The Ties That Bind: Dakota Meyer, USMC, to receive Medal Of Honor

I'm putting a lot of links in this article, and I hope you will follow them.
The Hubs was home this weekend. He came back from Afghanistan, and made a pit stop here before returning to post for outprocessing. While he was here, news of the next Medal of Honor Recipient Dakota Meyer, USMC, reached us. There was one word that stood out, which made both of us pause: Ganjgal.

As it is for Dakota Meyer, that day brings back a torrent of memories. None of which are easy. After watching Meyer's videos, we learned of his mixed emotions. "All of this attention is great, but it was the worst day of my life," he said in the American-Statesman. Nevertheless, the Medal of Honor is a tradition, and marks a pivotal moment in time when the full extent of a service member's character emerges and conquers the horrendous demands of tragedy and violence. Valor, courage and honor prevailed that day.

Of all the photos sent to me by The Hubs, this is the one that stays with me.

Shoes powerwashed after MASCAL event. 9/2009
Photo credit: LTC Anderson, 759th FST

America's 1st Sgt has included it in his well-read blog, Castra Praetoria. He's written a thoughtful piece and has mentioned the 759th Forward Surgical Team, which was thick in the middle of the action that day. Each person in the 759th fought, lost, and gained something that day.


 I looked back through my archives and found this tribute that I wrote for the young Navy Corpsman, James R. Layton.  (I hope you will reread it). Layton grew up in the same area I did. There are so many ties that bind many service members and their families to that day.

The Hubs and I are very grateful to Dakota Meyers, for his actions, 

and for embodying the very best virtues. 

We wish him peace and love.