Addendum to "Heroes"

One of the soldiers who lost their life yesterday was one Michael Strange.

Michael was a Philadelphia boy, graduated from North Catholic in 2004.

Michael was a friend of my nephew, Andrew.

It's hitting closer and closer to home, folks.

The families of this hero and the 30 brothers in arms who perished with him have my most sincere condolences. If and when Warriors Watch is contacted, I will proudly welcome this soldier home with grace and honor.

B.



Read Full Text/Comments

Heroes

This afternoon, I heard some terrible news as I'm sure all of you had also, that 31 US soldiers lost their lives today in Afghansistan. The first thought that went through my mind was "I know some boys, er, men deployed in that shithole of a kitty litter box...hope and pray it wasn't anybody I know".

After some reflection, I realized that I actually know each and every one of those men. They are our sons, they are our brothers, they are our fathers, uncles, and grandfathers...each who have fought in every war since the dawn of time to preserve the freedom of others. They are the ones who selflessly, at one point in their life. wrote a blank check payable up to and including their life, payable to us, the citizens of this great nation.

Never again, when I hear that another hero loses his life in this war, will I wonder if I knew them or their family. I know each and every one of them, because they are all my heroes. I will shed a tear, and I will quietly reflect on the fact that they died so we can continue to be free.

And, I will know that they are already being held in the arms of their creator, comforted that they did their duty to God and country.

My heart goes out to the families of those who lost their lives today. I hope they know how much I appreciate the sacrifice their sons made and that I will hold their memory in my heart forever.

B.

Read Full Text/Comments

A Rant

Tonight I was lucky enough to be involved in an event that was both moving and important...I was part of a Warriors Watch/A Heroes Welcome ride to welcome Sgt. Daniel Furtak, the son of a friend of mine.

Danny was deployed twice to the shithole Afghanistan, and put his life on the line for his country.

The warriors Watch mission is to make sure that each and every soldier deployed overseas gets the hero's welcome they deserve when they come home. Our Viet Nam vets were spit on, abused, and basically forgotten when they came home from their time in hell. Warriors Watch and A Hero's Welcome were started to be sure that no Vet comes home "forgotten".

Enter my rant.

Tonight, WPVI, our local channel 6 ABC affiliate was on hand to film Danny's welcome home parade, which started at Ruby Tuesdays on Chemical Road and culminated at the Furtak home, after a loud and boisterous parade through parts of Plymouth Meeting and Conshohocken.

I sat and watched the 11:00 news tonight and planned on DVR'ing it to post on the internet tonight...not for my benefit, but because it is important that our returning soldiers get their due diligence when it comes to a big, huge "Thank You".

Nothing.

Two full minutes on "The Bachelorette", a TV show that, mind you JUST FINISHED AIRING , but nothing on a hero who put his life on the line for his country.

Egregious is an understatement.

Danny, Welcome Home, and thank you for your service. Below are some photos I took tonight. I hope I've done you due diligence. You deserved better than Channel 6 decided to give you.













Read Full Text/Comments