On this day 3 years ago, we lost 31 brave soldiers after their helicopter was shot down by a rocket propelled grenade in Afghanistan. One of those men, included Chief Nicholas H. Null, a Navy SEAL from my hometown of Parkersburg, WV. I did not have the honor of getting to know Nick, however it is quite clear that he was one heck of a fella. He was married with three very handsome little guys and was loved by SO many. They paid the ultimate sacrifice the least any of us can do is to ensure that it will never be forgotten. Thinking of all of their families today because no matter how much time passes, it will always feel like pouring salt into a fresh wound.
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| Chief Nicholas H. Null |
Working in the medical field, especially working with the older population, you can be sure that you will have the honor and privilege of working with a number of Veterans. These men and women that you have the opportunity of working with will undoubtedly change your life, they will teach you something, and will absolutely leave you with an overwhelming feeling of pride.
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| My handsome Navy Sailor & his beautiful Wife; circa 1954 Mr. & Mrs. Harold Dane Showen (My Grandparents) |
Throughout my short time working in the medical field, whether as a nursing assistant, a student, or as an occupational therapist I have encountered, what I believe is, some of the most self-sacrificing, honorable men in the country. I have met a pilot who was MIA during a deployment (saw the letter to his family to prove it!), a POW and soldier who fought in the Battle of the Burge and suffered from frost bite during that battle, a soldier who was a part of the platoon that bombed Hiroshima ending World War II, a former drill Sargent who fought in the Korean War, many purple heart recipients, as well as the opportunity to meet and thank a 3 limb amputee following his tour in Iraq. There are many, many others who are more than deserving of recognition. These men really make you feel a sense of pride in our country and make you realize just how good we have it back here in the States.
There is no question that they have seen, heard, and done things that we can only dream of, things we only see in the movies. You can see the pain in their eyes sometimes as they express their feelings and experiences, but you can also see that they would not have had it any other way. They are proud of the country they served, they were happy to fight for us, and grateful to have survived it all. The more stories and encounters I have with past and present military men, the more grateful I am for each and every one of them. I am so very blessed to have the privilege of working with these men and having the opportunity not only to enrich their lives but also to thank them for all of the sacrifices they have made serving the United States of America. Without a doubt in the world, they make you proud to be an American!
Thanks to all those who have served, are serving, and will serve. I will always be grateful.
This is beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
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