Purple Heart

It is Friday morning, which means the Kocsis crew was up an at ’em early. I always have my step-son Thursday afternoon through Friday morning and so we trek across town, about a 30 minute drive, to get him to high school. It can be a long drive … but I pack a breakfast the night before for the two younger ones in the backseats and usually we sit there fairly quietly, still waking up and listening to the radio.

Today though I was a little quieter as a very sobering interview of Lt Col (Ret) Brian Birdwell came on. Lt Col. Birdwell was in the Pentagon on 9/11/2001.

“After hijacked American Airlines Flight 77 collided into the Pentagon, Brian was thrown to the ground and engulfed in flames. Of the burns that consumed 60 percent of his body, nearly half were third degree. “

He was awarded a Purple Heart from the burns he sustained and retired after serving in the military for 20 years. During the interview, after Lt Col Birdwell explained what it was like for him in the Pentagon that day, the radio DJ said something to the effect: “You truly deserved that Purple Heart with all the trials you endured.” And his reply is what really stuck with me:

He replied that every day our military-members put on their uniform and are willing to go above and beyond the call of duty. If a situation is thrown at them that will result in a Purple Heart they will do it.

“Country above self” comes to my mind. Remember that this Veteran’s Day: Your service-member most likely has not been awarded a purple-heart but they would do what it takes to earn one; not to ‘just have one’ but because they are *that* dedicated to our country, our freedoms, our liberties. They deserve our thanks this Tuesday and every day!

– Leanne from MilitaryAvenue.combyLeanneonFriday, November 07, 2008Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to FacebookShare to PinterestMilitary Life:Leanne,Veterans Day