Chuck: Over my years on this earth, I’ve learned one thing: Absolutely anything is possible.

As Shakespeare wrote centuries ago, “There is more to heaven and Earth than are dreamt of in your philosophy.”

I tend to think a majority of our citizens wouldn’t know the 173rd from a hole in the ground, nor would they care what happened on Nov. 8, 1965, but for the popularity of this song.

As to the story of the 173rd, you aren’t finding much of it here, are you? No. Just the story of one battle and the actions of a single heroic man who risked life and limb to save his buddies. Spc. Lawrence Joel was one of 13 men in the 173rd to receive the Medal of Honor during Vietnam.

For the real story of the 173rd Airborne and to learn about more heroes, please go to: http://www.173rd.com, Wikipedia, http://www.armystudyguide.com, or the 173rd’s Battalion History.

“All gave some, but some gave ALL”. I look at my medals and ribbons and they pale in contrast. I get a small pension from the VA each month – while others never lived to see theirs. I watched my children grow into adults, many of them never got to experience that wonderful time.

I am humbled and my heart leaps with pride because of their sacrifice, their bravery and courage.

God Bless the United States of America. God Bless our troops.

Place and date: Republic of Vietnam, 8 November 1965

SPC6 Lawrence Joel
Rank and organization: Specialist Sixth Class (then Sp5c), U.S. Army, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade

Place and date: Republic of Vietnam, 8 November 1965

Thanks Kris K. and Big and Rich for reminding us about Heroes who should not be forgotten

Suport Our Troops Always
9/11/2001 N.F. N.F.

Again while watching Big & Rich’s video, I was brought to tears. When I think of what those men and their families left behind went through and are still giong through I am deeply humbled. My father a retired Air Force Master Sgt. served 22 yrs and served in Vietnam. During his tour he was required to go as a civilian into Thailand (with no ID what so ever)to recover military equipment alone. That is all I know about his experience as he will not talk about it. He recieved the Bronze Star for that mission. Sadly, I never realized the significance of this honor until my husband saw Daddy’s medals and explained it to me,(My husband is active duty AGR in the Army Reserves). My father also received a purple heart among other honors. I remember as a young child going to the airport to tell Daddy goodbye as he went off to Vietnam. I am sure that he was forever changed by his service. He is very stoic and hides his emotions. He has my deepest respect and love for what he has done for love of this country. My husband and I have a 6 yr. old daughter that we adopted from China. We have tried to explain to her to be very grateful to all military members for the life that we have. We explain how very different it is in China. We pray together daily for our military members serving throughout the world and for their family members left behind. PLEASE, PLEASE educate your children that all that they do and have is because of our brave and selfless military. Have them watch Big & Rich’s video. Tell them about Arrlington Cemetary. Teach them to love our country and to always support our military members!! I wish that all of our politicians would do the same, for our military members deserve nothing less!! Thank you for reading this and God Bless Americia and our military!!!

Rosemary S. Beaumont, MS

Your service, as well as that of the countless millions of firefighters, EMTs, and police officers, is much appreciated. Thank you for doing what you do, and for being there whenever we call.

–Jenn

I myself was unable to serve due to medical reasons but have done my best to serve my fellow citizens here on the civilian front for the last 30 years as an EMS provider.

As we approach the 5th anniversary of the September 11th 2001 terrorist attacks I hope we will remember all those who have given the final full measure of themselves in our defense; both on the field of battle in foreign lands and those who have served in the civilian sector as members of the EMS, Fire, and Law Enforcement communities.

I can only try to imagine what those who have lost their fellow soldiers on the field of battle have to deal with by remembering what it felt like to lose a fellow EMS provider who died while on duty.

I also remember what it felt like to be on duty the morning of 9-11-2001 and watching the events unfold as the day went on while not being able to do anything to assist in the efforts to rescue those trapped in the wreckage.

Please take the time to thank those who serve and to also thank their families and employers for supporting them as it is also their sacrificing the time away from their families and jobs that allows them to be available to come to our aid and defense in our times of greatest need.

Sincerely,

Mike Kavanaugh, Jr. EMT-Intermediate (Virginia)

It is the soldier, not the reporter, Who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the soldier, not the poet, Who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the soldier, not the organizer, Who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.

It is the soldier, Who salutes the flag, Who serves beneath the flag, And whose coffin is draped by the flag, Who allows the protestor to burn the flag.

Thank you to all who have serverd!

Thanks Big and Rich for making a tribute to these men who fought in the vietnam war.

http://www.173abnbde.setaf.army.mil/moh/joel.htm

As for my opinions…well, most of them are written on this blog somewhere or other.