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Happy Independence Day

As we celebrate this holiday, Independence Day, with fireworks shows, barbecues and time together with our friends, please remember the significance of this day and what it means in the history of this country. Think about the fact, that if these brave men had not succeeded, where our country might be today. Think about the freedoms that we, as American citizens might not have were it for them and the countless others after them, who have made sacrifices and continue to make sacrifices, so that those freedoms we enjoy, might continue to be retained. I’d like to share something with everyone that my dear friend Sue sent me. Thanks Sue!

Have You Ever Wondered What Happened To The Signers Of The Declaration Of Independence?

Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died.

Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned.

Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured.

Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War.

They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.

What kind of men were they?

Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated, but they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured. Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.

Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward.

Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton.

At the battle of Yorktown , Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.

Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.

John Hart was driven from his wife’s bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished. So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of July holiday and silently thank these patriots. It’s not much to ask for the price they paid.
Remember: freedom is never free!

It’s time we get the word out that patriotism is NOT a sin, and the Fourth of July has more to it than beer, picnics, and baseball games.

Wounded Soldier Inspires Others Through Motivational Speaking & Acting

It’s been awhile since I’ve interviewed one of our American Heroes, but I think our readers will be pleased with the Hero that I recently interviewed. J.R. as many of our readers know is a retired Soldier, who was severely injured in Iraq in April 2003, with severe burns over more than 40 percent of his body. J.R. now is acting in the daytime soap opera All My Children, I the role of Brot Monroe. His character served in the Army in Iraq and was injured in combat. He had fell in love with a fellow Soldier while deployed. Due to the severity of his injuries, he decided to allow her to think he had died. J.R. Martinez. was born in Shreveport, La in 1983, the son of an immigrant from El Salvador. J.R. was the first member of his family to be born in the United States. J.R. has two sisters, one sister, Anabel, who died in El Salvador. J.R. was never ever to meet her.

Not being one to watch much television, especially daytime television, I didn’t really think about interviewing someone from one of the many soap operas. My co-workers are avid fans of the daytime soap All My Children and had been talking about J.R. Martinez and how impressed they were by the fact that he was a Soldier, was wounded in combat and was now acting on the show. One day a few months back, one of my co-workers suggested that I attempt to contact J.R. and ask for an interview. I did, not really expecting to hear back from him. So, I was pleasantly surprised when I received an email from J.R. agreeing to an interview. I’m glad I made that effort, as it was a great interview, that I’d like to share with our readers.

In high school J.R. got involved in sports, specifically football and had hopes of becoming a Professional Football Player. Because of not keeping his grades up, J.R. was told by college recruiters that he would be ineligible to play football for 2 years. As you can imagine, that was a huge disappointment to J.R. and so he began searching for something else to do with his life. One day he saw a commercial for the Army and decided that he’d check it out.

J.R. enlisted in the Army in September 2002, attended Basic Training and AIT at Fort Benning, Georgia. Afterwards he was assigned to the 101st as a 11B Infantryman. I asked J.R. about his decision to enlist in the Army, what factors led to him making that decision. J.R. shared that being the first in his family to be born in the United States, he felt like he wanted to give back to the country that provided he and his family with the freedoms and opportunity they’ve had. He also knew that the Army would afford him with college tuition, the ability to travel. First and foremost, by joining the Army, he would play a part in protecting this country’s freedoms. I also asked J.R. if he would have made the Army a career, had he not been injured in Iraq.

“When I first joined and was at basic, I wondered what I had done. What I got myself into. After 2 or 3 weeks, I began to really love it. I went to the 101st and was really thinking about staying in and making the Army a career. When I was recovering at Brooke Army Medical Center, a lot of the personnel there thought that I should stay in.”

In 2004 J.R. joined the Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes as their national spokesperson. J.R. travels the country as a motivational speaker, sharing his amazing story and showing people first hand the power of positive thought, drive, initiative and determination. He’s also very involved in working with wounded Soldiers, and I’m sure is an amazing inspiration to every one that he comes into contact with.

Knowing that J.R.’s life has made many changes, I asked him if he was considering making acting a career. J.R. shared that he is doing motivational speaking all over the world. He feels that networking is the key in reaching out to others and sharing his story of hope and inspiration, the golden factor to success. He shared that when All My Children announced the story line they were going to put into the show, and announced that they were hoping to find a Soldier or former Soldier to play that role, they sent out a casting call. J.R. shared that he found out about this, when a friend passed an email to him. All My Children had over 600 applicants for the role and J.R. was chosen from those 600. J.R. feels that acting allows him to reach out to the public on an even larger scale, than his motivational speaking work. J.R. shared that he would like to continue acting because of this. Currently he’s unsure if his role on All My Children will continue. He’s under contract until October, but did have a meeting with the show’s producers on the day that I spoke to him.

“It’s a great opportunity to educate Americans about what our Troops go through. The story line is not political in any way, but it shows people that our Troops are serving every day. God gave me a gift that I never knew I had. It’s an opportunity to reach out to all the Troops as well, to tell their stories It allows me to strike while the iron’s hot!”

J.R. shared that his motivational speaking work started quite by accident. He shared that while he was a patient at Brooke Army Medical Center, one of the nurses had asked him to speak with another one of her patients, who was having a difficult time dealing with his injuries. J.R. did so and the impact he made on this fellow Soldier was amazing. Because of the type of injuries that J.R. suffered from, he wasn’t able to have a lot of contact with other people initially, due to the chance of severe infections. J.R. feels that his recovery could have been even quicker, has he been able to see people. After visiting the initial Soldier, J.R. shared that he started visiting other patients, talking to groups at the hospital and eventually that expanded to the media.

J.R. feels that it is very important to give back, to pave a road for people who have been through any kind of tragedy in their lives. He feels that he’s able to show them that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and for J.R. charity is a very big thing. He fully believes that what goes around, comes around.

J.R. shared that he feels in many ways that our Troops today are very lucky. They’re coming back home to a completely different type of people, not like our Troops returning from Viet Nam. J.R. shared that he’s amazed at all of the different groups out there, who are doing things for our returning Troops.

I asked J.R. if it was difficult from him to make the transition from Soldier to Actor, as well as how it affected him, having to relive his injury and recovery. J.R. said that it was both difficult and easy. He shared that it was easy for him, due to the motivational speaking that he had been doing. He feels that acting is about truth and reality and bringing out that passion. He shared that it can be a painful experience, however he wanted to audience to really get an understanding of what Soldiers and wounded Soldiers go through. I think that J.R. has been able to accomplish that.

J.R. Martinez is an amazing young man. I am inspired by his courage, conviction, dedication to his fellow Soldiers and his willingness to talk about a part of his life that I’m sure is painful to discuss. I wish him good luck in the future, in what ever he chooses to do in his life. He has shown that with a positive attitude, hard work and dedication that anything can be accomplished. He’s an inspiration to not only his fellow wounded warriors but everyone he comes into contact with.

Photos courteosy of J.R. Martinez

To find out more about J.R. and the work he is doing, please visit his website, Know J.R.

Is It Really Possible To Eliminate Sexual Assault In The Army?

Over the past year or so, the Army has worked diligently to increase their focus on the prevention and response to sexual assault. Their eventual goal is to completely eliminate sexual assault from the Army altogether. The Army is engaged from the top down to do what they can to educate Soldiers about sexual assault, teach them how to reduce their risks of becoming a victim, and get them engaged in the prevention aspect of it, by intervening if they see something happening that shouldn’t. I often wonder though, if leadership at all levels are really engaged and willing to do what is necessary to eradicate this horrific crime from the Army. I’m sure you’re wondering why I would say that.

Every day, across this country and around the world, millions of sexual assaults occur. Laws regarding sex crimes have been stiffened and in most states, someone who commits a sex crime must register as a sex offender, sometimes for the rest of their lives. In many states, when a sex offender moves into a neighborhood, they must register with the local police department. Notices are then sent out to residents in the area, advising them of this fact. Yet these crimes still occur at an alarming rate, even in the military. That really shouldn’t come as a surprise, because afterall, Soldiers come from American society.

I can’t count the number of hours that I’ve spent with victims of sexual assault at the emergency room of the hospital. I can’t count the number of miles I’ve put on my car to accompany a victim to have a Sexual Assault Forensics Exam completed and I can’t even begin to count the amount of hours that I’ve spent in a CID interview room, as the victim recounts what happened to them, once again. It’s a lengthy process, one that can sometimes last as many as 10-15 hours at a stretch. I can’t say enough about the professionalism of the CID agents as they pull out all stops to investigate the crime and ensure they have a solid case before presenting it to legal and then to the command to determine the course of action from there. But, what if a particular command isn’t committed to preventing sexual assault or holding offenders accountable for their actions?

Believe it or not, even with the Army’s increased commitment to eliminating sexual assault, there are registered sex offenders who are still serving in the military. That’s a scary thought, huh, one that’s unfortunately true. You can access information about registered sex offenders in your area by visiting http://www.familywatchdog.us . Try it. I think that you’ll be as appalled as I was when I saw how many registered sex offenders lived in the area I do, and even more so when I saw that some of them were Soldiers. How is this allowed? Perhaps, because of the work I do, my opinions are a bit biased, but I really don’t think so. Why run the risk of this person sexually assaulting someone else? Why take that chance.

I’m sure that there are some who have to register as a sex offender who maybe shouldn’t be on there, but not many. The type that I’m thinking of when I make that statement, is say… a 18 or 19 year old who starts dating a young lady a few years younger than himself. They have sex and suddenly he’s charged with a sex crime because she was under the legal age of consent. That young man will have to register as a sex offender. That’s not the offender that worries me. The ones that concern me are ones who have been charged with a sexual assault, tried, found guilty and somehow are continuing to serve in the military. How is that happening? Are they receiving moral waivers when they enlist, enabling them to join the Army, even though they’ve been convicted of a felony? Has their command known about the conviction and chose to do nothing? Was command even made aware of the conviction? Or how about the one who commits a sex crime while he or she is serving in the military and command doesn’t courts martial them, but instead makes them register as a sex offender, maybe takes away some rank and gives them an article 15. It happens and it’s infuriating. I don’t know about you, but those aren’t the types of people that I’d want watching my back downrange.

My concern with this, is the fact that some of these people may commit the same crime again. Especially if they know they’ve gotten away with it the first time. Isn’t it endangering other Soldiers, family members, civilian workers and other citizens by allowing someone with a sexual assault conviction to continue to serve in the military? Until this changes, I don’t see how the Army can eliminate sexual assault in it’s ranks. This is something that needs to be looked at closely. I do feel that each case should be looked at individually and all information should be taken into account before decisions are made, however this is something that the Army is very serious about and something that they should consider, as they continue their 5 year plan to eliminate sexual assault from the Army.

Swapping Stories Of War

For service members, the legacy of those who served before them is one that is rich in history, pride, tradition and similarity of experiences. To be able to get the opportunity to sit down and visit with veterans many of whom served in previous conflicts and hear their stories is something to be treasured. They are a wealth of information and a great resource. Members of the 82nd Airborne Division were able to do that, when they visited the Liberty Commons Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Sanford, N.C. on Memorial Day, and spent time with veterans who live there. The administrator of the nursing home, Linda Andrews said the residents were excited about the visit.

“Even though it’s been years since they’ve served, these Soldiers still recognize the importance of their sacrifice,” Andrews said.¹

The visit actually began the Friday before, with a ceremony that included a formal presentation of colors, recognition of the 13 veterans who attended, the playing of patriotic songs and a lunch. The best part of the event, however, was the chance for the young Soldiers to visit with the veterans and hear their stories.

“For the veterans, it’s a way for us to honor them and thank them for their service,” said Capt. Light Shin, an Army chaplain. “For the new guys, it’s a great way to learn from them, from their sacrifices, so that they can become stronger, better equipped Soldiers in their duties.”²

Veteran residents of the nursing home served in several conflicts, among them World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam. Their vast knowledge and experiences are something that our young Troops can learn a lot from. Major Greg Stephens, whose wife Cassie serves as the director of nursing at Liberty Commons said it’s important for active duty Soldiers to remember the sacrifices of past Soldiers and take the time out of their days to remember and recognize these heroes.

“It’s a sincere honor to be able to salute the veterans in front of me who truly were and still are a part of the ‘Greatest Generation,’” Major Stephens said. “You are the same men and women who came out of the Great Depression, who won great victories and made lasting sacrifices during war and helped build or define the world that we live in today.”³

One of those veterans. Lewis Haywood, only spent 3 years in the military, but learned a lifetime of lessons in those 3 years, such as the similarities of people, regardless of the country they’re from. He joined the Army in the 60s as a teenager, during the time that fear of war with the Soviet Union was prevalant. Haywood was stationed in Germany when the Berlin Wall was first erected.

“I met a lot of nice people and learned how to get along well with people from other countries,” Haywood said. “For the most part, people in other countries are friendly but you’ll always find some unfriendly people anywhere you go.”⁴

Another Veteran who resides at the nursing home, Lillian Lang, was the spouse of an Air Force pilot during World War II. Wanting to contribute herself, Lang enlisted in the Army and served in an intelligence office in California. She shared how much she enjoyed her time in the military.

Another resident, Thomas Womble served as a Staff Sergeant in Korea for 13 months. During his time in service, he was injured when a mortar exploded and blew off one of his toes and caused permanent scarring to the left side of his face. He was discharged due to the injuries he received. Following his discharge from the military, Womble served for 30 years in the US Postal Service.

Each of the veterans who reside at the nursing home, had a story to tell. Stories that in many ways were familiar yet different to the young Soldiers who were there to visit with them. Each of the veterans are living history and are a valuable resource for our Troops.

I’m impressed that the Troops led by Major Stephens were willing to spend the time with these veterans. I would hope that in many other locations across the country, other Soldiers are doing the same thing. These men and women deserve our thanks and our gratitude. What they don’t deserve, like happens so often when a person is placed in a nursing home, is to be ignored or forgotten. They are the history of this country.

1. http://www.military.com/news/article/gis-young-and-old-share-stories-of-war.html [↩]
2. http://www.military.com/news/article/gis-young-and-old-share-stories-of-war.html [↩]
3. http://www.military.com/news/article/gis-young-and-old-share-stories-of-war.html [↩]
4. http://www.military.com/news/article/gis-young-and-old-share-stories-of-war.html [↩]

Faces Of Freedom: Remembering Warriors Of The Past

As I sit here, reflecting on the many sacrifices over the years of military veterans in this country, it’s only fitting that I pay special tribute to some of my ancestors who sacrificed so that we might continue to live in freedom.

My grandfather’s cousin, Oliver N. Vannaman who served during World War II in the US Army, earning a Silver Star. Unfortunately I don’t have a photo of Oliver.

These are just a few of my ancestors who have served this country proudly, who believed in the ideals that this country was founded on and who were willing to make the necessary sacrifices to ensure that we could continue to live in freedom. Many who have served in my family are still with us today. These men and many men and women like them are what this day is all about. We owe them a debt of gratitude. They and men and women such as them, are the reason that I do what I do every day. Thank You just doesn’t seem quite enough.

A Hero’s Ride; Mission Accomplished

In the Central Texas city of Harker Heights, a group of military veterans set out on a very special mission to honor a Soldier currently stationed at Fort Hood, who’s in a valiant fight against cancer. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Motorcycle Group Unit 14, which is part of the VFW Post 3892 stepped up to the plate by hosting A Hero’s Ride to raise funds to ease the financial burden on Sgt. Anson Martin an aircraft hydraulics specialist assigned to 4th Squadron, 3rd ACR and his family as they continue the battle his disease. The group couldn’t have picked a more fitting day to hold the ride, as Saturday May 16th was Armed Forces Day. What better way to show your appreciation for our Troops, than to do what has to be done, to help a soldier in need.

Between the hours of 0600 and 0800, the parking lot of the VFW filled with motorcycles of all types, as well as passenger vehicles, who would also follow the motorcyclists on their mission that day. Prior to beginning the ride, the State of Texas State Senior Vice-Commander presented Sgt. Martin and his family with a check to pay off their car, as well as presenting the family several other gifts. Sgt. Martin also participated in the ride, riding with one of the members of VFW Motorcycle Group #14 in a sidecar and recording the entire ride on video. Sgt. Martin’s family was able to participate as well, as the State of Texas VFW provided a van and driver at their disposal for the day. Shortly after the ride began, a steady rain began falling. While the rainfall discouraged some from continuing on the ride, over half of the riders and their passengers remained dedicated to completing the mission and arrived at the final destination in Temple, Tx. After leaving the post in Harker Heights, riders then headed towards their first stop at VFW Post 3393 in Kempner, Tx. Shortly after the ride began, the rain began falling steadily, accompanied by wind. Members of the post had hot coffee and donuts waiting for the soaked riders as they arrived. After a short time in Kempner, the riders headed north to VFW Post 8230 in Gatesville, where they were met more coffee and donuts and a place to rest and dry off a bit, before heading towards Belton. As the riders left Gatesville, the rain subsided for a short period of time, before picking up again and ensuring that everyone arrived at Belton Lake VFW Post. Riders were greeted with plenty of dry towels, meat, cheese and crackers along with plenty more hot coffee. The marquee in front of the VFW at Belton Lake proudly stated “Welcome Sgt. Martin,” so there was no doubt that they were glad to be participating in this important event. Members of the Belton Lake VFW Post also presented Sgt. Martin with a check for donations that they had collected in his behalf. Riders dried off and rested a bit before heading for the final destination, the VFW Post in Temple, and a meal in honor of Sgt Martin and his family. A total of 120 riders signed up, 100 began the ride with 55 actually completing the 96 mile ride.

After a wonderful meal at the Temple VFW, the President of the VFW Motorcycle Group Unit 14, commanders of Sgt. Martin’s Squadron presented the VFW Motorcycle Group Unit 14 with a plaque expressing their appreciation for the group coordinating the benefit Hero’s Ride. Unit 14’s President, Allen Freeman then shared that the benefit had raised over $7,000 to assist Sgt Martin and his family and presented Sgt. Martin with US Army and US Marine Corps flags that had been signed by all the motorcyclists and their riders. Sgt. Martin expressed his heartfelt appreciation at the generosity and kindness that the Central Texas Community and most importantly, the VFW Motorcycle Group Unit 14 and Department of Texas VFW have bestowed upon him and his family, during this trying time.

The dedication of the members of the VFW Motorcycle Group, Unit 14 in Harker Heights, Texas is truly inspirational. They believe and demonstrate what the term “Veterans Helping Veterans” means in their actions and their words. I was honored to be able to participate in this very special Hero’s Ride and was inspired by the dedication of each and every person that I came into contact with during the ride. The kindness, generosity and willingness of this group to help other veterans and soldiers in need, sets a very high standard for other VFW Motorcycle Groups to follow.

Sgt. Anson Martin is an amazing young man. His optimism, faith, positive attitude and determination to overcome and conquer his disease are truly inspirational and amazing. He exemplifies the true warrior spirit that is so inherent in our Troops and our Veterans. Sgt. Anson Martin is a true hero in every sense of the word.

You can read the original article I wrote about this ride, here. In that article, you’ll also find a link to Sgt. Martin’s Caring Bridge page as well.

“United In Strength” Armed Forces Day 2009

The Armed Forces of the United States of America, have always stood ready to defend this country and the ideals that we live by, as long as this nation has been in existence. They’ve stood ready to respond at a moment’s notice, to do what is necessary to ensure we remain free. Men and women have willingly made sacrifices to ensure that we as American citizens are able to continue living the life that we do in our country. They’ve often sacrificed by giving their very lives, so that we can continue to live our lives as we chose. It’s only fitting that we as American citizens take this day to show our appreciation for all that these brave men and women have made possible for us.

Tomorrow, Saturday May 16, 2009 we celebrate Armed Forces Day, a day that has been set aside for us to give thanks and show our appreciation to our brave servicemembers. Initially, each branch of the military celebrated their own separate day. However, on August 31, 1949, then Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of an Armed Forces day to replace the separate days that each branch of the military celebrated. This stemmed from the unification of all the branches of the Armed Forces underneath once department, the Department of Defense. All branches of the military, except for the Marine Corps dropped the separate day, however the Marine Corps still supports Armed Forces Day.¹

President Harry S. Truman announced the formation of Armed Forces Day and praised the hard work of each branch of the military, both at home and overseas. Similar to the tensions and uncertainties we face today with terrorists worldwide, in 1950 the country was facing uncertainty, and tensions worldwide, due to communist aggressions. Below is an excerpt of the speech he gave on February 27, 1950:

“Armed Forces Day, Saturday May 20, 1950, marks the first combined demonstration by America’s defense team of its progress, under the National Security Act, towards the goal of readiness for any eventuality. It is the first parade of preparedness by the unified forces of our land, sea and air defense.”²

This year, the theme of Armed Forces Day is “United In Strength.” With members of all branches of this country’s Armed Forces currently fighting side by side in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, this theme could not be more fitting. This team signifies the team work that is evident as our Troops continue their mission in those countries as well as many others across the world. It signifies the unified effort that these conflicts require. In the midst of the war, they’re not looking at each other as members of different military branches, but instead as brothers and sisters in arms.

On this day, across the country, many communities will show their appreciation for our Troops with parades, special activities honoring them, open houses on military installations and even special ceremonies and receptions. Check your local area to see what activities are taking place and take part in them if at all possible. Take some time out of your day to let our Troops know how very important they are to the continued existence of our country, and how much you appreciate the sacrifices that they make.

1. http://www.defenselink.mil/afd/military/history.html [↩]
2. http://www.defenselink.mil/afd/military/history.html [↩]

Soldiers In Iraq Pay Tribute To Bataan Death March Victims

¹

67 years ago, 78,000 service members in the Phillippines were forced to march over 55 miles from the Bataan Peninsula to Camp O’Donnell to be held as prisoners of war, after allied forces surrendered in the Phillippines. The journey that these service members were forced to take was a harsh and grueling one. Along the way, troops were beaten, food and water was withheld for days on end. If they became weakened and fell out of line, they were executed. As a result of this harsh and cruel treatment, almost 20,000 of them died. Once they reached their destination, the men were transported to Japanese prison camps and held prisoner for 3 years in horrible conditions.

A Memorial March is held every year, during the month of March, at White Sands Missle Range in New Mexico. Each year competitors from different branches of the military, as well as civilians participate in the Bataan Memorial Death March to honor the brave men who were forced to make that march 67 years ago.

In Iraq on May 10th, 86 soldiers and civilians stationed at COB Basara joined forces with Minnesota National Guard Soldiers to participate in the 12th Annual Bataan Memorial March. The march was organized by members of the Minnesota National Guard’s 1st Battallion, 194th Armor Regiment. They have a deep connection to the veterans of the Bataan Death March. In 1941 Soldiers from the Minnesota National Guard’s 194th Tank Battalion deployed to the Phillippines and were attacked on the Bataan Peninsula by Japanese forces. For 5 months, they fought in sustained combat and many were forced to make the Bataan Death March. Those who survived, of course, ended up as POWs for 3 years.²

To show their respect for those who lost their life during the Death March and those who survived, Soldiers from the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division and 10th Mountain Division participated alonside their bretheren from the Minnesota National Guard, by competing in 10 and 20 mile marches. Major Thomas Sutton with 10th Mountain Division competed in the 20 mile light division march.

“This was a great opportunity,” Sutton said. “I just wanted to finish. But I went slow and kept a steady pace and everything worked out.”³

I think it’s admirable that these Soldiers took time out of the hectic pace of their day, in a combat zone to honor veterans who’ve come before them and whom endured such horrific conditions. By doing so, not only are they paying great respect and honor to the men who endured the Bataan Death March, but reminding themselves and others of the pride our service members take in serving this country.

1. http://www.answers.com/topic/bataan-death-march [↩]
2. http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=54277 [↩]
3. http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=54277 [↩]

Mother’s Day 2009

Today is a very special day for mothers. It’s a day in which we honor our mothers and let them know how much they are appreciated. Today, as I write this, there are thousands of mothers whose day will mean work as usual, who won’t be able to be pampered and catered to, because they’re performing a very special job. The job of an American Service Member. The mothers are very special women, as they’ve set aside their personal needs, given up time with their family on this special day, to serve our country. Thousands of military moms won’t be able to spend this special day with their spouses and children, because they’re fighting for freedom around the world. I’d like to salute these special ladies, wish them a very Happy Mother’s Day and thank them from the bottom of my heart for their unselfish sacrifice for the citizens of this country.

The Miracle Of A Word

He lay unresponsive in a coma for 23 days at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, after being severely injured in a roadside bomb blast in Afghanistan, that left him with severe TBI and missing his legs. His family kept vigil at his bedside, talking with him, trying to coax him out of his coma, to no avail. His worried family continued to hope and pray, though his prognosis looked grim, due to the severity of his brain injury. One day, last June, with the utterance of one word by a visitor to his hospital room, that all changed.

On that day in June 2008, General David Petraeus came to visit 1LT Brian Brennan, who served with the 101st Airborne Division at the time of his injury. General Petraeus once commanded the 101st. When he arrived, General Petraeus tried speaking typical words of encouragement to the young Soldier.

“Hang tough, big guy.” General Petraeus said. “Your troopers need you back out there.” ¹

There was no response whatsoever from the hospital bed. It didn’t seem to matter that the Commander of US Central Command was in his room, speaking to him. Lt Brennan lay motionless. Petraeus said he really didn’t think there was any hope. As he turned to leave, something made him decide to turn around and try one more thing.

“I just decided to shout out, ‘Currahee,’” said General Petraeus. “We counted one, two, three Currahee.”²

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The word ‘Currahee’ is a Cherokee Indian word that’s also the motto for the Band of Brothers regiment of the 101st Airborne Division. The word translates to English as “We Stand Alone.” The utterance of that single word by General Petraeus somehow broke through the fog and Lt. Brennan responded.

“That’s when he kind of sat up in the bed as best he could,” said Jim Brennan, Brian’s father.

“Like he was saying, ‘I’m in here, I’m in here.”’ Said his mother Joanne Brennan.

“All of a sudden, the lieutenant, his stumps are banging up and down on the sheets. His head is moving around and very clearly responding to his unit’s nickname,” said Petraeus. “For three weeks, he had not responded to the voices of his family, but that Band of Brothers motto brought him back from the living dead.”³

That day in June, marked the beginning of his miraculous recovery. Brian is now out of Walter Reed, receiving out patient rehabilitation on his hand, his prosthetic legs and his speech. His memory is improving and less than a year after his horrific injuries happened, he delivered a speech to a crowd of around 2,000 people. He was also able to meet up with General Petraeus again, when he introduced Brennan as the unsung hero in the New Jersey Hall of Fame.

“I accept this honor on behalf of all service men and women …..” 1LT Brennan began.
“And guess what happened,” said his father.
“One, two, three, Currahee!” said Petraeus.⁴

His hometown has rallied around him and his family, to make sure that Brennan is able to return home and continue recovering from his injuries, creating a trust to help defray the costs of travel, treatment and ensuring that Brandon would have a wheelchair compatible place to live. A new 1,000 square foot addition has been constructed onto his parents home in Howell, N.J. A team of volunteers in the community donated time, money and labor to construct the addition, so that Lt. Brennan would be able to return home during his recovery, yet be independent. The construction was a complete effort of the community.

“This has been one of the most rewarding experiences, and I have met some of the nicest people,” said Jack McNaboe who took the lead in the volunteer effort.⁵

According to Brandon’s father, Jim Brennan, the Stands Alone trust fund that was set up, has exceeded Brian’s needs. The family plans to begin helping the families of other wounded veterans with the additional funds received.

“Our mission is to help the family members and the loved ones of wounded soldiers stay (with them) longer through their recovery, so the Soldier’s health can improve,” said Joanne Brennan. “I want to meet with the families of wounded veterans and see their faces when I say, ‘Give me your bills. Don’t worry, stay with your loved one.’”⁶

It’s amazing how that one word, Currahee, changed the course of Brian Brennan’s recovery and how from that has grown a non-profit organization whose mission is to ease the load on the family members of our Wounded Warriors. I applaud the Brennan’s for taking the time to think of the needs of families in a similar situation as the one they faced, knowing the hardships being away from home can cause, as they care for their loved ones, and doing what it takes to ease that burden for these families. 1LT Brian Brennan is truly an inspiring young man; a Soldier who takes pride in his service and in our country and who demonstrates the tenacity and resilience, which is so evident in our Troops. It wouldn’t surprise me in the least, if 1LT Brian Brennan ends up eventually returning to active duty, once his recovery is complete.

I encourage everyone to visit the Brian Brennan Stands Alone website to find out more about the trust and find out how you can help other wounded warriors and their families by making a donation to the trust.

1. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/05/07/eveningnews/main4999948.shtml?source=search_story [↩]
2. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/05/07/eveningnews/main4999948.shtml?source=search_story [↩]
3. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/05/07/eveningnews/main4999948.shtml?source=search_story [↩]
4. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/05/07/eveningnews/main4999948.shtml?source=search_story [↩]
5. http://newstranscript.gmnews.com/news/2009/0107/front_page/005.html [↩]
6. http://newstranscript.gmnews.com/news/2009/0107/front_page/005.html [↩]

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