We Are Americans

Oh, I do know we are not all officially Americans, but in these days particularly, it is good to be reminded of the best of what it means to be American. I was given permission to share the following with you all...

We are Americans...........

by Chuck Shuck on Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 2:09am

Friends,

Thought I would share this story that happened last night while driving from SC to MO.

I was traveling on Interstate 24 and had just entered Kentucky around 8:30 pm when I spotted a white suburban on the side of the road with it's 4 way flashers on. I hesitated for a second, but decided to stop in case they needed help. I spotted 2 young boys on the passenger side of the vehicle and later saw 2 adult females and 2 younger females. I asked them if they were ok and they said they broke down and they were waiting on a KY state trooper (who never showed up), but their father went off with 2 guys in a pickup truck to find a tow truck. I could tell they were uneasy with the father being gone so I told them I was a Soldier and that I was not leaving them until either the trooper got there or their dad got back. I put the 4 kids in my car with AC and talked with the mother and aunt about how miserable Ky was lol and 40 min later the dad showed back up with these Kentuckians and 10 min later a tow truck who got the truck started for them. I followed them to a gas station to ensure they were good to go and they were. As I was getting ready to pump my gas, the dad ran over and begged to fill up my tank and I refused and told him , we are Americans and we should be taking care of each other. He looked at me like I had 3 eyes and said you are serious aren't you? I replied yes and told him that it was my sincere pleasure to assist his family. By 10 pm I was back on the road.

For the next 5 hours, I did a lot of thinking on how much better this country could be if we just went back to the basics of helping thy neighbor and being considerate. I also thought about how much I preached to my Soldiers about living the Soldiers Creed and I immediately thought of the line I serve the people of the United States and live the Army Values. This family from IL hopefully left KY with great thoughts about the US Army and Soldiers because that is what we do, we take care of our fellow Americans!!!!

One of my fave Chuck and Gabe pictures from when they were serving America on highways in another part of the world.



I was going to add my own 2 cents' worth (*cough*) of commentary to Chuck's piece above, but no need. I will instead point any new readers here to a previous column I did about why I Believe in America..

It would be so easy to wallow in despair about the state of America these days. However, I have faith that as long as we have men like Chuck, and the individual Americans I introduce in I Believe in America, there is grounds for optimism.

Thank YOU, Chuck!




God Bless America.

Some Gave All: SSgt James Ide V

The military K9 community is in mourning today, as word of a fallen hero becomes public.

News report: here

DeSoto, Mo (KSDK)-- A local soldier has died in Afghanistan. Staff Sgt. James Ide, V was one of the seven U.S. troops killed in weekend attacks.

His family got the news Sunday morning.

James Ide joined the Army immediately after graduating from DeSoto High School. And 13-years later, his family says he still loved what he did.

Ide served in Korea, and two tours in Iraq before his current posting in Afghanistan. He was a canine handler working with Daphne, a bomb sniffing dog, often in the most dangerous situations.

His family knows few details about what happened, only that he apparently died Saturday from a gunshot to the head and that there will be an investigation.

His wife Mandy and two small children are currently in Germany. Loved ones describe Jimmy Ide as an outgoing person, dedicated to his family and his faith.

Ide was 32-years old. His family says he would have headed home in October. Now, they're planning his funeral at Jefferson Barracks. (here)

"...Angels sing 'Amazing Grace'..."


Chuck is one of the K9 troops who is grieving this huge loss today. On his FaceBook page he has this:

Chuck Shuck This song reminds me of Jimmy..........Hearts are hurting throughout the K9 world tonight and I am not sure if this wound will heal

Another FB comment:

In the short time i knew Jimmy, SSG Ide his amazing smile and gentle spirit touched my heart,,, I feel truly blessed by god to have known Jimmy... He will be missed !! Jimmy was an amazing man, he loved his country, his family and God.

And another:

Please pray for the Ide family. I lost an old comrade today in Afghanistan and he left behind a very young and beautiful family. God bless you, SSG Jimmy Ide. The Army just lost one of it's finest leaders and dog handlers. I wish I was able to tell you what a great guy Jimmy was. Words don't describe it well enough. You won't be forgotten.

My heart, filled with sorrow and gratitude, is with all who love this hero.

Rest In Peace, SSgt Ide. Your work here is done now.

[Added: SSgt James Ide V was laid to final rest September 11. The Patriot Guard Riders were there, and they produced this video. Shared with permission:

JBHARLEYGUY | September 12, 2010

A video photo collage of the entire Patriot Guard mission for Sgt. Ide. Some pictures are mine and some are from other Patriot Guard members. (here)