Next time something bugs you just go to these videos - your issue may seem very small in the big picture.

This video was on the Country Music Awards last night.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0mm4u2VzDs

Same song another video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmQynlSFepE&feature=related

I have no words ... thank you for sharing this.

Amen! We certainly take a lot for granted, don't we?!

Very well put. I thought of a lot of things I wanted to say, but found it hard to say anything. I saw the Vietnam Memorial in DC when I was nineteen or twenty. I guarantee that it would mean a lot more to me today. A wonderful tribute.

I'm sure there are a number of people on this forum who have served in the armed forces, many who have not-but all equally patriotic who are moved by this video and song. I, too, thought of things to say after I viewed it (I also watched the awards on TV where it was presented). But, words are really not necessary. I doubt that anyone could not be affected.

Redployd,

I guarantee seeing the memorials would mean a lot more to you today. I just retired and had a chance to go see all the memorials right before retirement.....if you go see them now, make sure you take a large box of kleenex with you. It was all I could do to regain my composure as I walked from one memorial to another.

Our country is very blessed to have the caliber of people we have that are willing to serve our country. I am very blessed to get a chance to work with these hero's every day. The stories I hear and the sacrifices our military members and their families are making is incredible! Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

If anyone is interested in having some of these soldiers come and talk to your team, school, or community organization please let me know. Our CGSC students (Majors in the service) have a requirement to talk within the community and tell their stories. If you are interested in having some of them come and talk with your group please contact me.

Also, we have another group of young hero's in training....they are kids like Connor McCarthy, Michael Sprigg, Phil Witt, etc. All wrestlers that have gone on to college to wrestle and do ROTC. The future leaders of our nation. I know there is many more out there (they are the one's I know off the top of my head). Thank you to all these young men and their families for stepping up in our country's time of need. The future of our armed services and our country is in good hands with young hero's like this.

Shawn Budke
Leavenworth County Spartans

Shawn - I will be coaching 3 youth football teams this fall in the Olathe area. I would love to have some warriors come talk to our teams @ the beginning of the season. Please email me at jjlautt@bryancave.com or call at 816 374 3371 to discuss. Thank you sir.

I hope that the family of this courageous young man doesn't mind, but I wanted to share this story that I read about a year ago online in our local paper. The irony for me was that I shipped to basic training September 11 (1986) and came back home on December 11 that same year. It was so close to the time frame (15 years earlier) I spent in Ft Benning Georgia, that I will never forget it. I did not know Chris Wasser, but I will never forget him.

http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2008/sep/22/gone_not_forgotten/