The Warriors Code, Part II
May 8th, 2009
Maybe not for you guys, but this one comes with a hankie warning for me anyway. Nah, who am I kidding, even if you have a Grinch pre-whoville 2 sizes too small heart, this one will choke you up.
Video up after the jump, since it plays automatically.
Watch CBS Videos Online
Brian Brennan is a fellow alumnus of The Citadel, and a brother of mine, in arms if not in blood. He is a recipient of the Arland D. Williams Award, and a true American Hero.
I just feel so humbled by men like Brian.
H/t to Hawkeye and the VA
May 8th, 2009 at 2:48 pm
Dang it TSO. Hankie alert my fanny. I boo hooed like a baby on this one. What a remarkable man! The kind of man I’d like to meet one day.
May 8th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
The air quality in my office sucks today…damn dust.
May 8th, 2009 at 3:27 pm
Dammit - I don’t let myself cry and got a tear with this one. Thank you for sharing!
May 8th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
Tremendous story of the fighting spirit of our young Men and Women in the Armed Forces. Thanks TSO for the hanky alert, but it didn’t work.
May 8th, 2009 at 3:48 pm
Allergy season in SoDak is pretty serious this afternoon.
May 8th, 2009 at 4:59 pm
Its just so beautiful to be reminded of what love looks like fleshed out, ya know?
I sure hope we will be saying:
Hello President Petreaus some day
May 8th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
TSO,
Thanks. Out of 21 years in the US Army I spent 10 in the 101st. But I am most proud of the two years I spent in the 506th, especially being a part of its reactivation as part of the 101st. I am not ashamed to say I wept like a baby when I heard GEN Petraeus say “Currahee.” Somehow I knew that was the unit.
Although 2006 was the hardest year of my life, it is also the one most near to my heart. I am honored to be able to associate myself with the finest Soldiers I ever served with as well as the history of that great unit.
The hardest part of being retired was watching my Soldiers into harms way again without me.
God Bless this young LT, his Family and the rest of the 506th!
CURRAHEE!!!!
May 8th, 2009 at 7:23 pm
Now that’s special, just wonderful. God bless you, brave one.
May 8th, 2009 at 7:45 pm
Oh wow. blurry screen…
Inspired and humbled once again.
May 8th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
Damn. Goose bumps, goose bumps. Tears.
May 8th, 2009 at 10:48 pm
Must be smoke somewhere… or dust… or pollen.
I am not worthy.
Brian Brennan - if you’re reading this - simply: Thanks.
May 8th, 2009 at 10:54 pm
[...] May 8, 2009 by Lemur King Update: Saw this over at doubleplusundead, and it takes precedence over anything else you’ll read here. It’s a two-hanky kind of thing, and it puts our soldiers where they should be – in our highest respect. [...]
May 9th, 2009 at 12:21 am
[...] is there anything General Petraeus can’t do with the help of his dedicated [...]
May 9th, 2009 at 7:24 am
I’m of two minds here. Yes i cried.The strength of this man, his family, his friends and his Brothers, is humbling. Yet when I see how this country is turning away from such principled and valorous people, I wonder if America deserves such men. How in God’s name did we let our political structure become so corrupted? How did we allow people like Obama become our leaders? When men and women , like Brian Brennan, exist in this sad and confusing country , I have to wonder if we truly deserve such people. These people are the exact opposite of todays American culture. I wouldn’t hesitate for a moment to follow the Lt. through the gates of hell. I would think twice of allowing our congress to order lunch.
May 9th, 2009 at 8:52 am
Brian. Courage is not a thing that is spoken it is lived. Wow. This is a thing of the spirit. I am proud of my country. It produces men like Brian and President Petraeus.
May 9th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
[...] This Ain’t Hell, here’s the best thing you’ll see today. We already knew from the surge that Petraeus [...]
May 9th, 2009 at 2:20 pm
[...] This Ain’t Hell, here’s the best thing you’ll see today. [...]
May 9th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
[...] Incredible. Absolutely incredible. Watch CBS Videos Online (Via Hot Air and This Ain’t Hell) Posted by Tom Elia in Other at 14:51 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Trackbacks Trackback [...]
May 9th, 2009 at 3:27 pm
Very, very inspiring. Thank you for this post. I’m speechless!!
Steve
COMMON CENTS
http://www.commoncts.blogspot.com
ps. Can I post on COMMON CENTS? Email me…
May 9th, 2009 at 4:15 pm
All,
The story is absolutely amazing and one that I completely understand why all the Airborne brothers feel it extra close to their heart. No denying that whatsoever. I truly consider him a brother-in-arms.
However, I do have a question that may sound like I’m a bit of a chap-ass, so I’ll give a preemptive apology. But, why was he inducted in the NJ Hall of Fame and why was he inducted into the Citadel’s Arland D. Williams Society? I’ve lost a lot of brothers due to IED’s who have had very similar experience as Lt. Brennan but unfortunately did not make such a wonderful and tearjearking recovery.
I ask because the Arland Williams Society is to “recognize Citadel graduates who have distinguished themselves through community service, heroism and bravery in their lives. The society is named for Arland D. Williams, Citadel Class of 1957, who died on Jan. 13, 1982 in the icy waters of the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. Williams is credited with saving five fellow passengers aboard Air Florida Flight 90 after it crashed into the 14th Street Bridge. Rather than take a life ring to save himself, he passed it on to five fellow passengers. He drowned before he could be rescued.”
Again, I do not see the “community service, heroism and bravery” that he performed beyond that of any of his fellow combat soldiers or the fellow Marines that I served with or even an act that is in the spirit of Arland Williams who sacrificed his life to save others. I’ve tried to find out if there is a story or reason, beyond being injured and making a very inspirational recovery, but I haven’t found it.
If his mother and father yelled “ice cream!” because that was his favorite food, rather than the General saying “Curahee”, would he still be recognized as he has been? Is the recognition simply because he responded to his brotherhood’s motto? In front of the General? Is he more deserving of this recognition than a soldier or Marine who was in a coma but awoke because he saw his wife, or child, or heard his favorite song, or anything else?
Yes, he is a hero. Yes, he deserves praise and civilian gratitude or serving and sacrificing. But I just don’t see what he has done, beyond that of any soldier or Marine who has served his country bravely, to be deserving of being inducted in the Arland D. Williams Society or the NJ Hall of Fame. To me, and I hate to say this, it lowers the bar and cheapens the sacrifice of Arland Williams, and those who are truly deserving of such recognition.
Apologies for being Mr. Chappy, but I’m just being honest. One last note, this is one of those “family” conversations I’m having here amongst brothers who have served. I feel I can raise theses type of issues in places like here and blackfive, but would never do in a general population forum.
Chris
May 9th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
[...] Update: Currahee! [...]
May 9th, 2009 at 5:48 pm
[...] it out. (via This Ain’t Hell) Brian Brennan is a fellow alumnus of The Citadel, and a brother of mine, in arms if not in blood. [...]
May 9th, 2009 at 7:04 pm
Maybe allergies causing sniffles…
Hello to Jonn, TSO, Rurik et al. Been a while. Missed you all.
May 9th, 2009 at 7:11 pm
Holy shi’ite! Denis! Long time no see. We were talking at Milblog convention about how much we missed you bud.
May 9th, 2009 at 8:05 pm
I don’t think of my service much. I joined to shoot guns, see the world, have an income, and do for my country. My right wing living and upbringing said to give back to, and serve your country and her people.
Soldiers like the LT make me rethink why I do it……
…to serve with pride, among men of Honor.
May 9th, 2009 at 8:57 pm
Barrage MoveOn.org with this word.
Barrage their members with it.
They should be shamed at every opportunity.
May 9th, 2009 at 9:58 pm
Missed you too, TSO. Oddly enough, especially at night….
May 10th, 2009 at 9:24 am
[...] This ain’t Hell…. offers up The Warrior Code, Pt II [...]
May 10th, 2009 at 9:46 am
Currahee:
Makes me want to watch “BAND OF BROTHERS” again.
A hero in every sense of the word.
May 10th, 2009 at 12:46 pm
Chris
I think in a way you’re illustrating the gap in perception between those who served and those who didn’t. Those of us who did have a different view of what’s common or uncommon, being surrounded by thousands of others doing exactly what we did as best as we could, among them are a handful of whom we are in awe. Since a huge percentage of people I know are GWoT vets or related to GWoT vets, to me that’s “common”.
What’s the percentage of Americans who are Iraq/Afghanistan vets? One tenth of one percent? Lower? It’s a large number, but a small percent. So 99.9 percent of Americans look at the minority, wonder if they’d have the “courage” to do what we did, and respond in various ways. To them, stepping on the plane bound for the battlefield is a noteworthy action. We complain about how freaking crowded the planes were.
May 10th, 2009 at 12:58 pm
Thank you for this.
Semper Fi.
May 10th, 2009 at 1:03 pm
[...] May 10, 2009 · No Comments Via This ain’t Hell, but you can see it from here: The Warriors Code [...]
May 10th, 2009 at 1:28 pm
Awesome story of love, courage, sacrifice and miracles!
May 10th, 2009 at 4:58 pm
Greyhawk,
Completely understand your point, however, misses my question. If this was some mothers of America award given to him for being such a brave man who served his country, I wouldn’t have a second thought. I’ve seen plenty of awards given to soldiers and Marines who have been bashful to receive such awards due to the fact that they believe they are not worthy of such recognition when compared to their brethren. However, they end up participating in the award ceremony, because they understand that by participating, it helps the general population understand the broader sacrifice that the military is making in general. When non-military type organizations, secondary schools, elk clubs, my grandmother’s knitting circle, recognize soldiers and Marines for various things, I think the combat brother should be obliged to participate, because the group is trying to do what they can to recognize, and that in itself is a good thing.
However, when a state has to decide who goes into their Hall of Fame, and when the Citadel, a very respected institution with its deep military roots, recognizes men like Lt. Brennan, that’s when I throw the BS flag, not because of the Lt., but because I simply ask “Why?”. And when asked, I seem to get hesitated answers that ultimately boils down to: “he moved when the General said Curahee!” Really? Since when is that worthy of the Hall of Fame? I didn’t know Arland Williams’ sacrificing his own life to save 50 civilians was comparable to finding a coma patient’s secret password.
In comparison, David Bellavia, whom we all know and love, has also received awards, been recognized in various forums, and has been inducted in the NY Hall of Fame. When you ask “Why?”, there is no hesitation to answer. Don’t need to even list why, you all know why. Yes, I know it’s a different state, but that’s beyond the point. What else does the Lt’s induction do other than lower the significance of David’s and other inductee’s induction?
And what about the other soldiers in his vehicle. They experienced exactly what the Lt experienced, but they died. Will the parents and/or wifes of those men get plaques to remember the loved ones they lost? Will they be inducted into their respective state’s Hall of Fame? Of course not, because there really wasn’t anything that they did, when compared to others in uniform, that is above and beyond the call of duty. But the Lt gets a wonderful TV report, blogs that write about him, and more items to fill up his “I love me” wall at home. Only because the General uttered his brain’s password to wake him from his slumber. I mean for goodness sake, why doesn’t the General get the award? He’s the one that said Curahee.
Again, the Lt is my brother, and I respect him for who he is, a soldier. I do not mean to make light of his injuries, his situation, and his sacrifice. His story is inspirational, and I understand why soldiers this story is so beloved. But I can’t shake the questions of “Why?”. Why him when his brothers in the same vehicle died. Why him when sacrifices like this have been made for the last 6 years? Why him when the man the society was named after, died to save others? Why him, when the point of a Hall of Fame is to recognize sacrifices above and beyond the call of duty?
My apologies for being Mr. Chappy, but personally, if I were the young Lt, I would have refused to participate in such award ceremonies.
Chris
May 10th, 2009 at 5:15 pm
I think the idea was he is emblematic of the never give in fighting attitude. If you watch his speech before the NJ Hall of Fame he specifically stated just about what you are saying, and went on to say that he was thus only accepting on behalf of all of them.
May 10th, 2009 at 8:32 pm
Well, Chris . . . you were NOT the young Lieutenant. TSO got it exactly right. Brian specifically accepted on behalf of all of them.
Putting your life on the line — which Brian and all of them did by just being there - is a tough business. I suspect you’ll likely never have to worry about it. Maybe it’s something you are simply incapable of really understanding.
Otherwise, why would you go on a website like this one and try to undercut the basis for an honor bestowed by the state on a young man whose sacrifice will dwarf anything most people will ever do. That ongoing sacrifice will be with him for the rest of his days.
How small can you be?
May 10th, 2009 at 9:33 pm
[...] The Warriors Code, Part II [...]
May 10th, 2009 at 11:16 pm
Trochilus,
Apparently you didn’t read my first post, because as I have stated numerous times, I respect the Lt, and I’m asking a “family” question amongst other brothers who’ve served.
I have served in Iraq during some of the most darkest of days, and I have lost many of my brothers due to injuries like the Lt Brennan suffered. Next time, before you make accusations, read.
The only reason that I can come up with that you’ve decided to respond in such manner is that you didn’t read my post thoroughly, or you’ve never served in the military and think that any response other than an outright fawning for any soldier who decided to get on a plane and go in country, regardless of MOS or what he actually did, is heretical.
You say: “That ongoing sacrifice will be with him for the rest of his days.” My response is, Do you think the parents of the soldiers in the vehicle with him who did not survive DO NOT suffer more than the LT does? More than the parents of the LT do? Why is his sacrifice more so than that of his vehicle passengers who gave the ultimate sacrifice? Is it because he woke up when the General said Curahee? If I walked into a Marines room and said “Semper Fi” and he woke up, would he be awarded with the same awards that the Lt has? If the answer is yes, why is how a combat soldier or Marine wakes up, the basis of why he gets an award? And if the answer is no, then again, my question is why him and not others?
TSO’s answer is: “the idea was he is emblematic of the never give in fighting attitude”. My question is why recognize those who are emblematic, when there are many who are the heroes that others are emblematic towards? The list goes on and on of Marines and soldiers who have risked their lives and died fighting for their country and brothers, but they won’t get tearjearking CBS stories. Why honor those who “represent” sacrifice, and not honor those who HAVE sacrificed?
And why do you attack me when I raise the question of “Why?” Is that something I shouldn’t do amongst veterans? Amongst brothers? Is it wrong as I watch veterans who deserve of such praise get passed over, and watch a young Lt, who served his country, but is essentially being honored for waking up from a coma in a special way, and I’m being chastised because I’ve met enough families who’ve lost their son or husband, while doing braver acts than driving a humvee and being blown up?
I’m sorry, but my brothers never received this type of treatment, and died a much more tragic death than that of just an IED to the vehicle. I’m not suggested that they all receive honors like Lt Brennan, I’m only asking why Lt Brennan does, and not my Marines.
And I’m sick of tired of constantly putting up this disclaimer, but because people like Trochilus, I have to restate, that I, in no way, mean to make light of Lt Brennan’s sacrifice or situation, but mean to try to put it in perspective. Yes he’s a great American, yes he’s a hero for serving his country, but as most of you know, that’s just the civilian lipservice that I grow tired of and its nauseating that I have to constantly reassure people like Trochilus, when I want to ask, what I perceive a valid question. Otherwise, why bother coming to forums such as this if I can’t talk amongst brothers in a real manner. Unfortunately, Trochilus doesn’t understand this. So either go read before you respond, or go polish that yellow ribbon you have on your car and convince yourself that you support the troops because you spent 5.99 on a magnet.
Chris
May 10th, 2009 at 11:37 pm
Trochilus,
One more thing, according to you and your criteria of who deserves praise, Jon Soltz from VoteVets deserves your fawning as well because like Lt Brennan, “Putting your life on the line — Brian and all of them did by just being there- is a tough business.”
Call me whatever you want, but my criteria of whether I call you a hero requires more than “just being there”. Maybe it’s because I did more than “just being there”. I carried out my missions, and protected my Marines and the Iraqis to the best of my abilities. That doesn’t make me a hero, it just makes me a Marine.
Chris
May 10th, 2009 at 11:51 pm
Perfect.
May 11th, 2009 at 8:46 am
[...] tip and thanks to Hot Air (via This Ain’t Hell) for posting [...]
May 11th, 2009 at 9:11 am
[...] This Ain’t Hell, here’s the best thing you’ll see today. We already knew from the surge that Petraeus was a [...]
May 11th, 2009 at 12:55 pm
[...] with a take: This Ain’t Hell, Ace of Spades, Instapundit, The New [...]
May 11th, 2009 at 3:24 pm
*sniff* What a man!
May 11th, 2009 at 4:02 pm
[...] If you’re new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!Last Monday I posted an exclusive from CPT Roger Hill about how the Army is making him and 1SG Scott “Stand Alone”. It is a sad story that does not make the Army and especially my beloved 1/506th Currahees look good. However this story will make you proud, not of the unit per se, but of what it’s history and honors means to a soldier that is truly someone to be very proud of. Check out what I am talking about here, http://thisainthell.us/blog/?p=10473 [...]
May 11th, 2009 at 5:21 pm
I’m in awe, that’s all I can say at this time.
May 11th, 2009 at 7:16 pm
This was absolutely beautiful. Thank you Brian for being an inspiration and for defending my country, my freedom, and my family. You are truly remarkable.
May 12th, 2009 at 7:13 am
Jonn,
LT. Brennan is the personification of honor and bravery. HOOAH!
Note to Chris:
After reading your comments: You’re the kind of individual that enters a gathering and throws a turd in the punchbowl, because that’s the kinda guy you are.
When you say shit like this:
“Again, I do not see the “community service, heroism and bravery” that he performed beyond that of any of his fellow combat Soldiers or the fellow Marines that I served with or even an act that is in the spirit of Arland Williams who sacrificed his life to save others. I’ve tried to find out if there is a story or reason, beyond being injured and making a very inspirational recovery, but I haven’t found it.”
It proves you just don’t get it. Here’s a clue: Take LT Brennan’s story for what it is: A Sodier’s courage triumphing over hellish adversity, and being recoginized for it. If you always have to accompany your comments with a ‘disclaimer’ than kindly stay the fuck off of these threads.
SFC Cheryl McElroy
US ARMY (RET)
Iraq War Veteran (101st Airborne Division)
May 12th, 2009 at 7:15 am
Typo: Sodier’s=Soldier’s
May 12th, 2009 at 9:19 am
AMAZING! And yes I cried.
May 12th, 2009 at 3:39 pm
Hey TSO,
You gonna let GI Jane talk to me that way? I apologize, but I will respond with the same respect that she has offered me. Personally, I expected a little more tact from “SFC” Cheryl.
GI Jane-
I’m not going to pull the my service is better than your service, “sarge”, but why don’t you just answer my question instead of trying to impress people with your association with the 101st Division. For all I know, you may have been some supply chief giving guys like me my MREs while I go out on an extended patrol. Don’t put that “Airborne” label on your signature and think that gives you some kind of cred. You have as much Airborne cred as the Ugandan chow hall security guards who checked my ID every time I got hot chow, has Marine Corps cred. I know how this whole “Airborne” thing works. You get deployed with them, as an attachment put your Eagle boy scout patch on your shoulder, get stationed at BIAP making sure the eggs aren’t overcooked, and all of a sudden “I’m Airborne!” BS. You ain’t no fucking Ranger, so calm the fuck down, Ms. Airborne. I don’t need to list my what my AO’s were, what campaign and valor medals I received to get some credibility and neither do you. I asked a valid question that asks why him, when others have sacrificed more? Why him when men in his vehicle did exactly the same thing and he receives the pomp and circumstance. Why not TSO? He got pretty banged up in the Stan too and when through some pretty intense medical recovery. Why doesn’t GI Jane slobber all of him? Nope, you just tell me the “f” off and write your oh so impressive signature. Your overcompensation is pathetic. If you can’t stand a Marine asking some fellow veterans a real question, that he wouldn’t raise in a general population, and simply asking for clarification then why don’t you, as you kindly put it, “kindly stay the fuck off of these threads”
So take your overcompensating, “I’m a female soldier, I’m just as awesome as male soldiers”, “I’m a combat vet, I drove humvees”, bullshit and sling it somewhere else. I never put the guys service down, and I think as a combat veteran who has earned his fair share of medals and commendations, I can ask a simple question without having some woman retired E-7 get sand in her special areas. Why don’t you go cash that retirement check you earned for retiring as the Admin chief, and let the big boys talk.
Chris
May 12th, 2009 at 3:54 pm
Why is it such a horrible thing to say, Lt. Brennan’s story is highly inspirational, but let’s keep institutions like the Hall of Fames, and societies that honor a life of service, hallowed and respected.
I’m not objecting to the CBS story, I’m not objecting to him receiving media attention, I think it’s great that people know about his inspirational story.
I’m objecting to the his induction into institutions that were set up to recognize specific type of acts and individuals either went above and beyond the call of duty, or was a lifetime of service to others. And I’m sorry GI Jane, but getting horribly injured in an IED blast is not “above and beyond the call of duty”, it’s a risk of the job that he willing signed up for. Otherwise, why isn’t he receiving the MOH, the DSC, the Silver Star, or how about even a Bronze Star? Nothing I’ve read so far has cited that he will receive one due to the injuries he sustained.
And he’s only 22? 23? How has his short life, which far from over (thankfully), a lifetime of service towards others? Him awakening from a coma by the General uttering a phrase that is close to heart to soldiers is a cuddly story, but where is the service that deserves recognition?
These are simply questions that I ask without demeaning his service, his injuries, or the attention he’s receiving.
Yes, the Lt’s story is highly emotional and inspirational, but why let emotions lower the bar to institutions that were set up to specifically recognize men and women that the military and civilians strive to emulate? Otherwise call it what it is, the Sympathy Club, and everyone with a fuzzy story gets in.
Chris
May 12th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
Hey Chris-
Just an FYI, I usually just let the commenters argue, because on the few times I stepped in I ended up getting some collateral.
As for me, I just got some herniated discs and degenerative disc disease, so I didn’t really deserve much of anything, and even feel too guilty to apply for VA benefits. I am a horrible example!
I did just enough to get out with a good conduct medal (which I have yet to recieve) and an honorable.
I do wish peeps would fight less here though. Except with Southern Dem and Troll types, which Chris certainly doesn’t appear to be.
But, either waym I am total lassaiz Faire (sp?) guy.
May 12th, 2009 at 6:26 pm
TSO-
Hey brother, I’d rather lose my foot then F up my back. Those injuries are no laughing matter. And just like you, going to the VA for injuries is not my favorite thing to do, but its what you’ve earned, and you should apply so that 10 years down the road if….. you know the story. I’m sure you’ve told your boys millions of times, just like I’ve told mine.
But with this whole argument thing. Jesus. I understand about sensitivity, but personally, I almost hate the bending over backwards fawning of OIF/OEF vets as much as the Code Pinkers retardedness. I did not train my Marines to walk around thinking they’re better than anyone else just because of the job they chose in public service, (I’m talking to you 99% of the cops I know). You should choose to enlist (or accept your commission), out of your desire to serve, be a patriot, and advance a cause bigger and more significant than yourself. In this age of American Idol type egotistical self worship, the military should be a haven from the evils of “it’s all about me” Mtv pop culture. A place where we instill humbleness and selflessness. That is why we spends hours learning about MOH recipients. That is why we are a “band of brothers”. That is why we chose to be the minority to benefit the majority. But to people like GI Jane, and Trochilus, and everyone else who immediately reacts negatively when I try to uphold these beliefs, I’m the bad guy. When I ask how has he earned this award? I’m the bad guy because I don’t drop to my knees and worship a guy who sacrificed just as much as the men I lost who fought beside me and will never be inducted into any Hall of Fame.
It’s a sad day when former service members also feed the flame of ego, because by them approving of this recognition while denouncing any questioning whatsoever, it’s more of a reflection on them, and how much they want attention themselves. No standards, no bar to reach, just adulation with no qualifying mark. If they approve that for others, it’s their own standard as well. Humbleness is a characteristic that unfortunately was not something they learned from their public service. These are the same individuals that own entire wardrobes that label them as OIF vet! Airborne! Marine warrior! and have bumper stickers all over their car that rival the hippie vans in berekely.
One of the many things the Vietnam generation taught us, is their motivation to do what was right and serve regardless of how the public perceives them. The men of that generation were robbed of public adulation but are proud of their service and refuse to let others define their legacy. It’s the service and sacrifice that comforts them when they sleep, not their desire for parades and medals. Grandpa is awe inspiring because his medals were in a shoebox in the attic, and lived his life not asking more than what he felt he deserved. That should also be our motivation. Serving in the same way is how we honor him and our brothers-in-arms of the past, and the present.
We should never lower our standards of recognition simply to appease others who have never served fill their guilty void with meaningless awards, or worse, lower the standards of awards that mean so much to all of us, simply to make ourselves feel good.
Chris
Jonn wrote: This isn’t my argument, but , I’d say anyone who has ever worn a uniform and been voluntarily under the fire of a hostile entity is a scads bigger hero than the linguine-spined, patchouli-smelling, latte-lapping metrosexuals I spend my days with now. So arguing amongst ourselves about what makes us a hero, or which of us is more of a hero than another of us is arguing degrees of minutiae, relatively speaking.
May 13th, 2009 at 3:12 pm
Jonn,
I understand your sentiment, but my question isn’t “What makes a hero” or “Who IS a hero”. I would never ask that, because, as you imply, it’s not really worth doing.
Many veterans scream at the top of our lungs, “Don’t give me benefits if it means that you won’t recognize our mission!” Meaning, the military benefits are worthless and meaningless, if Congress and the new Prez bash our mission and cheapen our sacrifice. IAVA participates in this selling of our military souls in return for higher GI Bills. I don’t stand for this, and neither do many of you. If we refuse to accept perks if it means the placating of veterans to not push to honor our sacrifice, why do we accept the receiving of an award (perk) to an individual which cheapens the sacrifice of prior recipients?
Chris
May 15th, 2009 at 3:05 pm
Chris, I read all your comments along with those that sent words back to you. I won’t say I agree with everything that everyone has put on this so called “Blog”. My only statement
that I will make is this, I’m a Vietnam Vet, retired Navy, I
didn’t see as much action as some did even tho I was there 3 times. I got spit on when I came back. To me the HERO’S are those that didn’t come home.
God Bless you and all my Fellow Vets, and those on active duty at this time for your service to this Great Country.
May 15th, 2009 at 3:06 pm
“So called blog”?
If we aren’t a blog, what are we? A refrigerator?
May 19th, 2009 at 12:48 pm
WOW! Powerful and moving! Well done LT., you make us proud to be Americans!