JOHN and VIVIAN - Yorba Linda, CA (MEMORIAL DAY)

Vivian, Ryder, Tate, John, Shiloh, Choice, and Juliann

Freedom isn't free when soldiers have to die for it.  This trip has opened my eyes to so many lessons; not the least of which are the vast number of things that I have been shamefully taking for granted.  Freedom...what does that mean?  I suppose this word takes on a different meaning to everyone.  To me, freedom is the daily opportunity to BE BETTER.  Freedom is being yourself without needing permission.  Unfortunately, freedom is not given...it is won.  Soldiers and their families know all too well the price that is paid to ensure the freedoms we enjoy. 

We were so very blessed, particularly as we were recognizing Memorial Day, to visit with one of our country's selfless and elite.  John in Yorba Linda, California is a hero in many ways.  He has been a light in the darkness to our family as he was one of the amazing souls who reached out to bless the families of the Granite Mountain Hotshots after their tragic passing.  And through visiting with him and his sweet wife, Vivian, we learned that he also heroically served our country in the Vietnam War. 

Humbly, I share this brief background of John's military service, not because it is my story to share.  Nor because John is an individual who seeks accolades or attention, but because there are too many incredible stories of valor and heroism that go unnoticed, unrecognized, and untold.  On this Memorial Day, I wish to remember one of these brave men and thank him for the sacrifices he made on our country's behalf.

John served in the United States Army in the Central Highlands of Vietnam.  He was deployed from December 31, 1969 - November 1, 1970.  He served as an infantry rifleman (1st / 22nd Infantry, 4th Infantry Division).  He was a Point Man for awhile and a Radio Telephone Operator for several months.  He was in the jungle for most of his time in Vietnam.  In John's own words..."I was one of the lucky ones, Juliann".  He opened up to me about the impact the loss of the Granite Mountain Hotshot Crew had on him and the way his past war experiences came back to haunt him.  Besides John having a family connection to the crew, he was deeply impacted by the connection shared by those who dedicate their life to service.  He stated with regard to the firefighters, "They are every bit the heroes our military is".  Whether speaking of first responders or of military personnel, they both share this bond..."They fought together as brothers in arms. They died together.  And now they sleep side by side.  To them we have a solemn obligation".

God bless you John for your service.  WE consider ourselves the lucky ones to have been blessed to share a wonderful meeting with you and Vivian and to learn from the kindness of your hearts and the depth of your commitment to serving others.



John and Tate

Ryder, Shiloh, John, and Tate

The kids all had a wonderful time getting to know you and immediately felt right at home.  There is no question that they are a great judge of character.  You have inspired me not only to be better but to look for opportunities to serve my community and strengthen myself.  I will work to apply the following advice you gave me during our visit, "Your mission in life is to enjoy life, love each other and laugh out loud a lot.  Laugher is the best thing ever.  Protect each other along the way."



Vivian, Ryder, Tate, John, Shiloh, Choice, and Juliann

Just as John served our country in his past, we have many brave men and women who are actively serving our country today.  We are honored to have one of our own family members, Andrew's older brother T.J., currently serving in the United States Army.  We have watched as he's courageously and meekly accepted deployments to fight overseas.  Bravery is the courage to perform properly, even when scared half to death.  We have observed his wife and sweet daughters praying for his safety, longing for his presence, proud of his service, celebrating his return, and anticipating the next role.  Soldier's families understand that it is for our tomorrow that soldiers give their today.  "A true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him."  T.J...we are so very proud of you.  We love you.  Andrew always looked up to you and wanted to make something of himself that would leave an honorable legacy.  Thank you for paving the way for him to do so.  You are both counted among the noble and great ones.

The Ashcraft Family (Audrey, T.J., Nevaeh, Angela, and Rylee)

T.J. and Angela (his beautiful wife)

Thomas James Ashcraft II

To drive home the concept of Memorial Day and the real purpose for this designated annual day of remembrance, I took the kids to a Veterans Hospital to thank those who put themselves in harms way to protect the rest of us.  The kids selected the cupcakes they wanted to share with the veterans and we delivered them to the VA Hospital in Reno, Nevada. 

Shiloh

Tate, Choice, Shiloh, Juliann, and Ryder

Choice, Tate, Juliann, Ryder, and Shiloh

Tate, Choice, Shiloh, Ryder, and Juliann

Shiloh, Ryder, Tate, and Choice

Ryder, Tate, Choice, Juliann, and Shiloh

Tate, Choice, Juliann, Shiloh, and Ryder

This was a large and beautiful facility that hosts not only injured veterans and those needing intensive care, but those who are living in a long term assisted living situation.  We were blessed to spend some time in the room of one of these brave men.

 

Ron is an angel here on Earth.  His spirit filled the room as we came flooding in without any real notice.  We thanked him for his service to our country and he shared with us his military background.   

Ron, Choice, Juliann, Tate, Ryder, and Shiloh

Ron served in the United States Air Force as an aircraft mechanic.  After years in that capacity, he cross-trained as a computer programmer.  During his time in that position, he fell victim to attack.  That accident left him permanently in a wheelchair, over 30 years ago.  For a man who has battled physical dangers with environmental evil, mental turmoil and haunting memories of trauma, emotional distress of future dreams shattered, and daily discomfort and pain...,he was the most positive and empowering soul I have ever been blessed to meet.  He was gentle and uplifting.  He was light-hearted as he joked with us, getting the kids to crack up at his comments about them being little munchkins with awesome hair-dos.  Ron is a saint.  Ron was a soldier.  Ron has a story.  They all do...This VA and others like it across this great country are flooded with courageous individuals who have sacrificed more in this lifetime than most of us could ever comprehend.  We ought to do our part to assist those who dedicated their lives to protecting our freedom.      

Ron, Choice, Juliann, Tate, Ryder, and Shiloh

In war, there are no unwounded soldiers.  Give thanks to those who serve.  God bless You John.  God be with you T.J.  God is walking alongside you Ron.  You are those we celebrate! After all, God gives his hardest battles to his toughest soldiers.  WE THANK YOU.