Helping out a Marine

Background: I've recently gotten really into all things military. The book "No Easy Day" really got into my heart. Aside from aspiring to be a SEAL (Hush. I can have dreams, people!), I've got a new appreciation for all of our military member's sacrifices for our freedoms. I think sometimes soldiers get a bad reputation as hard partying, killing machines. In reality they are sons, daughters, husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, friends and loved ones. They keep peace, help those in need and take out enemies. They put their lives at risk in training drills and in the field and do not get paid nearly enough for it. They age their bodies much more quickly than your average civilian and don't complain about it. They give and give and we don't give enough back in the way of appreciation.

My dear friend Joe, an active duty Marine, sent me the following Facebook message this week: "One of my Marines got the cancer on his spine and had it cut out. He has neurological damage and partial paralysis of one leg. The doctor says he won't walk again. He doesn't rate a lot of benefits because he wasn't wounded in combat. Through Wounded Warrior Battalion, he has become involved in hand-cycling and wants to go to the Para-Olympic trials. To get his own "bike" he has to pay $800 out of pocket while supporting his family of five. This guy is so incredible that he was selected for promotion to Staff Sergeant with partial paralysis and pending medical separation. This guy is the real deal that caught a raw deal. I'm trying to get money together from some Marines around the company, and then Lorraine and I (Joe and his wife) are going to cover the difference. Do you know anyone who would be interested in a donation? It's going to be completely under the table, and they will get nothing out of it. It's a hard sell, I know. I figured if anyone can sell military support, it's you."

I was honored that he thought of me as a willing helper. And also, you guys, Joe and his wife are going to help pay for this out of their own savings. They have two young children at home, too. I was so, so taken by this that I, of course, sent some of my own funds. If any of you have the same reaction please let me know and I'll get donations sent to this Marine. If nothing else please pray for him. I don't have his name but the Lord does. I think the Marines do enough for us that we could stand to do a little for them. Ok, I'll get off my soapbox now.