Long Read/Good Message

[Pburgh]

I know you have heard me talk about by nephew. He served in Kosovo and Afghanistan in the Marines. He was a pilot of a CH46 Helicopter and went into Afghanistan right after 9/11.

He was asked to give a speech for Veteran's Day this year in Naples, Florida where he now lives. Here's a copy of it. I think you will enjoy it.

Have a great day

Karan



Nov. 25, 2001 0430

Personal Journal Entry #26: Our Mission: Initial Entry into Camp Rhino, Southern Afghanistan



Tonight I am truly humbled by what I witnessed and what I participated in. This night has changed my perspective on life more than any other event could have possibly done. I had a unique opportunity to observe heroes in action, to witness the horrors of death and to see the mighty power of the United States in action. For almost 8 years, I have trained to perfect my trade. Tonight was the ultimate test. The pilots, aircrew and Marines that surrounded me displayed incredible heroism, uncommon courage and profound compassion to their fellow man. These Marines are men of steel-from the flight line mechanic, to the administrative clerk, from the rookie pilot, to the seasoned aviator… all heroes. Regardless of what happens in our lives from this day forward? Tonight we rest full of pride knowing that, on this night, we served our country with honor and dignity.







As I reflect back to my journal entry in 2001, I find myself equally humble to be here with you today honoring the past service of America's Veterans. No words that I say here can repay the debt of gratitude we owe the men and women who stood in the face of danger to defend this wonderful Nation, but as we unite here, we honor their courage, commitment and we thank them for their unselfish service to our country.



To quote the late President Ronald Regan, "The people we honor today are people who refused to take the easy way out, and the rest of us are better off for it. They're people who knew the risks and the overwhelming effort that would be required, but were undeterred from their goals. They are people who set standards for themselves and refused to compromise. And they're people who were not afraid to travel in unexplored territory. By honoring them today, we, as a free people, are thanking them. Choices they made have enriched the lives of free men and women everywhere, and we are grateful."

Not to be heroes, but to serve

Not to die, but to live

Not because they wanted to, because there was a need



As others continue to debate the validity of the war and the state of reconstruction efforts in post-war Iraq and Afghanistan, I ask you to join with me, on this day, on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month to suppress our personal feelings and emotions and reflect simply on the sacrifices of the men and women who wear that uniform. A uniform worn by today's armed forces -voluntarily. A uniform they wear with honor. Their country called, they understood and they continue to willingly give themselves to this great country.



I want to paraphrase from an essay titled -Hope Rides Alone- written by Army Sergeant Eddie Jeffers, while serving in Ramadi, Iraq.

"Why is America so obsessed with the bad news? Why will people stop at nothing to be against this war, no matter how much evidence of the good we've done? When is the last time CNN or NBC or CBS reported the opening of schools and hospitals in Iraq? Or the leaders of terror cells being detained or killed? It's all happening, but people will not let up their hatred of our President and our decision to enter Iraq. "



America has lost its will to fight. It has lost its will to defend what is right and just in the world. It affects us. And when it is over and the troops come home and they try to piece together what's left of them after their service...where will the detractors be then? Will they be there to comfort and talk to soldiers and help them sort out the last several years of their lives. They will be where they always are, somewhere far away, where the horrors of the world can't touch them. Somewhere where they can complain about things they will never experience in their lifetime; things that the young men and women of America have willingly taken upon their shoulders.


Right now, the burden is all on the American soldiers. Right now, hope rides alone. But it can change, it must change. Because there is only failure and darkness ahead for us as a country, as a people, if it doesn't.


Let's stop all the political nonsense, let's stop all the bickering, let's stop all the bad news and let's stand and fight!

Isn't that what America is about anyway?



As I stand here today, as I look out at this amazing crowd. I see the Veterans, local supporters, and the numerous military and veterans support organizations of SW Florida. I see that needed support! I see that will to fight that I desperately wish Sgt Jeffers could see. Unfortunately Sgt Jeffers will never get to see that overwhelming support for our returning service men and women. Sgt Jeffers was killed in Iraq in September of this year.

Sgt Jeffers was 23



I reflect back……..June. 21st, 2002

Personal Journal Entry #53: Mission: USS Battan. Suez Canal -Setting sail for our Trans Atlantic back to the US. This will be my last journal entry



As we have completed our operations today and set sail for home, this will conclude our small part in Operation Enduring Freedom. Today we completed our official turnover to the Army and I can't help but to reflect on the respect the Marines have for our brothers and sisters at arms in other branches of services. Despite the friendly, competitive banter that goes on in peacetime, we are sure glad they are on our side during times of combat.



Tonight my mind races with excitement to get home to family, friends and all those who supported our efforts. The support that the American public showed during this campaign was nothing short of amazing.



After 9-11, our world, as we know it changed forever. I sincerely hope that some day later in life when I read back on this journal, on that day, I still see that same overwhelming support for our men and women in harms way. I hope the American people realize that this is just the beginning. This is the beginning to many years of sacrifice and determination needed to protect our people and rid the world of terrorism. This war doesn’t end with the capture or killing Osama Bin Laden. The war is won by maintaining our resolve long enough to change the terrorist mindset. We as a country aren’t in search of war; we as a country are taking necessary actions toward a time of peace that will hopefully be provided for generations to come. I hope that the American public never forgets that New York day. I know I will never forget. I know this is only the beginning. I close this journal with my favorite quote stated by President Ronald Reagan. "The price of freedom is high, but never more costly than the loss of freedom. And freedom, we must always remember, is never more than one generation away from extinction. Each generation must do whatever necessary to preserve it and pass it on.



I thank you all for coming. I want to especially thank the men and women who dusted off the old uniforms and squeezed their "less than combat ready" bodies into the old uniform of the day. On that note, I also want to thank Jim Elson for requesting that I wear the baggiest and least form fitting uniform-the flight suit.



To my fellow Marines in the crowd, here's health to you and to our Corps- Happy 232nd Birthday and Semper Fi



God bless you all, God bless our Veterans, God Bless the Gordon Family, God bless the service men and women in harms way and lastly, may God bless the souls of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for this country and may their service and sacrifice inspire generations to come. A grateful nation has not forgotten.

[artist]

thanks for sharing this with us. It is so very true, to me.