Generations of Valor - Pearl Harbor survivor Houston James of Dallas embraces Sgt. Mark Graunke Jr.

San Antonio Express-News ^ | Veterans Day 2004 | (AP Photo)

[Former Military Chick]

Jim Mahoney/Dallas Morning News
Pearl Harbor survivor Houston James of Dallas is overcome with emotion as he embraces Marine Staff Sgt. Mark Graunke Jr. during the Dallas Veterans Day Commemoration at Dallas City Hall on Thursday. Sgt Graunke, who was a member of a Marine ordnance-disposal team, lost a hand, leg and eye while defusing a bomb in Iraq in July of last year.

[Former Military Chick]

The following is a very interesting website.

Sgt Grit's Marine BS Iraqi War Volume 11

I had searched by name, did not see this photo, felt it fitting to share it and if it is a repeat, it frankly would be worthy of a repeat glance and moment of reflection.

Yesterday I posted one of the images said to be the best from the first Gulf War. I frankly have to tell you this is by far a more important image that appears to have been overlooked.

[Bahbah]

That's fine. I didn't need to be wearing mascara anyway.

[Logophile]

Strange, there seems to be something in my eye.

[NerdDad]

Again and again we ask, "Where do we find such men?" And then praise God for bringing them to us.

[Former Military Chick]

A photo worth a thousands tears! PING

[StarCMC]

God bless ALL these heroes.

[Stonewall Jackson]

This really hits you where you live.

[SmithL]

Salute!

[international american]

If that doesn't bring a tear to your eye, you are less than human.

[international american]

BTTT

[Former Military Chick]

PING

[sandydipper]

A great reflection on the brotherhood of those who serve - and a middle finger salute to those who hid out in London or Moscow to become Rhodes scholars.

[retarmy]

NerdDad wrote, ” Again and again we ask, "Where do we find such men?" And then praise God for bringing them to us.”

We do not find such men and women, they rise out of the ranks themselves and are distinguished by their actions. They grow from the children that we raise and in whom we have instilled patriotism and a sense of duty and of honor. They are often the sons and daughters of men and women who have, themselves, placed freedom and love of country above their own needs and their own lives. These young people have seen the examples set by their parents, siblings, aunts and uncles, and even grandparents and have, in their own turn, determined to achieve equally high standards of conduct and of honor.

But I have one question to you all. Will you remember this photograph the next time you vote for a candidate that wants to take away SSG Graunke’s VA benefits, his wife’s survivor benefits, or seeks to reduce the disability income that he receives for his wounds? Probably not, look at this Congress’ record on Veteran’s benefits –but that is a topic for another thread.

[Former Military Chick]

Your comment touches the heart of many of us, and the sobering fact is, we must consider with clarity who we put in the White House, who we elect as our Congress Critters and their record with the military, for the military and the future of our military, retirees, Vets and those left behind giving the ultimate price.

Again, thank you for your sobering comment.

[NerdDad]

Your points are very well made. I was in the AF back when the promise was still to take care of our retirees. It sickens me that we - yes, we elected them so WE - have gone back on those promises.

I worked for 10 years for an Army retiree - till he retired from the company. This great American is dying from multiple myeloma resulting from agent orange exposure in Vietnam. We (the guys who worked for him) were all involved in a letter writing campaign to lobby against further erosion of veterans benefits even before he got sick. It embarrasses me that he has to put out a dime for the care that he needs. It embarrasses and angers me that my in-laws (he is retired AF) have to pay on the local economy for health care that was promised to them. But these uneducated, unemployed baby factories have no trouble getting health care for themselves and their next generation of welfare babies.

I did only 2 terms in the AF. I make no claim to rights or benefits resulting from that service, but we made promises to these men and women that we are no longer keeping. Obviously, the subject infuriates me. Thank you for calling attention to it.

[ConservativeMind]

That is a beautiful, heart-wrenching photo. Both men have been through so much.

Many, many thanks.

[ChefKeith]

NASCAR Fans, this is a bring your tissue box PING!

[umgud]

Yup, it is.

[Tijeras_Slim]

Thank you for the ping.

[tutstar]

ping