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A Life of Loving God and Country

I grew up in a home with several military men being part of my "family tree". I was proud of my family members that served in the military that I was acquainted with: my grandpa was gassed during World War1 and lost parts of both lungs to the gas; my father loved the Navy and joined when he was young, but he never served because WW2 ended about the time he finished his training as a pilot; my uncle retired as a military chaplain and his brother served in the military, also; my brother was a Marine during the Vietnam era as well as my brother-in-law who served in Vietnam as part of the Army. I also have a step-son and his grandfather who have military connections and love this country. I am proud to be an American and always want to honor the men who have served to provide my protection and safety in America and around the world! THANK YOU to all our servicemen and servicewomen who love America like I do!!! You deserve any rewards and honor given to you because of your sacrifices of health and time with your families that you have sacrificed for the rest of us in America and other countries! May God bless you :-)

Anonymous
Morrison, TN

Flaming ball of death

We were at an ANP check point training them. We got a call on the radio that our 2nd platoon was in contact so we pushed out as QRF. As we were pulling up to them, I saw one of their humvees engulfed in flames. A buddy was on the left side of the road and started to run across. As he was passing the humvee a secondary explosion went off. He completely disappeared from view. I knew he was dead and my heart dropped...just as he came running out the other side. The single greatest thing I've ever seen in my life.

Anonymous
Colorado Springs, CO

my family

It's a family tradition to serve this country. My grandpa who served in the coast gaurd and my two uncles who both are serving in the navy currently. One of my uncles is getting sent to japan and i would like to give a shout out to him. I am planning on joining the navy and keeping this wonderful family tradition going.

jacob eby
Forest Grove, OR

Home at Last

Charles and Mary Rahming were married in 1971 and have 5 children, 13 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. They currently live in Boynton Beach, Florida. Charles served in the United States Army from 1969 to 1973. Mary and Charles believe “Good things have and are coming together and we are on the right road. The Rahming's will soon move into the first home. Charles and Mary thank God for this blessing and are grateful for their new family at Habitat for Humanity of South Palm Beach County, which Mary says “has been a God send; Habitat builds hope and fulfills impossible dreams , because through God, the impossible has been made possible”. The Rahming home will be built in June 2014, in Delray Beach, during Habitat for Humanity of South Palm Beach County Blitz Build. This home will be completed in one week thanks to the generosity of RCC Associates. RCC’s offices are located in Deerfield Beach. They a donating their staff time and materials to Habitat for Humanity of South Palm Beach County and to the Rahming family to get this home built in a week! All Habitat families must work at least 400 sweat equity hours on their own home or a neighbor’s home. The Rahming family has far exceeded this requirement. They are also required to attend at least 100 classroom hours on subjects such as home ownership, home repairs and financial readiness. Habitat families are required to pay back a no-interest mortgage. Habitat programs are truly a hand up, not a hand out!
Habitat for Humanity of South Palm Beach County is a Veteran’s Build Initiative affiliate and are proud to serve active military and veteran families by providing new homes and home rehabilitation services to those who qualify.

Pat Rowan
Delray Beach, FL

Why I click

I just wanted to say, I am not in the military, nor could I ever be..But, my sister and her husband have both served. I am proud to say, they both came home from their respective tours, and I am glad for that! I click because I know that many have not returned unscathed, and I am ashamed of the way this country has been treating it's hero's. It's a shame, and I wish there was a way to change it, and I am glad there is "The Greater Good" to try and make things better for our veterans.

As side note, I noticed a story in this blog regarding Steven Phillips from Killeen, TX whom is unemployed and not able to find work in his field of expertise, as a chef. I wanted to encourage you sir. My brother also works as a chef. However, he does it on the high seas, on cruise charter yachts. The very rich (not so famous) do like to eat. Maybe you could make yourself a useful resume` and do that as your employment. Many affluent people have live-in chefs as well as have them work for them on their boats. My brother works out of Ft. Lauderdale, FL. In Texas, I'm sure there is a harbor where people keep their water craft moored. I wish you luck!

I am proud of our veterans--they have served our country well. God Bless ALL of YOU!

Meri Coury
Winnemucca, NV

A guardian to 3 sisters

Sean A. was a hero in many ways. he stepped into the lives of my sisters and i, at a time where we had really lost much hope. 3 young girls lost and looking to survive the world anymore. he was a Navy Seal, home for a brief time. when he came across me. a wild, mad at the world young girl. he was patient and calm and God bless him took my completely unwarranted verbal assault that day. he did not even know me. i will never know how or why but he decided that day to watch over, my baby sister, myself and my oldest sister. usually from a distance but always that protective, big brother. my oldest sister gave him hell. our lives never allowed us to trust anyone much. he respected her reasons but never stopped watching over us from a distance. helping any chance he could. keeping in contact through letters when he was away. always there to listen. so many times finding ways to help.

i remember one occasion he found out my sister needed her car fixed. knew she was not going to take help. he asked me the location of the car. he called the mechanic and paid all but 50 of the repair bill asking that the mechanic tell her that the bill came to 50 dollars and leave out that he had paid the rest. or the time he taught me how to hunt and used it as a way to also teach me patience. lol damn near killed me on that. i could share a million acts of compassion, wisdom, patience and protective brotherly love. he is deeply missed by this family.

he was our gift while he was here. he remains our gift now as i know he watches over us daily.

as i prepare to marry my superman. a man who served proudly in our Army. i know that Sean smiles down on us. seeing my superman is a man also filled with compassion and patience. strongly protecting my mind, heart, body and soul.

Calli
Lansing, MI

Josh R.

Josh was my fiance. we had a great life. he was all about the Army. he was a soldier at heart, through and through. he was Army Special Forces. he loved serving. i have always been so proud of him. everything he did was to help, whether stateside or overseas. everyone loved him. he had so much compassion. a wild side too. lol he had to to keep up with me. he was all about family. he left behind a mom and a brother, besides me. i was proud to support him, in all he did. i never regretted a single moment or day. he was loyal and took every chance to help and protect. he was KIA on March 17 2006. he is forever my guardian angel. only now in God's great Army.

calli
Lansing, MI

Sailor survives Afghanistan,only to be injured here at home

My husband served in the Navy for 11 and 1/2 years, had served in tours in Japan,Kuwait,and Afghanistan, so he has seen all kinds of action, but he didn't expect to be injured here at home after a night out with a friend. He was struck by a car in December of 2012 while crossing the street. He had sustained multiple injuries to his arms and legs, had a brain injury,and spent the next 5 months in the hospital and nursing home for rehabilitation. He has just recently been able to return to work but he is limited on what he is able to do,but he will never be able to be in the Navy again due to the weight bearing restrictions he has, he walks with a limp and a very swollen leg. We have learned to adapt to our lifestyle after only being married for 5 years, we have lived our vows each and every day.

Erin Musgrove
Lowellville, OH

WWII Hero

My step-dad served in WWI with the US Army, Big Red 1. He was one of the many who first landed on the beach of Normandy. He received many medals for his service including the Purple Heart. It was years before he received his medals due to a fire that destroyed a lot of his military records. The local VA representative helped him get those medals and a picture of him with those medals and an article was printed in the local newspaper. In the last few years of his life I helped my mother take care of him. He passed away a few days after Christmas in 2000, but in November of 2000 to honor him I wrote a poem titled, The Forgotten Soldier, and he had it printed on the inside of his memorial cards.

It is because of my step-dad that I am proud to support our troops and send prayers to them and their families. It is an honor for me to share this with all the other veterans and their families

Larry Johnson
Fairmount, IN

Welcome home

I recently attend a baseball game at spring training in Phoenix. As they were playing the National Anthem I saluted the flag as I always do. After I sat down a woman who was seated a few rows behind me came up to me and asked, "Did you serve in the military?" I answered, "Yes, during the Viet Nam era." She replied, 'Thank you for your service," and she shook my hand and went back to her seat. Although I didn't actually serve in Viet Nam it seemed like all returning vets were vilified. A tear came to my eye when I realized that this woman was the first, other than family and friends, to actually thank me for my service. I felt like I had finally been welcomed home.

Mike Allen
Shawnee, KS