The game ends as these things do. Tens of thousands of people that you just gave your life for, blindly move toward their cars, bumping into your family as they scramble to return to their daily routine. Laughing and talking about weekend plans, muttering and even complaining about the politics that threatened to ruin their enjoyment of the game. A little entitled? Sure. But free to choose whether to pay attention or not. Free to go about their lives as if nothing happened. Free to walk past your family without so much as a nod. Free to forget. Just how you wanted it.
So I’m going to introduce you to these men. Not so you can thank them, but to give you the opportunity to demonstrate how much you value those who would put others before themselves. So that you can spread the word, share this post, and inspire the others who would volunteer to go so that no one would ever have to go by force.
On June 28, 2005 during Operation Red Wings, 11 Navy SEALs and 8 Army Night Stalkers gave their lives for us.
Unsung Heroes
Lt. (SEAL) Michael P. Murphy, 29, of Patchogue, N.Y.
Sonar Technician (Surface) 2nd Class (SEAL) Matthew G. Axelson, 29, of Cupertino, Calif.
Machinist Mate 2nd Class (SEAL) Eric S. Patton, 22, of Boulder City, Nev.
Senior Chief Information Systems Technician (SEAL) Daniel R. Healy, 36, of Exeter, N.H.
Quartermaster 2nd Class (SEAL) James Suh, 28, of Deerfield Beach, Fla.
Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class (SEAL) Danny P. Dietz, 25, of Littleton, Colo.
Chief Fire Controlman (SEAL) Jacques J. Fontan, 36, of New Orleans, La.
Lt. Cmdr. (SEAL) Erik S. Kristensen, 33, of San Diego, Calif.
Electronics Technician 1st Class (SEAL) Jeffery A. Lucas, 33, of Corbett, Ore.
Lt. (SEAL) Michael M. McGreevy Jr., 30, of Portville, N.Y.
Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (SEAL) Jeffrey S. Taylor, 30, of Midway, W.Va.
Staff Sgt. Shamus O. Goare, 29, of Danville, Ohio.
Chief Warrant Officer Corey J. Goodnature, 35, of Clarks Grove, Minn.
Sgt. Kip A. Jacoby, 21, of Pompano Beach, Fla.
Sgt. 1st Class Marcus V. Muralles, 33, of Shelbyville, Ind.
Maj. Stephen C. Reich, 34, of Washington Depot, Conn.
Sgt. 1st Class Michael L. Russell, 31, of Stafford, Va.
Chief Warrant Officer Chris J. Scherkenbach, 40, of Jacksonville, Fla.
Master Sgt. James W. Ponder III, 36, of Franklin, Tenn.
19 of your personal warriors said “Where do you need me?” and 19 of these warriors gave their lives for us and our families. They stood up and left their families because they knew that no one else could. On June 28, 2005 they gave not just their lives, but also the lives of their families. For the families left behind, things didn’t end on June 28th, 2005. Things just began.
True to form, their families have continued the mission. Quietly, and without complaint, they keep going. Without judgement or interference, they protect the freedom of those around them by continuing on. They make sure others remain free to forget if they choose. They continue the plight of quiet professionals doing their duty, not out of obligation, but out of love. The ultimate expression of freedom.
Soon, the movie Lone Survivor will be out and the stories of these men will be told again. We live in a new age of information where everyday you’re given the opportunity to vote. You’re given the opportunity to remember these men, not because you should remember them because it’s the right thing to do, but because we need the best and the brightest keeping us safe.
Look them up, learn about them. Click on the memorial sites dedicated to them. Watch the movies made about them, and find a way to thank every one they left behind. Make sure the world knows that they mean more to us than some spoiled pop star stripping on TV. Make sure everyone knows that when 1 goes down, 10 more will step up. Let it be heard that we will never give up, never tire and never waiver in our commitment to the men and women who fight evil for freedom and peace in the world.
(Featured Image Courtesy: DVIDS)
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