Proud of Those Who Serve

Veterans Day gives us the chance to honor all of our sons and daughters for serving and protecting our nation. My dear friend, Mary Ryan, (children’s author) is the proud mother of CMDR James Barry Ryan. Mary told this story.

After the retirement ceremony for our son CMDR James Barry Ryan, USN Ret., the captain who had emceed the program made it a point to tell me how much he admired our son. He especially mentioned how patient and helpful Barry was to the entire staff. “He doesn’t show people how he loves God,” the captain said. “He shows God how he loves people.” There have been many times we’ve been proud of Barry, but that has to rank right up there near the top.

I am proud to say that my son, Sgt. Joe Reinart is a veteran. Thank you to all who have served and for your many sacrifices. We are so proud of your commitment to us. We love you more than you know.

Photo by Mary Ryan

Our Hearts Break at the Loss

We hold in prayer all the families, friends, colleagues,troops,and Navy SEALs that recently lost their loved ones in Afghanistan. The Associated Press stated,” One source says the team was thought to include 22 SEALs, three Air Force air controllers, seven Afghan Army troops, a dog and his handler, and a civilian interpreter, plus the helicopter crew.”  We can only cry with you and never forget the sacrifices you made for us.

What Our Soldiers Do For Us

My friend, Angela told me a story. She attended a funeral last week. The man that passed away had a son that was deployed. This soldier was unable to make it home for his father’s funeral.

The pastor held a cell phone in his hand. He said, “This might seem strange to conduct a prayer service holding a cell phone.” The deployed soldier was on the line and was able to hear his father’s funeral service.  Angela said, “You could hear this young man say amen and follow along with the prayers.”

Because he was deployed and protecting us, this soldier was unable to attend his father’s funeral.  God bless him and his family.  We are blessed by the sacrifices made everyday by our troops and their families.