Recently, I was watching a documentary about American Forces fighting in Mosul, Iraq. This story got me thinking about this time of the year back in 2008 when Army Captain Rowdy J. Inman died serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was 38, of Panorama Village, Texas; assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, III Corps, Fort Hood, Texas. He died in Mosul, Iraq, of wounds sustained from small-arms fire during dismounted combat operations. I remember the day clearly in my mind, and the angst I felt — Rowdy was a good man who loved his country
Our country has fought in 13 wars. In every one of these cases, we have asked the young people of our nation to be willing to give their lives in the name of freedom. The sacrifices these young men and women have made can never be totally comprehended nor can they be repaid by us.
Just stop and think about a little of what these wonderful young people have given up for us. At the very least, they have given years of their life, time away from their families, to serve their country which they love. They have given up any chance of settling down and planting “roots,” having to move from base to base once every 3 to 4 years. Many will be physically disabled the rest of their life, having the use of one or more of their limbs taken from them. Scores have been mentally disabled resulting in them being unable to handle day to day life. And thousands upon thousands have given the ultimate sacrifice, their life, so that we can continue to enjoy our lives living safely in a land of freedom.
We can never begin to repay them and their families for the sacrifices they have made. It seems as if saying “Thank You” just isn’t enough.
I found this scripture fitting: (John 15: verses 12-14)
This is my commandment: That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
MAJ John Sheaffer,
JROTC Instructor