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
