Marines - Semper Fi! Soldiers - This We'll Defend! Sailors - Anchors Away! Air Force - Fly, Fight, Win! Coast Guardians - Seper Peradus! "Always ready!" On Veterans Day, this veteran wants to thank everyone who served and still serves our great nation.
Related
Thank you for your bravery, selflessness, sacrifice, discipline and commitment to these great United States of America.
Thank you for your dedication. When we are awake or sleeping we have the comfort of knowing you are standing against our enemies ready to give your life.
Ready to give your life for our ability to watch the Saints, cheer on the LSU Tigers, have a crawfish boil or Thanksgiving dinner with family and friends, or celebrate purple, green and gold at a Mardi Gras parade. Thank you for the freedoms we all love.
A little family history of the Garic males. My grandfather served in the United States Army (Infantry) in the Pacific Theatre of WWII. Grandpa Sam lied about his age to join the Army after the attack on Pearl Harbor. He was just 16. He's deceased now, but I still have the letters he wrote from the front lines to his mother- my great-grandmother, Francis. I was proud to find out, upon his death, about his CIB (Combat Infantry Badge). That means my grandfather fought in a combat zone. He's my hero!
My Father is a retired Army Officer. David Garic rose to the ranks of Major; he was a tanker, a tank commander. He spent 20 years ready to go to combat and defend our country. I remember when the first Gulf War broke out, I was just twelve years old, and my father volunteered to be deployed to a combat zone. As a child I didn't understand…why would he do that? But, now as a veteran I completely get his reasons. Dad told me "That's what I signed up for, I want to defend my country". I can relate, there is no magnanimous death than a death on the battlefield defending our country. Only after serving, did I understand this notion.
My Dad was one of the Amy’s best soldiers. He never got to a combat zone. I was relieved. He was disappointed. He was my hero then…he’s my hero now…and will always be.
Out of high school in 1997, as a kid meandering through life, I knew I needed discipline and direction, so I joined the U.S. Marine Corps. After 13 weeks of boot camp at Paris Island, the self-centered, out of touch with reality Kristian Garic finally learned the concept of "team" and "greater good.” The military gave my family purpose, direction, and a sense of belonging. It gave the same to me. And, I’m here to testify, there no greater gift.
Veterans, you are a gift. You are the backbone of our country. The best the red, white and blue has to offer. Thank you for your grit, your fight, for pushing through and living up to the unrelenting standard of America’s military service. Thank you for your sense of team and loving your fellow Americans enough that you were willing to sacrifice so much. On behalf of all of us here at W-W-L – THANK YOU! You are the reason we’re able to serve our community.
Aside from becoming a father to three children that I love more than life itself – Hunter, Hayden and Holden - serving our country is the greatest honor and accomplishment of my life! As many of you have, I wore the uniform with great pride, because it symbolizes love of America. If nobody’s told you lately, please allow me - I love you Veterans, more than you will ever know. Semper Fi! Always faithful!
Related
Related
