May 30, 2016
I know that this blog is for small businesses, but it is also called Labor of Love. I personally cannot think of any labor more done out of love than one serving our country. I have many heroes in my life, and I can say that all of them thankfully came home. Were they changed in some way? Of course, but they came home and healed. That being said, although they came home, we also have to realize that there is always some part of them that was left behind in combat. Every experience changes a person. In honor of that, I want all of my heroes to know that I appreciate everything they have done and given up for my freedom. I can never repay you for that sacrifice.
I would like to introduce to you, my own heroes. They each have a special place in my heart and always will. I know not one of you expects or wants this recognition, but it comes well deserved.
SSgt. Frederick E. Kemfort, III
U.S. Army
Freddie, what can I say? I miss you, bud. You were a casualty of this war by the cancer it gave you. You thought your sacrifices were over, but they came back with a vengeance. They took you from your family and your friends. The amount of time you lasted with that disgusting disease taking over your body was proof of the warrior that you were. It may only be a few months since you have been gone from this earth, but you will never be gone from our memories or hearts. You paid the ultimate sacrifice and will never be forgotten.
Sgt. Alaina Barnes
U.S. Army
My "cousin" Alaina...I will never forget the day that I got a frantic text from Jackie about your accident. I never talk about it, I barely even allow myself to think about it. I can't even imagine what was going through your poor parent's minds waiting to hear news of their baby girl. You fought the good fight in every way possible, and came out even stronger than you ever were (I didn't even think that was possible, knowing you as a kid haha). You have made so much of yourself since this happened, things people probably wouldn't have even thought possible having been as hurt as you were. You are a true fighter! I am grateful everyday that you are still with us. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!
Sgt. Jim Langdon
USMC
Jim, although I did not know you while you were in the service, the way that you selflessly helped a scared college student through a hard time in her life is proof of your service. I was terrified, 3 friends were gone within 1 week, to unknown places, in a foreign, hostile land. You calmed me down countless amounts of times and became my friend. You came home with the "invisible wounds," overcame them, and are now protecting and serving yet again. I know that the people you care for are among the luckiest in the world. Be proud of all you have done and continue to do. I surely am! Thank you, my friend.
Sgt. Andy Folk
USMC
U.S. Army National Guard
Well Snipes, I don't know much of what you did "over there," but I know you always gave it your all and for others. I don't ask to know what happened, I don't need to know. You served countless amounts of times, and I am sure there are many who are thankful for you, having volunteered to go time and time again in place of them so that they could stay with their families. You have always been there for me, and I know you always will be. You are continuing your life in protection and care of others - I would expect nothing less of you. Thank you, your service means the world to me.
(I know, "No problem, Liz")
Robert Toth
USMC
Bobert, I also do not know your stories, I'm not asking - but I do remember some of the fears you had when you returned home. You are a survivor and continue to help others although you saw more than your fair share of combat at a very young age. You never let it change you. Your family, friends, and all who will come into contact with you in your next life endeavor, are quite blessed. Thank you for all you have done. It is appreciated.
Pfc. John J. Petruno
U.S. Army, WWII
Combat Medic
My Pappy, my biggest hero. I must have gotten a lot of my love of medicine and helping people from you. You went in to care for those who were not going to make it home. I can't imagine having been so young, and seeing the devastation that you did. You fought before any kind of technology, I can't even fathom what that would be like. In the midst of caring for others, you yourself got sick and had to come home. You never said it, but I know that isn't the way you would have had it. I think you felt you always still had a duty to complete, but your time in the service was cut short. I have no doubt that all of the soldiers you cared for were lucky to have had you on their side. You told me once of a sniper who almost took your life while you were caring for a fellow soldier. I have no doubt, that had you known the outcome would not have been in your favor, you would have cared for your fellow brother just the same. We miss you everyday; but know that what you did for others, your country, our freedom, and your family lives on with us. Thank you, Pap. I miss you.
John Ruby
U.S. Army Air Corps
Uncle John - you were always so full of life. You dedicated your life to caring for your family, and I am so lucky to have had so much time with you. I can't imagine having gone through what you did - how scared you must have been. Let me tell you the story. Uncle John was a gunner in the Army Air Corps during WWII. His plane crashed in a field where he was left with nothing, and all alone. He hid in a hay bale for a few days before he took a chance at making it to safety. Thank God he did. Thank you for all you did, your service and your life are still remembered and appreciated. We miss you.
I know that I am the lucky one, not only to have these wonderful people in my life, but to have had them all make it home. I have friends who did not have that luck with their friends or family. For that, I want to thank their soldier for making the ultimate sacrifice to keep this country safe. To their families and friends, thank you for the sacrifices you have made while your loved one was deployed, and now that they are gone. From sleepless nights, to turning off the news when they talk about the war, to making the "perfect" care package for your soldier to hopefully bring home to a place so far from it. Every time I see the flag of the USA, I think of all that my friends and so many others have, and are still, going through. I can't speak for the soldiers, I have never been on your side, but I know what it is like to be someone who misses and cares for you. Please know that your loved ones have the upmost respect for you. That while they know you may not make it home, they want you to, no matter what condition you come back to us in. ANYTHING is better than not having you here at all; but if you don't know that your life will live on through those that care about you. I keep saying thank you, but I truly am. I wish there was a better word, or a better way to show it.
Please feel free to leave a picture or name of your hero in the comments section. I would be love to hear all about them.
Till they all come home...
