This past Friday began as a struggle for me. Quite honestly, I wasn’t looking forward to my normal Saturday of college football, or anything else, for that matter. It had nothing to do with my Georgia Bulldogs having a bye week, or even the fact that they had slipped in the polls after the loss to Alabama. None of that seemed to matter because Friday was October 3rd.
It was the anniversary of a day that I wish had never dawned, and one that I am certain I shall never forget. The news report simply said that on October 3, 2005, a Marine had been killed in Karabaliah, Iraq, the first to die in Operation Iron Fist. That Marine was Corporal John Stalvey, with the Third Battalion, Sixth Marine Regiment, Second Marine Division.
I was in an electronics store in Atlanta when the call came that morning and broke my heart. I put my face in my hands and wept. John Stalvey was not just another picture on the evening news of some mother’s son who had died in a far-away land.
This one hit home in a personal way.
I learned something that day—behind every cold statistic of war there is a broken and weeping family, an empty room, a host of hurting friends, and a story. I was a part of his story.
I taught John history in high school, but our friendship went beyond the normal teacher-student relationship. He became a dear friend of our family, and called me once from Afghanistan to ask some advice and to thank me for the impact I had on his life.
- B/R Ticket Guide
If only he knew it was he who impacted me.
John was an all-American type kid. He was “Mr. Hustle” in every sport he participated in, and could have been a hard-nose defensive back had he chosen to go to college, but to no one's surprise John joined the Marines.
Edmund Burke once said, “All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.” John Stalvey was never the type to do nothing.
The decisions to wage war belong to the politicians, but the honor belongs to the soldiers—those actually engaged in the struggle of the battlefield. They are the real heroes. It has always been the soldier who made the greatest sacrifice for our freedom.
Freedom’s worth can never be measured by the unfathomable amounts of money spent to finance the wars that have been fought to secure our independence and to sustain our liberty. The worth of freedom can only be measured by the sacrifice of those who paid the ultimate price.
If you want to glimpse the price of freedom, go stand amidst the hush of Arlington National Cemetery, or walk the beaches of Normandy where the blood of America’s brave sons once mingled with the waters of the mighty Atlantic. Walk the hallowed fields of Manassas and remember that our nation once struggled as brother against brother.
Hear the weeping children whose father never returned from war, or the broken-hearted parents who welcomed home a flag-draped casket. Look into the eyes of a young wife who with trembling hands receives a folded flag on behalf of a grateful nation.
It would do us well to remember that freedom is never free. The little things we so enjoy, like standing in a stadium packed with screaming people watching our favorite college team take the field, or gathering for a backyard barbeque just before tuning into the next “biggest game of the year,” are privileges of freedom that should never be taken for granted.
May we also remember that the battles we write about on Bleacher Report, those between the Dawgs and the Gators, Alabama and Auburn, Texas and Oklahoma—those are not the ones that really matter the most. Far away from the safety of home and the cheers of an appreciative crowd, there is a battle going on where winning and losing is measured in life and death rather than numbers on a scoreboard. They should never be far from our thoughts and always in our prayers.
As I thought about the weekend before me, I knew John would not have me dress in black and immerse my life in a funeral dirge. He would forbid me to spend the weekend in mourning. I said a prayer of thanks for my friend and for my freedom, and then I enjoyed the gift of life.
I ran, I laughed, I lived, I watched college football with my family, and I went to church.
That’s how John would have wanted it.
Semper Fi, John. I love you, my friend!
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about 1 month ago
Sports has often been classified as an escape, which is why it is so remarkable that the unity of sports has captured so many Americans. But it is a story like this that really reminds you where sports stand on both the social and national hierarchy.
This is the best thing I've read on this site.
Left or right, liberal or conservative, there is a war and we must never forget that.
Remarkable work Gray.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks Takeover! Your comments ring true. Doesn't matter what your tag is - there is a war. Thanks again!
about 1 month ago
Wow. Dude that's crazy. My condolences. Your articles are always deep and well-written. God bless the USA!!!
War Eagle
Chris
from about 1 month ago
Thanks Chris! We have so much to be thankful for!
about 1 month ago
This was a great article. POTD
from about 1 month ago
Thanks Micah! I appreciate ou tking th time to read it! Thanks for the pick!
about 1 month ago
Wonderfully written gg. I too lost someone in Iraq and know how it hurts. Altough some may disagree all the soldiers that I've talked to who have gone over there agree they would never had changed their decision.
from about 1 month ago
Ryan, you are right. So many have expressed the same to me. I am sorry for your loss. Thans for your comment!
about 1 month ago
as always, great article GG. may he RIP. i've given you all the regular awards.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks Thomas, I appreciate it much!
about 1 month ago
Bleacher does not have enough awards to pass on to you. I, like Thomas, will give you what I can. I currently have a cousin who serves in the Army. He is on his first deployment to the area and information on him is slow to come in. All I can hope is that I am not writing an article like this any time in the near future. My condolences.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks for your kind comments Bela. Your cousin is in my prayers.
about 1 month ago
Most powerful Gray. Reminds all of us what's truly important in life, especially in these most troubled times. We have troops defending us right now - may they be safe. Thank you John and family for your sacrifice. Thanks Gray for bringing this to all of us.
Mary Jo
from about 1 month ago
Thanks for the comment Mary Jo. You are so very right.
about 1 month ago
Brilliant article mate, this shows how important life is, and that we should never let an opportunity pass. Best article yet mat, just glorious. Pick and stars, if only I could offer more.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks Michael. I appreciate the pick and the comment.
about 1 month ago
I'm sorry about your student and friend. There are people who touch us deeply in our lives and losing them is very tragic. The smallest thing we could do for them is let other people know how great they were. Needless to say, potd for the article and 5*.
from about 1 month ago
Stefan, Thanks for taking the time to read about John. I appreciate the pick.
about 1 month ago
Great article. Very well written and very emotional. I'm sorry for your loss. 5 stars and POTD for this touching article.
from about 1 month ago
Isaac, I appreciate your comment and the pick very much.
about 1 month ago
gg,
my condolences.
while i regret the price these americans pay, i am always grateful for the things they do.
ths is a fitting tribute to john. i'm sure his family is as proud as you are.
thoughtful and intelligent as always. well done.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks Daniel, He was such a special guy. It was obvious from early on. I appreciate your comment.
about 1 month ago
GG thanks for sharing this story. This is front page material for any website on the net, any newspaper in print, or any magazine on the rack.
You nailed it. 5 Stars and POTD no doubt.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks Dawg. I appreciate your kind words very much!
about 1 month ago
Good read Ghost, kind of the same thing I feel about 9/11 and the literally hundreds of friends and ex-coworkers I lost that day. I'm also with you that the anniversary of that day can be harder than the actual day.
It took me a year for 9/11 to hit me and I was in an office getting a cup of coffee and thought to myself that this is what my friends were probably doing when it all happened, it's not something you could ever expect. I left New York after I was in the bombing of the WTC in 93 and thoe who are anti-war, anti-soldier jst would never understand becuase I think in a way until then I may have been one of those.
In any event I'm about 6 miles off the topic, yet another great read.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks for the comment Mitch. Your closeness to that situation gives you a perspective that few people have. I'm am glad you are safe my friend!
about 1 month ago
Great article, GG. I'm studying to become a teacher right now and I'm learning just as you already have that the student-teacher bond can be a very special one. It sounds like you had a profound effect on one of our country's finest and I applaud you for it.
from about 1 month ago
Joe, what a great thing you are preparing to do! You will have an opportunity to influence that few others have. Use it wisely. Never stop being a student yourself. If you ever think you have arrived as a teacher, and stop studying, you will dry up and lose your passion.
Remember, you don't teach subjects, you teach students. Thanks for the comment!
from about 1 month ago
Couldn't have said it better myself, GG. I'm making sure that I'm getting my degree in the subject I'm most passionate about (geography), because I *never* want to walk into a classroom and not feel that joy of being able to share my knowledge, and more importantly, my passion for learning.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks Doc! I wish I could sit in your class! I know you're going to be a good one!
about 1 month ago
From the Iced Earth song Declaration Day:
So we make our stand and pray
On this declaration day
For independence I will fight
With liberty I will defy
So we make our stand and pray
On this declaration day
Give me liberty or give me death
I'll fight 'till my last breath
from about 1 month ago
Michael, Wow - powerful words! Thanks for sharing them.
about 1 month ago
Thanks Ghost. This really puts things into perspective.
I have been reading and laboring over my top 25 picks this weekend, and wondering how the Tide will do in 2 weeks against Ole Miss, and suddenly, after reading this, I have been brought back to reality.
I will now say a prayer for those serving our country in any capacity, and a prayer of protection over our troops. Thank you for the wake up call. 5 Stars and my POTD.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks my friend! I join you in those prayers for our troops.
about 1 month ago
Thanks for writing this. I know I'm not alone when I try to go out of my way to say "thank you" and shake the hand of a soldier when I see them in the airport or anywhere that I recognize them.
It's the very least I can do to acknowledge and thank them for the service that they give our country and the freedom they allow us to have.
Great article, GG. Thanks for sharing it with us.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks Jason, I have bought meals and paid for haircuts and spoken words of gratitude to our soldiers. It is what I can do to let them know they are appreciated. Thanks for the support you show them.
about 1 month ago
I know that you're probably going to get alot of the "I'm so sorry" comments, which are very appropriate, but I feel like saying that would not do the tragedy justice. There is so much pain and anguish behind "I'm sorry" that should be expressed through more than just a few words.
I've considered joining the army, and my best friend's dad is in Iraq and has been for some time now so I could only imagine the hurt.
I'll be praying for you and every person effected by this.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks Jared! I will pray for your best friends Dad.
about 1 month ago
GG, I heard on the radio Friday afternoon a guy who had survived when 19 others didn't on his tour to Somalia. I'm sure you remember that tragedy of 1993.
It was the anniversary for the day those 19 brave soilders had died. He called in and fought back the tears to read the list of names of those 19 men. This was all done on the Paul Finebaum network, which most know is a sports talk radio program.
But that didn't matter. Sports, for a few moments, took a back seat, as it rightfully should have.
While we cheer and scream and act out of our minds during sporting events, we all need to remember that brave men, millions of them, have died and are still giving their lives to give us the blessing and opportunity to do those things which we love most.
Great article. Brings it all into perspective and hopefully back to reality for those who perhaps have forgotten why we are blessed with so much here in the US.
God bless the troops and this great nation!
Thanks for the great article!!!
from about 1 month ago
TC, thanks for the comment. WE tend to slip into taking things for granted from time to time. Oct. 3rd always is a wake-up call for me, as is Veterans Day and Memorial Day.
about 1 month ago
this was a powerful article about a great person.
when it comes down to it, when we exit this world all we really have are the experiences from the lives that we have touched and the experiences from others who have touched our lives.
i'm glad to hear your friend gave you both.
thank you for sharing this with us.
POTD.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks JG. I really appreciate the kind words.
about 1 month ago
Great Read as usual Ghost.
Really puts things in perspective, one thing everybody should be asked to do at some point in their life.
I have many fears about the road this country is going down. But we can all rest assured those who have fought for it and died for it in the past are, and will remain, the true hero's.
This country wasn't always so political... it used to be more about America, and us as Americans working together and fighting together to acheive a greater good. Maybe one day we will get back to that point!
My condolences to you and John's family, as well as all those affected by wars.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks Mitchell. I share both your hopes and your concerns for our great nation.
about 1 month ago
My deepest condolences. I have family in Iraq too, and I hope I never get one of those calls. I am positive you had a great influence on his life. Look how much influence you have had here on us.
R.I.P. Marine.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks Lisa. I have prayed for your loved ones over there, and am grateful for their service. Thanks for the kind comments.
about 1 month ago
Great article mate, Never forget him and he will live on.
We all talk about hero's alot on Bleacher but John is a real Hero.
This is the Article of the year buy the way.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks Benjamin. Your kind comments mean a lot.
about 1 month ago
Great article mate, Never forget him and he will live on.
We all talk about hero's alot on Bleacher but John is a real Hero.
This is the Article of the year buy the way.
about 1 month ago
Thanks GG,
Living here in Va Beach a huge military town, I hear stories from people here everyday. My condolences.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks Michael. I used to live near Ft. Stewart, GA, where the 3rd ID was located. I know exactly what you are talking about.
about 1 month ago
Gray Ghost, dude I consider myself a tough guy. My wife just came in asked me why I was crying. Kids like your John Stalvey make me proud. Thanks for sharing his story.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks Franklin. I am glad you have the ability to show emotion. Sometimes we equate manliness with dry eyes, but that is not so. I am glad that John's story reached you.
about 1 month ago
Gray Ghost, dude I consider myself a tough guy. My wife just came in asked me why I was crying. Kids like your John Stalvey make me proud. Thanks for sharing his story.
about 1 month ago
Another incredible read GG. It's these kind of articles that stand out--because not only are they well written but it's also coming from the heart. Gave me goosebumps and teared me up a bit--as I look around and see all that we, the USA, have in front of us....My best friend is serving in Iraq right now--he is among the many courageous souls fighting out there....my heart and prayers go out to every one of them :)
from about 1 month ago
Thanks so much Kristin. You are right - we have so much to be thankful for! I will pray for your best friend as he serves in Iraq.
about 1 month ago
Many have died there, as they did on so many fields of battle for more than two hundred years, and every single one left a legacy we would do well to cherish and appreciate.
Great article.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks for the comment Roy. Very true statement - we are indebted to so mnay.
about 1 month ago
Thank you for that piece GG. Im sorry for your loss. A couple of weeks ag, I had the chance to see the moving wall. As a vet it was very touching. I started to tear up and then didnt want my young nephew to see me. Then I realized that he should see how emotional of a situation it was. Your article brought a tear to my eye also. Thank you for keeping us thinking. Your friend Jim
from about 1 month ago
Thank you for the comment Jim, and thank you for your service to our country. I am honored to have you call me "friend".
about 1 month ago
I am very sorry for your loss! He is a true hero and so are the soldiers still over there!! Thank you for this read GG! 5 Stars and POTD
from about 1 month ago
Dan, Thanks for your kind words and the pick.
about 1 month ago
Similiar to your masterwork "The Chair", this article gives you the opportunity to express your feelings through your brilliant writing abilities. You have communicated the essence of the day itself.
Ghost, this is why you are ranked #1 overall in writing articles that are the Pick of the Day on the Bleacher Report. Not because of sports reporting, but because of touching and personal stories regarding human suffering, and human feelings of joy. Your translation of the dignity of the human life to paper is an awesome gift that touches everyone and that is why you have such a wide audience.
The Gray Ghost is a treasure to the Bleacher Report. As with all of your articles, if you take the time to write it, it gets the pick of the day from me.
Thank you for sharing that powerful story with us.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks B.T., as always you are encouraging to me, and I appreciate your friendship here on B/R. What I love about B/R is it gives me the opportunity to write about sports and life, and also to interact with those who take the time to read what I wrote. You don't get that feedback/friendship from a newspaper for the most part. B/R is a treasure to me!
from about 1 month ago
B/R is a treasure to all of us Ghost, but guys like you and BT make it truly special.
I can't thank you two enough for the time, thought, and emotion you put into your contributions. It makes my job so much more rewarding to realize how you guys feel about this Community given everything you bring to the table.
about 1 month ago
GG,
Beautiful article. This one hit home for me because my brother is in the Army and we know at any moment he could be called into duty and we may never see him again. Again such a great article as always Gray Ghost. ***** and a POTD from me, and probably your best article yet.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks for the kind comment Austin. Your brother is a true hero, and I pray that he will always be safe. I appreciate the pick my friend!
about 1 month ago
Wow, what an amazing article. This is one that you just stop and sigh after you read it. It makes me wonder out of all the kids I taught today, who will end up being like John Stalvey. It's amazing how we remember every little detail about the sad times, but forget the things that make life great. John Stalvey and men like him make life great.
You are the reason I read Bleacher Report, Ghost.
Great job.
about 1 month ago
POTD and 5 stars!!!
from about 1 month ago
DD, another teacher! Great! Your students will touch you as much as you touch them. They will teach you a great deal about life if you are open to learning. If they know you love them - they will listen. You must reach their heart before you can reach their head. Thanks for the kind comment and the pick.
about 1 month ago
God bless and hold you USMC Corporal John Stalvey. You, those who came before, those now serving in our armed forces, and those who will serve; they all deserve our unending support and respect for their work in the name of freedom. Semper Fi Marine.
Thank you GG, for your service to our youth through teaching, another occupation which deserves our support and respect, yet receives far too little.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks my friend! I appreciate the kind comment, and share your respect for those that serve.
about 1 month ago
Again sports as an escape is ringing true! With all the bad going in on the world, the hurt economy, etc, its only natural to think of the luck that we have, being able to put it all away and put our feet up and watch college football on Saturday, or put the playoffs on TBS, etc. Some are not as lucky, but rather more noble, such as this fallen hero.
We will not forget.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks Anthony. Very true words!
about 1 month ago
Thank you for sharing this personal part of your life. Serving this country as a soldier is the most honored way a person can serve the United States, but serving as a teacher in our schools isn't far behind. Students know the difference between a teacher/professor that cares about students' success in life, and those that don't.
You wrote this article with your heart, and this piece is written wonderfully.
5 stars and POTD.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks Daniel, I appreciate the kind words and the pick. The thrill is that my students stay in touch we me even though I live across the country from them.
about 1 month ago
Wow, this is a touching story. Pick of the Day for me. This is why everyone should pay respect to all the families and friends of soldiers, like John, who touched so many lives, and fought to keep our country free.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks Tommy! I appreciate the comment and the pick!
about 1 month ago
Excellent GG! My father was a war hero in the Navy and I was born on a naval base in Jacksonville, Fla. I have just learned that Cody my grandson has chosen to join the Navy upon graduation from high school, so this article really tugged at my heart.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks Dorothy, you were born right down the coast from my hometown of Savannah. Please hug your grandson for me and tell him thanks!
about 1 month ago
Gray Ghost,
I think this is the most powerful article I have read on this site. It really hit me harder than usual as well. Saturday, I two, instead of getting excited about the Bama game as I normally would be was at a funeral for a US Soldier.
This man was one in a million. He had a wife and a 5 year old daughter that was his world. He was blown up by an IED. He was blown up "protecting the country he wanted to fight for." If you asked his little girl where her Daddy was she said "He is protecting God. He protected the country and now God needs him." This little girl and her mother were stronger than I ever thought possible for a human to be. They kept their composure all throughout. That is, until the graveside service when we were all walking away. The little girl jumped on the casket and said "No Daddy you can't go yet. You have to protect me." There was not a dry eye in that place.
I say all that to say, on any given Saturday that man would have been at home with his wife and daughter watching the game. Or calling her and watching it when her. Except this Saturday. THis Saturday he was still watching the game...just from a different view. With someone being deployed to Iraq that I know it puts everything into perspective.
Thank you so much for the article Gray. It was magnificantly done.
ROLL TIDE and God Bless Those Serving,
Cameon
from about 1 month ago
Thanks for the sobering comment Cameon. You have a lot of depth for a 16 year old, and I appreciate you sharing your experience and your insight. I am proud to be your friend!
from about 1 month ago
Your very welcome Gray. You are too sweet. Definitely an author that I want to be like one day. Thank you so much for your support and helpful tips.
about 1 month ago
Gray--
I was all set to spew some mental trash about football and baseball on B/R today, when your note on my profile linking me to this story sent me to another place. I have to say, I am touched by this piece and am glad you wrote it. It takes courage to write about anything that is so painful, yet so moving. This is really a great learning experience for me--and it only took me a few moments to read and experience it with you. Thanks for the story. You're a killer author, GG.
from about 1 month ago
Stephen, it is friends like you that make me love B/R. Thanks for you kind comments and your support of my writing.
about 1 month ago
GG, my deepest condolences! Sorry to hear about your friend!
After a long long time, I had actually sat back and reflected on my life!
Thanks for writing this heartfelt piece! I admire your courage! You never fail to update us on life...We are privileged to have a teacher like you to guide us!
RIP MARINE!
Thank you for writing this article, GG!
from about 1 month ago
Dev, thanks for being willing to read my words and letting them touch you. I am grateful for people like you here on B/R.
about 1 month ago
Greatness, Gray. Thanks for sharing this.
Bert
from about 1 month ago
Thanks Bert, your kindness means much!
about 1 month ago
If I hadn't been out of commission I'd have gotten back sooner.
If you've ever read any of my work, or had a conversation with me for longer than three sentences, you know I'm all about the gloom and doom. Teams, coaches, players, fans, you name it I've probably said something negative about them at some point and chances are I'll do it again before I say anything positive about them. It's who I am.
That being said, I can't begin to say how much I enjoyed this article. It gave me the boost I've been needing. We need more stories like this, not just because they're touching but because they teach us that valuable lesson that there is a nobler, more important world outside of the realm of sports.
Beyond pick of the day, pick of the year.
from about 1 month ago
Wow Ray. I feel honored yet undeserving of such props. Thank you for reading and letting it reach you. I am glad you are my friend!
about 1 month ago
Good piece, GG. I could tell you put your heart into it. A great tribute to your friend, John. Fortunately, I haven't had to deal with the pain of losing a loved one to war, but my heart goes out to all of the young men and women who fight for our freedom. I am thankful for eveyone of them each and every day and I will support them in all of their endeavors both at home and abroad.
My pick of the day and 5 stars!
from about 1 month ago
Joseph, you are one of the bright young writers here on B/R, and I thank you for reading my work. I hope the pain expressed in this article will never be experienced by you or your loved ones. Thanks for the pick!
about 1 month ago
Great work GG.
As an American with two cousins that served in Iraq and Afghanistan, this story hits close to home.
I'm fortunate enough not to have lost my relatives in battle, but there are thousands out there that have felt the same pain as you.
As the war continues, it's important to support both the families of those who serve and the brave men and women that put their lives on the line every day.
I'm proud to be an American. I'm proud of everyone that volunteered to go boldly into the fray.
We will never forget the ones who didn't make it home, and should always thank those who did make it back.
They are all heroes. They all deserve our utmost respect.
Thanks GG for taking the time to share Cpl. Stalvey's story, as hard as it may be.
He will be in my prayers.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks my Bulldog Buddy. We are forever indebted to those who have served our country, and we should support them and their families. I appreciate your comment and input.
about 1 month ago
GG.
Great article man. I don't think I can add much from the others who commented, but I'll say that I never mind reading an article that allows me to see how life is but a vapor and I should live each moment as if it were my last.
God bless the troops, God bless America, and may He bless us to be heros in our own rights.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks my friend. Charles Spurgeon once said "Live so as to be missed when you are gone" - John did just that. May we do the same.
about 1 month ago
Gray,
Thank you for your time and effort in helping to develop a great young man. It takes a special person to have that type of positive influence on the youth of our Nation. Thanks again for taking time to share your experience.
I will pray for his family and hope that they are blessed in their time of need.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks for the comments and the prayers. Welcome to B/R! This is a wonderful place full of wonderful people. Most are very zealous about their teams, yet respectful of others opinions. I really appreciate you taking the time to read and comment.
I noticed you are in Georgia now. Enjoy the sweet tea, which I make here in Idaho, and the boiled peanuts - which are nowhere to be found here in the NW!
about 1 month ago
GG-
Congrats on potd....hopefully his family got to see this sweet tribute towards him. Bless you.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks Lisa my friend. I sent the link to them and am certain that they will be touched by all of the support and admiration that are shown in the comments for their fallen hero.
about 1 month ago
Great read.
-RT
from about 1 month ago
Thanks RT!
about 1 month ago
Ghost,
Deepest condolences. A very moving article.
Ike
from about 1 month ago
Thanks Ike! I appreciate it.
about 1 month ago
Ghost-
A truly amazing article & tribute to a remarkable young man. You were a gift to him & he to you. Thank you for sharing this, it certainly puts into the focus the true meaning of the word "hero."
from about 1 month ago
Kara, Thanks for taking the time to read and comment!
about 1 month ago
This is the best article I have read since joining the Bleacher Report.
I am truly sorry for your loss GG,
Nate Powers
from about 1 month ago
Nate, thanks for the kind words. I appreciate it.
about 1 month ago
Thanks for the great tribute to my dear nephew. He loved and respected you too, GG. I imagine we who knew John are all better for it. I for one, after having my heart shredded at the loss of that young man, will never look at the American flag the same, nor will I ever take for granted what God has blessed us with in this great nation. But with the blessings come responsibilities, and I will strive to do my part to perpetuate what is right and honorable, just as John believed we should do. As much as I love college and pro sports, none of that means much when viewing the larger picture. As Beecher put it: "...it's not what we take up, but what we give up, that makes us rich."