AMERICAN HERO AWARD NOMINEE - CJ Grisham
1SG CJ Grisham joined the Army on 18 Jan 1995. His assignments include Fort Irwin, Fort Stewart, Fort Meade, and Redstone Arsenal. 1SG Grisham served with the 3rd Infantry Division's 3/7 Cavalry at the start of war in Iraq in March 2003. He fought his way from Kuwait to Baghdad and then on to Fallujah. He was injured outside As Samawah, Iraq during an artillery strike while trying to free prisoners of war in the impact zone. He was later awarded the Bronze Star Medal with "V" device for his actions during an ambush while dismounted and an Army Commendation Medal for his service in Fallujah.
When he returned from Iraq, 1SG Grisham began his military blog, A Soldier's Perspective (www.soldiersperspective.us), to tell the Soldiers' side of the story. More recently, he started the tribute site, They Have Names (www.theyhavenames.com), to honor his brothers and sisters who have been killed in combat. The site is paid for out of his own pocket and through generous donations of readers to the site. He also volunteers many hours of his personal time to coordinate care packages for wounded troops at Walter Reed and works closely with JROTC students at the local high school.
1SG Grisham is eternally married to his wife, Emily, and has three wonderful children: Anissa, Chris, and Hannah. They are currently stationed at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama.
Nomination Letter for CJ:
Back in 2003 a letter was mailed to a soldier who was sitting at the Iraqi/Kuwait border. I had no clue who this soldier was and to this day I am forever grateful to have his contact information dropped in my lap. The soldiers name is Chris ( CJ ) Grisham. He will forever be my hero and good friend.
He continues to amaze me by his big heart, his generosity, his love for his his family, his country and his fellow service members.
Before moving away from the Washington DC area he use to visit Walter Reed Hospital to visit the wounded. While he was there he and his family would visit the Fisher House to lift the spirits of the wounded soldiers family.
He has started fundraisers to raise money for various things. One went to a ballet dance troop, the money was used to make life size cut outs of their daddies. They were placed in the audience so daddy could attend the recital. He raised money for a wounded soldier after he lost his children. His wife and kids were in a accident to on their way to visit him and the children died. CJ wanted to raise money to help cover with medical expenses, funeral arrangements and whatever was needed.
CJ started a website called They Have Names. When a reporter died last year in May it was all over the news. It had mentioned the reporters name and then said a soldier also died. Who was this soldier, was he not as important as the reporter to not have his name mentioned? The question turned in CJs mind over and over, and the answer to this was Yes, he was important. His name and story needs to be told so he wouldnt be forgotten. Soon after They Have Names was created. Names and stories of heroes have been written providing comfort to many who mourn their loved ones.
I feel that if CJ won, the prize would be used to provide comfort and support to his fellow service members or families. Not only he will win, but many other heroes will win.
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