Serving our country is patriotic and self-sacrificing. Everyone should ask themselves if they really have the courage or were patriotic enough to leave their family and friends, by choice. This choice can go on for months or have no clear end in sight, all to defend the idea of helping people you don't know, understand, may never meet, just so they could have a small taste of the benefits of freedom we have in America. Everyday, Americans, men and women, take this brave proactive step and continue to preserve our freedom and hope that others unbeknownst to us may one day be fortunate enough to experience this as well. Help honor our military and share!

When Josh Hargis was an Army Ranger stationed in Afghanistan's Panjwai district he came under enemy fire and suffered wounds. He survived his severe injuries while four of his team members were killed. This soldier was given the Purple Heart by the American government. The photo above was sent to his wife that was taken by his commander and the note that came with it is an inspirational message. It took couple of hours after Josh was wounded before he arrived at the hospital to be treated. When he was seen by doctors, he was immediately operated on. Many hours later, he emerged from the ICU at the Afghan base of the US military in severe pain & mental duress. However, he was alert and he received the few Rangers allowed at this bedside. Before he was transferred to Germany where he would be flown back to the US, Joshua was given the Purple Heart. The simple ceremony was held in honor of the wounds that he received in action. Imagine a room full of Ranges, doctors, nurses surrounding the wounded soldier who was confined in bed. The Ranger Regimental Commander presented the medal and pinned it to Josh's blanket. The official orders were published verbally. The Commander leaned over to Josh and sincerely thanked him for his noble sacrifice. The 50 people in the room assumed that Josh was unconscious at that time, but he started moving his right arm in an effort to salute the officer. The doctor tried to restrain Josh because his right arm had all sorts of tubes and bandages over his wounds, but Josh fought the doctor and successfully rendered a salute. That day, the height of emotion which permeated the ICU was truly intense. All the men and women were overcome and began to weep as Joshua's simple gesture spoke volumes about his character. The picture that deserves a place in every newspaper and news channel is now hanging above my desk. For me, it is the greatest event that I have witnessed in my 10 years serving in the US Army.