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November 28, 2007

East Ridgelinburg

East Ridge is getting a water park.

Well, it's a start.

Guess I'll have to change the song...

Posted by colrus at 09:51 AM | Comments [3] | TrackBack

November 26, 2007

My Brother-in-Law: Medal Recipient

Yes, I know. I haven't posted in a few weeks. But here's something good with which to resume...

My brother-in-law, Sgt. First Class Roy H. Lewis, currently serving in Iraq, recently received a medal.

Here's the army's account:

The Army Commendation Medal with Valor Sergeant First Class Roy H. Lewis For valorous achievement while serving as a National Police Transition team member. On 11 March 2007, SFC Lewis charged through withering small arms fire, successfully leading the National Police in an assault on an enemy position.

His dedication to mission success and exceptional leadership are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon him, task force Thunderhorse, the Dagger Brigade, and the United States Army.

Given under my hand in the City of Washington,
Col J.B. Burton

Here's an excerpt from Roy's online diary:

The award was for what I believe was the time that I and another officer were shot at while on a walking patrol in a neighborhood. Hey folks, all that military verbiage sounds good, but I am not going to lie: This brother was scared!

It is true what they say about when you're in a dangerous situation: When it happened, I thought about my wife. I had thoughts of never seeing my children again. Even though this little skirmish might have lasted only a few minutes, it felt like hours. I remembered the captain called my name and told me to prepared to move out from our position. I remembered how dry my mouth became as I just acknowledged him by simply nodding. It was then that I heard the sweetest sound: my friend positioned on the 50-caliber machine gun letting his presence be known by letting a few rounds go downtown. I remembered the sense of relief I felt when I heard the very loud -- but very effective -- gun do its thing.

I don’t know about all that valor stuff. Heroes aren’t people. They're my favorite deli sandwich.

Congrats. We love ya, Roy.

Posted by colrus at 12:10 AM | Comments [9] | TrackBack