** Remembering and Honoring LCPL MIchael Ford **

3 years ago today, my dad was in Iraq. In addition to his regular job as a First Sergeant for the Air National Guard, he was working in the hospital there, on base. He had been doing it since January, when he had first arrived to the 'war'. He had several different duties, which included, but where no limited to, helping carry injured people in from the helicopters .. in the middle of the night, with no lights on .. (that way they would not be a target, for attack) he also folded blankets, got people whatever they needed, and sat and talked to them, because, they had no one there to be in the hospital with them.

On that 26th, day of April, (not sure if it was Wednesday there, as well as here or not .. or if it was morning or night .. but that all really does not matter) my dad sat with a young man (just 19 years old), named LCPL Michael Ford. He was a soldier for the United States Marine Corp, assigned to the 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twenty-Nine Palms, California.

He had been severely injured while conducting combat operations, against enemy forces in Al Anbar province, Iraq.

This is really not a subject that my dad spends a lot of time, if any, discussing .. so I do not know all the details, but what I do know .. is that my dad sat there that day and held his hand .. while he died.

And to tell you the truth, he has never been the same .. I do not know if it is just because of the war in general, or working in the hospital in general, but my dad is a completely different person. I will write more about that some other time.

A couple months after my dad returned from Iraq, he was having a difficult time dealing with this, he still to this day has nightmares, about being with LCPL Ford, as he passed. But he wrote a letter to his family, telling them that he was with their son and brother, when he died, and sent his condolences. A couple weeks after that, he received a small package and in it was a silver bracelet, with no note or anything, and it had the inscription, LCPL Michael Ford, April 26th, 2006. My dad, put it on that day .. and he does not take it off.

So, this is my tribute to all those serving out great country, those who have given their time, their effort, and some .. their lives.

Please take a moment every day to remember those who are over seas fighting for our freedom .. and for their families and friends back at home .. it is very difficult for them as well.

Not for fame or reward .

Not for place or rank .

Not lured by ambition or goaded by necessity

But in simple obedience to duty

As they understood it .

These men suffered all, sacrificed all, dared all,

And died.

- Author Unknown

Final bit .. if you have a some extra money, which not many of us do, times are tough, I understand. But think of those men and women over their fighting, for us .. Pick up a few small things, put them in a box, and ship them overseas. They are greatly appreciated by all, and help to take away the pain of being far from home and family.

(Things they need and or would like to have, include .. Snacks, not chocolate .. it will melt .. mind games, personal items, such as q-tips and fingernail clippers .. magazines, newspapers, etc ..)

Thanks for reading .. and if you can't afford to do the care package thing, please just keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

** Kaitlin