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My father was, and is, a hero to me!

My father, PFC Leonard W. Kiah, served in WWII. His unit was a part of the Big Red One, 106th infantry, 28th Division (also know as the Pennsylvania Boys) and fought in the Battle Of the Bulge (Battle of the Ardennes Forest) where, out of his entire unit, only 17 survived.
He refused being rewarded the Purple Heart, but did receive the Bronze Star. He was a true patriot, throughout the remainder of his life, lived and loved with the best of them, supported our veterans organizations, was a Post and I believe Regional Commander for the VFW in our area. Was ready and willing to help others, and teach what it meant, in his own way, responsibility, hard work, morals, dedication, life, and love.
He, and his compatriots, fought hard for our country, our freedoms and the rights that our constitution provide for. I miss my Dad, and know that he did his best to help raise us kids, and to provide for us in the best way he was able to during his time in this world.
Dad, I love you and Mom with all my heart, and miss you both, deeply. God Bless you both, and to all veterans and their families, I thank you all for your service.
I am also a 12 year veteran of the Air Force, and believe that the families of our soldiers and veterans, are Also veterans right along with their loved ones, serving on the front lines of waiting for and supporting their loved ones, while they are deployed.

Hal Kiah
St. Mary, MO

My uncle

My uncle was Old Guard, guard at the Tomb..He was also the guy that walked Kennedy's horse Black jack in Kennedy's funeral procession, with the boots in backwards, he took care of Black Jack too. He was killed In Viet Nam on his 2nd tour... Staff Sargent Arthur LaChance..One of the Chosen ones..he is buried very close to the Tomb, right behind it..reserved for member of the Old Guard, if you go to Arlington, lookup Uncle Art, stop by and say thanks, I do everytime I am in DC, Thank them all !!

Jim Nutter
buena vista, CO

Home from recruit camp

My name is Lori Kinch my son is Daniel. This photo was taken at the airport when Daniel came home from recruit camp. We had never been apart and I missed him so much. Due to scheduling conflicts I was unable to attend graduation and when he came home a sailor was I was so happy I ran through security and just grabbed him. I am very proud of his service to our country. Since this photo he has been stationed in Norfolk and has been on six month deployment. Go Navy!

Lori Kinch
Panama City, FL

My Father, my hero. SFC E.L. Haden Jr.

My Father served 27 years in the Army infantry. He served through three wars. He fought in Normandy during WWII, he fought during the Korean war, and he served by working security and helping soldiers prepare to go to Vietnam. He received two purple hearts and the bronze star. I spent my first 14 years of my life as an Army dependent so in 1963 the family went over seas to Okinawa with my Father while he served there. I learned from him first hand what the Vietnam war was all about. I learned about the special spirit the soldiers carry in them ( their sense of duty, honor, and pride.) My Father taught me that all branches of service had their place and importance. He respected all veterans. My Father loved his Country and flew an American flag outside his home as far back as I can remember. I learned a lot of fine principles from my Father and believe me, if I didn't learn them the first time, I remembered them after he was done teaching the second time LOL! My Father was one who would stop and help someone who was broke down or needed some other assistance. My Father passed away April 27th 2000 from pneumonia with no regrets for he knew he had served this country proudly and gave his all. My Father lives in me today. I hear his voice in me when I speak up about our rights being attacked. I feel his presence when I feel the sadness and anger over those who were killed in Benghazi. My Father will always be my hero until the day I die.

Joe Haden
Severance, KS

My Son Dane

My first born and only son. He enlisted with the Army right out of high school and 8 months after 9/11.
He is such a timid, shy guy, I really didn't think he'd make it through basic training. But he did.
He's been to Iraq and Afghanistan. It's been 10 years now and I couldn't be prouder. I definitely underestimated him.

Cheri
Machesney Park, IL

Heart Full of love

Married for just 2 weeks, we had to say our goodbyes for a 13 month deployment. This was a new journey for both of us. Me having grown up in a military family I knew this would be hard but it was a all new hard. It was different instead of sending my brother or father away I was sending the love of my life away. We had discussed him leaving and even began to plan our r&r trip. He knew that he had to have something for me to look forward on. Arriving at the hanger,tears ran down my face. He wiped them away and said everything will be ok. Hours later the last call to say your see you later to your families was announced. It felt like my heart fell to the ground. I knew this was it, I had to woman up and deal with this head on. He hugged me and told me how much he loved me and said Ill call you when I can. Tears just ran down my face. I said I love you with all my heart Ill see you soon my love. Him now knowing that i got him a gift I slipt a custom dog tag with my kiss engraved on it and our date of marriage. After formation he walk towards the buses and felt that there was something in his pocket. He turned around blew me a kiss and kissed the dog tag. He wore until his safe arrival home.

nicole thorn
el paso, TX

My son

I have read many stories of children signing up for the Marine Corps and then telling their families. My story is a little different and to this day, I know it was the right decision. When my son started high school in 9th grade, he joined the ROTC program. His instructor was a Marine. My son (and all of the other students) admired and highly respected him. That is when he told me he was going to be a Marine. Not many as a freshman in high school know exactly what they want to do. But my son was determined. Tyler never strayed from his decision, all 4 years of high school was ROTC and hanging out at the recruiters office. He would go PT twice a week with the older Marines. He loved listening to their advice, their stories of where they had been, and what was next for them. He always kept his focus, learning all he could from them. When he was 17, he came to me and had something important to talk about. He asked me to sign the papers to allow him to join the Marines early and leave for boot camp right after graduation. I was slightly hesitant at first, but knew this is what he wanted. By my signing for him, he could join a year early. There was never a doubt he would sign himself when he turned 18. We went to his recruiters office and I signed the papers for him. He left for boot camp the day after he graduated from high school. It was a pretty emotional time for me as his Mom. But going to his graduation and family day on the base, I knew I made the right decision. I was so proud of him. There were many tears that day, tears of joy, tears of pride, tears of not seeing him for months, and tears of knowing his new life was just beginning. I do not regret my decision and know I made the right choice. Always a proud Mom.

Michelle Dean
Springfield, OH

My Dad Richard Cutler, playing Saxophone, Peliliu, Palau,circa 1944

This picture shows my father, Richard Edwin Cutler playing in the Marine Band, while overseas. He played Saxophone & Clarinet. He went off to fight in the Pacific. On the Island of Peleliu. Peleliu was one of the most fiercest and harshest battles for the Marines. He went there as a PFC and came back home a Sargent. My father captured 8 Japanese soldiers and a Japanese sniper rifle. He brought the rifle home. It had 3 notches on the stock of the rifle. My father ended up getting shrapnel in his legs from a mortar that landed nearby. He was sent home in 1944. His job stateside was located in Washington, DC. He was assigned to write soldier's families the letter they would dread to read. That their son was killed fighting for our Country. My father played in the Marine band for President Harry S. Truman's Inaugural ceremony. He is buried at Woods National Cemetery, in Milwaukee, WI. My father was my hero, and always will be.

Laurence Cutler
Big Lake, MN

True Heroes

My Military hero isn't just one person, it's all the Military Men & Women serving now & those who have given their lives to help protect America & all the Service Men & Women who may still be held as prisoners in other countries because they care enough about America & the American way of life to go through hell just to possibly be able to make it back home some day. My only prayer is that we all love America just as much & are willing to stand up for our constitution & fight anyone from other countries who try to destroy it & from anyone who tries to destroy it from within our borders (terrorists or anyone else) so that if any of those MIA's do make it home that America will still be worth coming home to..To all Service Men & Women . . We are proud of you & thank you greatly. . .

Gloria Yount
Magnolia, TX

My Dad got his medals!

One day,My Dad showed me this piece of paper that said he was owed 5 Medals for the places he served over seas. I had time alone with Dad and asked what his wishes were.
Then, one day, I was sitting on the side of his bed as he talked about his medals. I had an idea. I got in touch with a very nice man (Paul) who helped Veterans. It was now August. I told him about my Dad about his Service and the piece of paper. I knew that it was just a matter of time before Dad passed and I wanted to do anything and everything in my power with the help from Paul to get Dad his medals.
We worked together for about 8 weeks. One day, out of the blue, I got a call from Paul. He said he could get the Medals.Paul came to meet my Dad before the medals came. Dad was happy to meet him. A few days later, Paul called me and told me he had all the Medals and wanted to do a Formal Presentation to Dad. Dad was wheeled out of his room to see Paul with his Medals.
After a few pictures and tears, Dad looked at me and said, you had something to do with this didn't you? I said yes! This had to be done before he got really sick and couldn't enjoy this Proud moment! I made a collage from the pictures taken and had it hung in his room. Everyone that came in his room made a comment. Dad passed on Oct.30, 2010 @6:57 A.M. My Mom and I were there when he took his last breath. It was bittersweet for me but just knowing that DAD had his Medals before he passed, made me feel at peace. RIP Dad.
Dad was buried Nov. 4th, 2010 at the Veterans Cemetery in Bourne, Massachusetts.

Lydia D. Taylor
Myrtle Beach, SC