A Family's Valor, a Nation's Freedom-Why would a 61-year-old civilian surgeon volunteer for Iraq?

At a dinner last week in California, I was reminded of the debt we owe to those who have, for 233 years, sustained our freedom and independence. One remarkable family in particular exemplifies the best in the American spirit of courage and sacrifice.

Sitting at my table was a friend, Christine Krissoff, wife of Dr. Bill Krissoff and mother of Nathan and Austin Krissoff. One of her sons, Marine First Lt. Nathan Krissoff, was killed in Al Anbar Province in December 2006. A Williams College grad, athlete and musician, he'd left for Iraq on the fifth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He was 25.

I met his parents and brother in Nevada in August 2007 while accompanying President George W. Bush to Reno, Nev. The president was there to address the American Legion before meeting with local families who'd lost a loved one in Iraq or Afghanistan. Mr. Bush has met with about 550 families in private visits like this. At those meetings, he would have a senior staff member close by in case there was something that needed to be followed up on, such as getting a flag to a family member.

""Yes," he said. "I'm a pretty good orthopedic surgeon. When my younger son is deployed to Iraq next March, I would like to be working as a Navy medical officer, but they won't let me because I am 61 years old. Will you give me an age waiver, Mr. President?" Mr. Bush pointed to me. Dr. Krissoff and I exchanged business cards and he promised to fax me his application."

Dr. Bill Krissoff

______________________________________

Nathan Krissoff

Wednesday, December 13 2006 @ 08:03 AM EST Contributed by: tomw

Reno Gazette-Journal -- Marine 1st Lt. Nathan Krissoff of Reno was killed Friday in al-Abar province in Iraq, his family said.

Marine Corps officials Saturday notified the Krissoff family.

The family said in a statement the lieutenant routinely took part in patrols throughout al-Abar, often told them of the heroism of his Marines and was proud to be part of creating a more stable Iraq.

"His Marines were his first priority," the family said. "He consistently and courageously led them from the front. His commitment to his family, the Corps and his country never wavered. He was a tremendously loyal son, brother and American who made the ultimate sacrifice for the defense of his country."

Krissoff joined the Marine Corps in June 2004. He was a counterintelligence officer assigned to the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion based in Okinawa, Japan.

Krissoff graduated from Williams College in Williamstown, Mass., where he was captain of the swim team.

In Reno, Krissoff was a world-class kayaker, qualifying for the U.S. Junior National team with his younger brother Austin in 1998. Nathan Krissoff was also an alpine skier.

"If you think about it, it's kind of the same sport," Nathan Krissoff told the Reno Gazette-Journal in 1998. "Instead of skis, you've got a 14-foot boat under you. Instead of poles, you've got a double paddle in your hands. And instead of reading the hill to find the fastest route down, you're reading the water, trying to find the fastest route down the river."

Nathan and Austin Krissoff grew up river rafting with their father, Bill Krissoff in Truckee. The brothers specialized in wild water kayak racing.

"I like wild water because it's really a challenge," Nathan Krissoff said in 1998. "It takes power and endurance to make it to the bottom of a five-mile course, technical skills to maneuver around the obstacles and a lot of skill to read the river and find the fastest current."

Charles Albright, a friend who said he trained in rowing with Nathan and Austin and was a patient of their father, an orthopedist, called the fallen marine a "fantastic human being."

"He was caring, friendly, outgoing and very polite," Albright said. "He was a perfect son for Bill and Kris (his mother).

"When we talked, you could tell he took his service to his country seriously."

___________________

The nobility and goodness of some of THIS greatest generation is stunningly awesome .. tears. Where do we get such incredible patriots ? God bless Nathan Krissoff with eternal rest, his father and brother with His protection on the frontlines. And Mrs. Krisoff, wife and mother .. amazing. May He bless and protect all our wonderful military and contractors. President Bush .. a leader and man of utmost decency and perspective.

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.