This is my brother-in-law, Jake.
He's Cam's youngest brother. He is a U.S. Marine. He lives somewhere in Afghanistan. He is putting his life on the line for YOU and ME right now, and I am thankful for him.
This is my brother-in-law, Russ.
He's just younger than Cam. He is also a U.S. Marine. You can't see his face, because he is hiding from all of the wind, sand, and sun in Iraq. Thankfully, he returned home from Iraq last year none the worse for wear. I am thankful to Russ for the sacrifices he made to serve our country. Who knows when he'll have to serve again. It could be tomorrow; it could be next year; it could be five years from now.
As of the end of October, the number of troops serving in Iraq was 124,000, and the number of troops serving in Afghanistan totaled 65,000. That is 189,000 sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, husbands, wives, and friends all serving our country in wars a half a world away. It doesn't matter what you think/believe politically, the wars they are fighting are real. It's not just what we see on the news. There are things that they face that we can't begin to fathom. It takes someone cut from a special mold to volunteer for the military.
The troops deserve our respect.
And if you have an extra prayer laying around, maybe you could say one for Jake.
4 comments:
What a beautiful post!!! We all need a reminder now and then. It is too easy to forget when we are safe in our warm homes. Thanks!
Thank you for posting that! And thank you to Cam's brothers, and all the other men and women serving our country, and our freedom!
Thanks Marie for that touching tribute! I guess it really hits home this time of year. My Nephew is also a marine (he's on a mission now though) so I sort of know how you feel...I'll look for that 'extra prayer lying around'
First, thank you for this post, we all need to be reminded of just how grateful we should be for those who sacrife comfort, safety, and lives for the freedoms we often take for granted. I think one of the most selfless things a person can do is choose to serve this wonderful country and what it stands for. Thank you Jake and Russ, I don't know if you will ever see this but know that while I don't know you personally I am indebted to you and all those who serve. The debt can't be paid. To the families of those who serve your sacrifice does not go unseen or unappriciated, thank you as well for your sacrifices.
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