One family,Two sacrifices

bruno

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http://www.washingtonpost.com/sf/local/2014/01/18/one-family-two-sacrifices/?hpid=z1
A tough story to read dry eyed. I frequently am frustrated by the media for the paucity of coverage on Afghanistan these days, and for that matter by the membership of our forums for the relative lack of acknowledgment and conversation that we are still at war. In my humble opinion- we waste far too much time guessing what the DoD budget will mean to ROTC scholarships or graduate school slots or SA appointments, or the relative prestige factor associated with an SA vs an Ivy League College etc... and way too little reflecting on the Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen who have fought and are still fighting the 12 + years of war that we are still fighting.
 
Wow. That is gut wrenching. Thank you for bringing this to our attention. You are right, we do get caught up in the meaningless minutiae on this board at times while US soldiers are dying.

In the back of my mind, I worry about that for my son too. But like Traci in the story, "I let my guard down".

May none of us have to go through what the Wise family has gone through.
 
God Bless this family.

We do have to remember that there are service men and women that have fought and are fighting. You really have to do a google search to find the stories. It is always tough for the familes. It is always in your mind.

May God keep them all safe.
 
http://www.washingtonpost.com/sf/local/2014/01/18/one-family-two-sacrifices/?hpid=z1
A tough story to read dry eyed. I frequently am frustrated by the media for the paucity of coverage on Afghanistan these days, and for that matter by the membership of our forums for the relative lack of acknowledgment and conversation that we are still at war. In my humble opinion- we waste far too much time guessing what the DoD budget will mean to ROTC scholarships or graduate school slots or SA appointments, or the relative prestige factor associated with an SA vs an Ivy League College etc... and way too little reflecting on the Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen who have fought and are still fighting the 12 + years of war that we are still fighting.

Can't agree more. Makes me scratch my head when we hear the senior leaders state their number 1 priority is ending sexual assaults when we're still in conflict. Shouldn't it be to fight and win America's wars? :confused: (Not saying SHARP should not a priority, but that's an entirely different can of worms)

I will say, the area where this family is from has done a nice job at getting the community to remember this family's sacrifice. They've renamed either a football stadium or basketball arena (can't remember which one) after Ben and have held multiple events honoring their service.
 
Bruno,

Thanks for posting this. This story and family is amazing. They have my deepest respect. I agree 100% with you. Every person considering entering a SA should read this. The purpose of the board is to help prosepctive candidates and their families learn about the SA process, but I think its just as important to understand what a future graduate will face. Yes the wars are slowing down, but who knows where we will be in 2, 5, 10 years from now. I graduated in peace time, yet faced many combat deployments. I had attended 25 funerals by the age of 30 (only one of those was for someone over the age of 40) including burying my best friend, other close friends, an ex-boyfriend, some of my Marines and many others. Not all these deaths were from combat. Its a dangerous career path, training is dangerous too. I wish everyone the best of luck in the journey to commissioning, but please remember, regardless of SAT score, GPA, etc., the end result is leading young men and women and making decisions in life changing moments. Training is a dangerous environment too.
 
I can't imagine losing one, let alone two. God Bless the family.
 
My father was a WWII veteran. My mother was a teenager during WWII, with both of her older brothers in the Army along with virtually every male of age that she knew. She never took for granted that both of her brothers came home because she knew so many families whose sons and brothers did not. She knew many families who lost more than one member. Sadly, it was not uncommon. Even more sadly, we as a society have forgotten because we are removed from that time when everyone served and everyone shared the risk. It is important that we hear and read about today's service families and their stories, that we remember and support them, and that our young candidates, cadets and service members grasp the reality of their choice to enter the military. We must all have our eyes wide open. Mary Wise demonstrates incredible strength and grace! I am grateful to my mother for sharing the stories of her youth. As the mother of a future Army officer, I know that my heart and soul will forever be linked to every other service parent. May all of our kids be safe! Thank you for sharing. God Bless!
 
Wow....

What an awesome profile of the Wise Family. Im really at a loss for words on this.

Push Hard, Press Forward

The most difficult job in the world......being a parent
 
Retired Admiral Mullen recently spoke about the tendency of our culture to quickly forget the soldiers who have died and their families. He gives this as an example of the divide which separates military and civilians. He says this increasing separation is a disaster for America.
http://washingtonexaminer.com/adm.-...-die-in-our-dirty-little-wars/article/2542593.

Growing up, my Mom would sometimes comment after we met someone, “She’s a Gold Star mother.” She explained what this meant and how hard this was, so I knew about military sacrifice at an early age. Sadly, most today do not know.

The print edition of the AirForceTimes publishes a weekly column, The Human Toll. Combat related deaths are noted with the fallen soldier’s picture, hometown, and a short description of the circumstances. Googling the home town newspaper will tell you about their life, their hopes and dreams, and who they left behind. It is very, very hard for their families.
 
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