Our True American Hero

This is my short introduction blog. My name is Shelley and I am married to a Staff Sgt. in the US Army. He has not yet been deployed in this current conflict in Iraq, and I thank the Lord daily for that. However, we recently lost one of his best friends in this war, SSG. Richard Ford 3 months ago. This blog is being started in honor of him, all the soldiers who are giving their lives on a daily basis and for all those that are returning from this war with missing limbs and severe wounds. I would love it if readers would post their own devotions/tributes to a soldier they may have lost or who is suffering from wounds. I also hope to find great links to organizations helping our wounded soldiers. I know there are many great websites, blogs and links out there on the web devoted to our American soldiers, however one more can never hurt! There is so much controversy over this war, but we MUST Support the men and women who are there fighting this battle every day. Even if you don't support the war, we must be there for these soldiers. I want this war to end so much, however it must end in a way that these Heros did not die or give up thier limbs in vain.Here is the story of SSG Richard Ford - (more to be added at a later time)He was like a brother to us and it is a terrible loss. We love him and we will miss him terribly. Rich was on his third tour of duty in Iraq. He died on Tuesday, February 20, 2007 from wounds suffered in combat. Sgt. Rich Ford was a paratrooper stationed at Fort Bragg, N.C.. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 325th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division.He was a wonderful man and friend. Imagine a huge smile on his face when you look at his picture, because that was how he always looked. He always had on a "goofy" grin. Rich and Frank worked together in G Company 104th Aviation for a few years before Rich went to Airborne school to serve in the Active Army. Frank was blessed with the opportunity to spend some time with him this December before he left for this tour of duty.In the Associated Press Release, it was quoted: "Sergeant Ford honorably served with the White Falcons distinctly for the three years," said battalion commander Lt. Col. Richard Kim. "Richard possessed all the qualities of a great paratrooper."He joined the CT Army National Guard 1995. He entered active duty in 2004. He was a decorated soldier. Rich had previously served in Iraq from December 2004 and March 2005. His second tour was from September 2005 through December 2005. He was a recipient of the Army Medal of Valor, the Bronze Star and Purple Heart among several other honors.Please keep Rich's son Michael (11 yrs. old) in your prayers. In a quote to the news, His son, Michael Patrick, of Bridgeport, Conn., called Rich his "greatest hero." "I would like everyone to know that I'm extremely proud of my dad's service to our country," he said in a statement. "I love him deeply and will miss him terribly."Our friend was given a HERO's good-bye by the State of Connecticut. It was a wonderful tribute to a man who died for his country. Rich was buried on Monday, March 5, 2007 at Arlington National Cemetery. We miss you Rich! We love you! We will never forget the sacrifice you made for your country. You died doing what you always wanted to do, being a GREAT soldier!
A Poem for You!
A Hero is someone who will lay his life down for a friend.
Soldier, you were a Hero until the end.
You gave your life on an Iraqi street.
Your mission is now complete.
All we have now, are memories which are so sweet.
You knew the Red Sox had what it takes,
and you loved those chocolate Little Debbie Cakes.
Not a greater Cowboy Fan there ever was,
and you always smiled, just because.
One thing we know is true,
when it came to your son,
No one meant more to you.
Your crazy, goofy smile so sweet,
There is no greater soldier we will ever meet.
We will say goodbye
with a well of tears in our eyes.
A Hero is someone who will lay his life down for a friend.
Soldier, you were a Hero until the end.
You are and always will be our friend.
Looking forward to hearing about the Hero in your life!

Shelley and Frank