo more troops to support our operations in Afghanistan. Good. It's about time. I hope that President Obama's plan to "finish" the Taliban, Al Qaeda, and their extremist allies works. I'm not sure that President Obama is being realistic....but I can still hope. I am, however, extremely concerned by the "deadline" President Obama has set for leaving Afghanistan. Not only does a "deadline" give those extremists hope...all they have to do is wait for us to leave before restarting their plans...but a "deadline" may not be realistic. I fear that President Obama will become so entrenched in the idea that he has to leave by the deadline he set, that he will ignore military realities that may exist at the time. Anyone who has served in the military knows that no plan lasts beyond first contact with the enemy. My fear is that President Obama, and his advisers, will become so entrenched in the politics of supporting their plan that they forget those military realities.

Sometimes it pays to be in the military.....

Thanks to Smiley, who sent this story posted on the Wisconsin AP news wire:

Nov 10, 2009 7:13 pm US/Central

Milwaukee Robbers See Army ID, Return Wallet

CARRIE ANTLFINGER, Associated Press Writer

MILWAUKEE (AP) ― A Milwaukee Army reservist's military identification gained him some street cred Tuesday, when he says four men who mugged him at gunpoint returned his belongings, and thanked him for his service, after finding the ID.

The 21-year-old University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee student said he was walking home from work about 1:15 a.m. Tuesday when the men came out from between two houses. He thought about running to the other side of the street but decided against it.

The victim, who asked not to be identified because the robbers still have his keys, said one of the men pulled him into an alley. They had him lay face down and one put a gun to his neck. They took his wallet, $16, keys, his cell phone and even a PowerBar wrapper from his pants pockets, he said.

But when one of the robbers, whom the reservist presumed was the leader, saw his Army ID in the wallet, the hostile tone quickly changed. The robber told the others to return the items and they put most of it on the ground next to him, including the wrapper, the reservist said.

"The guy continued to say throughout the situation that he respects what I do and at one point he actually thanked me and he actually apologized," he said.

The reservist said he asked the robbers, who all had hoods or hats covering their faces, if he could get up and they said he could before starting to walk away.

"The leader of the group actually walked back, gave me a quick fist bump, which was very strange," he said.

Milwaukee police spokeswoman Anne E. Schwartz said the reservist is credible and that officers still were looking for the suspects Tuesday.

The reservist didn't realize until later that his keys were not with him and he doesn't know if the robbers intended to keep those, he said.

As he was walking home, he realized the strangeness of the situation and questioned whether his girlfriend would believe him. (She did.) He said he feels lucky.

"I'm just kind of awe struck that everything was given back to me due to just being in the military, " he said. "I realize in pretty much every other situation that wouldn't happen."

He said he's never been deployed, only having signed up for the Army Reserves about a year ago. He is the first person in his immediate family to join the military and he's always wanted to do it.

Schwartz said besides that attempted robbery there were two others within a 40 minute period in the same area and police suspect the four men were involved in all of them. The robbers were unsuccessful for the first, at 12:35 a.m., when the 39-year-old man they approached ran into the street and started screaming.

Schwartz said within 10 minutes they approached a 47-year-old man — who is a convicted burglar and had a Department of Corrections inmate ID in his wallet — ordered him to the ground and pointed a gun at him. They took his wallet, apparently unfazed by that card.

Anyone with information should call Milwaukee police at 414-935-7360

Interesting, isn't it that these thieves would respect a military ID, but not an ID from the Department of corrections!

Great Post

Jump over to the Villainous Company blog and read Cassandra's post discussing President Obama's staged photo op on the Dover AFB flightline where he saluted and honored our returning war dead. It's a great post and I agree wholeheartedly with her analysis!

Another Great Song!

Here's another great song....this one a tribute to those serving in the Marine Corps.




h/t Cassandra

The Warrior Song

This is an absolutely awesome song! It's dedicated to everyone who is, or who has, served. It's available for sale on iTunes, with all the profits from the song donated to the Armed Forces Relief Trust. Current or former servicemembers can get the song for free just by asking for it. Check out the website!

PBS's Frontline & "Obama's War"

The PBS show Frontline has posted a great video on their website. Click here to go to the site. The video, titled "Obama's War," follows Echo Company of the 2d Battalion, 8th Regiment as they moved into Helmand Province in July and the efforts the Company has taken to hold Combat Outpost Sharp (named for a member of their Company who was lost the first day of the push into Helmand). The video is extremely well done and discusses the strategy behind counter-insurgency and what the Marines of Echo Company are asked to do to implement the strategy. The video is actually part 1 of a series that Frontline will air on October 13th. Good stuff and a "must watch," particularly for anyone with a loved one fighting in Helmand.

Gratitude Salute

Now here's something that is a pretty good idea. Hope it catches on! Seems like a guy from Seattle wondered, like a lot of us do, how he could best convey his thanks to those who choose to serve in the military. He came up with the gratitude salute. It's a simple, unobtrusive way to say thanks and to let our military know that we appreciate them and their service. Check out the video:




hat tip: Dianne

News

Those of you who follow this blog know that two of my children are currently serving overseas, my daughter in Iraq and my son in Afghanistan. Well, I have some news. Florida-girl, my wonderful daughter-in-law, called me this morning. She let me know she had received a phone call from my son earlier in the morning. She said he sounded wonderful, and apologized for not being able to call on their Wedding Anniversary, which was earlier this week. She said he was his normal self....joking around and teasing her. It was great news! But then she told me that a little bit later in the morning, she received a call from HQ Marine Corps, with a "casualty report." They told her that my son had been knocked unconscious by an IED a couple of days ago, and medevac'ed to a medical facility with a serious concussion and that he was under observation with headaches and nausea. Of course, he hadn't told her any of this news earlier, probably in an effort to protect her, not knowing that the Marine HQ would call. (He's like that....he told his grandmother and I not to watch the news while he's gone; even though he knows we will.) Florida-girl was upset, of course, but she said the worst part was the Marine who called used the term "casualty report" and not something more innocuous like "injury report." She said her stomach had hit the ground, before she realized what the Marine on the phone was trying to tell her. Can't say I blame her. My stomach is still near my ankles. Good thing is that he seems to be OK....at least he was able to call his wife and joke around with her; even if he didn't let her know about his concussion. Gotta love protective men.......their heart's in the right place, even if you want to kick them in the backside for not giving you information!

Angels Come in All Shapes and Sizes....So Do Heroes

The official website of the Multi-National Forces- Iraq (MNF-I) has a tear-jerker of a story about a wonderful woman.....it was so good that I had to copy it here:

‘Camouflage Angel’ Spends Last Moments With U.S. Combat Casualties
Friday, 10 July 2009

Army Sgt. Jennifer Watson, non-commissioned officer-in-charge of the Casualty Liaison Team at Joint Base Balad, stands in Hero's Highway. Each patient brought via helicopter to the Air Force Theater Hospital passes through Hero's Highway. Watson, a native of Peru, Ind., is deployed here from Fort Campbell, Ky. Photo by Staff Sgt. Dilia Ayala, 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing.


JOINT BASE BALAD — The emergency-room trauma call and the medical staff's immediate action upon his arrival is only a memory to her now; sitting quietly at the bedside of her brother-in-arms, she carefully takes his hand, thanking him for his service and promising she will not leave his side.

He is a critically injured combat casualty, and she is Army Sgt. Jennifer Watson of the Casualty Liaison Team here.

Although a somber scene, it is not an uncommon one for the Peru, Ind., native, who in addition to her primary duties throughout the last 14 months, has taken it upon herself to ensure no U.S. casualty passes away alone. Holding each of their hands, she sits with them until the end, no matter the day or the hour.

"It's unfortunate that their families can't be here," said Watson, who is deployed here from Fort Campbell, Ky. "So I took it upon myself to step up and be that family while they are here. No one asked me to do it; I just did what I felt was right in my heart. I want them to know they are heroes.

"I feel just because they are passing away does not mean they cannot hear and feel someone around them," she continued. "I talk to them, thanking them for what they have done, telling them they are a hero, they will never be forgotten, and I explain my job to them to help them be at ease knowing the family will be told the truth."

In general, Watson explains to the patients that the CLT works within the Patient Administrative Department here, acting as a liaison for all military and civilian patients in-theater and initiating the casualty-notification process to the patient's next-of-kin.

Upon their arrival at the Air Force Theater Hospital, Watson speaks with each combat casualty getting as accurate information as possible about the incident. Once the doctor gives their diagnosis and severity of the patient's injuries, Watson and her team complete and send a Defense Casualty Information Processing System folder report to the Department of the Army or the patient's respective service so that their next-of-kin can be notified.

"I make sure we tell their family everything they want to know, so they know everything that's going on," said Watson. "[Through the report], we'll tell the families everything that is going on with their family member ... so that they don't have any questions."

Furthermore, once the initial report has been sent, the CLT and Watson make hourly rounds to the intensive-care ward or unit to check on the patient's well-being, or, for the more critical patients, to check on their stability.

"We are constantly communicating and making sure the family knows everything we know," said Watson. "We want to put the families at ease and let them know that everything is being done for their loved one. From the moment a servicemember is brought in through Hero's Highway, they are never alone."

Each month, the AFTH, the equivalent of a U.S. Level-1 trauma center, treats more than 539 patients; more than 101 are trauma cases in the emergency department. Although Watson can never predict if and when her fellow brothers- or sisters- in arms may need her, she is always available here.
"The hospital staff is wonderful," said Watson. "They know how important it is for me to be there with them and if they know it's time, someone will come and get me no matter where I'm at.

"I see it as a form of closure, not just for me, but for the families so that they know that somebody was there with their son or daughter," she added. "My heart goes out to every patient that comes into the hospital, especially my wounded in action Soldiers. I feel like everyone who comes through the door is my brother or sister."

Not surprisingly, Watson's dedication to duty and her hard work have not gone unnoticed. She has touched the lives of all those who she has come in contact with, to include the 332nd Expeditionary Medical Group commander, Col. Mark Mavity.

"Sgt. Watson's story is one of the most compelling here in the Med Group," said Mavity. "She is a Soldier's Soldier who combines an unparalleled level of compassion and commitment to our most grievously wounded warriors with amazing professionalism each and every day.

"What is truly incredible is that she is a personnelist by training but with the heart of a medic who has taken it upon herself to hold the hand and keep a bedside vigil with every mortally wounded Soldier who has spent their last hours within the AFTH," continued the colonel. "She will not let her brave brothers or sisters pass alone. This is a heavy burden to bear and at great personal emotional cost to Sgt. Watson, but she is unwavering in her final commitment to these Soldiers. You don't have to look any further than Sgt. Watson to find a true hero."

"Angel" and "hero" are only two of the many titles Watson has been given since arriving at JBB; although she is appreciative of the kind words, she remains humble.

"I am far from an angel," said the sergeant with a smile. "I just do what is in my heart. I guess for me, I think about the family and the closure of knowing the Soldier did not pass away alone. To say I'm a hero ... no. The heroes are my guys who come in [through Hero's Highway]."

Reflecting on her time here, Watson said she is extremely thankful for the opportunity she has had to work side-by-side with the Air Force.

"The staff of the 332nd Expeditionary Medical Group has done an amazing job since I have been here," she said. "They are incredible. They have done procedures and saved the lives of the most critically injured Soldiers, and have been some of the most professional people I have ever worked with.
"I want the families to know that their servicemember was a hero," Watson concluded. "They made the ultimate sacrifice, but before they passed on, they received the best medical treatment, and the staff did everything they could -- they were not in pain and they didn't die alone."

(By Staff Sgt. Dilia Ayala, 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing)



h/t CJ & The Armorer at Castle Argghhh

Suddenly.....

Have you ever had one of those moments when something that you've done, over and over again, suddenly strikes you in a different way? Maybe this something strikes you as suddenly funny, or suddenly scary, or suddenly poignant. Well, that happened to me today. There I was, in Church (a gorgeous, brand-new chapel, by the way), singing a beautiful song that I've sung a hundred times before, when the words of the song struck me right in the heart with suddenly poignant meaning. It was the third verse of "America the Beautiful." You know the verse that goes,

O beautiful for heroes proved
In liberating strife.
Who more than self their country loved
And mercy more than life!

Maybe it was the spirit found in that beautiful, new chapel amongst the congregation was so strong; maybe it was that I love this Country; or maybe it was because two of my three children have chosen to serve "America the Beautiful" by risking their lives in foreign lands to protect her and her citizens; what ever it was, I lost it. The poignant words of that verse in that beautiful song touched me. Hard. It was so sudden that I managed to control the tears running from my eyes, but only barely. I couldn't sing; I was too choked up. I couldn't do anything but send a silent prayer to my Heavenly Father for all those heroes, including my two children, who "more than self their country love" and who serve in her Armed Forces. My God bless them all and bring them home safely.

Criminal or Terrorist?

According to this article on FoxNEWS, persons, non-citizens, who are detained on the battlefield (or other places...since who can determine where a battlefield really is in these times), are now read Miranda rights; just like they were US citizens. Not only is this just wrong, but it is extremely stupid, too! I agree with those who criticize this practice (according to the story, Republicans and terrorism experts); this is evidence of a shift a shift in how we see and define terrorism. At issue here is whether terrorism is an act of war or is it a criminal act.

Now this is not just a question of semantics. How we, as a Nation, define a particular act and person who has committed that act drives how we respond to that act. For example, if a citizen of another country shoots a soldier guarding the entrance to a US base overseas, is that person a terrorist or a criminal? If that person is captured immediately, should we interrogate that non-citizen to determine if there are additional threats to US personnel or US interests or should we interrogate her with an eye toward prosecution in a US criminal court for the crime she committed while giving her all the rights a US citizen would enjoy? I understand that it would be nice if we could do both. I believe that's what the Bush administration was trying to do, by labeling someone involved in aggressive actions towards the US as an unlawful detainee and giving them limited rights. The detainees were interrogated to see if they knew something that might stop future attacks or if they had information of value to intelligence; but they were also interrogated to see if they had evidence that would be useful in prosecuting others or themselves.

According to the article "Terrorism analyst Neil Livingstone called the move a 'dramatic shift' in policy." Mr Livingstone said, "[We're] going back to the bad old days that gave rise to 9/11 when we treated terrorism as though it were a criminal problem, not as a war or not as an attack on the United States. We don't want to have to make a legal determination every time we go after a terrorist whether we've got a good case or not, we should go after them as enemy combatants of the United States."

I agree with Mr Livingstone. Except for certain jobs, most of the members of our Armed Forces are not law enforcement specialists. They are warriors. They fight. They should not be made to collect evidence or investigate. I also agree with Representative Pete Hoekstra, a Republican representative from Michigan and the ranking Republican on the House Intelligence Committee, when he expressed concern about going backwards to treating terrorism with a law enforcement mentality. He was right on the money when he said, "I think it's a really lousy way to fight a war. ... This dramatically changes the way that our frontline forces work."

This dangerous shift in the underlying philosophy of how we treat and deal with terrorists is a regression to the Clinton-era policies that lead to the "firewall" between intelligence-gathering and criminal investigation that contributed to the failures that led to the successful terrorist attack on 9/11. Much of what this new administration has done concerns me....but this shift from prosecuting a war to prosecuting criminals represents a mistaken view that will make protecting this Nation so much more difficult. It's not just semantics!

June 6th

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, in his speech at Omaha Beach in Normandy, said that we have a "covenant with the dead of D-Day;" a covenant to see that freedom and tyranny will not prevail, and that today's Armed Forces are carrying forth the work to see that covenant fulfilled. I found that thought to be particularly poignant.

Many see World War II as a "good war." It's true that the enemy was easily defined and that progress (or the lack of it) was easily measured. Many saw the war, as President Obama said in his speech, as a competition between "visions of humanity;" with the Nazi view as one of subjugation, tyranny, and hatred of those who were different and the Allies' belief that people should live in freedom and liberty, free to chose their own destiny. D-Day veterans, who are passing on at a ever-growing rate, were able to face a storm of death to start the liberation of Europe from the those who espoused the view of totalitarianism. These men, this "band of brothers," are true heroes. We must never forget the bravery and sacrifice of these men and women. We must never forget to remember the significance of June 6th and D-Day.

So too, we must never forget that our men and women serving in the Armed Forces still fight those who's differing view of humanity would deprive men and women of their freedom and liberty; who's differing view of humanity would force men and women to live and worship a certain way; and who's differing view of humanity espouses hatred to those who do not think as they do. While the war we fight in these days doesn't necessarily have an easily defined enemy or easily measured results, the fight is just as important and just as real as the war that was fought so many years ago. The men and women of our Armed Forces are still fighting in order to fulfill that covenant which those who fought on D-Day, 65 years ago, bled and died for: to end tyranny and see that freedom prevails for everyone.

Gold Star Dad---"The Full Measure of A Marine's Life"

Bob Derga, a Gold Star Parent and a Board Member of Military Families United, has written a wonderful piece posted on The Fox Forum titled "The Full Measure of a Marine's Life." I urge you to read it this Memorial Day. It eloquently reminds us what Memorial Day is all about. Thank you Mr. Derga!

Memorial Day

We observe Memorial Day today, even though the "real" Memorial Day occurs at the end of the week. Whenever we observe it, Memorial Day is designed to be a day of rememberance. It's a day when we should remember departed or absent family and friends. It's a day when we should remember our parents, grandparents, and ancestors; we should remember what they gave so that we could be where we now are. Most of all, it's a day when we should remember the sacrifices of our warriors.

These are the men and women who stood, and now stand, between us and harm. These are the men and women who are dedicated to preserving that wonderful freedom we enjoy. These are the men and women who first raised their hands and said, "yes, we can, and yes, we will." Without those who are willing to put their lives "on the line" for all of us, our Nation would not have been born, would not have survived the threat from internal civil strife, and would not have been able to help other Nations survive world-wide threats to their continued independence, twice. Without our warriors, this Nation would not be able to stand as a bulwark of freedom, an advocate for human rights, or that "shining city on the hill." Our warriors are essential. So please join me this Memorial Day, whenever you observe it, in saying a prayer for those warriors who serve. Join me in taking the time to thank a warrior for his or her service. Most of all, please take the time to remember.....

Happy Armed Forces Day!

To all of you who have chosen to serve in the Armed Forces, whether you're a member of the Guard and Reserve or whether you're on active duty....today is your day. Have a very happy Armed Forces Day, and remember that you are honored for your service. We must not ever forget that you stand watch so we can pursue the "life, liberty" and "happiness" that is our right. We should remember that you stand guard so that many of us can be oblivious to the horrors that you so willingly face. You stand; and for that we must always remember to thank you, on this day and every day.

Another Inspiring Hero!

Richard Ingram received his commission as an Army Lieutenant this month, after completing his degree at North Georgia College and State University. You may ask why this is important...well, because in June 2005 Lt Ingram lost part of his left arm while serving as a Cavalry Scout in Iraq. According to the Army, Lt Ingram is the first person with such severe combat injuries to earn a commission through ROTC.

Lt Ingram was attending school at North Georgia College when the National Guard Unit he served with was activated and sent to Iraq. He was injured when his tactical vehicle rolled several times after being hit by an IED. Lt Ingram is quoted as saying,

"I didn't think there was any way I was going to live through it when the truck started rolling. But it was clear that I hadn't fulfilled my purpose in this life. Even though I was hurt, I knew I'd get to keep doing the things I love so much. I was being given another chance at life."

After recovery and rehabilitation at Walter Reed, including getting fit for a prosthesis, Lt Ingram decided it was time to go back to school and get on with his life, so he went back to North Georgia College and returned to the ROTC program there. His ROTC instructors were impressed with Lt Ingram's physical conditioning, despite the loss of part of his arm. They quickly concluded that he had what it took to be an Army officer and was capable of carrying out any duties required of him. His ROTC professor said, "Lieutenant Ingram demonstrated throughout his time in ROTC that he was more than capable -- both physically and mentally -- to be a highly effective leader in our Army. The professor explained, "Once you spend time observing Richard, you forget that he has a physical disability. He can run faster and do more physical training than most cadets. He will do an outstanding job leading troops in combat, and I know he will succeed in his goal to attend Airborne, Sapper and Ranger training."

So what does this exceptional young officer say about his decision to continue pursuing a career as an Army officer? He says, "I am extremely proud to have earned a commission through the Army ROTC program at North Georgia College, and I look forward to serving as an Army officer.' But he also explains, "I didn't decide to do this just to get a slap on the back. I want to be an inspiration to others who were wounded."

Well, Lt Ingram, in my opinion you're an inspiration to a lot of folks; wounded or not. You've shown that you can set a goal and overcome difficulties placed in your path in order to achieve that goal. Wonderful...and inspiring!

Standing Watch....

Ms Wheeler, the mother of an injured warrior who is recuperating well at Brooke Army Medical Center's burn unit, posted this poem on the website she uses to update family and friends (and concerned citizens like me) on her son's condition. I don't know who the author is, but it's wonderful. Because I tend to be larcenous when I find something that I like; I'll post it here to share with those of you who read my blog.

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.

The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the
sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.

Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

'What are you doing?' I asked without fear,
'Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!'
For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts.

To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said 'Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night.'
'It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.

No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December,'
Then he sighed, 'That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers.'
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.

I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.

I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall.'

'So go back inside,' he said, 'harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right.'
'But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
'Give you money,' I asked, 'or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son.'

Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
'Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us.'