The gold medal of Honor is hanging around this soldier's neck, but you can see the prosthetic in his hand that catches your attention. The hand is able to hold a glass or shake someone's hand, just like the one that a ranger used last week to shake President Obama's hand as he became the 2nd living veteran since the sixties to be awarded the highest honor offered by our nation. These hand movements are all controlled by a motion sensor that is connected to the brain and allows the user to do many normal actions. When he needs to, the soldier can change his hand to suit different circumstances. When he's doing some work in the kitchen he can take off the hand part and put a knife blade on his arm so that he can prepare food easily for his family. When he's out with his friends golfing he can attach another special device that helps him hold the golf club correctly so he can swing just as well as the other players. "I'm not the best player in the world, but I have a good time" the soldier said in a meeting with the press. "I'm able to really relax and have a fun time. Plus I've met a lot of fantastic people doing it." The soldier lost his hand when he was trying to grab a hand grenade and throw it in another direction. By doing that he saved the lives of two fellow soldiers and was awarded a medal at the White House. When he was a child he always saw the medal as something that would be an honor to be awarded. However, when he won it he felt completely overwhelmed because of all the attention he was receiving. Over the last week he travelled all around, including visit to Ground Zero, and also waving to fans at a baseball game in New York. But it is his new hand that has gotten the most looks, showing some of the improvements in military technology that are letting more injured veterans to serve on after injury in the military. "I just want to say that your hand is pretty awesome before we get into the show," said a famous show host before he began an interview with the soldier. The soldier stated his experience with the advances in military medicine came when he was first in a hospital for burn victims and amputees. "When I walked around the place I was amazed. I couldn't even tell the difference when I saw a guy with a fake leg when he had pants on," the soldier said. "I was amazed. The technology has come so far that there's nothing that they can't do." He also has been brought down to earth by the "great moods" of other soldiers with medical problems much worse than his. In his current job he helps injured military personnel from all areas and their families. He gives advice to soldiers and also assists families set up transport, meals and a place to stay. But he, even after being injured, wanted to go back to serve. Earlier this year he went back to the Middle East for his 8th tour in a war zone. "Over the past couple of years I've been seeing the other men training, and it's fantastic to finally be back and serving again," he said. "The most difficult thing about this was having my wife understand why I wanted to go back. She said that I had already lost so much, why would I want to go back?" The soldier said to her that his risk isn't any more than the other soldiers already over there serving. She responded by saying that she knew it was important for him and that he should be with his men.

The federal government shutdown gives an adverse and negative result to some families whose loved ones are killed for the service of the nation. They will not receive the assistance and aid from the government to cover the cost of funeral and other expenses entitled to them by the death of their beloved. The denial of support brings more pain and suffering to the family. Over the weekend, five U.S. service members were slayed in Afghanistan and their families were informed that they will not receive the $100,000.00 for burial expenses and death gratuity. Generally this benefit is received within 36 hours from the time of death. The money is used to help the surviving family needs until they recuperate. The amount is also used to augment the budget of flying to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware to view the remains of their loved ones in flag-draped caskets. According to Gayle Tzemach Lemmon of the Council on Foreign Relations, the government in Washington is not in session, however, we are still requiring people to go to war for us. And if something happens, the rest of the families are left hanging. What are your thoughts?

On late Saturday night the newlywed couple William Riley and her wife Nikki was driving on their way to hotel for honeymoon when they stopped and helped a woman whose car had slid off in the snow according to County (Ind.) Sheriff's Office. According to Nikki, her husband is very caring and he is willing to help anyone who is in need. Nikki stayed in the car and only William got off and helped the 42 year old woman named Linda Darlington told the police. While helping the woman, another car struck William and Linda and two other cars following were also hit. The pair and they were both killed instantly. Nikki the wife of William, a registered nurse heard loud bump and went out to help but was too late according to Sun-Times. William Knight and Linda Darlington were pronounced dead on the scene and both died of blunt force trauma told the Lake County Coroner office. The drivers of the cars involved in the mishap stayed in the scene but no charges had been filed. William Knight is a retired U.S. Army Ranger and he left two daughters, a stepdaughter and a stepson. Nikki, the bride is still in state of shock. It was a nightmare she said. Rest In Peace Leave a comment.

On April 15th, 2013 James Costello was at the finish line of the Boston Marathon. He was right near where the explosions occurred with friends from his childhood. Both his arms and legs were burned so badly that they had to use pig skin to help the areas heal. He said on his Facebook wall that even though it was a horrible day for him that it has led to happiness. James proposed to his wife while they were traveling in Europe for survivors of bombings. The two met because of this tragic event, and the trip seemed like the best way to begin their shared life together. James proposed in Lyon, France. aaaaah :). The bombing at the Boston Marathon was a horrible occurrence, but there is still something beautiful that came from it. It goes to show you that not all things in our lives are black and white and that in the end there can be beauty.

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.