For those who made the ultimate sacrafice

[Canadian_Goose]

I know it's a little late but I think we should have a post to pay our dues to those men who made ultimate sacrafice overseas. Whether you agree with the war or not the death of any of our citizens is a sad moment in our history. And while the boys down south recognize their losses, I feel it is important that we say a word about these fine men. Let these men and their families be in your thoughts and prayers (which I am assuming they already are).

Rest In Peace

Cpl Matthew Dinning
Bombadardier Myles Mansell
Lieut. William Turner
Cpl. Randy Payne

[buckee]

I sat in my seat of the Boeing 767 waiting for everyone to hurry and stow their carry-ons and grab a seat so we could start what I was sure to be a long, uneventful flight home.

With the huge capacity and slow moving people taking their time to stuff luggage far too big for the overhead and never paying much attention to holding up the growing line behind them, I simply
shook my head knowing that this flight was not starting out very well.

I was anxious to get home to see my loved ones so I was focused on "my" issues and just felt like standing up and yelling for some of these clowns to get their act together. I knew I couldn't say a
word so I just thumbed thru the magazine from the seat pocket in front of me. You know it's really getting rough when you resort to the over priced, useless sky mall crap to break the monotony.

With everyone finally seated, we just sat there with the cabin door open and no one in any hurry to get us going although we were well past the scheduled take off time. No wonder the airline
industry is in trouble I told myself. Just then, the attendant came on the intercom to inform us all that we were being delayed. The entire plane let out a collective groan.

She resumed speaking to say "We are holding the aircraft for some very special people who are on their way to the plane and the delay shouldn't be more than 5 minutes. The word came after waiting
six times as long as we were promised that "I" was finally going to be on my way home. Why the hoopla over "these" folks? I was expecting some celebrity or sport figure to be the reason for the
hold up.

Just get their butts in a seat and lets hit the gas I thought. The attendant came back on the speaker to announce in a loud and excited voice that we were being joined by several Canadian soldiers returning home from Afghanistan!!!

Just as they walked on board, the entire plane erupted into applause. The men were a bit taken by surprise by the 340 people cheering for them as they searched for their seats. They were having their hands shook and touched by almost everyone who was within an arm's distance of them as they passed down the aisle.

One elderly woman kissed the hand of one of the Soldiers as he passed by her. The applause, whistles and cheering didn't stop for a long time. When we were finally airborne, "I" was not the only
civilian checking his conscience as to the delays in "me" getting home, finding my easy chair, a cold beverage and the remote in my hand.

These men had done for all of us and I had been complaining silently about "me" and "my" issues. I took for granted the everyday freedoms I enjoy and the conveniences of the Canadian way of life I took for granted others paid the price for my ability to moan and complain about a few minutes delay to "me" those Heroes going home to their loved ones.

I attempted to get my selfish outlook back in order and minutes before we landed I suggested to the attendant that she announce over the speaker a request for everyone to remain in their seats until our hero's were allowed to gather their things and be first off the plane.

The cheers and applause continued until the last Soldier stepped off and we all rose to go about our too often taken for granted everyday freedoms......... I felt proud of them. I felt it an honor and a privilege to be among the first to welcome them home and say Thank You for a job well done.

I vowed that I will never forget that flight nor the lesson learned. I can't say it enough, THANK YOU to those Veterans and active servicemen and women who may read this and a prayer for those who cannot because they are no longer with us. GOD BLESS!! WELCOME HOME! AND THANKS FOR A JOB WELL DONE !!!!!

Author Unknown

[Canadian_Goose]

very good buckee

[sureshot]

very very nice!!

[Valkrie1357]

I got the following in an email today.
Don't know if it is True, But Worth Reading!

A Tribute to all of our fallen soldiers

Last week, while traveling to Chicago on business, I noticed a Marine
sergeant traveling with a folded flag, but did not put two and two together.
After we'd boarded our flight, I turned to the sergeant, who'd
been invited to sit in First Class (and was seated across from me), and
inquired if he was heading home.

"No," he responded.

"Heading out?" I asked.

"No. I'm escorting a soldier home."

"Going to pick him up?"

"No. He is with me right now. He was killed in Iraq.
I'm taking him home to his family."

The realization of what he had been asked to do hit me like a punch to
the gut. It was an honor for him. He told me that, although he didn't
know the soldier, he had delivered the news of his passing to the
soldier's family and felt as if he did know them after so many
conversations in so fewdays. I turned back to him, extended my hand, and
said, "Thank you. Thank you for doing what you do so my family and I can
do what we do."

Upon landing in Chicago the pilot stopped short of the gate and made the
following announcement over the intercom.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to note that we have had the honor
of having Sergeant Steeley of the United States Marine Corps join us on
this flight. He is escorting a fallen comrade back home to his family. I
ask that you please remain in your seats when we open the forward door
so as to allow Sergeant Steeley to deplane and receive his fellow
soldier. We will then turn off the seat belt sign."

Without a sound, all went as requested. I noticed the sergeant saluting
the casket as it was brought off the plane, and his action made me
realize that I am proud to be an American. So here's a public thank-you
to our military for doing what you do so we can live the way we do.

It is a very touching Letter.


My Story.
I presently have a 25 yr old Son Nathan in The US Navy.
Stationed in Norfolk VA.
He Will be leaving for the Middle East in Late Summer
or Early Fall. for 6+ months he thinks at this time.

I am Very Proud of Him.

He Is My HERO!!!

Love DAD
Stephen S.

[huntinguide]

we had one of our own killed the other day over seas, he lived about 20 min from here, actually played football against him in highschool. He had a full ride to OU but went into the military instead. That takes some big balls if you ask me.
He will never be forgoten.

[Cutter]

Men and Women have given and continue to give of them selves every day. To protect us and enable us to live in the two greatest countries on the face of this earth. Im sure Ill never be able to be thankful enough but everday Im going to try.
Thankyou again.