Hardly Ever

Although I don't care to know the details of wars and battles and weapons, I love to study History, particularly American History.  I like to know the people and forces that shaped the forming of our singularly greatest country the world has ever known.  I think I should know about what caused the downfall of other prominent countries in the past.  But I'll admit to hardly ever, mainly on holidays like Memorial Day, thinking about the men and women who serve us now and all our veterans.

So I'd just like to dedicate this blog today to a fallen hero who gave it all, his life, to the cause of freedom in Afghanistan, my nephew, Justin.  Justin was the eldest of three, with one younger sister, Adrianna, and one younger brother, Cieran.  He was well aware of military life growing up as my brother, Don, was a career Navy man.  After Don retired from the Navy and worked internationally, the family lived in Ireland, the home of Justin's mother, Kathleen.  That made Justin both an American citizen and an Irish citizen.

Justin served six years in the United States Navy, having duty in the Iraq zone.  Returning to Ireland, Justin met and married a beautiful young woman from Lithuania, Vilma (their wedding in Vilnius, Lithuania, was nothing short of spectacular - lasting two days!).  Thereby, Justin also became a citizen of Lithuania. Vilma was a language specialist and spoke five languages.  

Justin wanted to help the children of Afghanistan and learned their language, "Pashto."  He enlisted in the Irish Regiment of the Royal British Army.  He was sent to Afghanistan.  At that time, his brother, Cieran, was serving in the U.S. Army in Iraq.  Justin was on a mission and was killed by an IED in September, 2008.

I cannot convey to you how devastating this has been to our family!  Although we always worry and pray for those in our family on active duty, no one was ever killed!  We have all coped; it has not been easy.

FREEDOM IS NOT FREE!

Lord God, help us remember all those who serve all countries in their military.  We believe you "shed your grace" on the land of America.  Guide our government to maintain our freedom.  Comfort military families and help us support them.  Somehow, we have to stop the killing!  Especially watch over my son-in-law, Fielding, now serving in the U.S. Navy Submarine Service.  We thank you!