In honor of Memorial Day, I wanted to break from our Transitioning to Wellness series to remember and honor the men and women who have served our country in the arm forces.

Memories

I remember right after September 11th, how patriotic everyone was and how the entire country was united around supporting our troops.  American flags were flown proudly off of most buildings and stickers were on every single car you would pass.  But that fan far has long since dwindled since the war in Iraq.  But no matter what your political beliefs or views, today, Memorial Day, is a day we should all be thankful for those men and women who have served and died for our country’s future.

I’m especially thankful for the people I know personally who have fought for my freedoms.  Here are just a few of them:

Everett “PawPaw” Haggerton:  My grandfather (my Dad’s dad) fought in World War II.  He never really talked about it at all when we were kids.  If you ever brought it up, he would always get really quiet and just smile and then change the subject.  My Dad said he got him to talk about it a few times.  He told my Dad about how hard it was during the war.  How hard it was to watch his friends die and to be away from his family.  He talked about running a bulldozer and cleaning up the rubble after they dropped the atomic bomb.  He was a great man that left an incredible legacy.  Love and miss you PawPaw.

Chris Waldrip:  Chris is my cousin who lives in Wichita Falls.  He served in the Marines through two different wars.  He served in Desert Storm and then stepped up to the call again after 9/11 and was in the first wave of soldiers that entered Iraq.  While he was in Iraq, his mom shared some of his letters with me he had sent home to them.  I would take them in to the sunday school class of 8th graders Cindy and I taught in and would read them to the kids.  They blew us all away.  Hearing how much he cared about the men he served with and how much he loved and missed his family blew us away.  He’s now a fireman in Denton.  Thank you for all you do Chris!

Dr. Dar Griffeth: Dar graduated chiropractic school with my wife Cindy.  He served in the Navy and was a Navy Seal for several years.  Probably the smartest, most talented, most intense guy I have ever known.  I’m proud to count this man as one of my friends and colleages.  Married and father to 3 boys, he now practices chiropractic in Las Colinas here in the metroplex. Love ya brother, Thank you…

David Capowski:  I had the pleasure of spending a few days snow skiing with this gentleman this past spring.  Mr. Capowski served in World War II in the original black ops group, the Green Tigers.  He served and survived many missions into Europe during the war while being hunted down by the KGB.  He amazed me at his recall and memory (still has a photographic memory now at almost 70 years old!).  Incredible man and inspiring American.  Resides in Irving Texas with his bride of many years.

Rachel Romine:  I grew up with this girl, actually, she was a friend of mine’s youngest sister!  She just graduated from basic training after enlisting in the army.  Proud of you girl, praying for your safety!  Thank you for your service.

Jason Reese:  Jason and his wife Denise have been friends of ours for the past few years and recently have attended our small group we lead for our church.  Jason has enlisted in the Army and is leaving for basic training in just a few short weeks.  I’m super proud of you man.  I love you and am praying for you and your family.  If they ever need anything while you’re away, you know they can call us.

There are so many I could name and could go on and on and on about, but suffice to say, all we have in this country is due to the heroism of a few good men and women.  I’m so thankful for those who have served our country well and continue to do so today.

For those that are currently serving…Thank You.  For those we have lost…Thank you even more.

Dr. JB

Who are you thankful for this Memorial Day??