Posted on 07/05/2013 9:02:08 PM PDT by South40
He remembers each and every one.
The shockwaves, the sulfur penetrating his nostrils, the thick, toxic smoke sifting into his lungs, and the burning desert sand flying into his vehicle.
He remembers the sudden jolt -- fully alert one second, then panic-stricken and deaf the next. He remembers the pain, the smell of burned flesh mixed with metal, and the frantic search -- with his hands, in the dark -- desperate to find fellow infantrymen in the hail of gunfire.
But most of all, while he is out on patrol in Ghazni, Afghanistan, 31-year-old Staff Sergeant Chad Joiner remembers one thing:
"I'm still here," he said, smiling. "I'm enjoying life."
Video at link.
(Excerpt) Read more at abcnews.go.com ...
I don’t believe I’d walk next to this guy
Yea, I too think I would keep a distance between us.
If anything that can be said about this guy is that God sure is keeping him.
Might be a good choice to follow, at some distance.
Time to bring him home ... nine lives and all that.
I used to be a bit of an adrenalin junkie and took a lot of unnecessary risks. Served in the the Infantry as well but it was during the Cold War. My sister (Air Force) was fond of saying that my guardian angle was going to meet me at the pearly gates with a switch for making him work so hard.
If that is true, this boy is going to have a real whoopin waiting for him.
Just my two cents worth for the pot.
What a miracle! I believe that God has a plan for all of us. We will stay here and be useful until the plan is fulfilled and probably not one minute more.
These guys and their big smiles have captured my undying respect and admiration. They really do know what it means to face what life dishes out one day at a time. They cope. They are American heroes and generally exemplify all the best that is American.
At the ripe old age of 31 Sgt. Joiner has learned more lessons about men under stress and when and how true character emerges. Watch the way he moves in a group, the way he talks. They move and speak with the calm confidence of the WWII generation.
Maybe the plan for them is to band together and lead our sad nation out of the hole it is in. I can’t imagine them letting someone take their Liberty away like the sheeple majority. They are fearless because they know God will care for them as long as their purpose is unfulfilled. There just aren’t enough of them.
My Son is one and has the experience and makings of a better man than I’ll ever be.
lolz
Medved had stories of how God protected men in America and helped shape this nation. The following is ONE of the stories about George Washington. About his surviving a battle in the French-Indian War where the British were slaughtered.:
Upon George Washington’s return to Fort Cumberland (120 miles from the battle scene), he wrote a letter to his mother to alay any fears she would have, as news of the rout had preceded them. On the same day (July 18, 1755) he also wrote to his brother, John A. Washington:
“As I have heard since my arrival at this place [Fort Cumberland], a circumstantial account of my death and dying speech, I take this early opportunity of contradicting the first, and of assuring you that I have not as yet composed the latter. But, by the all-powerful dispensations of Providence, I have been protected beyond all human probability or expectation; for I had four bullets through my coat, and two horses shot under me, yet escaped unhurt, although death was leveling my companions on every side of me!”
There is a story about Washington meeting an Indian Chief from that battle years later, and the Chief tells of how he fired 11 times at him from a rifle that never missed, and realized that the Great Spirit protected him, and that Washington would become a leader of a great nation and remembered forever. The Indian story was around when Washington was still alive - but might be made-up. (Although Medved talked like it was true).
Anyway - lots of stories, and the book isn’t finished yet!
I can’t stay in the same room with these guys. It would just be too awkward. The type of handshake where your hand gets pushed away. All I can say is thanks. To God be the glory.
When Bush was president blood dripped from every newscast every day. Now the war is a once a week reality show.
I have no such problems. I find them very easy to look in the eye. They don’t look away and so it is easy to size them up and they return the favor.
My problem starts with men who won’t look me in the eye and hold the handshake firmly but not aggressively for at least three seconds. I know immediately that I make them uncomfortable for some reason.
I only wish I was experienced in thinking I understand what makes some people tick 40 years ago as I feel now. The honest and direct ones are easy. The others you don’t trust until you are proven wrong.
My Son usually gets a kick out of how fast and accurately I sum up the officers when I meet them.
Me either but he really should play the lottery.
My son survived 3 IED’s and 1 VBED. He lost a few buddies, but he’s still with us.
wow! What a trooper! God bless them all.
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.