Freedom
As I sit at my computer and begin to write these words, I ask myself does this belong in a Montana Bowhunters Association newsletter? In my heart I say yes. As you read these words I hope that you too will agree with my decision to print this article. I pray that each of us will be touched by the words upon this page and perhaps for a moment we will savor the breath of freedom. Perhaps we will even give thanks for the cost of that freedom.
I received news today that some of my friends in the United States military will not be returning to U.S. soil. Their lives have been given on foreign ground . For them the cost of freedom has demanded everything. If there is any solace to be offered it is this, I believe that God saves a special place for the brave. Believe me, they are the brave!
Our country has been built upon the credence of "The Land of the Free and Home of the Brave." I ask you to remember this: This is the Land of the Free, because of the Brave. All freedom comes at a cost. As I write these words my son Tanner lies sleeping peacefully in his bed. I take great comfort in the knowing that each breath he draws is free. For so long as the brave exist, my son will always know freedom. I will know freedom. We will know freedom!
My friend and fellow MBA member from New Mexico Mr. Butch Wilkes sent me a newspaper article that demands printing . I ask that each of you read it and remember always at what cost our freedom exacts upon us. I ask that you never forget those who fight for you. Those who define the brave.
The following article was taken from a US newspaper dated Sunday, June 10th, 2007. I have condensed it for this newsletter. Please read this story .
"Fallen Comrades"
Marine Major Ray J. Mendoza was killed in action along the Syrian border November 14th, 2005. He left behind two children. His widow asked that his fellow Marines write a letter to his children. A simple letter that someday might help his kids understand why their father will never come home. A letter that may one day bring them peace and comfort within their grief.
The one letter that the widow Karen Mendoza felt would best explain her husband came from fellow Marine Major Doug Zeimbec. This letter still sends shivers down her spine:
Dear Kiana and Alek,
Ray and I had a conversation late May in 2004 while we were deployed to Iraq. He spoke of why he fought. He fought to give the people of Iraq a chance. He fought to crush those who would terrorize and enslave others. He fought to protect his fellow Marines.
The last thing he told me that day was, "I don't want any of these people (terrorists) telling my kids how to act, or how to dress. I don't want to worry about the safety of my children." Kiana and Alek, your father fought for many things, but always remember, he fought for YOU.
As you fight this battle we call life, you will find your challenges greater, your adversity larger, your enemies more numerous. The beautiful thing is, you will grow stronger , smarter, faster and you will overcome the obstacles in your way. No one could have better prepared you than your father. He instilled in you the essentials to life:
* Live with integrity, for without integrity we deceive ourselves, we live in a house of cards.
* Fight for what you believe, for without valor we lose our freedom.
* Be willing to sacrifice, for anything worthy in life requires sacrifice.
* Be disciplined, for it is discipline that builds the foundation of your success.
You will encounter misguided people in your life who may question Americas attempt to help the people of Iraq and the middle east. These pathetic windbags, who have nothing so sacred in their lives they would be willing to fight for, will argue and debate endlessly on what we should have done.
While they criticize they forget the truth, or conventionally overlook the fact that it takes men and women of action, willing to make sacrifice to free the enslaved, to advance the cause of freedom. Our great nation was built upon the shoulders of men like your father. While the nay-sayers and cowards hid in the shadows sniveling that nothing was worth dying for, men like your dad help to carve out liberty and freedom.
Your fathers passing, while tragic, serves as an endless source of empowerment. Your father would not want you to wallow in self pity. I know you will honor him by living your life in the positive example he set. Respect and remember him. Drive on with your lives. Serve something greater than yourself. Enjoy all the good things that life has to offer. That is what he would want.
When I look into your eyes I see your father. Courageous, determined and resolute, your father embodied all that is virtuous in a warrior. Even now you strive to embody his same character . Remember, there will never be any pressure for you to be exactly like your father. Be your own person, but build your character in his image.
Many people may be concerned about your future because of the early passing of your father. I don't worry at all. Your dad gave you all you need to become a great man and woman. I know your father would have told you to be your own hero. Don't wait for someone to rise up and lead you to victory, to your goals. If you do, you might wait a very long time.
Ray died as a warrior, sword in hand in service of his country, his comrades and you his loved ones. His spirit and example give us all hope, reaffirms our faith. Your father reminds us that there are men willing to fight for those they don't even know ,so that all may live in peace.
I joined the Corps to serve beside men like your father. There is no Marine I'd rather have protecting my flank in combat than your dad. Even now, as I write this letter in Iraq, I will always honor him on the field of battle. I will fight for him, for you, and for freedom everywhere.
You will always be in our lives. Please stay in touch. We will always be in your corner. Pam and I plan to retire in Idaho and would love for you to visit us so we can take you rafting and mountain climbing.
Very Respectfully,
Doug.
"Marine Major Doug Zembiec was killed May 11th while standing beside his fellow comrades in battle in Baghdad. He mailed this letter days before he gave his life."
His life and the many lives of those lost were not given in vain. They were given for us, for freedom, for the promise of a better tomorrow. Remember: We are free because of the brave.
This season as you enjoy those freedoms. Stop and give thanks for those who fight to ensure we remain free. We live in the greatest country in the world. As Americans we are the light that guides freedom everywhere. We stand as reminder to the world that we shall live free or die. We know the beauty of freedom, with each breath we are free!
The next time you see a soldier, stop and smile. Shake his/her hand. Give them thanks. For they are the brave. The world needs hero's always. They remind us of what perhaps is best in men. They remind us that there is no greater love than he that would lay his life down for another.
And so tonight as you lay your head upon your pillow. Give thanks for all we have. Pray for those you love, pray for peace. And than take a moment, and Pray for the Brave...Because they Pray for you.
God Bless.
Amen, God Bless.....
Semper Fi
Good words that should not be forgotten. Thanks for posting Pete. May God bless and protect our troops.
God Bless...
Amen and God Bless
Lost for words but certainly not respect and honor for those that fight for us and especially those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom.
As I type this response there are tears in my eyes. As a retired US Navy Chief I salute all of my brothers in all the armend services. Indeed, the truly brave. May God protect them all and guide them to swift victory.
Danny
OMC(SW) Retired
Keep this post alive!!! If you've ever attended a military funeral and heard "Taps" played for the brave, maybe everyone would understand what sacrifice really is.
Peter
Bravo for posting this. I salute all my fallen brothers and sisters. They are truly HEROS.
Donald
SGT USAF 1972-1976
"Heros never die, they stay alive in us!
God bless them all ! May peace come soon .
Thanks Peter.. Excellent Job. God Bless
That was a worthy read Peter. As a vet with family and close friends at war, that was poignant. Also, we lost 9 firefighters a few blocks from my house recently and we need not forget the brave back home either.
I just called my nephew in Texas whose Dad is in Iraq to wish him a happy 10th birthday and he proudly told me he was shooting a bow and becoming a hunter. Spreadin the love....Ha!
God bless the brave.
Awesome! Keep the faith Brutha!
As I fight back tears after reading this, I think of my two girls who are able to grow up in a country like America because of men like this. Freedom is easy to take for granted. Let us never forget why we have freedom and those who have given all so that we can live in this great country.
God bless our troops and our country.
Great Post, got me all teary eyed. As a USAF Vet I feel a connection to all our Vets, and my Prayers are with them more that ever in these Dark Days as Evil Marches across the World. I'm too old to go back in person, so I'm told, but I meet a lot of people in my work, and I try to explain the importance of what is going on in the World. It's scary how many people just don't know much except biased media taglines, and even worse don't seem to care. Most are too busy playing with their cell phones and thinking about the next party or date. The President should lift the restrictive Rules of Engagement that get our people killed. However the Dems (and a few Republicans) would just throw-up their hands for political gain. Iraq is the frontline in the overall war. The enemy is everywhere, including amoung us, thanks to open borders etc.. Any retreat, or defeat will enbolden them everywhere, including here. Doctors that are willing to blow themselves up to kill us should be a wake-up call to the naysayers, alas it seems nothing will get thru to them. It's up to people who love and cherish our freedoms to do what we can on the home front, by making our case to those we talk to, and most importantly at the ballot box. Social Security, abortion, and all the other issues are important, but mean nothing if we lose our freedom and security. Keep the "Surrendercrats" out of office, don't let them throw the Sacrifices of our Heroes away, and our security with it. The Bravest fight over there, the rest of us must pull our weight here. In a perfect world it wouldn't be neccessary to compete amoung ourselves to maintain our freedom's and way of life, it would be a given. However, it's not a perfect world. GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS, who risk it all, everyday, for us! Let us all do what we can to support THEM.
I salute Doug, and all that serve ...mark... truly a good read!...Doug a true hero..no not in vain...Semper Fi..
TTT
I just finished visiting with my little brother, a Captain with the 3rd SF group at Ft Bragg. He's due to go back to work soon. I want to thank you for the tears in my eyes. It's pride and love that brings my emotions up. He feels the same way, and he too knows who he's risking his life for. God bless our men and women doing what needs to be done!
Please tell your "kid" brother that many of us and especially me thank him for his bravery! He is what is best in men!
Peter
Great post Peter, thank you for sharing this with us.
Thanks, Pete. really appreciate the post!
"In the Halls of Valhalla, the Brave shall live Forever"
Peter, Thank you very much for sharing this with US. These Heroes will never be forgotten.
Jim
very nice post, my Prayers and Thanks to everyone serving, their familys and friends.
Thanks Pete .
I love this country and especially the great men and women who sacrifice for her. Thanks again to all those who give the greatest sacrifice of all for us. You are in our prayers.
brack
Amen brother!
Thanks Peter; Amen and God Bless!
Thank you Pete; God bless you and the brave men and women who stand ready to do what must be done that we may live, work, and worship in peace.
god bless em all... last weekend i attended my oldest sons graduation from USCG basic training. i can tell you i was one very proud dad when he popped his salute to receive his certificate. the essence of our freedom, the men & women of the United States Armed Forces. :pray:
Well said :thumbsup:
Since this post has appeared I have had dozens of Soilders and Veterans contact me expressing sincere thanks for what I wrote. I need no thank you. To all you "Vets" and Soilders...Thank you! You are the real heros and I'm damn proud that we have you on our side!
God Bless, Peter Iacavazzi
Thanks Pete, for sharing this story.
It's pretty hard for the "average citizen" to comprehend what it takes to do the job our servicemen and women do everyday. We sit in air-conditioning on our leather sofa being "anesthetized" by the double speak of the left leaning media. Some are glad to have someone give them their opinion but not true thinkers and true believers.
Thanks for spreading the truth.
Thanks to anyone who "stands in the gap ".
I work as a defensive tactics and close quarter combat instructor I've had the great honor of working extensively with the Navy SEALs, Delta Teams and Marine Recon Squads. These men are the cream of the crop. They are what is best not only in the armed forces but perhaps what is best in all of us. Everytime I train with a soilder what impresses me the most is how they always protect, support and sacrifice for each other. There is a sense of loyalty and love that is refrshing and admirable. To know what they endure and to understand what they face would cripple most. After every training I stand in awe of these men. I am honored to be on a training mat with them!
Peter
Speechless!!!!!!! Shawn
Thanks.
KPaul
Great words from a truly great man, sure brought tears to my eyes....I'll have to second DB, God Bless the Brave!..... and Peter, Thank you for teaching our brave soldiers the skills they need to get the job done, and you know, it was dedicted men such as yourself that taught my son those skills, and skills that also allowed him and many others to come home safe to their families, and as a Gold Star Father, I salute you! You are welcome at my campfire anytime.
Steve Hartley, Proud
Gold Star father of
Spc.Dustin R. Hartley.
Thanks Steve! I'm honored to work with "our" fighting men. Be proud of your son (as I know you are!) To serve and protect others is what our soilders do selflessly and valiantly. Tell Dustin thank you from me!
Keep the faith, Peter
A big Hoo uhh man. That letter should be a big kick in the pants especialy to the one's who have started, or have forgotten that faithful day in Sept,2001. I for one will never forget or forgive. Those people came here looking for a fight and brother they got one. Our brave soldiers answered the call, some gave the ultimate gift of freedom. And are doing so with bravery everyday.
My apologies for my comments made above. My words should have been of comfort & thanks, not anger & my views no matter how strong left out of this column. My sincere apologies to anyone I may have offended.
Nice Holiday thread.
:notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy:
TTT
Terry,
Thank you my friend! Welcome back!!!
Peace Out, Peter
Peter, I'm very Proud of Dustin and what he did with his life, a better man I have never met, but I only got to see that man for three weeks, see Dustin was a boy when he left here, much like many other soldiers sent off to war, but he came home a man, a changed man, I guess war does that to a fellow, but sadly 3 weeks after he returned from the dangers of that war in Iraq, he was killed on his way home one evening by a drunk driver,... hence my "Gold Star Father" status.. that means my son was killed while in service to our country, I'm including a picture of those Gold stars which were approved by an act of Congress on Aug.1st,1947,the purple one is the original,and used for many years in our military, the gold one, was meant to be the replacement, but both are now approved, and to wear one means that your father or mother,son or daughter, brother or sister, died in military service to our great country,..... so if you ever see this pin... please,Thank the person wearing it!, they truly know the cost of Freedom, and that cost will never, ever be forgotten .......Steve,Proud Gold Star Dad.
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/voodoofire1/goldstars001.jpg)
Steve,
Aw buddy I am so sorry for your loss. I have a son named Tanner, hes almost 4 years old and he is the absolute light and love of my life. I love Tanner so much. As one father to another, my heart goes out to you.
I would have liked to have known Dustin. I would have been honored to shake his hand! It is because of "MEN" like Dustin that I know my son will have the chance to grow up in a country that is free and proud.
My prayers and my respect are with you. May God hold Dustin in his hands and I pray that God will give you peace.
"To all things belong the Brave"
______Hannibal
God Bless my friend!
Thanks Peter, and I would be honored to shake your hand,and one day my friend, God willing ,I will, Thank You for what you do for all of us, a lot of gold stars sitting in warehoused boxes because of men like you, and somehow, Thank You doesn't seem enough..........,God Bless you, and teach them well.........Steve
Steve,
Thats a deal my friend! My campfire in Montana always has an extra coffee cup for men like you. If I ever get to Indiana, lets go grab a steak and a beer and hold our glasses high in a toast to Dustin!!! Something tells me he's watching you now and he'll be waiting for his father at the gates of heaven!
"There is no death, only a change of worlds"
---Chief Seattle
Respectfully and humbly , Peter
It's a deal, but please, the steak and beer are on me!.Steve
Pete,
Great stuff. My oldest son is a medic in the PA National Guard. He has been to Katrina relief, and his unit is scheduled for deployment to Iraq in 09 if it lasts that long. They plan to go to California in 08 to train in the desert to prepare.
Everyone should read this story, and I am proud to forward this to my son, and he in turn will forward it to all those in his National Guard Medical Unit.
Thanks,
Lee Vivian
Thanks Lee! Tell your son Thank you for is service to "our" nation!
Peter
TTT!! FOR FREEDOM!!! Shawn