One Special Moment of BBQ on the River

[KyNola]

The reason I posted this photo of Rick is the gentleman on the right who is my friend Brad.  If you look closely in the photo at Brad's left leg(sorry the chair has it partially blocked) you will see Brad's leg is made of titanium from the knee down.  Brad was in the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment and while on a mission in Iraq the personnel carrier that he had just gotten out of hit an IED.  The blast and shrapnel removed his leg.  Fast forward a couple of years and Brad was in a very bad place emotionally. Then the Wounded Warriors found him and most likely saved his life from himself.  When I learned of his relationship with the Wounded Warriors I asked Rick to make him a survival bracelet in the Wounded Warriors colors, which Rick promptly did.  I had told Brad nothing about it and when I gave it to him you would have thought I handed him a million dollars.  He was overwhelmed that a total stranger who had never even met him would do anything for him.  He asked to contact Rick which he did and they have communicated several times.  Last Friday night, Brad finally got to meet Rick.  The embrace brought tears to my eyes.  I wouldn't trade that moment for anything.

Brad, thank you for your service and sacrifice.
Rick, thank you for helping Brad to heal.

[Tenpoint5]

Way cool guys! Thanks for taking care of our Vets!

[Sailor]

An example of two great Americans!

[beefmann]

very cool, great story and a great way to show  appreciation towards out  troupes that  defend our  freedom and  rights 

[ragweed]

Thanks for sharing.  I routinely donate to the PVA but as yet have not had the opportunity to do something personally.  Way to go all three of you!

[Tenpoint5]

Larry if he needs another one let me know.  As 10.5 1/4 now has the equipment to make them

[Saber 4]

It was an unbelievable moment and an honor to have met Brad a fellow Cavalry Trooper and wounded warrior, he has an incredible amount of warrior spirit deep in his soul, Old Bill is surely smiling down on this Cav Warrior.

[Wildcat]

Amen.

[NePaSmoKer]

It was an honor finally meeting Brad.

And

My son gets out of the Army in November. So much for that because he sworn in to the Massachusetts NG MP Unit and will be deployed for a 5th time.

We are proud of him.

[Saber 4]

Hooah!!!!

[hal4uk]

I reckon I like this thread, and all them fellas and all y'all too.
Awrighten.

[KyNola]

Rick, you know you have a dedicated son when he swears in with the MA NG unit while still wearing his 82nd AA C2-504 fatigues.  I know the MA NG is proud to have him come on board.  You don't get a much more experienced soldier than him.

Congratulations to him and please thank him for his continued service for me.