Knee Deep in the Hooah!

Devil Dog Brew Classic Roast.

I’m writing you as I’m preparing to head out on a ten day vacation with my brother Mark. Some of you that know me better than others know that my brother and I were separated for nine years during on early childhood due to the tragic death of our mother. When Mark was 18 years old and living in another state he researched and found me, I was 12 or 13 at the time. We stayed close until soon after high school I joined the Marine Corps. Deployments and 21 years of service – I never lost touch with my brother but now that I’m retired Mark has made it a priority to spend brother time with me each year.

I reflect on this because we have men and women, serving our country and in Harm’s way. And while we fight these wars when I enjoy time with family or loved ones I feel guilty. How do I respect them? Do I give them voice? Am I aware that there’s a life/death struggle going on each day in remote corners of the world?

Our men and women are sacrificing everything.

Everything.

While our men and women are fighting this is taking place at home. You should be concerned. You should take action.

I’m asking for a few minutes of your time. I received this from my mil group and forwarded to my friend Bob Parks, a Navy veteran who posted it here:

Hezbollah High

“Dearborn, Michigan is home to Fordson High School, better known as “Hezbollah High”, so it’s no wonder this “Arabfest” took place there. The fact that American citizens (despite our rights enumerated in the Constitution) can be treated in this manner should be cause for alarm.” – Bob Parks

Hezbollah High

Please take a look and send the link to your friends.

Also, I’d ask that you leave a comment here and there. Thank you.

As I revisited one of the blogs, from another veteran friend of mine that served in the Army I was struck by one of the comments left by a reader named Gary. I’d redact the language a bit but then risk softening the poignancy, “If there’s a drawback to military service, it’s the frustration of defending people who really don’t deserve it. Let’s face it-there are some real shitbags in America who benefit from our sacrifices. That’s the irony of liberty-the blanket of security that we provide is universal. Freedom doesn’t take one’s social standing or moral turpitude into consideration. It covers everyone and anyone equally, whether they’re an upstanding citizen or a drug dealing pedophile.”

The original post was about the call to service in the Army by Kelly Crigger – and as a Marine who realizes we don’t have a monopoly on patriotism I was struck by his “eloquent cogent prose on a subject that’s not easy to articulate with meaning outside of those who have served.”

Kelly’s Finding Hunter

So here’s my request and it’s related and it ties what I’ve just written about together.  On the homefront we’re the voice for those that are serving and those that are in Harm’s way.

With Utmost Respect ~ Semper Fi, Hank