That Others May Live...

“It is my duty as a Pararescueman to save life and to aid the injured. I will be prepared at all times to perform my assigned duties quickly and efficiently, placing these duties before personal desires and comforts. These things we (I) do, that others may live.” -The Code of the Air Rescueman.
I personally spend Memorial Day in reflection of our veteran’s and their service. The memories of those I love and lost remain ever present in the back of my mind.
 I got married in late May 2003. A few months before our wedding, my brother-in-law was overseas flying search and rescue helicopters in the US Air Force.
At the time, he and my sister had a not-quite two-year-old, and she was in the first trimester of their second pregnancy. I was calling my sister every couple of days to check in with her and see how she was feeling.
 While at work one day I heard a helicopter had crashed and all members were killed. The media had said it was a blackhawk; my brother-in-law flies pavehawk’s so I thought he was safe this time around.
A few days later during a phone call to my mom, she realized no one had told me. My brother-in-law’s commander had sent him ahead of his crew to get a few things done and prepare for their arrival at another location (he never left his helicopter). Unfortunately, the helicopter went down and the entire crew was lost. Because I had been checking in so often with my sister everyone, had assumed I knew.
My brother-in-law escorted the remains of his entire crew home, and stayed with them until their families were able to claim them.
My heart was broken for him and all those families suffering this loss.
I was unable to do anything for my sister at the time, as they were currently living in Georgia. I decided a few days later to write a letter to my brother-in-law. You see, survivors guilt had set in hard. I wrote him a letter telling him how incredible he is, how much I look up to him and why. Those who sacrifice and serve in our military are my heros.
You will hear people say, that’s what they wanted to do. They made the choice to serve and sacrifice, which they did, but it changes people. It’s a hard life, not only for our service members, but also for the loved ones in their lives.
 They spend more time away from their wives, children, friends and parents than they do with them. They miss birthdays, holidays, anniversaries and milestones. Then they return home to children that have grown and changed so much, and have to, in essence, re-incorporate themselves into their lives.
 I, for one, enjoy memorial weekend. We go camping, ride jet skis, play at the lake and enjoy time with friends. I’m not saying that should not happen, after all, then this would all be for naught.
Just take the time to reflect, remember and appreciate those who sacrifice so much so we are able to live and enjoy this life.
Take time to thank our service men and women; if you see one, say thank you.
And maybe when you visit the cemetery to place flowers on the graves of those you have loved and lost, take some extra ones to place on the graves of those whose remains were never able to be identified.
For there are mothers, grandparents, children, significant others, and friends whose hearts are forever scared and broken by the unknown.
“Here rests in honored glory an American soldier, known but to God.”
To all those who have or are currently serving in the Armed Forces of the United States of America, I give my most heartfelt thanks!
“As we honor their memory today, let us pledge that their lives, their sacrifices, their valor shall be justified and remembered for as long as God gives life to this nation.”
 - Ronald Reagan