'I'm not leaving my boys'

Image courtesy: U.S. Army

About three weeks ago, Sgt. Michael Ingram Jr. suffered a muscle injury while deployed in Afghanistan. Doctors said surgery would be required to ease his pain, and he was later cleared to return home early for the procedure and some rest. The brave soldier politely refused.

"He said, 'I'm not leaving my boys. I'll have it when I get back,'" [stepmother Julie Ingram] said, as emotion choked her voice. "The last thing he said on his Facebook on Tuesday was 'C'mon boys -- we're almost home.'"

According to the Pentagon, Sgt. Ingram, 23, was killed on April 17 in Kandahar when an improvised explosive device planted by terrorists exploded near his patrol. The Fort Carson-based soldier was assigned to 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.

The Detroit Free Press reports that Ingram, who hailed from Michigan, was a big fan of the Detroit Tigers and one of the city's most famous entertainers: Kid Rock. Julie Ingram told reporter Tammy Stables Battaglia that her stepson embodied one of the rock star's biggest hits.

"He was our 'American Bad Ass,'" Ingram said. "That was our baby. He wore his uniform proud. He always said from the time he was a little boy he wanted to be in the Army."

Kid Rock, a major supporter of the U.S. military who plays USO shows overseas for the troops, has recorded several songs reflecting on sacrifices of our men and women in uniform. I think the below passage from the song 'Amen' particularly fits Ingram's strength and character.

"If you can take the pain, you can withstand anything, and one day stand hand in hand with the truth."

Sgt. Michael Ingram Jr., who is also survived by his mother and father, put his fellow soldiers above himself. He declined immediate medical care for his aching injury so he could protect his brothers and sisters in harm's way. As the powerful words of his grieving family show us, the Bronze Star recipient's final act of courage shined in its selfless authenticity. He meant it.