Veterans Day 2017

Dear Friends,

Today is Veterans Day. A day where we take time to thank all who have served in our military – during both wartime and peace. I’ve been reading about servicemen and women in the different branches of the military, and thought I’d share some of the stories I have read. Some of these stories are tragic, while others are hopeful – all of these stories remind us about the deep sacrifices that our brave servicemen and women make for us on a daily basis.

Air Force: Devin Wilson was a veteran who courageously served in the Air Force. After completing his military service, he returned to civilian life to start a family. Although Mr. Wilson had completed his military service, he never stopped protecting the defenseless. In May 2017, Mr. Wilson was killed while protecting a women from being attacked by her abusive ex-boyfriend. He died while standing up for a complete stranger.

Army: Robert Ledbetter served as a scout sniper for the U.S. Army Rangers. He toured in Iraq, and is now a retired veteran. Mr. Ledbetter was one of the concert goers during the Las Vegas concert massacre. When he realized that there was a sniper in their midst, he began running to the aid of the wounded, administering first aid and applying tourniquets.

Coast Guard: Two U.S. Coastguardsmen, Petty Officer Scott Chism (age 25) and Seaman Chris Ferreby (age 23) died after their boat capsized during a law enforcement patrol through the Niagara River. Both of these young men had budding careers of service in their future. Both of these young men passed away before their time.

Marine Corps: Corporal David Qualls, was awarded the highest non-combat decoration for his courageous actions in saving a civilian from a dangerous car accident wreck. Corporal David Qualls came across a car wreck on the road, and swiftly came to the aid of the driver, Larry Flesher, who was pinned under his car. Had Corporal David Qualls not arrived at the scene, Larry Flesher would have been trapped in his car, which was beginning to catch fire.

Navy: During the tragic collision between the USS Fitzgerald and a commercial container ship on the Japanese coast, 34 Navy crew members were trapped in the USS Fitzgerald. Of which, only 27 were able to escape. Many of the escapees owe their lives to the brave efforts of their fellow crew members. The Department of the Navy released a report that describes the heroic efforts of sailors searching flooded cabins to rescue fellow crew members. Leaving no one behind, the brave sailors of the USS Fitzgerald dived back into the dark water to search for their fellow crew members.

National Guard: During the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, the National Guard mobilized to help Puerto Rico as well as the U.S. Virgin Islands recover. Clearing highways, maintaining rule of law, and assisting with hurricane relief efforts, our National Guard is helping our fellow Americans in their time of need.

Let’s make a promise to spend Veterans Day being grateful for the sacrifices made by our U.S. soldiers.

God Bless,

Jonathan A. Lu