Our Best

They see their brothers in arms wounded every day.

They see their brothers in arms killed every day.

They see their brothers in arms captured every day.

They know that they, too, could be wounded, killed, captured, tortured, murdered.

And still they come. And still they volunteer.

To fight, kill, be wounded, die, for freedom.

Without EVER expecting anything for it.

And they deserve our unending gratitude and respect.

As did those who lived and died at places like Lexington and Concord, Valley Forge, Gettysburg, Antietam, Belleau Wood, Normandy, Iwo Jima, Bastogne, Khe Sahn, Baghdad, Afghanistan.

And so do their families. Who wait, worry, dread that knock on the door.

People like the soldier in Carlos' piece below this.

People like Private Daniel Good.

THIS is what America is made of.

This is what Christian Soldier rightly and righteously calls OUR BEST.

And don't you ever forget it.

And almost every one of you know someone like this.

Those who WILLINGLY leave hearth and home, kith and kin, to defend hearth and home, kith and kin.

In places strange and far away.

And, unless I've read you all wrong, you salute them too.

from Stackingswivel:

Welcome Aboard



I am proud to congratulate Private Daniel Good upon his graduation from the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina. Daniel is a native of Manassas Park, Virginia, and the son of proud parents Lynnie Mehus and David Good, also a natives of Virginia.

After high school, Daniel enrolled in undergraduate studies, completing his first year with excellent grades. It was during his second semester that Daniel decided to commit himself to serving his country as a United States Marine.

According to his cousin, a good friend, Daniel is the “strong and silent type, who lives Roosevelt’s admonition, ‘Be sure you’re right, and then go ahead.’” In literature, Daniel earned the reputation of a deep thinker, and one who is able to develop keen insight to complex issues; he has an intense interest in genealogy and American history.

“Daniel is the first Marine in our family; we’re all very proud of him,” his cousin told me.

Private Good reported to Camp Geiger, North Carolina for infantry/field skills training on 7 July 2009.

A personal note for Private Good:

Life will present you with formidable challenges, but none of these will be more challenging than the crucible of Marine Corps Recruit Training. You have already achieved more than most young men and women are capable: you have earned the title United States Marine.

I have no doubt that the normal course of life will test your personal attributes. You will have many opportunities for notable achievement. You may receive medals for courage, certificates for your efficiency, and promotions for your combat skill and leadership … but there is no greater recognition than the acknowledgment you will receive from our citizens: they will instantly recognize you as one of their American Marines. Whether you serve for four, or forty years, once you are admitted into our unique fraternity, you are always a Marine … and every other Marine is your brother or sister.

May God grant you favorable winds, and following seas ...