US

America‘s ’Most Injured’ Soldier Heads Back to the Battlefield

After being caught in a battle for his life during the battle for Fallujah, Iraq in 2004, Captain D.J. Skelton fought back against the pain of his extensive injuries.  Seven years later, he’s heading back to the battlefield to take charge of 192 men from his previous unit, the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, and to confront dangerous insurgents lurking in the plains of southern Afghanistan.

America‘s ’Most Injured Soldier Heads Back to the Battlefield

Capt. D.J. Skelton (ABC News)

Friends said his recovery should have been physically impossible.  After enemy rocket-propelled grenades pummeled him, then-Lieutenant Skelton says he has scant memories of the battle that almost took his life.  “I remember all my vision went out. I was completely blind. I felt no pain. It felt as if I was floating through the air on my back. My audio was still intact. … I could hear the firefight and voices in the distance screaming, but could not make out the words. … Then all of a sudden, I felt the most intense pain I have ever felt in my life,” Skelton told ABC News.

“I wanted to die right then. I hear a voice yelling, ‘Lieutenant … Lieutenant … oh my God … I think the lieutenant is dead. …’ I remember being drug and put into a vehicle. … I was screaming the whole time … but with most of my face blown off and my mouth destroyed … it came out as this ghostlike hollow sound … not even human.

Shrapnel had blast through the Lieutenant’s right cheek and exited through his left eye.  He’d also been shot in the arm and had a “shrapnel tunnel” dug through his chest.

“My left arm was destroyed, but my hand was intact. I have no bone between my hand and elbow. My stomach and chest were split open where shrapnel and AK-47 rounds had shredded. My right leg had a fist-sized hole through the lower portion. All the bone was missing from my foot to my knee.”

When he woke up from his real-life nightmare, the Army’s “most seriously wounded commander” found himself at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, D.C.

Six years and more than 60 surgeries later, Skelton, 33, is missing his left eye, the roof of his mouth is gone, he has only partial use of his left arm and limited use of his left ankle.  But his friends say his uninhibited “warrior spirit” is helping guide him back to the battlefield.

“I wanted to return to my men,” Skelton says.  “The fact is they never quit on me, and I wasn’t going to give up my fight and quit.”

His recovery wasn’t always smooth sailing, however.  Skelton recalls laying in recovery feeling miserable when another wounded soldier — a double-amputee — inspired him.

“I saw a fellow wounded warrior who had lost both of his legs. He was an enlisted soldier and was going to therapy every day and always wore a smile and a great attitude,” Skelton said.

“One day my mom asked him why he was so happy, when he looked to be more injured than her own son who was being quite pathetic in [his] recovery. He didn’t even hesitate, ‘Well, look at it this way… at least I have my two eyes … I don’t what I would do if I ever damaged this handsome face.’ Life is all relative.”

America‘s ’Most Injured Soldier Heads Back to the Battlefield

Capt. J.D. Skelton (DOD)

From that point on, Skelton used his arduous recovery as a time to study and better himself.  He’s taught himself Mandarin Chinese, graduated from West Point military academy, completed a Harvard University fellowship, and wrote a book — a caretaker’s guide for wounded service members.  In addition, Skelton served as a military adviser to then-Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England and co-founded a non-profit organization to help physically disabled individuals participate in outdoor sports.

“I can either dwell on what happened and be miserable and pissy and complain or I can look at what I do have left and figure out how to make the most of my new life… how to make what I have work while always looking for creative ways to make up the difference,” he says.

America‘s ’Most Injured Soldier Heads Back to the Battlefield

Despite his injuries, Skelton is an avid outdoor sportsman (ABC News)

“It is physically incapable for him to do what he is doing,” Skelton’s friend, retired Army officer Lt. Gen. John Nagl, says. “And I have no doubt that he will succeed.”

Skelton, now a Captain, hopes to rejoin the 2nd Stryker Cavalry in the coming months.

“Capt. Skelton is providing a great example of courage, strength and commitment,” Gen. Peter Chiarelli, vice chief of staff of the U.S. Army, says.  “Although his body was wounded, his warrior spirit was not.”

Comments (157)

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  • Kisha
    Posted on February 24, 2011 at 10:12pm

    What a beautiful story! Out of our own misery’s can come our greatest strengths! God Bless you Soldier and all the men and women who serve our country. I wish we were able to honor you like you’ve greatly honored us.

    Report Post » Kisha  
  • GrandpaGreer
    Posted on February 24, 2011 at 10:09pm

    Amazing! My new hero! God blessed us all with this man to watch over us and his fellow soldiers.
    Thank you, Captain, for your service.

    Report Post »  
  • RedeyeBlind
    Posted on February 24, 2011 at 10:09pm

    We have the best military because it too is made of We the People, Never forget that!
    A man like Capt. Skelton lies within us all search him out be the best you can be and our great nation will not only survive but thrive. God bless him and god bless America we sure could use the help.

    Report Post » RedeyeBlind  
  • DVT
    Posted on February 24, 2011 at 10:08pm

    Hooah!

    Report Post »  
  • Justin.Long
    Posted on February 24, 2011 at 9:59pm

    God bless him, a true American

    Report Post » Justin.Long  
  • Utah Patriot
    Posted on February 24, 2011 at 9:58pm

    God bless you Capt. Skelton. You are one of a host of genuine American hero’s that give me hope for this country. All of our military alive and deceased deserve the utmost respect and honor. Thanks to all of our fighting men and women for all you have done and continue to do for all of us here at home.
    God bless!

    Report Post » Utah Patriot  
  • kc_chiefsfan
    Posted on February 24, 2011 at 9:57pm

    This young man’s story should inspire everyone to do more with their own potential. It is inconceivable that he is able to return to active duty after what he went through but I think I’d give my own eye to serve under him. Imagine what his men will think when he returns and the lengths they will go to in order to successfully complete their missions! God bless you Capt. Skelton and God Speed you there and back home safe! Thanks for all you have done and will do in service to your country!

    Report Post » kc_chiefsfan  
  • CatB
    Posted on February 24, 2011 at 9:56pm

    Well done … a true American hero … may God protect you and your men … living life to the fullest indeed.

    Report Post »  
  • ONE PIECE
    Posted on February 24, 2011 at 9:56pm

    THANK YOU!! You are a great treasure & inspiration to us all!

    Report Post » ONE PIECE  
  • SilentReader
    Posted on February 24, 2011 at 9:53pm

    This is an amazing story. He is an inspiration to all of us.

    Thank you, Captain Skelton. You are a hero. God bless you.

    Report Post » SilentReader  
  • MyzPhoenyx
    Posted on February 24, 2011 at 9:52pm

    Very humbling, indeed. May God continue to bless you and I’ll keep you in my prayers! Thank you for your service and inspiration.

    Report Post » MyzPhoenyx  
  • Phil E. Stine
    Posted on February 24, 2011 at 9:52pm

    Its a pretty sad situation when the only part of our government that can be trusted or respected, is our military. Its the reality that we find ourselves in today my friends.

    Report Post » Phil E. Stine  
    • zman173rd
      Posted on February 24, 2011 at 11:14pm

      You know Mr. philistine, (may I call you Phil?) , When it finally comes right down to it, The military will roll right over your free arse just like the police will. Orders are orders. The law is the law. If individuallly each patriot MAN and WOMAN in the Military were to stand up and say “Hell no we won’t fire on our own contrymen”. Then we might have a chance. But it will start in spits and spurts. In “National Emrgency situations” and other names that the military would be hard pressed to say no to. Like the so called “protests” going on in Wisconson and other states. Given time the military will have little choice. I believe as well as you do that the country‘s only chance to survive what’s happening today is the ARMED forces. I did my time and am a better man for it. I back them to the hilt until such time as they turn on us. I hope and pray to GOD I’m wrong but I feel that time is coming.

      Report Post » zman173rd  
    • zman173rd
      Posted on February 24, 2011 at 11:48pm

      Also reference SGT KURZ comments on the story of PSY_OPS Warefare as follows;

      “In the field, you have no wealth.
      You are taught to always put “mission first” above all else. Your health, your family, friends, and “personal belongings”.

      Report Post » zman173rd  
    • CurlyJ49
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 10:23am

      ZMan it may comfort you to know there is a group called the Oath Keepers. We are military and law enforcement personnel that swear to uphold the constitution over unlawful orders.

      Report Post »  
  • Jere
    Posted on February 24, 2011 at 9:51pm

    This man did more in six years than any whole, well human could do in six years. Do you possiably have a big red S on your chest.

    Report Post »  
  • texanpatriot
    Posted on February 24, 2011 at 9:45pm

    Compare this report to the next one on Soros. This fine man is a true American who is determined to fight to save his country from Muslims who want to destroy her. Soros is a man without a country who tries to make money off of the misery of any and all people.
    Pure patriotism compared to pure evil.

    Report Post » texanpatriot  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on February 24, 2011 at 9:51pm

      Is it just me, or did anyone notice something you brought up in your post. The man here is a true god blessed patriot of the first order, and Soros is the lord of darkness incarnate. (my words for soros).

      Glenn mentioned at the end of his show about tommorows TV show being one of great things and of good people, if I remember right. So we have one story of Spooky Dude Nutcase incorporated followed by a true American hero who shows off all the good parts of humanity and the USA.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
  • conservativewrath
    Posted on February 24, 2011 at 9:40pm

    God Bless this soldier. Paton would kiss this kid on the lips, not in a gay way though.

    Report Post »  
    • lillianrose
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 2:16am

      Agreed! This man is a real soldier. Believing in fighting for our country to keep us safe and free!

      Btw-I was just reading an article with the headline “Combat troops to get gay sensitivity training”

      Report Post »  
  • RightPolitically
    Posted on February 24, 2011 at 9:39pm

    I wish him well. He is a great hero. Wouldn’t it be great if he and others like him had greater support from the current administration who are secretly, I understand, negotiating with the Taliban.

    Report Post » RightPolitically  
  • bclinger
    Posted on February 24, 2011 at 9:38pm

    A true American hero. Thank you Captain Skelton for your service.

    Report Post »  
  • Vixvenom
    Posted on February 24, 2011 at 9:37pm

    Humbling…..

    Report Post »  
  • scoter
    Posted on February 24, 2011 at 9:36pm

    God bless you. Thank’s for all you done. And give for us to be free. THANK’S

    Report Post » scoter  
  • Mannax
    Posted on February 24, 2011 at 9:35pm

    *sigh* and I complain when my back hurts.

    I don’t believe that there is anything that could stop this man after having been through what he has been through. Good luck in all you do.

    Report Post »  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on February 24, 2011 at 9:41pm

      Agreed, my leg and other problems are nothing compared to what he has gone through; he also shows the human will and spirit combined to the best in one unstoppable force to overcome any and all challenges in life.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
  • dealer@678
    Posted on February 24, 2011 at 9:34pm

    Thats the guy i wanna be next to when the the sheet hits the fan.

    Report Post »  
  • stevefim5
    Posted on February 24, 2011 at 9:33pm

    God Bless you, Capt. Skelton. You are an inspiration to us all and a credit to the unifrom!

    Report Post » stevefim5  
  • American Saint
    Posted on February 24, 2011 at 9:32pm

    You Sir, are a true American. God Bless You.

    Report Post » American Saint  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on February 24, 2011 at 9:28pm

    Captain Skelton, I wish you the best, and hope for a swift completion of mission and swifter return home in safety and wholeness.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
  • HumbleMan
    Posted on February 24, 2011 at 9:27pm

    G-d bless him. Thank you sir, for all you have done.

    Report Post » HumbleMan  
    • Creestof
      Posted on February 24, 2011 at 9:33pm

      Let me ask you more knowledgeable people here…how would we go about sending him some care packages for him and his men?

      Report Post »  
    • mental-indigestion
      Posted on February 24, 2011 at 9:51pm

      @Creestof, you can try these sites http://www.anysoldier.com/WhatToSend.cfm or this one http://www.opgratitude.com/

      Report Post » mental-indigestion  
    • stevefim5
      Posted on February 24, 2011 at 9:55pm

      @CREESTOF

      You can use this link to send packages to a different (but equally deserving) unit:

      http://brendanobyrne.org/Carepackages.html

      Report Post » stevefim5  
    • Comm Marine
      Posted on February 24, 2011 at 9:56pm

      It’s God. Go ahead and say it

      Report Post » Comm Marine  
    • TruthTalker
      Posted on February 24, 2011 at 9:56pm

      True Grit.

      Report Post »  
    • CultureWarriors
      Posted on February 24, 2011 at 9:58pm

      Oh my, words really can’t express the gratitude and admiration. What an incredible inspiration!

      Everyone… next time you get P.O.’d because someone cut you off in traffic… Shut the F up and think about those who really sacrifice to give you your freedom.

      Creestof – Excellent question!

      Report Post » CultureWarriors  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on February 24, 2011 at 10:00pm

      I love it when a general states that something is impossible to do, and someone still proves capable of doing it. My grandpa was a marine in WW2, and showed me that the word ‘impossible’ just means someone has not yet achieved it or figured out how to make it happen.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • banjarmon
      Posted on February 24, 2011 at 10:19pm

      Sir, Thank you for fighting for our Freedom. You are doing more the ANY congress person ever has in serving our country.
      Please when you go back, take ALL of congress and the potus and all his cronies with you, put them on the front line and let them try to win the war. We want you to be seated in a safe place and watch and tell us how they do.

      Thanks again.

      Report Post » banjarmon  
    • 13th Imam
      Posted on February 24, 2011 at 10:22pm

      Fair Winds Capt Skelton to you and you’re unit. Upon you’re return I would like to invite all your unit to give a talk about patriotism at Columbia University God bless you

      Report Post » 13th Imam  
    • Star Spangled
      Posted on February 24, 2011 at 10:23pm

      God is NOT a bad word !

      Report Post » Star Spangled  
    • bringdough
      Posted on February 24, 2011 at 10:39pm

      Yes, God bless you, sir. Thank you for your service. With men like this I am sure we can win any war we fight.

      Report Post »  
    • docgreen
      Posted on February 24, 2011 at 10:41pm

      I would rather pay these Guys millions than to waste a single dime on the Obama Admin! Anyone who worked, works, or have lost their lives in the Military deserves everything we have! They shouldn’t have to worry about housing payments or getting injured or anything!…. It should all be on US!….
      The Medical procedures we use now days all the way to Surgical procedures, to Flight Helicoptors, to Ambulances, even our Police procedures have stemmed from our Military! Oh and Yes, allot of these Men and Women end up in Law Enforcement, or various other positions! We need to thank all of them and put them in our prayers!

      Report Post »  
    • DagneyT
      Posted on February 24, 2011 at 10:43pm

      Amen, Humbleman. Living in San Antonio, home of SAMMCC (San Antonio Military Medical Care Center), formerly known as Brooks Army Hospital, I have met dozens of these very special American heroes. They are amazing people,and to a man, all of them that I have met have wanted to return to the field of battle. They inspire and humble me, and they have my undying love and respect!

      Report Post » DagneyT  
    • proudconservative
      Posted on February 24, 2011 at 10:57pm

      This guy is a real inspiration. We certainly do have some fine soldiers who are willing to sacrifice their all for our freedom and great country. These guys are deserving of a much better commander and chief than what they have, and that would be one of the best things we could do to honor them and we will in 2012.

      Lets do all we can to make that happens as they are more than able to get the job done all they lack is a president who will turn them loose with the full force of the U.S. military and let them totally kick ass and then bring them home. If you have to fight a war you should go all out and do the job thoroughly not tie their hands in an endless quagmire… too many unnecessary casualties and too much wasted money.

      Report Post »  
    • proudconservative
      Posted on February 24, 2011 at 11:06pm

      Sorry I mean’t Commander-in-Chief not Commander and Chief, sorry I had a senior moment there. I really think the world of fine soldiers like this awesome Captain they really represent the best of America.

      Report Post »  
    • AzDebi
      Posted on February 24, 2011 at 11:08pm

      Have you ever been through something really horrible in your life? Like the loss of a mate or a child or a friend? What about the loss of a job, a marriage, a home or a pet? I‘ve looked back on the way I’ve handled some losses in my life…I cried, I pouted, I begged God to make it not so, I got angry and self destructive some times…I’ve pretty much done it all…but…while I was busy wallowing in my grief, life was passing me by…know what I mean? Not that grieving isn’t necessary and who can say how long each of us needs to grieve…the problem is, to my way of thinking, the longer it takes you to get through to acceptance…the more Father Time has passed you by….I know that down the road I looked back over my journey…like months or years later…and felt really stupid for not just accepting the situation and moving on much sooner…I wasted more time than I’d care to admit…and…sooner or later…we all MUST move on…and hopefully better for the experience…that’s what I feel Captain Skelton has done…certainly an unbelievably daunting task considering what all he had to rebuild…I noticed that it wasn’t simply his body that he had to strengthen, but he strengthened his mind as well…obviously preparing himself to take on a new role in his life…pretty smart I’d say, huh?…Not always an easy thing to do…I can’t begin to imagine the strength of body and soul it would require to “rebuild” your life the way Captain Skelton has…God has blessed him…may he continue to do so.

      Report Post » AzDebi  
    • Stonewall_Jackson
      Posted on February 24, 2011 at 11:37pm

      Captain D.J. Skelton, I thank you for your bravery and sacrifice in your service to our great country. I salute you and will pray you a safe trip back to your men. May God keep you safe.

      Report Post » My Hero-Allen West-click my name  
    • thepatriotdave
      Posted on February 24, 2011 at 11:49pm

      Hasn’t this brave patriot given enough? Can’t they find a safe job for him where he can still participate but not get shot or blown up?! I have nothing but admiration, love, and respect, for this man, but if it was up to me I would give him a job looking out over a swimming pool with nothing but swimsuit models for company. Or something as satisfying.

      God bless Captain D.J. Skelton – A real American hero!

      http://tinyurl.com/4rv8xsm

      Report Post » thepatriotdave  
    • DashRipRock
      Posted on February 24, 2011 at 11:59pm

      BROKER

      Dont you have some TPS REPORTS to finish?

      Report Post »  
    • My Sacred Honor
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 12:10am

      Comm Marine
      Posted on February 24, 2011 at 9:56pm
      It’s God. Go ahead and say it

      Well, only if you agree that it was God who inspired him, or allowed him to be inspired. “God helps those who help themselves” This MAN, this SOLDIER, this AMERICAN, defied the odds and not only lived, but “Lived like you were dying” -Tim McGraw…and now is able to maybe return to combat status.
      THAT is hard effing core, wouldn’t you say Devil Dog?
      BTY, COMM, I was a 2884 then a SINCGARS 2841 (and a MIMMS clerk when my unit needed one)….what was your COMM MOS? And Semper Fi, Brother!

      Report Post » My Sacred Honor  
    • My Sacred Honor
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 12:25am

      docgreen
      Posted on February 24, 2011 at 10:41pm
      I would rather pay these Guys millions than to waste a single dime on the Obama Admin! Anyone who worked, works, or have lost their lives in the Military deserves everything we have! They shouldn’t have to worry about housing payments or getting injured or anything!…. It should all be on US!….
      The Medical procedures we use now days all the way to Surgical procedures, to Flight Helicoptors, to Ambulances, even our Police procedures have stemmed from our Military! Oh and Yes, allot of these Men and Women end up in Law Enforcement, or various other positions! We need to thank all of them and put them in our prayers!

      And although I, as a former Marine, appreciate the sentiment, I ask for nothing such as you suggest to be given to me. I served, as I felt in my heart was my duty, and didn’t even know I could be a part of the VA system (being an uninjured servicemember0 until 2 years ago, 11 years after I was discharged. And after a year “in the system”, although I am un-insured, i didn’t seek my annual “re-up” to be in the VA system. Not because I was bitter about treatment, I had a GREAT doctor. I just want the system to be unclogged by me, who needs the care least, especially in light of what this man has endured and has needed from us.
      No. I need nothing, and only ask for your respect as someone who signed the papers to put myself in harms way to protect the freedoms that now seem to be shreaded daily by students, radicals, unions and state democrat lawmakers. And if you don’t give the respect I ask for, then so be it. I fought for the just and unjust alike, in the free-est and greatest Nation God ever laid His Blessed hand upon, and they have the right, guarenteed by people like this Captain, to be stupid and ungrateful.
      I’m not bitter, just think folk like those I describe deserve all the dirision and ridicule that you as respectful folk can muster, given the freedom of speach ALSO fought for by men like the Captain.

      Semper Fi and happy hunting when TSHTF!

      Report Post » My Sacred Honor  
    • Timsincali
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 12:28am

      Now…. was this all worth what this brother of mine, yours, ours had to go through? Are you willing to say that his loss, pain & suffering were worth sacrificing for everything over there? First of all, I served and was never scratched during my tours of duty. No, I never saw actual combat either but I have a right to ask this question as do ALL of us. In the end, was it worth it? I say NO.

      GOD bless my brother, I love, honor respect him.

      Report Post »  
    • docgreen
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 12:30am

      @AZDEB
      Sometimes when we lose things within ourselves, we have to go out, and find for ourselves what Life is! When we discover these strengths and weaknesses we find a whole new person! We all go through tuff times, its how we deal with them that makes us stronger and better people! Coming from the EMS field, I’ve seen lots of death! I’ve had lots of friends who have died, and it only strengthens me to see this Man want to go back, not only to serve US, but also for his Brothers and Sisters fighting over there! When 9-11 happened the only place I wanted to be was in those Towers, helping people get out and saving people and taking care of them! If this guy can get back into the fight; has the strength and will to do it, he’s first in line for Angels Wings in my book! For me its the Flash Backs/PTSD that’s hardest to get over! Most people will never understand what our Military, Police, Fire, and EMS brothers and sisters will ever go through. But when it comes down to it; every one of US would gladly give our lives, to Protect and Serve the people! Why, its because we Love Life!

      Report Post »  
    • My Sacred Honor
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 12:40am

      DashRipRock
      Posted on February 24, 2011 at 11:59pm
      BROKER

      Dont you have some TPS REPORTS to finish?

      Those are kinda tough now with the new cover sheets.
      …..Didn’t you get the memo?

      Report Post » My Sacred Honor  
    • docgreen
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 12:44am

      @My Sacred Honor
      I know all your Brothers and Sisters are the same way! I knew when I wrote that its not about the money, but I want people to understand. You and our service people have given us things, such as Freedoms and Liberty, that some people have taken for granted! I only wish, instead of our people having to ask for Help that we instead do it before! You shouldn’t have to ask for a thing! I have worked in the EMS field for a number of years, and understand what giving is all about! I know most EMS, FIRE, POLICE, and our MILITARY would gladly give our Lives to save just one person! And I believe sometimes most of us even ask God to let us die instead of our brothers and sisters! Faithful Servents!

      Report Post »  
    • SpontaneousVomit
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 12:48am

      @CREESTOF

      http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/

      Report Post » SpontaneousVomit  
    • SpontaneousVomit
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 12:51am

      @BROKER0101

      Hello Kettle? Yes this is pot. I just wanted to tell you that your black.

      Oh yes and also that broker0101 is an ignorant a..hole

      Report Post » SpontaneousVomit  
    • My Sacred Honor
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 1:10am

      docgreen
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 12:44am
      @My Sacred Honor
      I know all your Brothers and Sisters are the same way! I knew when I wrote that its not about the money, but I want people to understand. You and our service people have given us things, such as Freedoms and Liberty, that some people have taken for granted! I only wish, instead of our people having to ask for Help that we instead do it before! You shouldn’t have to ask for a thing! I have worked in the EMS field for a number of years, and understand what giving is all about! I know most EMS, FIRE, POLICE, and our MILITARY would gladly give our Lives to save just one person! And I believe sometimes most of us even ask God to let us die instead of our brothers and sisters! Faithful Servents!

      There was a Super Bowl commercial a few years back where some uniformed soldiers were walking through an airport with their rucks on their backs, and one person started to applaud, then another, and soon the whole place erupted in applause.
      This is all we ask for. “Ask”, not “demand”. We SERVE, and We all need to understand that word in the Eastern sence. We live Busshido. We are Samuri. “Samuri” means “servant”, and that is what we do.
      Some fel the calling, most do not. But we still need the EMTs, the Firefighters, the Police, the Teachers, the accountants, the resteraunt managers to make society survive. I for one begrudge NO ONE of their life choice, especially under the umbrella of individual choice that i helped provide, and ESPECIALLY in this land of freedom and opportunity.
      I believe no man who is providing deserves a ‘pedistal”, but that all men who are selfishly whining for position and gimmes deserves shame. Personal and otherwise. My goal as an American and a Marine is to provide all Americans the opportunity to thrive on the fruits of their labors, and to keep what was rightfully earned. But those who seek to take are no better than stick up men.
      And God rot them for sullying themselves, and for disgracing those before and within them who fight for their freedoms in this awesome Nation.

      Report Post » My Sacred Honor  
    • docgreen
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 1:20am

      Very Well Said! Thank You, for Your Service! Its what makes our Country the Greatest! Caring Love!…

      Report Post »  
    • pamela kay
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 2:11am

      HUMBLEMAN, I was thinking the exact thing, practically word for word. I am humbled by this young man’s courage,spirit, and patriotism. How amazing is this story? It makes me proud to be an American.God Bless our troops and their families!

      Report Post » pamela kay  
    • DrammyCoke
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 7:53am

      We need leaders exactly like this young man to lead our troops!!!!!! I’ll be praying for you and your family my brother!!

      Report Post » DrammyCoke  
    • rappini
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 9:09am

      Capt Skelton is a great man/Warrior. I Just pray that his warrior spirit could rub off on Barry Soetoro.

      Report Post » rappini  
    • RoguePatriot
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 9:42am

      This man is a TRUE HERO—-HOOAH!!!!!!

      Report Post » RoguePatriot  
    • ozchambers
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 9:59am

      1. How incredibly inspiring is Capt. Skelton’s story! A man of honor and intestinal fortitude. This Navy Vet (proudly served under Reagan) applauds him and all of the other BLAZE vets that post such as MY SACRED HONOR and TIMSINCALI and others. If I ever have a chance to run into you guys at a bar, you won’t be reaching for your wallet the entire evening!

      2. regarding G-D. (I copied most of this from a Bing search) The custom of substituting the word “God” with G-d in English is based on the traditional practice in Jewish law of giving God’s Hebrew name a high degree of respect and reverence. When written or printed, God’s Hebrew name (and many of the stand in names used to refer to God) cannot be erased or destroyed.

      There is no prohibition in Jewish law against writing out or erasing the word “God” in English. However, many Jews have afforded the word “God” with the same level of respect as the Hebrew equivalents. Because of this, many Jews substitute “God with G-d so that they can erase or dispose of the writing without showing disrespect to God. Some Jews also use G!d in the same way, utilizing the exclamation point to convey their enthusiasm for Judaism and God.
      I have also heard that some Jewish believers and perhaps even some other worshipers of God believe that to even write the name of GOD is to be creating a graven image of God and thus violates His Commandment. Thus they leave out the letter not because they disrespect the name, but rather because they respect His name and commandments.

      Report Post » ozchambers  
    • CurlyJ49
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 10:13am

      For everyone telling Humbleman how to spell G-d. Refer to this excerpt from Wikipedia.

      The words “God” and “Lord” (used for the Hebrew Adonai) are often written by many Jews as “G-d“ and ”L-rd” as a way of avoiding writing a name of God, so as to avoid the risk of sinning by erasing or defacing his name. In Deuteronomy 12:3–4, the Torah exhorts one to destroy idolatry, adding, “you shall not do such to the LORD your God.” From this verse it is understood that one should not erase the name of God. The general rabbinic opinion is that this only applies to the sacred Hebrew names of God—but not to the word “God” in English or any other language. Even among Jews who consider it unnecessary, many nonetheless write the name “God” in this way out of respect, and to avoid erasing God’s name even in a non-forbidden way.

      Now you know, and knowing is half the battle…

      Report Post »  
    • happyboy
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 11:51am

      HE DID HIS DUTY AND PAID HIS PRICE BEFORE THE ALTER OF LIBERTY AND FREEDOM.

      He should be kept on duty but sent to Germany, Japan, or West Point. He is to precious to loose again. I would love to see him at the US Embassy in China as an example of the kind of steel Americans are made from.

      Report Post »  
    • gbo
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 12:41pm

      Booyah Captain and God speed. Impossibility is only in the mind of the beholder.

      Report Post »  
    • Silence D
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 2:02pm

      to Comm Marine

      In some religions ( Jewish) I beleive It is sinful to write out God so the write it differently. Just to let you know he wasn’t being disrespectful, just the opposite.

      Report Post »  
    • Justthefactsmam
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 5:14pm

      The only thing I can add, May God’s Grace continue to shine on Captain Skelton and all of our soldiers all over the world, in combat or not

      Report Post » Justthefactsmam  
    • I CHOOSE THE RED PILL MR PRESIDENT
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 10:07pm

      Now I’m all for these “public sector” employees unionizing.

      Report Post » IMPEACH GEORGE SOROS!!  
    • Tayper
      Posted on February 26, 2011 at 11:56am

      Damn don’t we have some GOOD ons!!!

      Report Post »  
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