'I love doing what I do'

Image courtesy: Facebook

When Cpl. Kevin Cueto first decided to enlist in the Marines, he knew his job would be full of challenges and risks. Even while excelling in the classroom and playing high school sports, he always had a singular goal in mind.

"We tried to tell him about the dangers. But he didn't care. He said that if he was going to go, he wanted to go out for his country and for his family," aunt Maria Cueto told The San Jose Mercury News.

Lisa Fernandez's article said Cpl. Cueto joined the military in 2005. His first deployment did not come until 2009, when he served in Iraq with the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Marine Expeditionary Force. About three months ago, the Marine left for his second combat tour, this time in Afghanistan.

Even while overseas, Cueto kept up a Facebook message, which said he loved to kick back and relax, especially at the beach. Yet he also said "I love doing what I do," which fits the portrait being painted by his family and friends. The San Jose, California, native wasn't just ordered to deploy to Iraq and Afghanistan. He actually wanted to serve in both war zones.

According to the Pentagon, the 23-year-old Marine was killed on June 22 in Afghanistan's Helmand province. His flag-draped casket returned to Delaware late last week, where it was met by his father. Cueto, who was decorated for battlefield valor, is also survived by his mother, younger brother, and girlfriend.

On the fallen Marine's Facebook page, he listed the 2009 film "Taking Chance" as one of his favorite movies. The HBO production, which starred Kevin Bacon, chronicled the journey of Lt. Col. Michael Strobl as he escorted Lance Cpl. Chance Phelps home after the fallen Marine was brought back from Iraq. The movie is a rare Hollywood achievement, as it shows deep respect for the military's painstaking efforts to honor sacrifice, while not taking a stand on the conflict itself. Cueto's love for the film shows that he was not only a proud volunteer warrior, but knew that one day, a fellow Marine might have to escort him home.

"He was a good kid," his Aunt said. "He always made us laugh."

The closing line of the "Taking Chance" film, which Lt. Col. Strobl once wrote in his journal about Lance Cpl. Phelps, can sum up our feelings about this fallen hero. Many of us didn't know Cpl. Kevin Cueto before he died. But today, we miss him.

A painful month

Image courtesy: Pfc. Sarah Anderson

June may be coming to a close, but for at least 50 American families, the heartbreak of this month will never fully subside. While there was some success on the battlefield in Afghanistan, the past 29 days mark the deadliest month for coalition troops in the war theater.

Over the past 24 hours, the Pentagon has released names of eleven volunteer warriors who recently lost their lives serving on the war on terrorism's central front.

Staff Sgt. Edwardo Loredo, 34, Houston, Texas
Sgt. Joseph Caskey, 24, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Spc. Blair Thompson, 19, Rome, New York
Spc. Jared Plunk, 27, Stillwater, Oklahoma
Cpl. Daane Deboer, 24, Ludington, Michigan
Lance Cpl. William Richards, 20, Trenton, Georgia
Pfc. Robert Repkie, 20, Knoxville, Tennessee
Sgt. David Holmes, 34, Tennille, Georgia
Sgt. John Rogers, 26, Scottsdale, Arizona
Staff Sgt. Eric Shaw, 31, Exeter, Maine
Spc. David Thomas, 40, St. Petersburg, Florida

All of these fallen heroes were raised with unique values and backgrounds. Yet they came together in a faraway land to help complete a difficult, important mission. The Unknown Soldiers sends its deepest condolences to all military families mourning the loss of a loved one, and particularly those being forced to come to grips with the permanent effects of this painful month. You do not grieve alone.

'It feels amazing to be home'

Elgin, Texas, has felt the pain of war. On September 5, 2009, Capt. Joshua Meadows was killed while supporting combat operations in Afghanistan's Farah province. The 30-year-old Marine, who was awarded a Bronze Star for valor, left behind his wife and mother in Elgin.

Thanks to Military Moms Of Texas, the central Texas community got the chance to express some different emotions on Saturday, when the city saluted two Marines currenly on leave from war zones. KVUE-TV reports that Lance Cpl. Branon Rountree, who spent the last eight months in Afghanistan, is cherishing his visit home.

"The first thing I wanted to do was, like, get off [the plane] and kiss the ground," Branon said. "It feels amazing to be home."

Rountree and fellow Marine Kyle Mogonye were honored in the Western Days Parade and presented a 'deployed night out' certificate by MMOT. Founder Tracy La Porte, who has a son serving in Iraq, told the TV station that organizing a float to recognize the hometown heroes was the least she could do.

"It's the appreciation and thanks, anything we can possibly do to thank them and support them for what they're doing for us over there when they come home," she said.

Soon, Branon Rountree and Kyle Mogonye will once again bid farewell to their families and return to battlefields located thousands of miles from Elgin, Texas. Yet after tough days that will inevitably come during the last months of their deployments, the Marines will be able to think back to the June day their hometown chose to say thank you. Every gesture to support our men and women in uniform has an impact.

Forever young

Images courtesy: Bradshaw family/Facebook

"Service (to others) is the foundation of life," future 1st Lt. Brian Bradshaw wrote as a junior in high school. "Without service, our lives have the same impact and meaning as a stick lying on the ground."

One year ago today, America lost a young man who dedicated his life to helping his fellow man, from Washington state all the way to Afghanistan. The idea that 1st Lt. Bradshaw served others is not a cliche, because he backed it up with every bone in his body.

"He had many connections to people, and he made everyone around him better," Bradshaw's aunt, Martha Gillis, told The Unknown Soldiers in January. "He has made everyone he touched think more about not wasting opportunities."

While being raised by military parents in Steilacoom, Washington, Bradshaw joined the Pierce County Search and Rescue team, which specializes in finding missing hikers and mountain climbers. He later volunteered at two Catholic youth organization camps, where he had once spent many summer days during his childhood. Instead of spending his teenage years out partying every night, he mentored children and taught them how to deal with fear and disappointment. Many parents told the Bradshaw family that he served as an inspiration for their sons and daughters.

Even though he was "living life in high gear," climbing mountains and hiking difficult trails in the Washington state and British Columbia wilderness, the time came for Bradshaw to make a decision about his career. Despite the fact that both his parents had long military histories, they were not pushing him toward a post-9/11enlistment in the Armed Forces. Ultimately, his family said he decided to join the Army not necessarily to "blow guys up," but to help children and adults caught in the middle of a war zone.

While completing the mission was always his top priority, Bradshaw insisted on taking extra time to reach out to kids during his deployment. He frequently asked relatives and friends for packages of candy and toys, which he would then hand out to young Afghans in local villages. Giving crayons to kids may not be universally recognized as an act of heroism. Yet during a war where terrorists hide improvised explosive devices under piles of garbage and strap bombs to themselves or others, are the efforts of Bradshaw and his fellow troops not compassionate and brave?

1st Lt. Bradshaw died of wounds suffered from a June 25, 2009, explosion in Kheyl, Afghanistan. Capt. James Adair and Master Sgt. Paul Riley, who flew the volunteer warrior's flag-draped casket home on a C-130 from Bagram Air Base, wrote a poignant letter to the Bradshaw family. This is an excerpt:

Before closing up the back of the aircraft, one of Brian's men, with tears running down his face, said "That’s my platoon leader, please take care of him."

We taxied back on the runway, and, as we began rolling for takeoff, I looked to my right. Brian’s platoon had not moved from where they were standing in the darkness. As we rolled past, his men saluted him one more time; their way to honor him one last time as best they could. We will never forget this.

Determined to honor their 24-year-old son's sacrifice, Bradshaw's parents showed strength in the aftermath of the tragic bombing, even on the day he was buried.

"I came away from that service so impressed and respectful of Mary and Paul," Gillis told me.

While Bradshaw was decorated for valor on the battlefield, his legacy will be the difference he made in the lives of children around the world. Thanks to about $50,000 in donations, a special high ropes obstacle was built at Camp Hamilton in the fallen soldier's honor. Officially dedicated on May 22, Washington state kids are now swinging around in the sky on the Brian Bradshaw Memorial Challenge Course. Half a world away in Afghanistan, there are children still coloring with the crayons Bradshaw and his unit risked their lives to hand out. Some of those same kids are still alive because of the missions he helped complete.

A year after his death, 1st Lt. Brian Bradshaw is still having a measurable impact on the society he pledged to serve from a young age. While perfection is a quality no man can reach, it's hard to imagine someone doing more with 24 years.

Hands of time

Images courtesy: Marler family/Facebook

Protecting two presidents at Camp David was a highlight of Cpl. Donald Marler's military career. The middle Marine in the above picture, Cpl. Marler often stood just feet from his commander-in-chief, whether during a weekend retreat or crucial diplomatic meeting. Yet the young man from St. Louis wanted to do something he felt was of even greater consequence. He wanted to serve alongside fellow Marines in Afghanistan.

According to KDSK-TV, Marler asked for a combat assignment in December 2009. He left for Afghanistan a few months later, and ended up serving in Helmand province, one of the war zone's most dangerous regions. A tragic June 6 vehicle accident took the Marine's life, along with Lance Cpl. Derek Hernandez and Sgt. Brandon Bury. All three Marines were assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, California.

Hours before flags in Missouri began flying at half-staff on the orders of Gov. Jay Nixon, a fellow Marine posted a Facebook message in a group dedicated to Marler's life.

"It was such a pleasure and an honor to serve with your son in the Marine Corps at Camp David," Reyner Fouch wrote. "My wife and I are praying for you, and Don's memory lives strong in the hearts of those who had the privilege of serving with him. Semper Fidelis."

Marler loved sports. Numerous photos in the online tribute show him in St. Louis Cardinals gear, attending ballgames with family and friends. As Kathleen Berger's article explains, it was in the Oakville Senior High School gym, where Marler could once be found running up and down the basketball court, where his community saluted his service. His former roommate, Sgt. Joe Solberg, spoke about the difficulty of saying goodbye to his friend, as the Marines at Camp David are very close to one another.

A high school buddy, Kyle Alexander Foley, posted a moving anecdote on Facebook. Foley, who was obsessed with keeping his jeep "immaculately clean," recalled a time when Marler accidentally left two handprints on his vehicle as they tried to push it out of the mud.

"For the life of me over the years, I've tried and tried to scrub Don's handprints off. Those handprints will stay there forever now. Don, you will never be forgotten."

While playing basketball in his high school gym, the future Marine probably never thought he would one day play basketball with the President of the United States. His parents fondly recall him calling home from Maryland to tell them about his experience on the hardwood with President Obama. President Bush is also likely aware of the June 6 tragedy that took the life of a man who once guarded his.

Protecting presidents was an extraordinary accomplishment. Volunteering to leave Camp David and carry out presidential orders in a war zone is an act of true selflessness. For those who knew and respected Cpl. Donald Marler, including two of the 21st century's most consequential figures, those handprints of courage will never fade.

Note: St. Louis Pizza and Wings on Telegraph Road in Oakville, Missouri, has agreed to donate 15% of today's sales to Fisher House, in honor of Cpl. Donald Marler and his family.

Hometown of heroes

Image courtesy: U.S. Marines

Serving in the Marine Corps was a huge honor for Lance Cpl. Derek Hernandez. Yet according to the 20-year-old Texan's plans, it was only the beginning. After fulfilling his military obligations, Lance Cpl. Hernandez wanted to become a police officer. Protecting others wasn't just part of his job description. From a young age, it was part of his identity.

"He was such a wonderful little boy that everybody would deserve to have," [mother Virginia] Reyna said proudly.

KRGV-TV reports that the city of Edinburg raised the American flag in honor of Hernandez over the weekend. While tremendously moved by the gesture, his family is in mourning, as the Marine was killed on June 6 in Afghanistan's Helmand province. He died alongside a fellow Texan, Sgt. Brandon Bury, as well as Cpl. Donald Marler.

According to Texas state representative Aaron Pena, Hernandez is the fifth U.S. volunteer warrior from Edinburg to make the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq or Afghanistan. Pena lists Pfc. Dustin Sekula, Spc. Mark Zapata, Lance Cpl. Benito Ramirez, and Sgt. Christopher Ramirez as city residents who also gave their lives in America's post-9/11 conflicts.

"Derek Hernandez will not be forgotten," Pena writes on his blog. "He will be woven into the tapestry of selfless service to country that has made this city a 'Hometown of Heroes.'"

While the lives of these brave Texans were cut short, all are being saluted by relatives, friends, troops, and veterans. The way public officials chose to honor the city's most recent fallen hero is particularly touching. After striving most of his life to become a police officer, Hernandez is now the first honorary cop in Edinburg history.

"Eventually he wanted to become a police officer. So that's was very special what Edinburg Police Department and City of Edinburg did for Derek. He would have appreciated it," Michael Tamez, Derek's cousin, told Channel 5 News.

Nobody forced Lance Cpl. Derek Hernandez, the two fellow Camp Pendleton-based Marines he died alongside, or four more Edinburg heroes to serve their country. Yet after learning about the staggering price his hometown has paid in the war on terrorism, it is less difficult to understand why the young man felt inspired to a cause greater than himself. Edinburg would have been safer with this valiant young man guarding its streets. Instead, he joins his brothers in arms in a peaceful, shining city that doesn't have to police against terrorism or crime.

Change of command

Image courtesy: Petty Officer 1st Class Mark O'Donald

Gen. Stanley McChrystal has resigned as the top American commander in Afghanistan. Assuming there is a smooth confirmation process, he will be replaced by Gen. David Petraeus, the head of U.S. Central Command. While opinions are strong on both sides about this controversy, spurred by a series of interviews Gen. McChrystal and his staff granted to Rolling Stone magazine, two facts are clear and indisputable. Today is a sad day for our country, yet we must quickly refocus our attention to our men and women serving on the ground in Afghanistan as they risk everything for the sake of victory.

As I have written about extensively, the U.S. media's drive-by coverage of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq in recent years, especially on cable news, damages the morale of our troops, military families, and the American public. The explosion of media attention over the McChrystal incident is warranted, as the military's leadership is very important to the overall post-9/11 conflict. Yet it also exposes a tremendous gap in press interest between events on the ground and events in Washington. Afghanistan and Iraq should be a major part of the national discussion every single day, instead of only when controversy erupts or U.S. troops are accused of wrongdoing. While political bickering and celebrity 'news' will almost always be the first choice of ratings-driven news executives, we have the power to change it by demanding a fuller perspective about the wars our nation continues to fight.

Debating whether Gen. McChrystal and his staff should have given these interviews, or if President Obama should have replaced the wartime commander, are certainly valid topics of discussion. Yet I believe the stakes are too high to divert attention from the sacrifices our troops are making every single day. The Pentagon announced the deaths of six soldiers within a recent 24-hour span, showing how dangerous the battlefield remains. Americans cannot collectively honor our heroes, or understand the impact of war on families and communities, if we are not informed.

Gen. Petraeus, after he is confirmed as the new commander of the war effort in Afghanistan, has another enormous task ahead of him after already spending many sleepless nights leading our troops. I hope you will join me in praying for his continued strength, creativity, and health. Putting the current controversy aside for a moment, we should also thank Gen. McChrystal and his family for many years of dedicated service to this proud nation. Most importantly, we must keep every volunteer warrior, as well as their loved ones, in our daily thoughts. When it comes to the debt all of us owe to these protectors of freedom, there is no debate.

Without controversy

Image courtesy: Petty Officer 1st Class Christopher Mobley

The war in Afghanistan is the top story on most cable news shows and websites today, but only because controversy has erupted over an interview Gen. Stanley McChrystal recently granted to Rolling Stone. Unfortunately, finger pointing and beltway bickering interests many members of the press much more than sacrifices being made on the battlefield.

Over the past 24 hours, the Pentagon has announced six Army casualties from various locations in Afghanistan. The fallen heroes hailed from different states, where their families and friends grieve at this hour. The Unknown Soldiers will make every effort to bring you their stories in the weeks ahead.

Spc. Joseph Johnson, 24, Flint, Michigan
Pfc. Gunnar Hotchkin, 31, Naperville, Illinois
Spc. Nathan Cox, 21, Fremont, California
Pfc. Benjamin Park, 25, Fairfax Station, Virginia
Staff Sgt. James Hunter, 25, South Amherst, Ohio
Spc. Scott Andrews, 21, Fall River, Massachusetts

When the wars in Iraq or Afghanistan make brief reappearances in the headlines, we cannot lose sight of the thousands of men and women on the ground or their families at home. While I have not had the honor of serving our country, I can say with certainty that war is not about meetings, hearings, or cable news shouting matches. It is about men and women volunteering to put everything on the line for this great nation.

While I will leave debating the McChrystal interview to others, politics should never get in the way of honoring our heroes. Without these extraordinary American patriots, who serve with pride and dignity, we wouldn't have the freedom to argue in the first place.

'He was my guardian angel'

Image courtesy: Porter Loring

Whenever his rescue squadron was called upon in Afghanistan, Tech Sgt. Michael Flores stepped up to lead the mission. On June 9 near Forward Operating Base Jackson, airmen were ordered to save a group of wounded British soldiers. When the HH-60G Pave Hawk ascended into the skies, the experienced group of volunteers undoubtedly knew their day would be dangerous. Yet having Tech Sgt. Flores by their side instilled a sense of calm professionalism as they set out to bring the injured to safety.

Master Sgt. Marisa Flores wasn't on the helicopter that day, but knows that protective feeling better than anyone. The San Antonio Express-News reports she was raising two young children with Michael near Arizona's Davis-Monthan Air Force Base when his country called him to serve in Afghanistan for a second time. Master Sgt. Flores said everything her 31-year-old husband did was for the sake of his family and welfare of his nation.

"He was my angel, he was my guardian angel and I know that, and he never let me go to bed angry or upset or sad, and he always wanted me to be happy and he wanted the kids to be happy," she said.

Clicking on Sig Christenson's article will bring you to an emotionally devastating photograph. It shows the airman's wife and two children bidding an emotional farewell to their shield of love and strength. According to the Pentagon, the Pave Hawk chopper crashed that day, killing Flores, 1st Lt. Joel Gentz, Staff Sgt. David Smith, and Senior Airman Benjamin White. Terrorists affiliated with the Taliban claim they shot the helicopter down with a rocket-propelled grenade.

"Flo was a consummate professional, a superior airman and damned good pararescueman," said Maj. Jason Pifer, commander of the 48th Rescue Squadron.

Christenson writes that before leaving on his deployment, Flores took his little girl to see Disney's "The Princess And The Frog." Young Eliana is now learning, at much too young an age, that life is not always like a fairy tale. Yet seeing F-16's blare over the cemetery, while hearing heartfelt speeches by friends who dedicated their lives and careers to the fallen hero's memory, can show the children that there was indeed something magical about their dad. Friend Craig Ballin echoed the sentiments of Flores' wife and fellow volunteer warrior: he always wanted his loved ones to go to bed smiling.

"Mike lived his life to the fullest. He had a loving family, loving friends, a beautiful wife, two beautiful children and he had his dream job. He would want us to be happy and celebrate today."

Losing four fine American rescuers makes it difficult to crack a smile. America needed Tech Sgt. Michael Flores. But maybe if we try to follow his lead, by always putting love for our families and loyalty to our country first, we will also find happiness waiting on our pillows each night.


Note: Donations in honor of Tech. Sgt. Michael Flores can be made to the That Others May Live Foundation.

Father's Day: Field of dreams

Note: This is a re-post from May 27 in honor of the McHugh family. A video of the special moment at Kauffman Stadium has been added.

Chief Warrant Officer Michael McHugh was serving in Iraq when heartbreaking news reached him from another post-9/11 battlefield. His hero, mentor, and guiding voice had been tragically killed in Afghanistan. Chief Warrant Officer McHugh quickly boarded a plane to Kuwait and soon knelt beside the departed warrior's flag-draped casket. The fallen soldier was his father, Col. John McHugh, and it was time to bring him home.

While losing any servicemember is devastating, the scope and far-reaching impact of this tragedy is nearly incomprehensible. Col. McHugh was not only a key U.S. military leader, but a bedrock of unconditional love, neverending support, and strong principles for his family, particularly his five children. After spending much of the morning and early afternoon of May 27 reading moving articles and incredible posts shared on a Facebook group dedicated to this honorable man and his family, it is clear that his legacy is already beginning to take shape.

"I thought I understood and appreciated the sacrifice that our Armed Forces and their families make for our country," Michael Regan wrote on May 26. "But standing on the tarmac as John's body arrived and was met by Connie, his children, his parents and brothers and sister, I now realize this will be a very different Memorial Day for me."

One of the best profiles of Col. McHugh comes from a source that's usually focused on telling the stories of athletes: ESPN. Senior writer Jeff Bradley grew up with the future soldier in West Caldwell, New Jersey, and had recently reconnected with his old friend. They corresponded about America's pastime, and exchanged stories from their glory days together on the American Legion diamond. Then, a former teammate sent Bradley a solemn e-mail, relaying that their former catcher was one of the five U.S. soldiers killed in a Kabul, Afghanistan, terrorist attack on May 18.

My knees buckled. Tears poured from my eyes. All I could get myself to say, over and over, was "No." I ran downstairs and got on the computer. Word had spread quickly. It was true. U.S. Army Col. John McHugh, 46, had become one of the highest-ranking American officers to lose his life in the war in Afghanistan.

Bradley writes that Col. McHugh gave up playing baseball to focus on soccer at West Point, becoming a team captain while also excelling in the classroom. But he never lost his deep passion for baseball, and closely followed the career of his nephew, Tom Edwards, a promising third base prospect for the Baltimore Orioles. While Col. McHugh's family loyalty would have compelled him to pull for the O's if his nephew reached the big leagues, his favorite ballclub was the Kansas City Royals, which he adopted as his team while stationed at Fort Leavenworth.

On May 25, the colonel's uniformed son took the mound at Kauffman Stadium, as his father's smiling face shined on the jumbotron in front of 14,722 Royals fans. Thousands of miles from Iraq and Afghanistan, Chief Warrant Officer McHugh put his foot on the rubber and looked into catcher Brayan Pena's glove. He then delivered the game's first pitch in honor of the man who helped shape his service-driven life, as two of his sisters stood by his side to appreciate the standing ovation that followed.

As flags across Kansas flew at half-staff on May 27, I regretted not having enough space on this blog to adequately salute all the amazing accomplishments of Col. John McHugh. From his studies at West Point, American Public University, and the U.S. Army War College to his service in Operation Desert Storm and Operation Enduring Freedom, Col. McHugh made everyone around him better. Yet perhaps it is best to let his son summarize the life of this compassionate family man and brave military leader. Through tears, the grieving soldier spoke to MLB.com.

"He was the best," McHugh said. "Everybody loved him -- great dad, great husband to my mom. Everybody who worked for him loved him. We're going to miss him a lot."

Chief Warrant Officer Michael McHugh left one war zone to escort his father home from another. While he undoubtedly wishes the ball he threw at Kauffman Stadium could have been caught by his dad, he knew the Royals fan pictured on the jumbotron was also watching over him from the highest bleachers in the sky. On May 25 in Kansas City, a son made his father proud.

Six of the best

Image courtesy: Senior Master Sgt. Amy Bandel

For Staff Sgt. Natalie Urquieta, pictured fourth from the left, simply completing her deployment to Afghanistan was not enough. While working as a medical technician at Bagram Air Base, she took a special interest in comforting wounded troops, as well as Afghan civilians. According to an article by Master Sgt. Mike Smith, she also got involved with Hats For Heroes, which knits special hats for injured warriors being airlifted to Germany.

On Thursday, Staff Sgt. Urquieta was one of six servicemembers out of more than 94,000 candidates to be named Outstanding Airmen of the Year by the Air National Guard. The prestigious honor shocked the member of the 185th Air Refueling Wing.

"It’s pretty amazing," she said. “I didn’t expect this."

All six heroes were flown to Washington this week to meet with top National Guard officials, tour monuments, and honor the fallen at Arlington National Cemetery. The command chief of the Air Guard, Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Muncy , also made sure to thank their families for supporting the airmen during their various assignments.

"We know we can’t do this without you, first, foremost and always," he said. "Thank you so much."

The everyday sacrifices of our military are often overlooked in a culture conditioned by the national media to obsess over celebrities and sensational crime stories. While none of these six distinguished servicemembers joined the military to become famous, they should all be enormously proud of their accomplishments, and know how much we appreciate their tireless efforts to our defend our nation.

Pictured left from right with their plaques:

Senior Master Sgt. Jessica Maple, Wisconsin National Guard
Staff Sgt. Kenneth Walker, Washington National Guard
Staff Sgt. Natalie Urquieta, Iowa National Guard
Master Sgt. Heidi Bunker, Ohio National Guard
Master Sgt. Brian Mays, California National Guard
Master Sgt. Velia Mireles, Texas National Guard

Stands with a fist

Image courtesy: Michigan In Pictures

The lakes and pines they bleed of beauty and grace
And the rivers they run wild like an endless race
The mountains rise so high they fall to the sea
As church bells ring and sing in harmony
I heard them say they're shutting Detroit down
But I won't leave, because this is my hometown

I'm not sure if Motor City star and military supporter Kid Rock had Lake St. Clair in mind when he sang the song "In Times Like These," which will appear on his upcoming album. Yet the majestic lake, which is not far from Detroit, seems to perfectly fit the soaring lyrics. It's in the Michigan outdoors where you could usually find Cpl. Jeff Standfest fishing and enjoying the crisp open air.

The Macomb Daily reports that Cpl. Standfest, who wanted to follow in his grandfather's footsteps and join the Marines since a young age, also enjoyed being around animals. As a canine handler in Afghanistan, he recently had the difficult experience of losing his dog in an explosion caused by terrorists. Despite dealing with a concussion suffered in the incident, Standfest bravely returned to the action with another trusted canine companion.

Sadly, an American journey that led the 23-year-old former track star from the lakes of Michigan all the way to the mountains of Afghanistan ended Wednesday in Helmand province. The Pentagon has not released specific details about yesterday's tragedy.

An article by Mitch Hotts has some poignant quotes from friends of the Standfest family, including a retired Clinton Township detective who worked with the Marine's father on the police force.

"I hope the American public doesn’t give up on our troops," Mills said. "The alternative is for us to give up on terrorism and I don’t think that is the answer. What Jeff Standfest did for us is what America is all about."

Standfest is survived by his parents and sister, who are requesting privacy during this difficult time. As his family grieves, police officials are making sure the proud Marine's legacy is being spread throughout St. Clair County.

"I knew Jeff and he was an outstanding high school athlete and a respectful person who loved his family and loved being in the Marine Corps," [Detective Capt. Richard] Maierle said. "He was just an overall great kid. I can’t say enough about him."

America has lost a talented volunteer warrior who, like his dad and grandpa, felt a deep sense of patriotism and duty. While Cpl. Jeff Standfest will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and fellow Marines, his spirit will live on in the wilderness he adored. For a region so devastated by economic loss, there is still hope, because Michigan is still giving our nation the gift of hard-working heroes who never quit.

It's times like these we can't replace
It's times like these we must embrace
And even though it's bittersweet and brings us to our knees
It makes us who we are in times like these

'A gentle giant'

Image courtesy: Facebook

To say that Sgt. Brandon Bury was an imposing figure is probably an understatement. Standing 6 feet 6 inches tall and wearing a size 16 shoe, the Marines had to special order his boots and other footwear. Yet those closest to Sgt. Bury said that even after a brief conversation with their beloved Brandon, his commanding stature was overcome by genuine compassion.

"The funny thing is the way he carried himself, with his presence, you would think he could be intimidating, but he always had this air about him that you knew he was a friend,” his brother [Brian Bury] said.

The Houston Chronicle recently spoke to Bury's brother, uncle, and mom about the proud Marine's life and legacy. Lindsay Wise's article leaves no doubt about what the volunteer warrior meant to his family and friends in Kingwood, Texas.

"They thoroughly, thoroughly enjoyed one another, and they were all so proud of Brandon, and they would all send him packages," his mother [Terri Bury] said.

The 26-year-old Marine had been requesting packages full of candy and toys to hand out to Afghan children. While always concerned for kids caught in the middle of war zones, his third combat deployment was a bit different since this was the first time he had two young sons at home. Bury's wife, Heather, had been caring for Cole and Cade in Oceanside, California, when tragic news came from Afghanistan.

According to the Pentagon, Sgt. Brandon Bury was killed on June 6 in Helmand province. He died alongside a fellow Texan, Lance Cpl. Derek Hernandez, as well as Cpl. Donald Marler. The Unknown Soldiers will have more about the lives of these two Marines, who were stationed at California's Camp Pendleton before their deployment, in the days to come.

Heather Bury spoke to KNSD-TV about her husband's extraordinary character.

"He always worried about others before himself and that was the man he was. He was the best man I ever knew, I feel honored that he was my husband."

Mari Payton wrote that the last thing Brandon ever said to Heather was that he was lucky to have her as his wife. We are also fortunate to have had this impressive Marine as a protector of our freedom overseas. Hopefully, numerous gestures of support for the Bury family, including a fund-raiser being held by Pat & Oscar's restaurants on Monday, will show his grieving relatives how much this nation appreciates their loved one's sacrifice.

The national outpouring recently reached the U.S. Capitol, when Rep. Ted Poe told the Marine's story on the floor of the House of Representatives. When Sgt. Brandon Bury's young sons are a bit older, they will be able to watch the below video on YouTube and know their dad was an American hero. Everything he did was for the kids, and they will grow up in a gentler world because of him.


Note: Donations to the Brandon Bury Memorial Fund can be made through Wells Fargo Bank. You can find the account number for deposits at the bottom of this page.

We can be heroes

Lance Cpl. Jonathan Burson could have just kept to himself on April 4 at Camp Leatherneck in Afghanistan. While taking a break during another long day at war to munch on a sandwich, the 21-year-old noticed a fellow Marine overcome by emotions at a different table. Instead of walking away from a teary-eyed brother in arms, Lance Cpl. Burson simply asked the Marine how he was doing. A wonderful article by Lance Cpl. Megan Sindelar, who also took the picture to the left, chronicles the dramatic events that followed.

Burson and the Marine talked for several hours and set up a time to meet for dinner the next night. As they talked for the second time, the distressed Marine trusted Burson enough to show him a piece of gear he had and what he was planning on doing to himself with it.

"That's when I got worried," said Burson. "I asked for him to give me the thing he was going to use. He did."

Instead of killing himself, the Marine is now receiving treatment and, according to Burson, feeling much better than that difficult April day at the chow hall. When commanders learned of Burson's instrumental role in preventing an impending war zone tragedy, he was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

"Lance Cpl. Burson did an extraordinary thing. He saved a life. He saved a Marine in distress. He acted. He is a hero," Sgt. Maj. Michael Barrett said.

New statistics released today by the Pentagon show that suicide prevention needs to remain a top priority for both the Armed Forces and the government that sent the military to war. We cannot assume that the hard part is over once our husbands, wives, sons, daughters, friends, or neighbors return from Iraq or Afghanistan. Even if we don't wear uniforms ourselves, we can still emulate Lance Cpl. Jonathan Burson, and simply ask volunteer warriors and veterans how they're doing. As a compassionate hero showed us in Afghanistan, extending a hand in friendship can save a life.


Note: This video was produced by Cpl. Brian Gabriel.

'As Americans, we don't quit'

Image courtesy: Department of Defense

Thousands of servicemembers at Pensacola Naval Air Station hosted a special visitor on Tuesday: the commander-in-chief. While President Obama's visit to Florida was primarily centered around the disastrous oil spill affecting Gulf states, he also delivered important remarks about the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. While this site has always placed troops above politics, a rallying cry from the commander-in-chief is not a political event and should never be viewed through a partisan lens. It is essential for volunteer warriors to know that their leader stands with them, regardless of the president's political party.

While congratulating the military on its success in Iraq and pledging to defeat terrorism in Afghanistan, the president also extended his condolences for the loss of four Pensacola-based fallen heroes in a recent training crash in north Georgia. Retired Lt. Cmdr. Charles McDaniel, Capt. Jason Paynter, 1st Lt. Shawn Nice, and Ens. Zachary Eckhart were killed in the April 12 accident. President Obama also sent his prayers to the families of five servicemembers from California's Camp Pendleton, who were killed last week in Afghanistan.

Like many speeches given by President Bush to the military since the 9/11 attacks, it is inspiring to hear an enthusiastic crowd of America's best and brightest cheering during an address by President Obama. While nothing is certain in the world of politics, men and women like the proud personnel stationed at NAS Pensacola ensure that America remains the greatest nation on earth.

Not forgotten

Image courtesy: Spc. Anderson Savoy

As the withdrawal of troops from Iraq accelerates, some may forget that our men and women stationed there are facing dangerous remnants of a broken enemy. The above image, which was taken in Jalula in April, shows that American troops are often battling deplorable conditions as they help Iraqis clean up from years of violent conflict.

Tragically, Jalula became the site of an attack that will permanently alter two American families on June 11. According to the Pentagon, Sgt. Israel O'Bryan and Spc. William Yauch were killed when terrorists attacked their unit with a car bomb. The soldiers were assigned to the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. Six fellow troops were reportedly injured in the attack.

The Dyersburg State Gazette reports that Sgt. O'Bryan hailed from Newbern, Tennessee, graduating from high school there in 2004. According to the article, the 24-year-old soldier, who was nicknamed "Izzy," was on his second deployment to Iraq. During his first combat tour, he met his future wife, Brenna O'Bryan, who later retired from duty to care for their young son. Sgt. O'Bryan will soon be buried in South Dakota, where his wife had moved to be closer to her family during her husband's time overseas.

The Arkansas Democrat Gazette reports that Spc. Yauch lived in Batesville, Arkansas, with his wife. Shortly after the Pentagon notified the Yauch family about Friday's tragedy in Jalula, Sen. Blanche Lincoln released the following statement:

“My heart goes out to the family of Specialist Yauch who made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our nation. Along with all Arkansans, I am grateful for his service and for the service and sacrifice of all of our military service members and their families. I am committed to ensuring they have the full support that they need and deserve. Our grateful nation will not forget them when their military service is complete."

While the level of U.S. forces will soon be reduced to 50,000 and the name of their mission will change to Operation New Dawn, we cannot let solemn news from Afghanistan or the media's reluctance to report on either conflict distract us into thinking our military does not face great danger in Iraq on a daily basis. Sgt. Israel O'Bryan and Spc. William Yauch volunteered to fight for a cause bigger than themselves, and helped ensure that the war in Iraq will be remembered as a conflict American ultimately won, despite divisions at home and abroad. When it comes to thanking our troops and recognizing their sacrifices, we all stand shoulder-to-shoulder in unbreakable unity.

A higher place

For the proud men and women of the United States Air Force, June 9, 2010, will be remembered as a day of indescribable tragedy. Four airmen died when their HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter crashed during a medical evacuation operation in Afghanistan's Helmand province. Shortly after the attack, which also injured three airmen, the Taliban claimed responsibility for shooting down the chopper. By firing on a rescue team focused on caring for the wounded, the enemy has continued its track record of wanton brutality and battlefield cowardice.

After the deadliest day of battle for the Air Force in more than five years, the four fallen airmen returned home on Friday in flag-draped caskets at Delaware's Dover Air Force base. The departed heroes leave behind loving families in four different states.

Staff Sgt. Michael Flores, 31, San Antonio, Texas
1st Lt. Joel Gentz, 25, Grass Lake, Michigan
Staff Sgt. David Smith, 26, Eight Mile, Alabama
Senior Airman Benjamin White, 24, Erwin, Tennessee

The Unknown Soldiers will bring you more about the lives of these patriots in the weeks ahead. In the meantime, please keep their families and wounded comrades in your thoughts. Even though their helicopter fell, these men represent everything the Taliban doesn't: dignity, honor, compassion, and bravery. That's why they have already risen to a higher place than their murderers could ever hope to reach.

'He wanted to die for something'

He clasps the crag with crooked hands;
Close to the sun in lonely lands,
Ring’d with the azure world, he stands.

The wrinkled sea beneath him crawls;
He watches from his mountain walls,
And like a thunderbolt he falls.

Even the immortal poetry of Alfred, Lord Tennyson does not do justice to the extraordinary story of Cpl. Jacob Leicht. Since his birth on July 4, 1985, the Marine's unbreakable patriotism stood out like a bald eagle gliding through America's skies. To many, his name represents the 1,000th U.S. combat death of the war in Afghanistan. Yet Cpl. Leicht stood for much more than any statistic could ever represent.

During two post-9/11 combat tours in the lonely lands of Afghanistan and Iraq, the 24-year-old Marine saw the horrors perpetrated by insurgents and terrorists against U.S. troops and innocent civilians. Jonathan Leicht said standing on the sidelines as America battles fanatics seeking to destroy freedom was simply not an option for his little brother.

"As a Christian, he was acutely aware of the evil forces in the world, and as a Marine he was willing to stand up against them," he said.

While speaking with the Marine's brothers, The San Antonio Express-News uncovered an amazing story of bravery that can inspire not only Leicht's fellow men and women in uniform, but Americans who have not had the honor of serving their country. In May 2007, the Marine was serving in Iraq when his humvee hit an improvised explosive device planted by terrorists. The vehicle exploded and Leicht was badly injured. Sgt. Nicholas Brandau, who was also riding in the humvee, said wounds to his fellow Marine's leg were so devastating that he could have opted for a medical retirement.

"But all he could talk about was how he was gonna get back to his boys, get back to the front lines. It was an incredible thing he did," Sgt. Brandau said during Leicht's funeral service in Kerrville, Texas.

To emphasize what Leicht went through to accomplish this feat, John MacCormack's article said the Marine underwent 18 surgeries to mend his crooked limb. Even in the first moments after his injury, Leicht showed incredible optimism, singing songs by military veteran Johnny Cash with fellow Marines and insisting he'd soon be back on his feet. While he always knew death could be the result of his service, a quote from his younger brother in a wonderful Daily Courier editorial shows the Marine was willing to pay the ultimate price for his country.

"He said he always wanted to die for his country and be remembered. He didn't want to die having a heart attack or just being an old man. He wanted to die for something."

From those words, it is obvious that Jesse Leicht knew exactly what his older brother stood for. He enlisted in the Marines just before his hero fell in Afghanistan's Helmand province on May 27, and will undoubtedly serve with similar dignity and honor. While the more than 1,000 stories of tragedy and loss from Afghanistan are almost impossible to comprehend, knowing that a Leicht is still shining in the Marine Corps should make us all feel fortunate to be protected by this admirable generation of volunteer warriors.

After coming into the world during July 4th fireworks and leaving like a thunderbolt from heaven, Cpl. Jacob Leicht is watching over his brothers and sisters in arms as he soars above us. Hopefully, he also finds some time to sing some Johnny Cash tunes with other war buddies who didn't make it home. Try to relax, brave Marine. Your job is done, and you've made God, Corps, and country proud.



Note: Memorial contributions in honor of Cpl. Jacob Leicht can be made to the Semper Fi Fund. The Leicht family also asks for your thoughts and prayers for all U.S. troops in harm's way, especially the 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, which is still deployed in Afghanistan.

Too many tears

File image courtesy: Staff Sgt. Justin Weaver

When an American helicopter ascended into the Afghan skies earlier today, four U.S. troops did not know their final moments were at hand. Tragically, Voice Of America reports the helicopter was shot down by terrorists in southern Helmand province, making recent solemn news from the front even more difficult to bear. An Associated Press report confirms that four brave Americans perished in the attack.

According to unofficial counts by numerous organizations, 17 Americans have died in Afghanistan so far in the second week of June. The Pentagon, while expressing confidence in the overall post-9/11 mission to defeat terrorism, is acknowledging the tragic nature of this week's events, and the impact it will have on so many military families.

"While we conduct our operations carefully and try to mitigate the risk in all of our operations, the fact of the matter is that we have taken some casualties. We've taken quite a few this week. It's been a tough week," [Pentagon] spokesman [Bryan Whitman] added.

Amid so much loss for the families of our heroes, finding the words to end another sobering post is a difficult task. Instead, let us close with words from the two leaders who have sent thousands of American troops to fight in Afghanistan.

"We're a peaceful nation. Yet, as we have learned, so suddenly and so tragically, there can be no peace in a world of sudden terror. In the face of today's new threat, the only way to pursue peace is to pursue those who threaten it. We did not ask for this mission, but we will fulfill it."

~President George W. Bush, October 7, 2001

"It's easy to forget that when this war began, we were united -- bound together by the fresh memory of a horrific attack, and by the determination to defend our homeland and the values we hold dear. I refuse to accept the notion that we cannot summon that unity again."

~President Barack Obama, December 1, 2009

'He always looked out for everyone'

Image courtesy: Facebook

When Spc. Brendan Neenan decided to join the military in 2007, he was following in the proud footsteps of his father and grandfather. While the 21-year-old soldier loved the blue Alabama skies and probably would have been content enjoying life as an outdoorsman, he knew people needed his help overseas.

"He just always looked out for everyone," said [father] Hugh Neenan, from his home in Enterprise. "There wasn't a mean bone in his body."

The Fayetteville Observer, in an article confirmed by a Pentagon news release Tuesday evening, reports that Spc. Neenan was one of the seven U.S. soldiers killed on Monday in Afghanistan. Officials said he lost his life in a Jelawar, Afghanistan, improvised explosive device attack. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Nick Needham's article said "family pride and love" were a driving force behind the young man's service. A visit to the fallen hero's Facebook page, which is a solemn reminder of a life that touched so many others, also indicates that Neenan was a religious man who had a deep respect for the Bible and its teachings. That reminded me of another recently departed warrior from Alabama, Lance Cpl. Thomas Rivers Jr., who had the following Psalm 91:1 verse tattooed on his back. Perhaps it can comfort Neenan's grieving parents.

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

A statement released by Neenan's company commander makes clear how deeply the loss of this soldier will be felt.

"Spc. Neenan was one of those troopers in the company who always had a smile on his face, who could always find the sense of humor in things, especially during the long, arduous days in the Arghandab," Capt. Jimmy Razuri wrote. "I'll always remember him just like that."

The flag-draped casket carrying Spc. Brendan Neenan arrived at Delaware's Dover Air Force Base on Tuesday. As Enterprise, Alabama, bids farewell to an American hero, mourners can be proud that a brave man from their community looked out for them. He volunteered to travel thousands of miles to make sure his fellow citizens would always be safe.

Target acquired

When the media gives the American public a small glimpse at the war in Afghanistan, it is usually to report on setbacks or controversy. When it comes to telling personal stories of our men and women in uniform or spotlighting their incredible accomplishments on the battlefield, the press has been woefully inadequate for several years.

As thousands of U.S. troops prepare for a major summer offensive in Kandahar, the demise of two top Taliban leaders in the region was barely noticed. While Mullah Zergay was killed in a gunfight, Haji Amir and several terrorists were killed by a coalition airstrike in Panjwa’i district on May 30. While the photo above is a file image, the International Security Assistance Force posted footage of the successful air assault on Amir.

It's difficult to know how many roadside bombs and suicide attacks Amir was responsible for. Yet for anyone who cares about the welfare of our troops and the Afghan people, it's not difficult to understand why he had to be taken out. Congratulations to the coalition troops who made it happen.

Dereliction of duty

Image courtesy: MSNBC.com

June 7, 2010 was one of the deadliest days of the war in Afghanistan for coalition troops on the ground. Of the ten allied troops killed in numerous enemy attacks, seven were Americans. While our thoughts are primarily with the families of these exceptional fallen heroes who volunteered to serve their country, the American media's misconduct, especially by cable news channels, is also difficult to bear.

At about 1:00 a.m. eastern time, I visited the websites of MSNBC, Fox News, and CNN. On the top half of these three prominent news destinations, I found a grand total of one story about major events in the eight-plus years of violent conflict in Afghanistan. While the U.S. media's lack of consistent war coverage over the past several years is documented and undisputed, a failure of this magnitude, a week after Memorial Day, is inexcusable and shocking.

The top story on MSNBC's website was about BP's oil spill, which is a valid news story. The next two most prominent items were about the arrest of Joran van der Sloot in Peru and the future of soccer in the United States. Are these stories more important than the deaths of seven U.S troops? Absolutely not. News from the war front was not found in the site's top stories section, yet the Washington Nationals selecting Bryce Harper as the top pick in this year's baseball draft was included. As a D.C. area native and big Nats fan, that article interests me, but it is a sports story with limited importance. Is the longest war in American history not more relevant to our daily lives?

Image courtesy: FoxNews.com

Fox News' website, which I have criticized in the past for its focus on celebrities, leads with the van der Sloot story as "breaking news." While the deaths of Stephany Flores in Peru and Natalee Holloway in Aruba are tragic and their families deserve our prayers, I fail to understand how the heroic sacrifice of seven Americans overseas is not "breaking news." The story was nowhere to be found on FNC's website, even though two articles about U.S. soldiers being arrested did appear in the top stories section. For a cable news network that makes a genuine effort to be patriotic, I found its coverage incredibly disappointing.

Image courtesy: CNN.com

CNN's website also treated the van der Sloot confession as "breaking news." While I strongly disagree with the prominent, ratings-driven play the media is giving that story, my former employer did have an article about the violence in Afghanistan in its top stories section, and also led with the casualty news on its website earlier in the day. While I question why Monday's events are not getting prominent play this morning on CNN.com, the news organization does deserve credit for at least making a minor effort to provide relevant information to its audience.

While I was virtually sure that coverage would not increase during Tuesday's news cycle, I recorded the 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. eastern hours of CNN and MSNBC and watched Fox News live during the same time period. While it is possible I could have missed a very brief mention while watching a live broadcast and fast forwarding through DVR content, I did not see a single mention of the deaths of 7 U.S. troops on any of the three major cable news networks during that time period. While news executives and producers are good at justifying their show rundowns, there is no rational explanation for a story of this magnitude being absent, less than 24 hours after the news broke.

Cable news is often heavily criticized for partisan shouting matches, celebrity-driven segments, and lack of follow-up reporting. Yet as a journalist who spent eight years in various newsrooms and the last half of the most recent decade inside CNN, there is no better example of how the industry is cheating the American public and failing its Constitutional freedom of the press. Our nation is at war and millions should be mourning Monday's tragic events, as an engaged, patriotic nation did during World War II. Instead, more Americans are aware of the interrogation of Joran van der Sloot than the hunt for terrorists responsible for Monday's roadside bombing in Afghanistan that killed five Americans.

Journalists are fond of saying they have a duty to hold the powerful accountable. Today, it is time to hold the media's feet to the fire, as the families of these seven departed warriors deserve better. Send e-mails to networks and pen letters to the editor for newspapers. This must not stand.

Darkness falls

Image courtesy: Senior Airman Kenny Holston

As Tuesday dawns in Afghanistan, it is Monday night in a nation that has spent more than eight years fighting terrorism in the war-torn land. While news from the front has been mostly missing from daily headlines for several years in the United States, the tragic events of June 7 command our undivided attention.

Numerous reports, citing information from NATO's International Security Assistance Force and U.S. military officials, said seven American troops were killed in three separate Monday tragedies. Three allied soldiers, from countries that have not been specified by NATO, were also lost in the fighting.

Two American volunteer warriors fell in southern Afghanistan, one in a small arms attack and the other in a bombing. In the east, five U.S. troops died when a roadside bomb planted by terrorists exploded near their patrol. The identities of these seven American heroes will be revealed in the coming days, after the military has officially notified their families.

On the homefront, the Pentagon announced Monday that four families in three states were recently informed their loved ones were killed in Afghanistan. The first three men listed below are Marines who lost their lives on Sunday in Helmand province, while the fourth is a U.S. soldier who died in Kandahar on Friday.

Sgt. Brandon Bury, 26, Kingwood, Texas
Lance Cpl. Derek Hernandez, 20, Edinburg, Texas
Cpl. Donald M. Marler, 22, St. Louis, Missouri
1st Lt. Joseph Theinert, 24, Sag Harbor, New York

As the 9:00 p.m. sky settles on the incomplete southern Manhattan skyline, let's all light candles in our neighborhoods for these eleven families. While seven are not yet aware that a husband, wife, son, or daughter fell on the battlefield, I hope they already know the communities surrounding them stand ready in case tragedy strikes one of their own. Soon, it will be time for these towns or cities to shine, and prove that no fallen American hero's family will ever be abandoned. Amid war's solemn darkness, there can still be a glimmer of light.

Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: For thou art with me.

Rising strength

Image courtesy: U.S. Army

On September 24, 2009, Cpl. Heath Kirk was driving a humvee in Jalalabad, Afghanistan. There were about 20 soldiers passing through the city in four vehicles when they noticed something strange. Instead of the usual bustling atmosphere, filled with commerce and the sounds of Afghan children playing, the streets were virtually silent. Almost instantly, everything changed.

"All my buddies are shooting like crazy and I just realized I couldn’t get out of the truck,” he said. "I looked down and both my legs were gone."

Ohio's The Chronicle-Telegram has a stirring account of the 21-year-old soldier's ordeal. For the first time since 2007, Cpl. Kirk was back in his hometown of Lorain this past weekend to share his emotional journey at an area American Legion Post. Lisa Roberson writes that a 200-person audience listened intently to the young combat veteran's searing words.

"All I could remember thinking was, 'I’m not ready to die,'" he said.

Kirk initially thought both his legs were lost in a the massive explosion. Yet after being rescued from a harrowing, semi-conscious experience inside a ditch with eight fellow wounded troops, the soldier later learned that his badly injured left leg was still a part of him. In between several surgeries and excruciating pain, Kirk decided to let doctors perform an experimental procedure to save his leg. While the odds were long and the first attempt not entirely successful, Kirk bravely convinced physicians to keep trying. His rehabilitation remains difficult and extensive, but the volunteer warrior refuses to quit.

"I don’t care about any of it. I’m happy," he said to the crowd. "You guys couldn’t do anything better than this for somebody like me. I love you all for being here."

Lorain, Ohio, also brought the hometown hero through his neighborhood in a motorcade. Despite damp conditions, dozens lined the streets to thank the young soldier for his service and sacrifice. After losing one limb and being in danger of losing another, Kirk believes that talking about the haunting explosions and screams he heard in Jalalabad can help his emotional well-being, while also educating the public about the importance of caring for our wounded veterans.

A moment at the Saturday event may symbolize the young man's extraordinary efforts to pick himself up after a life-altering tragedy. Using his admirable physical strength and emotional willpower, the young man rose confidently in front of the audience.

"My story has not been told yet, but I’m going to tell it now."

Like a rock

Image courtesy: Sgt. Fay Conroy

On May 21, Command Sgt. Maj. James Spencer and Maj. Gen. Patricia McQuistion stood in solemn silence to honor a fallen soldier. As the commanders paid their respects at the Vogelweh Chapel on Ramstein Air Base in Germany, the impact of a senseless terrorist attack carried out by the Taliban three days earlier in Kabul was still unfolding. While there is no conclusion to this tragic story, which will haunt loved ones for a lifetime, the chapel's memorial display can help us understand more about its fifth chapter.

The tribute's helmet and identification tags signify Sgt. Joshua Tomlinson, who is being remembered for his keen ability to give others a piece of happiness.

"[He] always had a smile on his face, and if you didn't have one on yours he'd make sure you got a smile," best friend George Thornton said. "He was a world-class person, a stand-up guy."

The Shreveport Times reports that the 24-year-old Dubberly, Louisiana, native deployed to Heidelberg, Germany with his wife, Rowena Cruz Tomlinson, by his side. Sgt. Tomlinson would have to say goodbye to his spouse when he left for Afghanistan, where he would be assigned to Special Troops Battalion, V Corps.

John Andrew Prime's article said many friends and relatives were shocked when Tomlinson announced he was joining the Army after graduating high school in 2004. Yet as the surprise wore off, those familiar with his skills had no doubt he would succeed in the military.

"He was a smart young man: He went to the state literary rally his senior year. He was a top accelerated reader, and was student of the month one of the years he was in school," school counselor Ann Holoman said. "He joined the military to make something of himself and I'm real proud of him. He's a hero."

The combat boots placed on the memorial display represent the soldier's final march during his or her last battle. Spc. Tomlinson was participating in leadership training with Col. John McHugh, Lt. Col. Paul Bartz, Lt. Col. Thomas Belkofer, and Staff Sgt. Richard Tieman as he took his closing strides. The vehicle-borne explosive device that killed the five soldiers also took the lives of a Canadian military officer and innocent Afghan civilians. Dozens more were wounded in the cowardly act of terrorism.

The inverted rifle is perhaps the most solemn symbol on the fallen soldier display. It signifies a break in the action to remember a departed warrior, as well as a time for prayer. One of the ways friends and family are honoring Tomlinson is by posting memories on a special Facebook page.

"How many of the 280,000,000 citizens of America did Josh know? Yet, everyday, he put on his uniform and got between the enemy and us." Vietnam war veteran Joseph Hugh Rhodes wrote. "Every single one of us who are proud and happy to be Americans owe a debt of gratitude to this Soldier."

The continuing effort to crush al Qaeda after 9/11 has been an enormously challenging task, even for the world's greatest military. On May 18, 2010, five of America's finest citizens were taken from us by the enemy. Osama bin Laden, who hides in a cave instead of fighting the war he started, is certainly no Goliath. Yet like the five smooth stones David collected to win his Biblical battle, these brave men represented fighting the enemy head on.

And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth.

The Unknown Soldiers sends sincere condolences to the McHugh, Bartz, Belkofer, Tieman, and Tomlinson families. As the memorial honoring Sgt. Joshua Tomlinson reminds us, now is a time to pause and reflect.

Image courtesy: Facebook

Perfect timing

Matt Romney spent eight months away from his pregnant wife during his combat tour in Afghanistan. While being apart was difficult and often frustrating, KTVX-TV reports that the Romneys reunited just hours before a moment they will never forget. The soldier described returning to Utah and seeing Courtney on the brink of giving birth to their first child.

"It was awesome. When I came back on the base and I saw her, she came running up to see me and she had the big basketball under her stomach. I'd seen pictures and stuff over the past few months so I knew what to expect, but it was good," Matt said.

Pilar Stevenson's article said the couple went to the hospital that same night, where their healthy daughter, Blair, was born. To say the timing of the soldier's return was perfect is probably an understatement.

Sadly, there are too many examples of troops never getting the chance to meet their newborn children because of tragedies on the battlefield. Yet we can be overjoyed that everything worked out for the Romneys, and sincerely thank them for sacrificing so many precious months together for an even greater cause.

Standing beside us

Images courtesy: Facebook

When Staff Sgt. Richard Tieman left for his third deployment to a post-9/11 war zone, his best friend was nervous. Concerned about his buddy's state of mind while he was overseas, Staff Sgt. Tieman did his best to comfort him.

"He was a really dedicated soldier and stood behind his men and always told me that....he always told me nothing was going to happen," [Toby] Ditch said. "And I believed him."

WHTM-TV reports that Tieman fell in love with a woman he met in the Army. The soldiers recently got married. He was excited to celebrate with friends and relatives when he got home, and hoped to start a family of his own in the years ahead.

Instead, a tragedy that has shattered the lives of many U.S. troops, military families, and Afghan civilians derailed his plans. According to the Pentagon, Staff Sgt. Tieman was one of the five American soldiers killed by a terrorist attack in Kabul on May 18.

Stepmother Diane Tieman said that Rick, as friends and family called him, had some troubled teenage years. That was until his dad, who served during Operation Desert Storm, encouraged his son to accept the challenge of military service.

"He went away one person and came back out of boot camp a totally different person," Diane Tieman said. "Richard's in a better place. He's with loved ones."

Instead of continuing on the aimless path he took as a teen, Tieman is being honored by officials in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania. Mayor Richard Starliper wants a memorial constructed for the 28-year-old man who found his calling serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. The borough's efforts started with the planting of flags all over downtown to salute the departed hero.

According to a Facebook group in the fallen soldier's honor, a memorial service for Tieman was held one week ago today in Heidelberg, Germany. Tanya Schmidt wrote about the solemn event.

"Today's service here at his home base was amazing. It was wonderful to see all the people in one room who Richard had influenced. It shows he he was such a great leader and how he cared about people for real! I was pleased to hear what everyone had to say about him. It was a very emotional day, and yet was the closure everyone needed for now. We can all remind ourselves how he would want us to take this, and remember he died doing what he loved doing, and died a proud man!"

Staff Sgt. Richard Tieman did everything in his power to keep the promise he made to his best friend. While the volunteer warrior didn't make it home alive, the ideals he fought for for will stand beside us forever.

'110 percent or not at all'

Image courtesy: Facebook

When Lt. Col. Thomas Belkofer put his mind to something, nobody could stop him from reaching his goal. In 18 years of military service, he deployed to Afghanistan and Italy, and often moved around on the homefront to complete various assignments. Yet the challenges of military life only motivated Lt. Col. Belkofer further to achieve greatness. He graduated with a master's degree in business administration from Syracuse University while on active duty.

"He wasn't the kind of guy that would take a job, put in his years, and retire," older brother Don Belkofer said.

Like fellow Lt. Col. Paul Bartz, the respected Army officer volunteered to travel to Afghanistan last month for a round of leadership training. Belkofer would be completing a full deployment as a war zone commander in a few months. As the soldier and his four brothers in arms completed their preparation in Kabul, everything suddenly changed.

According to the Pentagon, Lt. Col. Belkofer, 44, was among the five Army officers killed by a terrorist attack in Afghanistan's capital city. An additional coalition soldier and dozens of innocent civilians were also killed in the bombing.

The Toledo Blade spoke with Belkofer's grieving parents, who raised three children who volunteered to serve their country. Despite their family's deep ties to the military, reporter Bridget Tharp writes that Sharon Belkofer respectfully opposes the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Yet she is putting her personal political feelings aside as she tries to regain strength through a network of military families at New York's Fort Drum. Mr. and Mrs. Belkofer, even in a difficult time that few of us could imagine, do not blame the military for the tragic events of May 18.

"You get angry. You want to take it out on somebody, that you never get to see him again," Mrs. Belkofer said. "But there is so much pride as well."

In Perrysburg, Ohio, the volunteer warrior leaves behind a loving wife, retired Army Capt. Margaret Maness, as well as two daughters. As friends, relatives, and fellow troops prepare for the hero's June 7 burial at Arlington National Cemetery, perhaps his older brother's words can comfort them. Lt. Col. Thomas Belkofer died the way he lived: giving his very best.

"He was just passionate about everything that he was involved in - 110 percent or not at all."