Archive for the ‘Why We Serve’ Category
July 29, 2009 By Troy
Posted in Life in the Military, Military News, Patriotism, Why We Serve
Most people may read the title of this blog and wonder what it has to do with the military. Well it is all about Mr. Salzman and what he has achieved since having his arm blown off by a massive Explosively Formed Penetrator IED. J.R. was one of the first milbloggers I ever started to read when he was in Iraq.
Sgt. J. R. Salzman remembers reaching for his ballistic glasses just as the roadside bomb blew apart his right arm. He remembers being unable to reach the handle of the Humvee’s passenger door and realizing that his arm was instantly shortened. He remembers the look on the face of the medic.
J.R. was wounded while I was in Afghanistan and I remember thinking “wow a pretty famous milblogger just got tore up”. I had no idea of his past and all of his prior accomplishments. I did not know he was essentially a lumberjack and a 6-time logrolling champion. I had knew him as a milblogger in Iraq that wrote interesting and funny stuff.
It wasn’t until I read the stories afterwards that I found out about his logrolling past. I felt bad for him thinking there was no way he would ever enjoy his logrolling passion again. I am so glad that I was wrong. J.R. has fought his way back and is now logrolling again. And not only is he logrolling again, he has in fact won his 7th logrolling championship title. I stand in awe of the way he has fought back and the inspiration he portrays to others. My hat is off to you J.R. and I hope one day I can finally meet you in person. You are an inspire to all soldiers (wounded or not).
Read the whole story below.
www.nytimes.com/2009/07/28/sports/28logroller.html
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May 30, 2009 By CJ
Posted in Military News, Why We Serve
An Army Sergeant stationed at Schoffield Barracks in Hawaii was recently awarded the Silver Star for bravery on the field of battle. The Soldier, Sergeant Scott Kenyon, first shot, then wrestled with an Iraqi insurgent who was shooting at him with a silenced 9mm machine gun. He didn’t even hear the shots until one hit his kevlar, the bullet embedding itself into the side of it, and one into his body armor. The bullet hit his helmet so hard, it turned his head to one side.
“I’m not going to lie. I was scared — I was scared to death,” the tall and lanky 22-year-old man from Lansing, Mich., said yesterday.
Kenyon shot the insurgent in the hand, causing the weapon to fly out of his hand. He also shot the other Iraqi that was firing on him. According to the Honolulu Advertiser:
But he kept going, wrestling down the Iraqi who had the machine gun, while another Schofield squad killed the other man.
Yesterday, against a much different backdrop of greenery at Schofield Barracks, where the greatest threat was rain, Kenyon received a Silver Star for his actions in Iraq nearly a year ago on June 6, 2008.
The medal is the nation’s third-highest military award for valor. Kenyon was recognized for his courage under enemy fire and effectiveness in subduing two enemy combatants.
About 75 fellow soldiers in B Company of the 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry “Gimlets” stood in formation during the award and congratulated — and razzed — Kenyon afterward, shaking his hand and slapping him on the shoulder.
“Serving my country is enough for me. Getting the Silver Star — that’s a bonus,” Kenyon said.
He also pointed out the contributions of the other soldiers on the mission.
“It wasn’t just me,” said Kenyon, a somewhat reserved soldier who didn’t look entirely comfortable in the spotlight.
Read the rest of the story about this brave hero HERE. There is also a video of the award ceremony at the site. I’ve sent him a request to come on the You Served Radio Show to talk about the experience.
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May 26, 2009 By CJ
Posted in Patriotism, Spouse and Family, Why We Serve
Below is a special article written by Col. David Sutherland, the Middle East Region Division Chief on the Joint Staff who served as the commander of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, deployed to Diyala province, Iraq from October 2006 to December 2007. It’s about remembering our Gold Star families, a very important topic as we prepare to honor our fallen Soldiers this Memorial Day weekend. I apologize I didn’t get this in prior to yesterday.
While immense honor is paid to our men and women who have died in combat, I was recently reminded of a void where we, as citizens of this brave nation, often fall short.
A mother of one of my fallen Soldiers recently expressed sadness at how unfamiliar most American’s are with the concept of Gold Star families, those who have lost loved ones in a time of war. They bravely remain at home with a silent fear, constantly praying they never receive that dreaded knock on their doors.
Unfortunately, Memorial Day has been embedded with the myriad of holidays we often forget the true meaning of and take for granted. Unless directly affected, it often becomes a reason to sleep in, party or shop, rather than the day of remembrance and tribute it was declared to be.
However, this amazing American, like many Gold Star mothers before her, turned her sacrifice and loss into inspiration for service—leaving a lucrative position at a consulting firm to serve in a Contractor Team in Iraq. Other Gold Star families have started non-profits focused on serving those that protect and harness our freedom. They devote their lives to the service of our service men and women, shipping supplies to schools in Iraq, forming support groups for others mourning loss, or by becoming politically active to advocate veterans’ causes.
Through all of their difficulties, the dedication of our military families remains. It is, after all, their support that allows us to remain the greatest fighting force in the world. As our servicemembers raise their right hand to enlist or re-enlist, our families are right there with them. These families are the cornerstone of our strength – their sacrifices are great.
I recently had the honor of presenting General David Petraeus, U.S. Central Command commander, with the No Greater Sacrifice Foundation’s Freedom Award. During the ceremony, which honors the children of our fallen men and women, there were many Gold Star families in attendance. It was an honor to be amongst such strength and perseverance.
I asked one of the spouses what she would want the world to know about her husband, Staff Sgt. Donnie Dixon. With a moment of reflection, she boldly said, “Donnie was not just known for his sacrifice in the Army, but also for his family.
The love for his wife and four children – Shabria, Donnie Jr., Ta’Mya, and D’Andre, was his strength. “When we did our video teleconference [just before he was killed], I remember asking him why was he back out on patrol after [having been wounded in a recent suicide bombing]. His response was, ‘Ma, this is my job.’
“Right then I knew that after serving 17 years in the military, his heart was much bigger than I realized. Donnie not only lived his life Army Strong, but left us with a smile that would last a lifetime.”
Donnie and countless others unselfishly left their Gold Star families behind to continue the struggle in their absence. These families have lost their father, brother, sister, mother, son, daughter and the love of their lives while serving a cause far greater than most can imagine.
As I reflect on the meaning of Memorial Day, I humbly honor those members of the military I had the pleasure of serving with, most importantly my fallen and wounded Soldiers, who fought as true warriors and ultimately paid the greatest sacrifice. They are my heroes – their sacrifices are great.
Today, extensive security tasks remain before us as we achieve our objectives in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan, defeat the al Qaeda network, and build greater partnership capacity. We execute this mission with the support of a great cadre of Veterans looking forward to a Middle East region of secure, stable, independent, peaceful and responsibly governed states, where the freedom and dignity of the peoples of the region are protected.
So this Memorial Day I ask you to join me. Recommit yourselves to not only remember our fallen service members, but the other half of our fallen who quietly serve, and often continue serving on their Soldiers’ behalf after their loved ones are gone. Never forget that this day is not only a symbol of our Soldiers’ sacrifices, but the sacrifices of their families, friends and comrades in arms.
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By myheroesathome
Posted in Guest Blogger, Life in the Military, Patriotism, Spouse and Family, Why We Serve
Since I became part of a military family, Memorial Day – along with Veteran’s Day, and Armed Forces Day – has taken on a special meaning. I am privileged to know, through my husband’s service and my own work with Heroes At Home, many soldiers and their families and I have seen the sacrifices they make. Last Memorial Day, as my husband served in Afghanistan, I stood at a cemetery service and listened to the bugler play Taps for our fallen troops, wondering if Paul would someday be among them. He came home. But today, as I watched the parade and drove past the row of flags erected along Main Street in our small town, I though of his best friend from college, his Army buddy of more than 10 years, who served bravely with him in Afghanistan, but didn’t return.
Bruno DeSolenni
Captain Bruno DeSolenni, a member of the Oregon Army National Guard, was killed when his convoy hit an IED last September. He was 32. Bruno and Paul went to college together and received their commissions in the same class. They worked together in the Guard for a decade, stationed in different cities, but connected thoroughly daily phone calls. When the mission to Afghanistan was offered, they made the decision to go together.
Paul wasn’t there when Bruno was killed. He was in Australia with me for R&R. When we got the news, Paul returned immediately to grieve with the rest of his team in Afghanistan and I went home to attend Bruno’s funeral.
I only met Bruno once, a couple of years ago. He and Paul passed through town on the way from one training to another and I met them for dinner. He was handsome, charming, and mischievous.
“Do you have any single friends with kids?” he asked.
“No, why?”
“That’s what I’m looking for,” he answered. “Instant family – just add Bruno!”
We spent no more than two hours together before the guys had to leave town. But I know Bruno better than that brief meeting could ever allow. I spent four days in California with his family after his death. I attended his rosary service and funeral and burial. I met his high school friends and his brothers, sister and parents. I spent time with his fiancée and the men who had served alongside him. I saw pictures and heard stories. I laughed, and cried, and prayed, and celebrated him.
And here’s what I know about Bruno: He was brave, and genuine and caring. He loved kids and hoped to have a big family. He was the peacemaker among those around him, always helping to heal rifts and bring people together again. He had tremendous faith, even in the most difficult situations. He prayed daily in Afghanistan and didn’t hesitate to share his beliefs with others. He was funny; always providing comic relief for his fellow soldiers. Women loved him, and he enjoyed the attention from ladies young and old alike. He was a good soldier. He was a good leader. While most of the Afghan army called their mentors Capt. Smith and Sgt. Jones, Bruno was just ‘Bruno.’ And the men he served with – both American and Afghan – adored him. Most importantly, what I know about Bruno is that he believed in the work he died doing.
Always making us laugh
As Memorial Day draws to a close, I hope you will take a moment to remember Bruno, and all the others who have given their lives for our freedom. I hope you will lift your thoughts to all of those who are still in harm’s way, and their families who wait at home, hoping that by next Memorial Day, they will all be together again. No one forced them to serve. They do it because they believe in freedom. They believe in us. Today – and everyday – I hope we can show them that we believe in them, too.
Read more from Katie Dyer at Heroes At Home
3 Comments »
May 22, 2009 By Troy
Posted in Life in the Military, Patriotism, Spouse and Family, Why We Serve
by Army Col. David Sutherland, Middle East Region Division Chief – Joint Staff, Washington, D.C.
While immense honor is paid to our men and women who have died in combat, I was recently reminded of a void where we, as citizens of this brave nation, often fall short.
A mother of one of my fallen Soldiers recently expressed sadness at how unfamiliar most American’s are with the concept of Gold Star families, those who have lost loved ones in a time of war. They bravely remain at home with a silent fear, constantly praying they never receive that dreaded knock on their doors.
Unfortunately, Memorial Day has been embedded with the myriad of holidays we often forget the true meaning of and take for granted. Unless directly affected, it often becomes a reason to sleep in, party or shop, rather than the day of remembrance and tribute it was declared to be.
However, this amazing American, like many Gold Star mothers before her, turned her sacrifice and loss into inspiration for service—leaving a lucrative position at a consulting firm to serve in a Contractor Team in Iraq. Other Gold Star families have started non-profits focused on serving those that protect and harness our freedom. They devote their lives to the service of our service men and women, shipping supplies to schools in Iraq, forming support groups for others mourning loss, or by becoming politically active to advocate veterans’ causes.
Through all of their difficulties, the dedication of our military families remains. It is, after all, their support that allows us to remain the greatest fighting force in the world. As our servicemembers raise their right hand to enlist or re-enlist, our families are right there with them. These families are the cornerstone of our strength – their sacrifices are great.
I recently had the honor of presenting General David Petraeus, U.S. Central Command commander, with the No Greater Sacrifice Foundation’s Freedom Award. During the ceremony, which honors the children of our fallen men and women, there were many Gold Star families in attendance. It was an honor to be amongst such strength and perseverance.
I asked one of the spouses what she would want the world to know about her husband, Staff Sgt. Donnie Dixon. With a moment of reflection, she boldly said, “Donnie was not just known for his sacrifice in the Army, but also for his family.
The love for his wife and four children – Shabria, Donnie Jr., Ta’Mya, and D’Andre, was his strength. “When we did our video teleconference [just before he was killed], I remember asking him why was he back out on patrol after [having been wounded in a recent suicide bombing]. His response was, ‘Ma, this is my job.’
“Right then I knew that after serving 17 years in the military, his heart was much bigger than I realized. Donnie not only lived his life Army Strong, but left us with a smile that would last a lifetime.”
Donnie and countless others unselfishly left their Gold Star families behind to continue the struggle in their absence. These families have lost their father, brother, sister, mother, son, daughter and the love of their lives while serving a cause far greater than most can imagine.
As I reflect on the meaning of Memorial Day, I humbly honor those members of the military I had the pleasure of serving with, most importantly my fallen and wounded Soldiers, who fought as true warriors and ultimately paid the greatest sacrifice. They are my heroes – their sacrifices are great.
Today, extensive security tasks remain before us as we achieve our objectives in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan, defeat the al Qaeda network, and build greater partnership capacity. We execute this mission with the support of a great cadre of Veterans looking forward to a Middle East region of secure, stable, independent, peaceful and responsibly governed states, where the freedom and dignity of the peoples of the region are protected.
So this Memorial Day I ask you to join me. Recommit yourselves to not only remember our fallen service members, but the other half of our fallen who quietly serve, and often continue serving on their Soldiers’ behalf after their loved ones are gone. Never forget that this day is not only a symbol of our Soldiers’ sacrifices, but the sacrifices of their families, friends and comrades in arms.
Col. David Sutherland is Middle East Region Division Chief on the Joint Staff and served as the commander of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, deployed to Diyala province, Iraq from October 2006 to December 2007.
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May 12, 2009 By Troy
Posted in Charities/Contests, Patriotism, Why We Serve, You Served Radio
CJ and I have been working with the great guys at the sponsor of this blog and our radio show, VAMortgageCenter.com, to setup an ebay store. All of the proceeds from the items that we sell on on ebay (most of which are signed and from the guests we have on the You Served Radio Show) will go 100% to The Fisher House charity. We should have about 2 items a week up on the site and they will vary by type, etc. Please do me a favor and go check them out and check them out often at http://stores.shop.ebay.com/userved, because like I said the items should be changing weekly.
Just one more way that www.vamortgagecenter.com, www.soldiersperspective.us and www.bouhammer.com try to step up and help those that help our troops.
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April 26, 2009 By CJ
Posted in MilBlogger Interviews, Military History, Top Posts, Why We Serve
Saturday was really the ONLY day of the Milblog conference, but Troy and I got in early to be able to attend some of the events and spread our message of You Served domination. So, when I say “Day 2” it’s really Day 1 – the only day. Since I already did a Day 1 post, that would be quite confusing and I make you as confused writing as I am on a daily basis, our entire societal structure would collapse in on itself, anarchy would prevail, and the nature of man would be forever confounded to the pursuit of learning how to create fire all over again. So, for the purposes of simplicity and out of a sense of service to mankind, I titled this post “Day 2”.
Continue reading this post…
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April 24, 2009 By Troy
Posted in MilBlogger Interviews, Why We Serve
Well I am here in Arlington, VA (D.C. Area) to attend the 2009 Milblog Conference. It is going to be a great time and I can’t wait to get it started. Of course I really can’t wait to start the debut showing of At War tonight for what will hopefully be a packed house. I have no guess as to how many will attend, but I hope we have to cram them in, and I am praying that everything goes off without a hitch. Of course after the showing of At War we will be having a awesome cocktail party and reception here at the hotel which should produce a lot of memorable moments and incriminating pictures for some. Starting tonight and through the weekend CJ and I will be live micro-blogging and even writing some regular blog posts over at the other site we both write for, www.youserved.com. We will be micro-blogging on the You Served twitter account at www.twitter.com/youserved.
So be sure to follow us, the by the moment happenings, and any other crazy stories that may come out of this year’s conference.
3 Comments »
April 16, 2009 By Troy
Posted in Podcast, Why We Serve
Tonight on You Served Radio, we will be talking with Ed Darack, Author of the new book Victory Point which tells the enthralling and much broader story of Operation Red Wings and the follow-up mission, Operation Whalers. Missions that ultimately led to enabling free elections in Afghanistan.
We will also be speaking with Pete Hegseth, Chairman of Vets For Freedom. He will be on to discuss how contrary to the Administration’s rhetoric, the President’s budget request does NOT grow our military to meet the needs of our obligations. In addition to that we will be talking with Pete about the recently leaked DHS report classifying returning war veterans as possible terrorists.
Last by not least, we will talk with Eric from Tygrrr Express blog, who will talk about his new book “Ideological Bigotry.”
All of that plus our new special feature of starting the show with the Pledge of Allegiance from a very awesome group of kids. Of course, there will also be no shortage of Troy and CJ ranting about many other military related topics, and playing of some new music by bands stepping up to support America’s Military.
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