Boston Marathon Bombing: The Human Spirit and our Heroes-A Tribute to Those that Do it Everyday

April 21, 2013 - PRLog -- Heroes.

They come in all shapes and sizes. They're found in the expected places – the battle field, burning buildings, wearing fatigues and combat boots, or in uniform carrying a badge.

They're also found in unexpected places. On the streets of Boston wearing a running shoes, on the streets of New York in a business suit, and inside an average looking home as a mother or father sit with their child with love to instill a legacy of freedom, hope, courage, success, and joy.

Some people are surprised and perplexed when they see the human spirit in action; when they see Americans rushing to help a complete stranger. But we’re not. Because we understand that goodness prevails.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aj1SSV2B8to



We are humbled; we are proud; and we are grateful for the men and women that raise their hand and volunteer to help us at home as well as thousands of strangers across the sea.

Every day there are Americans that go the extra mile. Every day there are Americans in our military that lace up their boots and endure harsh conditions in foreign lands to ensure our safety and freedom.

Why? Because…” I need to go out there…I need to help…”

We are grateful for all of them.

Some serve their country for years and then return to civilian life. Others serve their country…and never make it back home to the arms of their families.

But they do make it home.

It would be impossible to fully do justice in this little space to all the men and women who have fought and served and died. But we can honor one Navy SEAL team whose picture is on our site.

Men just like these go out everyday and do things we don’t know about to keep us free. To allow us to go to the mall, sit at a coffee shop, and spend the day at the beach with family and friends with a sense of security.

The only time we hear about their “job” is when something goes very right; or goes very wrong. But very often they do important things without receiving public recognition.

That’s okay. They are not looking for the limelight.

You don’t know their names. All of them except for one died while serving our country and ensuring that our legacy of freedom, hope, courage, success, and joy is possible.

And to their families – thank you.

When life was precious and time was short you shared your sons, brothers, friends, and husbands with us.

Note: To see pictures of the team go to: http://militarygradenutritionals.com/blog/navy-seal-train...

Matthew Axelson – Age 29 from Cupertino, CA served 5 years as a Navy Seal, died on June 28, 2005 in a counterterrorism operation in Kunar Province. He was awarded the Navy Cross posthumously. It was stated that

“Even after being wounded, both men ‘continued to fight the enemy with undiminished zeal, covering the extraction of the rest of their team while they stayed and fought. Putting the safety of their teammates ahead of their own, they displayed extraordinary heroism in combat.”

Daniel R. Healy – Age 36 from Exeter, NH served 13 years as a Navy Seal, died on June 28, 2005 in a counterterrorism operation in Kunar Province. During a rescue mission, the MH-47 helicopter he was aboard crashed after being hit by a rocket-propelled grenade.

He is remembered this way:

“Senior Chief Dan Healy was a great SEAL. He was fiercely determined to face the enemy on the field of battle. I know of no other man who I would want with me more when facing the enemy. All SEALs will forever be held to a higher standard because of what Dan Healy did.”

James Suh – Age 28 from Deerfield Beach, FL served with the Navy Seals, died on June 28, 2005 in a counterterrorism operation in Kunar Province.

“…Suh, seven other SEALs, and eight Army commandos died in their heroic attempt to rescue their fellow SEALs. LT Michael Murphy, Matthew Axelson, and Danny Dietz fought on courageously and were killed in the firefight against overwhelming Taliban forces.

A total of 11 SEALs died that day in the War against Terror, in the biggest single loss of life for Naval Special Warfare forces since World War II. To a man, they embodied the Navy’s core Honor, Courage and Commitment, and took care of their teammates to the end.”

Marcus Luttrell – is the only survivor pictured from that Navy Seal Operation.  Born in 1975, he served with the Navy Seals for 8 years. Upon his return to the states, Luttrell wrote a book about his experience called Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10.

To aid in his recovery and rehabilitation once state-side, he was given a Labrador puppy names, DASY which represented each member of his team-Danny Diets, Axe, Southern Boy, and Yankee. He has gone on to become married and start a family; however as with many soldiers returning home after experiencing combat, that transition did not come without challenges.

Shane Eric Patton – Age 22 from Boulder City, Nevada was a 2nd generation Navy Seal (following his father’s footsteps), died June 28, 2005 in a counterterrorism operation in Kunar Province. A friend from high school remember Shane this way…”He wanted to be a SEAL, and he wanted to be the best…”

Michael P. Murphy - Age 29 from Patchogue, New York served with the Navy Seals, died on June 28, 2005 in a counterterrorism operation in Kunar Province. Murphy was the leader of the four man SEAL team that entered the mountains and was ambushed. He was injured and still climbed to higher ground to call for help. He continued to fight but was killed as he fought to allow other members of his team to escape. He was awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest national honor.

This is a story of just one SEAL Team on a single mission.

Yet every day men like them train mentally and physically to handle what could come down to a single gun fight. Physically and tactically they need the skills. And mentally, they need the motivation to do what it takes:

“…For about 45 minutes, the men fought on, as ammunition ran low. Three SEALs were wounded by gunfire or rocket-propelled grenades. One screamed “I’m hit!” Murphy yelled back, “We’re all hit! Keep moving!”

Keep moving.

Freedom, Hope, Courage, Success, and Joy.

"Scripture tells us to “run with endurance the race that is set before us.” As we do, may God hold close those who’ve been taken from us too soon. May He comfort their families. And may He continue to watch over these United States of America….”

When the duties and sacrifices that other people make so that we can enjoy freedom, many people wonder “What can I do?" One place you may look is an organization that honors and supports our Navy SEALs and their families:

http://www.navysealfoundation.org/

Sources used to Honor our fallen heroes: listed on the site