A True and Courageous Hero

I am a civilian.
I enroll myself in a monotonous life full of school, family, and late night basketball practices.
I live oblivious of the blood and tears shed, the lives lost and forever changed, all as a result of the desired pleasure of the seven letters of freedom.
I, along with many, know not what it takes to be that one, the one I’ll forevermore know as my true hero.

Despite his lack of "super-hero" status, Superman, nor Spiderman, not even Cat Woman has ever accomplished what my hero has.
My hero was not born with special powers. He cannot become invisible, or fly over the world unassisted.
However, what he does for you and me is better than anything a make-believe character could ever fathom.

His uniform may be camouflage, navy, or brown, but he serves the red white and blue.
He daily makes a choice to leave behind his spouse, children, family, and loved ones, telling them goodbye, not knowing if he’ll ever return.
He picks up his weapons and holds his head high as he prays a silent prayer and courageously goes off to battle.

I may never comprehend what goes through his mind as he spends his last moments on earth. I may never comprehend the joy of coming home to family and loved ones when the hope of such joy had long ago been relinquished. I may never comprehend the pain and sorrow associated with him leaving and, furthermore, his no return.

However, that which I can comprehend is sheer gratitude.
Men and women, families and friends: I thank you for your willing sacrifice to serve this country. I thank you for all that you have done and will do. May honor and respect follow your every footstep of every pathway that you take.
Fear not to take God with you. He desires to be your Friend, Companion, Healer, and Comforter. If you let Him, He will save you from the nightmares that bring about sleepless nights for you and your family.
May God bless you and your efforts.