It was a huge price, but Curtis has brought so many wonderful people into our lives over the last eight months. World War II, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan vets, currently serving military, members of Partiot Guard and Tribute to the Troops, as well as so many citizens that just care and have reached out to us. I just wanted to take the time to single out a few men that I consider heros and thank them, although if you were to ask them, they would humbly say they don't deserve it.
The first is my nephew Alan. OK, so I've known him a bit longer than 8 months, but he is on my list anyway. Alan joined the Marines after high school in 2002. After initial training, he joined his unit in Iraq already on the road to Baghdad. I can't imagine how an eighteen year old mind can even processes that. He then served 2 more deployments to Iraq over the next 3 years before being discharged. Alan came home, and although he seemed fine, he struggled with what he saw and did. After some self destructive behavior, he finally sought help at the VA. I'm so happy he did, because so many don't seek the help they need. He was doing pretty well until Curtis was killed. Memories came flooding back, and he fell back to some past behavior. Thankfully a friend and fellow Marine got him back to the VA, and got things back on track again. I want to thank you for your service and the support you showed me even though you were struggling with your own demons. You are the true meaning of Semper Fi....always faithful.
The next is Phil Brown. A Marine we met last summer at an event. Phil did multiple tours to Iraq, and has a traumatic brain injury from a road side bomb. Phil is a soft spoken guy with a big heart. He grew up in Oceanside, CA, because his father was a career Marine. He ended up in this area because he has a bit of family here, but really doesn't know anyone in Rochester, so he is basically alone. He really wanted to remain in the military, but was discharged because of PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder). I find it interesting that they can be discharged for something that their work created. I'm glad that we found Phil and could introduce him to other Marines that he can talk to. Thank you Phil.
The third Marine is a young man we met only last week. Kyle Mirehouse did tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He too was injured by a road side bomb. Thankfully the bomb was turned away from his patrol group and the injuries were kept at a minimum. It did send him the Germany to recover. Then when it came time for him to be released from the hospital, he had a choice to go home or return to his unit, without hesitation, he went back to his unit and served out his time. He was discharged in March of this year. He too is a humble, soft spoken man, and I'm glad I got to meet him and help present a check from Tim Pawlenty and the Patriot Guard. Thank you Kyle.
Even though he's not a Marine, just kidding Patrick, SSgt Ziegler is on my list as well. Patrick had just returned from his second deployment to Iraq and was in line to get some paper work completed for OCS on the fateful day at Fort Hood on November 5, 2009. Shot 4 times, in the head, back and arm, Patrick has gone threw a tough year of surgeries, set backs and recovery. His then girlfriend, soon fiance, now wife, was by his side and was a wonderful advocate for him. When things seemed dire, she got him transferred to Mayo Clinic for a second opinion. He had some great improvement while here. Dave and I had the opportunity to get to know them well. His great sense of humor and desire to continue to serve his country despite paralysis in his left arm and other limitations, are wonderful. He is now back at Fort Hood still serving. Thank you Patrick.
Not all injuries are physical, or rewarded with a purple heart. There are so many stories of Wounded Warriors. I thank them all, these are only the few I know personally, and I am a better person for it. I don't look at them and wonder why did they survive and Curtis didn't, that was in Gods hands. I look at them and genuinely think, I'm so glad they are home and with their family and friends.
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