Meet Mike, Pete, Joel, Dan and Dan’s lovely wife ( at least I think that is Dan’s wife).  They are combat veterans who I had the good fortune of meeting up with during a recent trip to Washington D.C.

Pete, Joel and Dan are cycling across the country to raise money and awareness for the Wounded Warrior Project.  I think they were a little tired. (Note Joel’s tan line in the photo.)

While they were in D.C. they spent some time visiting with actual wounded soldiers up at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.  Which is where Mike comes in.

Mike is a wounded combat soldier and was sent back home from Iraq in pieces.  You would never know that by looking at him because you are instantly charmed by his smile and dashing personality.  But, Mike is home now and learning how to put all the pieces back together….literally and figuratively speaking.  My brother and sister-in-law first befriended Mike while volunteering up at Walter Reed.  Now, a trip to D.C. to visit my brother also includes getting to see Mike.  Mike is like family now.  He even refers to me as his aunt. (And, upon reading my post phoned to tell me I left out a description of his handsome good looks!)

I told you he was charming.

Pete, Joel and Dan met Mike on the day they were visiting wounded soldiers up at Walter Reed and found Mike’s story to be one of heroism and bravery. They also ran into Mike later that evening at a famous restaurant across from the White House where I had joined up with my brother, sister-in-law and Mike for dinner.  Hence the photo of these four soldiers reunited again.

I have such tremendous respect for our soldiers, both past and present who have served our country with honor and distinction and fought to protect and preserve our freedom.  We are equally blessed to have so many soldiers like Mike, Pete, Joel and Dan.  They are fine examples of the brave men and women in uniform today and I sincerely thank them.

I thank them for their sacrifices and their service to our country.  Because I know that freedom isn’t free.

“Happy America, Land peculiarly Blest:  Long may it continue thus, under an all glorious Providence.”  Abigail Adams in a letter to her husband, John. December 12, 1794


Happy Independence Day America!
SW