A TRUE AMERICAN HERO

I have been active in politics since my later teen years back in the early 70's, that is one of the reasons that I began posting on the web because of my beliefs and opinions and the fact that this blog allows me a forum in which to express both. There comes a time though when regardless of our political beliefs or who we support in Washington or even the pressing issues of the day that all of this must be set aside to recognize what truly represents America and who we are as a people. I listen to the Sean Hannity radio show as often as my job which requires a good bit of driving allows. For the last few months Sean has been talking with a true American hero and today this hero received some bad news but what he expressed during Hannity's show is an inspiration to all of us who call ourselves patriots and Americans. The soldiers name is PFC Joshua Sparling. PFC Sparling is with the 82nd Airborne out of Fort Bragg, NC. In November of last year while on patrol in Ramadi, Iraq PFC Sparling was severely wounded in the lower half of his left leg and has received the news that the leg will have to be amputated below the knee. He still has at least nine months of painful bone regeneration that he must endure to make it possible to successfully amputate below the knee which will allow this hero to have use of his leg with a prosthetic leg. His only wish is not for a full recovery so that he may go home and begin life as a civilian but rather that he will once again have the ability to re-join his unit and return to Iraq to finish the mission. His attitude is remarkable. Never does he express anger over his wounding or seek justifiable sympathy. Rather this brave American expresses concern and admiration for other soldiers that are in Walter Reed with him and a deep heart felt love for his country and pride in his military service for freedom. Whenever I have listened to this great American I am reminded that he and others like him are what this country is all about. The bickering in Washington, political positioning for this years election, Senate and House hearings and other daily stories that occupy the news though all important and worth our time and our expression of opinion and discussion are meaningless but for the sacrifice of men and women like PFC Joshua Sparling and their willingness to fight for what all of us believe in - The United States of America. This brave young man who loves this country and has willingly fought for not only our freedom but for the freedom of people thousands of miles from the land he calls home knows absolutely no regret for the loss of his leg nor for the time he has spent defending freedom. This is a true American hero. This is what makes American great and this is what insures that this nation not only has a bright future but a future filled with the promise of freedom and liberty. As long as men and women like PFC Joshua Sparling follow their heart and stand for what they and we believe then we as a nation and a people have nothing to fear. God bless you PFC Joshua Sparling !

Ken Taylor

If you would care to express your thanks to PFC Sparling send a card or letter to: PFC Joshua Sparling/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center6900 Georgia Avenue N.W.Washington, DC20307-5001