Some Gave All

Today we had the day off in celebration of Veteran's Day which was yesterday. This was my 40th Veteran's Day but this is the most special because on 17 June 2007, my younger brother Josh gave his life serving our country in Panjway, Afghanistan. You don't realize the sacrifice our veterans and their families make until you lose one in your family. I have been in the Military for 22 years and have never seen action. Josh was in the Army less than 5 years and received 2 bronze stars and a purple heart. The last Bronze Star and the purple heart were awarded posthumously. Josh was 3 weeks from his 27th birthday when his Humvee hit an IED. He was killed instantly with 3 other soldiers. We were in the process of moving from Omaha to Hawaii the day it happened. We were visiting my parents farm when the staff car arrived at around 1400 on Father's Day. That was the lowest day of my life. The support from our community as well as my units (gaining and losing) was tremendous. I

flew to Dover AFB and escorted Josh back to Illinois. We were met at the airport by the Patriot Guard who facilitated a Hero's welcome as we brought Josh home. The Honor Guard was lead by one of Josh's close friends who he served with in Iraq. They did an outstanding job.

Today I went with my bike club to the Punchbowl National Cemetery of the Pacific so we could pay our respects for the fallen. It was a fitting tribute as I always used to drag Josh along for rides when ever he would visit. Josh didn't get to ride much so I think I enjoyed the rides more than he did. I remember one time I put him on a bike that was too big and had the most uncomfortable seat. He didn't complain, Josh wasn't that way, he just tried his hardest to keep up turning the cranks three revolutions then standing up to give his sore ass a break. I wanted to get him into cycling even gave him one of my old bikes but he was a very devoted soldier and spent too much time at work and not enough time having fun. His year would have been up in January and I was going to talk him into coming out for the Pro Bowl. He even talked about trying to get stationed here. Now that won't happen. All I have is memories now.