When ye are in the service of your fellow beings...

On Friday, August 6th,  We received word that a friend and former teammate of Outpatient had been killed.  He was killed in action while serving our country as a Marine, stationed in Afghanistan.  I have been putting off writing about it because it hits close to the heart and because Small Town made the news due to the Hero's Welcome his remains received. 

We were up at the DR's family reunion, and Outpatient and LOL joined us, and shared the bad news.  Then we came home to the news of the Navy Seals and other members of the Armed Forces had been shot down during a rescue mission.  Nobody on the nation scene heard about our local soldier, and probably wouldn't have.  Except that our community rallied together, lined the streets with flags and people.  Many who didn't even know him, but wanted to express their gratitude for his and his family's ultimate sacrifice.  We were out of town, so only the DR was in town to pay his respects that day, but it was an incredible sight. 

I saw a page for info on facebook, and at the time there about 300 invites out-  but within about 2 hours-, they had swelled to over 6000.  Facebook was an amazing tool in bringing together our community for a hero's welcome.  Someone mentioned that it is unfortunate that every soldier doesn't get to come home to this.

 The girls and I came home to an incredible sight.  While it isn't every home, many all over the valley have signs, yellow or red,white, and blue ribbons, flags- many of which are flying at half staff.  It is so touching.

 These pictures were taken by a local resident-  but I took some while driving through so they looked kind of lousy.  I wish you could all drive through this roundabout and the approximately 8 miles worth of solid flags.  They are also at the cemetery where he is being laid to rest as I type this.  I was going to attend, but then I thought of all the people who knew him better than I who could use the space I would take.  Outpatient, LOL, and many of the other soccer team are there.

May our Father in Heaven hold Sgt Daniel Gurr's family in his hands in the coming days, when the rest of our community goes back to life as usual.  I know that Dan is looking down and probably in such awe at the many lives he has touched, by giving his.

I would love to give credit to the photographers, and editors of the pictures in this post, but I don't know who they are. Please note that I did not take any of these but I am grateful to have them.

No words.

I have been trying to work, but glued to the news reports.

I seriously thought that the current administration would have suspended all military efforts in that area of the world, and Bin Laden would be able to rise up again.  It is only a few months until the military would be pulling out of Afghanistan.

I am so glad that his life has been taken before the current administration pulled out.  I have  a brother in law that is over in I raq right now.  We pray that he will be able to come home very quickly, but we are so proud of his service in the efforts.

Dear Powers That be.  Don't pretend that you were not against the operations from the beginning.  Most of us are not that stupid.

Very Well Done, Special Forces, but also all the members of the military who have paid such a huge price to bring down the face of Terrorism.