For the longest time I have probably thought of this day as any other holiday. I don't usually have to go to work, I get to spend time with my kids, etc. But as the years have gone by this day has become more and more important to me. You see, many of my extended family has served in the military and members of my extended family have even died while fighting for this country. However since my brother joined the Army and has since served over in Iraq my understanding of what our soldiers do for us has changed. I am amazed at my brothers courage and determination to serve this country.
My brother was in a horrible car accident a few years back. A kid, high on drugs, had stolen a car and while running from police hit my brother head on, crushing his pelvis bone and causing many other injuries. For awhile we were uncertain if he would be able to walk. He had many surgeries and has seen many doctors and eventually began to walk with a cane. When he was in the ICU one of the first questions he asked was if he could stay in the Military. We didn't know the answer to that, but the Military quickly responded, "You only get out, if you want to get out." He had not been in the Military very long, but I could see his commitment even then.
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| Sgt. Markland |
He has dedicated his life to serving and I am so proud of all he has done for us. When he heard his group was headed to Iraq, they told him couldn't go if he was still taking the heavy narcotics he required for the pain he had. So he quit taking them. He has learned (somehow) to control or block out the pain. When he left for Iraq, walking the required mileage for his fitness test was a challenge he fought to complete. Upon his return from Iraq he was running triathlons. What the Military has done for my brother and family has been amazing. He has chosen to make a career out of the Military and I think it is a perfect fit. I feel safer everyday knowing he is helping to keep this country protected. I am so proud to call him my brother and so thankful to have him in my life.
To my brother Clint and to all veterans, thank you!
2 comments:
Very cool post. I know that serving in the military that I have been exposed to some very dedicated people who are still putting their lives on the line for my family's freedom. I will always honor the things that all servicemen have done for me as well as what the Marines has helped me to accomplish.
Thanks Jon!
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