The cost of freedom is so great and some pay more than the rest of us. This week 2 more soldiers died in Afghanistan making this the deadliest year since 2014. These apache pilots were providing security for ground troops during a night raid. The rotary blade of their AH-64 Apache Attack helicopter clipped the edge of a mountain peak and crashed-destroying the helicopter. Every single mission on every single deployment is a risk, it really brings home the point of how much these men and women are willing to sacrifice...along with their families. We lost some really incredible people who were willing to give their lives for our country. These two pilots were brave, loyal, intelligent, hardworking soldiers who will be greatly missed by those they served with. However, their families will bear the brunt of the sacrifice moving forward.
David C Knadle was 33, married to his beautiful wife and they have 2 kids - a boy and a girl. He's been active duty in the army since 2013. He'd just taken up bodybuilding and placed second in his first competition. No matter the sacrifices he had to make to better his life and be healthier he was willing to do them.
Kirk T.
Fuchigami Jr was 25 and had just married his beautiful wife in April. She said they were so happy together and that the months with him were the best of her life. He knew in high school he wanted to be a pilot and studied diligently in school to be the best at what he was doing. His wife McKenzie said he was "
He was and is a strong, courageous soldier and loyal husband. Eight months of marriage with him was the best months of my life. He taught me so much about love and respect. I’m blessed to have been loved by him so fiercely. He wanted a challenge, he loved his country, and … he always said he was willing to die for his country,” He really went out of his way to help others.
As Americans we enjoy so many freedoms because of the sacrifices made by soldiers like these fine men and their families. They sacrifice to keep evil at bay and spread freedom to those who don't enjoy what we have. We owe them our honor and respect...and some time spent serving those around us. As we serve in whatever ways we can, as we honor all those serving, as we stand for and appreciate the freedoms we have, we insure their lives were not given in vain.
This is why wearing our shirts is so important to us...it has become a sacred opportunity to wear our support. Every time I put my shirt on I know it is a reminder that there are people serving and sacrificing. It is a way I can show my support to everyone who sees my shirt. It is a way I can say that I see them, I see their families, I see the things they are giving up...and I honor them. It may seem simple (and it is), but it is powerful. It is so much more than a shirt.
Sources:
https://www.deseret.com/utah/2019/11/22/20977969/army-pilot-killed-in-afghanistan-will-be-buried-in-utah
https://www.stripes.com/news/middle-east/army-pilots-killed-in-helicopter-crash-in-afghanistan-remembered-for-their-heroic-legacy-and-heart-1.608095
