I can’t tell you how many times in the last week Ive read and re-read about the heroism and sacrifice made by this great soldier! I have always said that the word character cannot be defined, but you know it when you see it. The only time you truly know what you are made of (your character) is when the chips are down (things are out of control) and the situation could not be any worse. Or to quote from a man who’s character changed the world: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” Martin Luther King, Jr. Sgt 1st Class Alwyn Cashe was injured, soaked in gasoline, he was being shot at by the enemy, but yet his instinct was to save his men trapped in a burning vehicle that was hit by a roadside bomb. He could have saved himself; NOBODY would have faulted him for doing so; but he chose to willingly sacrifice himself to save his men. You can’t help but ask yourself the question would I have measured up? I’m sure there are many out there full of (fake) bravado who will say they would have done the same thing, but those are just empty words. And that’s why the question haunts me; the only way you will truly know the answer is when the chips are down (things are out of control) and the situation could not be any worse! That statement is backed by the (relatively few) awards for heroism in our history. I’m an Airman; I’m proud to have worked with the Army for over half my career and patrolled with them outside the wire in places like LSA Anaconda/Balad AB, Iraq. I humbly say that I am honored to have served my country with great American hero’s such as SFC Cashe.
Posted on: Mon, 15 Dec 2014 21:52:35 +0000