On this Memorial Day, I wanted to pay tribute to the glamorous or the not-so-glamorous side of military life.
I know a little (okay, very little) something about it...my big brother, Dennis, was career Army.
Sgt. Hartman was responsible for molding humans into heroes.
He'd tell stories of making soldiers polish side walks, scrub garbage cans, and the notorious cleaning of the toilet with a tooth brush.
Why? Why would you do that?
Because a soldier's life may depend on him or her following a directive quickly- without argument- without exception.
It's in this way, little by little, step by step a soldier becomes part of a stalwart guard to freedom and liberty.
And whether jumping from a plane or polishing a boot until you can use its reflection to shave your own high and tight...a free nation thanks you. And offers you multitudes of blessings.
To you and your family- thank you for the sacrifice.
*Also on this Memorial Day...writers are once again united to help one of our own. David Farland's son is making his own step by step recovery.
Ben Wolverton, age 16, was in a tragic longboarding accident on April 3rd, 2013. He suffers from severe brain trauma, a cracked skull, broken pelvis and tail bone, burnt knees, bruised lungs, broken ear drums, road rash, and pneumonia. He was in a coma, but has recently awakened. His family has no insurance.
Ben's treatments are already over $1,000,0000.
Ben will need extensive therapy as he relearns how to walk.
Please consider donating money to his cause.
Ben's Website
Want an easy way to help?
On June 4th- Ben's dad, David Farland, has asked everyone to remember Ben's struggle by doing a Twitter Bomb. Tweet your support for Ben using the #'helpwolverton
On June 7th- Supporters would like to do a "donation bomb". Go to Donate Now and make a donation, no matter how big or small...just show Ben there are people rooting for him!
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| Ben |
To help Ben (and to honor our military at the same time!), I'm going to give away a Wolverton tee. To see the tee and read more about Ben's progress click HERE
I am in awe of the men and women who fight for the freedom of our countries. I don't know if you've seen the European news over the past few days but two army guys were killed - one stabbed to death on the streets of London and the other in France. It's so disgusting that these men who fought so bravely for us were murdered on their return home. It saddens me so much as to the state of the world we live in today.
ReplyDeleteI did see that and it is completely heart breaking. Here in America, we had the Ft. Hood shooting where military was the target. It just breaks your heart.
DeleteSoldiers deserve our utmost respect. I bought one of David's books in support of helping him save money for his son Ben. It's sad when children are hurt and parents are left with insurmountable bills. But he's alive and that's more improtant than anything else.
ReplyDeleteYou're a sweet, generous soul. You're so right, being alive is the most important thing!
DeleteMy father is a war veteran and he was on my mind first thing this morning. I hate living so far away from him but at least we can video chat. Wishing you and your family a peaceful Memorial Day, Elizabeth. (:
ReplyDeleteI'm also keeping Ben Wolverton and his family in my thoughts. I hope he pulls through his horrible accident.
Many thanks to your dad! I know, technically, Memorial Day is for the fallen soldiers, but I think we need to take every single opportunity to say thanks to each and every person who serves and not wait until there is a flag draped coffin to appreciate the sacrifice.
DeleteCheers CyberSis:)
ReplyDeleteHope you have a safe, relaxing and *peaceful* Memorial Day.
You too CyberBrother...and give a super big, super tight hug to your Navy wife for me, kay?
DeleteKeeping Ben in prayers-- and thank you for the wonderful (and realistic) tribute!
ReplyDeleteI got a giggle out of the meme. I had a brother who served in the Navy also and he had that sort of attitude toward the mundane parts of service.
DeleteYour brother wasn't only responsible for molding heroes...he was a hero himself. Thank him for his service and thank you for the info on Ben Wolverton.
ReplyDeleteHave a safe and happy Memorial Day.
Totally agree! I'll pass along the thanks. Hope your holiday was peaceful and wonderful!
DeleteThank you Sgt. Hartman and all the many others who serve! And I love that funny picture up top :) Not always glamorous.
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for sharing about Ben! We want to help out however we can and support the family.
I'll pass along the thanks! And thank you for getting all the info for Ben together. You're a sweet lady Leigh!
DeleteWhat a beautiful post and thanks for posting about Ben. I had no idea but have already shared on FB asking that my friends donate!
ReplyDeleteThanks Lisa! I think the support is as needed as the money.
DeleteOh my gosh that pic suxs!! I mean for the soldier because it is so true! I'm an ex-army wife so I know all the grunt and grunting through it work they do. But yes, its a discipline factor!
ReplyDeleteThey don't ever show that in the commercials, do they Tammy? But yes, being disciplined is essential!
DeleteYou have answered a doubt I have had for many years. Discipline sounds logic. Never seen it that way.
ReplyDeleteIt's great you help to spread the word about Ben. I'll keep him in my thoughts and prayers.
Glad I could help. Spreading the word for Ben is the least I can do. The young man has quite a long way to go and he'll need all of the prayers.
DeleteHi, Elizabeth...
ReplyDeleteAll ready for the twitter bomb on the 4th... Poor kid... He'll make it though with all the blogger support/love that I have seen over the past few days!
My dad was a sergeant in the army for over ten years, so I know how it feels to be a little soldier. LOL. Nice tribute!
I'm ready too Michael!
DeleteSo, you're an Army brat...I knew there was something super special about you :)
cant imagine what they go thru, but in a combat situation, being conditioned to follow an order & not have to debate it is probably the best skill they can learn! and they deal with a lot of s&$# so that helps too!
ReplyDeletehorrifying accident! and even scarier bills! you never know what could happen!
Makes you want to wrap your kids in bubble wrap, huh Tara?
DeleteAnd yes, discipline is necessary. I imagine things in the field come lightning fast and there is no time to argue.
A big salute to your brother and to Ben! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks David. Hope you had a good weekend :)
DeleteMany caring thoughts to Ben and his family, to stay strong through such an ordeal.
ReplyDeleteThat top photo was awful, Elizabeth! :)
Great post, Elizabeth. My husband is a former Marine, and I love to hear all of his stories, too. :)
ReplyDeleteWill be posting about Ben later this week. I love how the writing community comes together in times like this!
Wonderful tribute, Liz! And thanks for the highlight with dear Ben. And I'm sure your brother has a whole lot of fascinating stories!!!!
ReplyDeleteAh the glamour of a blocked drain and dirty floor!
ReplyDelete