WILLIAMSON
FOR
U.S.
CONGRESS
DEMOCRAT
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 6
480-607-9726
“The Future Can Be Ours!”
Dear Friend,
Watching the PBS Memorial Day program this evening on TV, one could see
the agony and ecstasy of Memorial Day. The agony of knowing about those
who have died in the service of our country; but also the ecstasy in
witnessing how some who have been severely wounded, nevertheless have
survived and overcome their injuries to get back on a positive path of
life-living and achievement.
The history of U.S. Army Ranger Kristofer Stonesifer was told. Ranger
Stonesifer, at age 28, was the first serviceperson killed in Operation
Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan on Oct. 19, 2011. He died in a helicopter
crash while on a rescue mission. His mom, Ruth Stonesifer, became the
first OEF mother to take on the national presidency of American Gold Star
Mothers, an organization for moms who have lost children in military
service. Ruth describes the group as a “wonderful organization none of us
ever wanted to become eligible to join but we are grateful to have.”
(www.pbs.org)
The remarkable story of Marine Sergeant John Peck, a survivor, was
incredible. He had first suffered a traumatic head injury in Iraq from
which he recovered and then went back for another tour of duty, this time
in Afghanistan. There, while searching for IED’s, one blew up and caused
him to lose both legs, one arm at the shoulder, and the other at the
forearm. Nevertheless, unbelievably, he has overcome these obstacles and
was present at the Memorial Day celebration in person, with a big smile,
prosthetics and all, sitting next to his fiancee and what appeared to be
her two children.
Besides appreciating those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our
country, what else can we take away from Memorial Day? I think we can feel
lucky for what we have and not feel sorry for ourselves too much when we
think of the challenges we face each day. If we’re a student, maybe we can
spend more time on homework, grateful for being in a country where we have
the opportunity to learn. If we’re a dad, maybe being more patient with
our children when they come to us with a problem that requires some effort
on our part to help. If we’re a kid, maybe giving our parents the benefit
of the doubt when they offer us advice. If we’re a boss, maybe cutting our
employees some slack and recognizing their hard work. If we’re an
employee, we can try to see our supervisor’s point of view if at first we
don’t agree with it.
People died so we could be free; let’s not squander our freedom. And as
for survivors like John Peck, let’s cheer them on as they teach us how to
believe in life enough to overcome obstacles that we might think at first
we’ll never get by but which, with effort and dedication, we can.
May your Memorial Day lift you up in this way.
Sincerely,
John
W. John Williamson
Candidate for U.S. Congress, CD6
Scottsdale, Arizona