MakingOfAHero

In a day and age where there is no draft, how do we accomplish having
the mightiest military force in the world? When you think about the
fact that each American Soldier has elected to enlist, you have to
wonder, "What kind of person is willing to sacrifice their life for our
freedom? And where do they come from?" Let me tell you about one of
these American Heroes.

On November 6, 2003, America lost SPC. James A. Chance III, age 25,
after his vehicle struck a landmine in Iraq, near the Syrian border. He
was laid to rest in his home town, Kokomo, Mississippi.

After speaking to Mr. Chance about his son, it is not hard to
understand where James would have gotten his courage and heroism.
He was proud to tell me that his family has served in the military for
several generations, as far back as his grandfather. Mr. Chance
served his country in the Vietnam War. He has lived his life in a wheel
chair due to the injuries he sustained while there. What sacrifices this
man and his family have given for the rights of each of American!

His son James, gave up most of his teenage life, caring for his father.
James had already known the sacrifices and horror that war can bring
to a family, yet he thought it to be his duty to serve his Country. James
was already a hero before he joined. Now, he has given the ultimate
sacrifice...He gave his life, for all of us.

These days have been extremely hard for the Chance family, but Mr.
Chance assured me that they would get through this, that God works
in mysterious ways.

He is so very proud of his son. He is proud that his son loved his
country enough to stand up for her, proud that his son wanted to
follow in his footsteps as he did in his father's.

Although the Chance family has given more then most of us can even
imagine, they still believe in the Red, White, and Blue. They understand
that our freedoms can not exist without these sacrifices. They believe
in One Nation, Under God, Indivisible..

Many have expressed to Mr. Chance, that because of his sacrifices, he
should be against this war on terrorism. He simply tells them that his
feelings are quite the opposite. He and his family want all to know,
"We have to 'stay the course' and persevere. We have to win this war
on terrorism. It is the only way we, as a country, can truly pay our
respects and honor those that have given the ultimate sacrifice...

Our Heros!"

So, this is where we get heroes from...from families willing to fight for
you and I. Families, that after losing a part of themselves, one of their
children, are STILL willing to salute our Red, White and Blue! Each
soldier overseas right now, has the right to know that America stands
behind them. I'll leave you with these famous words from Mark Twain,