Americas True Heroes

| Read Our Blog Read Our Blog Blog America’s True Heroes Len Harris May 22, 2015 Veterans Forward, Workforce zero On Monday, May 25, our nation will commemorate Memorial Day. It is a time to replicate upon those who have made the last word sacrifice in the protection of our freedoms. This Memorial Day shall be my first in 22 years not sporting “US Army” on my chest. For many of the previous decade, Memorial Day has at all times brought back one particular reminiscence for me. My unit deployed to Iraq in October of 2006. Our job, as Public Affairs professionals, was to tell the tales of our army heroes in action, but in December of that 12 months, we all learned the true definition of ‘hero.’ One of our sister units was on patrol in the streets of Baghdad, trying to stem the rising tide of violence. The prime-gunner in one of the autos was a young man from Meadville, Pa. According to his First Sergeant â€" a good good friend of mine â€" PFC Ross McGinnis was a bit of a “knuckle-head”, at all times doing w hatever it took to coax fun out of his buddies. But when it got here to his duties as a Soldier, Ross was all business. On this particular December day, Ross and his crew mates were driving through considered one of Baghdad’s most treacherous neighborhoods. Sometime in the course of the mission, an insurgent lobbed a fragmentation grenade via the highest-hatch into the vehicle. As was commonplace protocol, Ross screamed “grenade,” and ready to hop out the highest of the truck. However, when he heard considered one of his buddies shout “where?”, he made the cut up-second decision to desert his Army training. As the only one who had seen where the grenade landed, Ross as an alternative chose to fall again into the vehicle, covering the grenade together with his physique. The ensuing blast killed him instantly, but saved the lives of the other four men in the car. My unit had the opportunity to inform Ross’ story to journalists embedded with our units in Baghdad at the time . That story forever changed my perspective of my very own military service. There are many in this nation that take a look at all of our navy veterans as heroes. Yes, I did serve my country for nearly half of my life. I did make sacrifices that others selected to not make. I am grateful when a stranger thanks me for my service. But I am no hero. PFC Ross McGinnis, and the hundreds like him, are the true heroes. As we all commemorate this Memorial Day, I ask that every of you take a moment to learn aboutAmerica’s true heroes â€" the PFC Ross McGinnis’ of the world. Reflect upon their braveness and bravado, and thank them for their service, if only in your ideas and prayers. Your e-mail handle will not be revealed. Required fields are marked * Comment Name * Email * Website Subscribe me to your mailing record Receive our newsletters, breaking news alerts, and more! Veterans Forward Orientation Careers by National Able Network: An Online Orientation for Nebraska Residents! Careers by National Able Network: An Online Orientation for Illinois Residents! View More…