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‘I’m Really, Really Blessed’: Severely Injured War Vet Receives Life-Changing Act of Kindness

For Army Sgt. Joel Tavera, this Thanksgiving holiday has proven nearly “indescribable.”

Because the severely wounded Iraq war veteran—whose injuries he acknowledges most would consider “the worst thing that could happen in life”—just got a life turnaround that he’ll be talking about around tables filled with turkey and stuffing for many years to come.

A brand-new home.

And not just any home—but then again, Sgt. Tavera is most definitely not just any vet.

Severely Injured War Vet Receives Life Changing Act of Kindness | Joel TavaraThe $450,000 donated abode in a quaint Tampa, Fl., development is mortgage free. Its 4,300 square feet are custom designed with disabled access and extra wide hallways so that Tavera—who was blinded and lost his right leg and four fingers in a 2008 rocket attack—can travel more easily in it. Also featured are smart phone-controlled automation and a whirlpool off his master bedroom.

“Having this home is a good feeling,” Tavera, 24, told The Blaze. “It’s something to look forward to.”

Tavera got the keys to his castle courtesy of William Ryan Homes during a rousing ceremony  by the nonprofit that raised all the money to make this dream house happen, Building Homes for Heroes.

Severely Injured War Vet Receives Life Changing Act of Kindness | Joel Tavara

Here’s a clip of the festivities last weekend:

Just 12 days shy of his 21st birthday—and a mere two days from the end of his tour at Camp Adder (the old Tallil Air Force Base) in southern Iraq—Tavera volunteered to cover a guard duty shift. It was a fateful decision: His armored SUV was hit by five rockets that killed three fellow soldiers he was traveling with.

Tavera survived but didn’t figure to last long, either. In addition to his noted injuries, he suffered brain trauma and third-degree burns over 60 percent of his body. Tavera’s parents were told he was the second-most severely wounded Iraq war vet to that point. He also was in a coma for 81 days. If he woke up, doctors didn’t see him walking again.

But wake up he did. And walk again he did, too—and then some. (Along with receiving the Purple Heart and Bronze Star, Tavera is also proud to have completed three 5K races this year.)

“You’ve got a few different choices in life when something happens like this,” Tavera said recently of his injuries, which have required 75 surgeries and counting. “You either get over it—accept it—or just be depressed. I like the whole getting over it and accept it better than depressed.”

One major source of encouragement was that Tavera’s tattoo of the Bible verse, Hebrews 4:12 (along with a two-bladed cross), wasn’t destroyed by the flames that engulfed his body during the rocket attack. The verse reads:

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Tavera told The Blaze that one of his first thoughts upon waking from his coma was if his tattoo survived. “I learned a lot of verses since the eighth grade,” he told The Blaze, “but this one stuck with me.“ Doctors told Tavera that the words he chose to mark his relationship with God ”stuck” with him, too.

Check out more of Joel’s story here:

Despite all the hubub surrounding his new house, Tavera hasn’t moved in just yet (furniture is still on delivery trucks). But he did celebrate with a trip to Los Angeles a few days ago to cheer on his good friend, J.R. Martinez, who was competing in the finals of Dancing with the Stars—and Tavera got to see him crowned champion.

Severely Injured War Vet Receives Life Changing Act of Kindness | Joel Tavara

Actor/veteran J.R. Martinez (far left) visiting Joel Tavera and his family.

Martinez figures prominently not only in Tavera’s recovery process, but also in him landing the new home.

An All My Children cast member since 2008, Martinez’s previous life was spent, like Tavera, as a soldier in the U.S. Army. And also like Tavera, Martinez was severely burned—his Humvee drove over a land mine in 2003, burning more than 40 percent of his body. He needed 33 cosmetic and skin-graft surgeries over 34 months.

In recovery Martinez found a knack for encouraging fellow burn victims, and that’s how he and Tavera hooked up. But once he learned more about Tavera’s story and his needs, Martinez got in touch with Building Homes for Heroes and asked BHFH founder Andew Pujol to design and construct one for his newly found friend.

These days Tavera is looking forward to helping those who face similar obstacles through public speaking, writing, and one-on-one encouragement.

“I’m carrying a larger cross than I thought I’d have to carry,” he told The Blaze. “But it was a wake-up call” that got him on a path to a new life.

He adds that “I’m really, really blessed. God left me alive for a reason. I find a lot more purpose now than I would if I were still in active duty doing my job, because now I‘m helping other soldiers help overcome what’s happened to them.”

Check out the inspiring video of the Tavera house groundbreaking ceremony from earlier this year:

 

Comments (94)

1 2
  • abbygirl1994
    Posted on November 27, 2011 at 11:48am

    God bless you Sgt.Travera and your family for your service to the American people! God has a plan for you! God bless all of our military!

    Report Post » abbygirl1994  
  • watashbuddyfriend
    Posted on November 27, 2011 at 11:38am

    Every time I see one of these stories, it brings memories of my 90-day recovery in 1953 at the Yokohama hospital recovering from wounds received in Korea, and especially four people on the ward with me to wit: One soldier who had lost both legs from the hip down, one soldier who was reported as having shot himself in the abdomen, in Korea, to get out, one woman nurse, whom I had a crush on, and Pinky, my woman nurse assistant. I am glad for what Army Sgt. Joel Tavera did for US, and appreciate the gift he received. It is a shame that he, and I, and many more have to go fight in one of the Political Profiteering Wars!

    Report Post »  
    • COFemale
      Posted on November 27, 2011 at 12:23pm

      I love the way you make this story all about you and a chance to spew your disdain for armed conflict. No body likes war and many of us would rather not have to fight. Sometimes you have rise above yourself and look out for others. If I remember correctly, North Korea was trying to impose their communist rule on South Korea and attacking. We intervened to prevent the North from taking over the South. Now I guess in your book they aren’t worth saving and you support the communist way of life. Who was it that decided to join the service? YOU. Who knew there was a possibility that you could be sent into an armed conflict? YOU. If you knew this joining, then don’t complain when you are sent. Be thankful that you returned, even though injured; many don’t and they die in foreign lands. Some never to return home as their remains aren’t recovered. Quit being bitter because you got hurt, you made the choice to join.
      Frankly, if you carried a different attitude, I’d thank you for your service, but since you seem selfish and condescending towards this man, I without that honor from you. I pray that God removes your bitterness.

      Report Post » COFemale  
    • COFemale
      Posted on November 27, 2011 at 12:42pm

      Meant to say, “I withhold that honor”.

      Report Post » COFemale  
    • TEXASGRANNY73
      Posted on November 27, 2011 at 9:41pm

      @Cofemale It seems to me that you are rather harsh in assessment as in another post you insert yourself as well. I am thankful to ALL veterans for serving. Although attitudes may be different reality is you served for all Americans and our liberties and our freedom to think and feel as we do and we do owe you honor all of you. The Viet vets were not treated well and that is history–and shameful. Also most all wars are political even the Civil War. This story is about service and honor. Please don’t argue.To Watash and Cofemale thank you.

      Report Post »  
    • grayling646
      Posted on November 27, 2011 at 9:54pm

      @ cofemale

      Who pissed in your coffee?

      Report Post »  
    • watashbuddyfriend
      Posted on November 28, 2011 at 8:29am

      @ cofemale, you seem to me as being one of those ‘flag wavers’ who has never served?

      Report Post »  
    • Samsss
      Posted on November 28, 2011 at 1:07pm

      Watashbuddyfriend: You did NOT serve in a “Political, Profiteering War” – you served in a war that has given almost sixty years of democratic lives of freedom and opportunity to one half of a great nation. Compare the lives of those south of “38” to those north of same!! You did that! And tho I’m not one of them, I appreciate what you did from the bottom of my heart – because you did do it for me too. Remember, “Every man is involved in mankind” – and if you don‘t know what I’m speaking of, just Google those words and you can read the lines of a far smarter and more compassionate man than I am.
      May God bless and keep you my friend, thru all your days.

      in Him
      Sam Sayger
      Hernando, MS

      Report Post » Samsss  
    • Hill60
      Posted on November 28, 2011 at 6:52pm

      @Cofemale ” Who was it that decided to join the service? YOU. Who knew there was a possibility that you could be sent into an armed conflict? YOU. If you knew this joining, then don’t complain when you are sent. ”
      I’m guessing that you never heard of the DRAFT. The all-volunteer military didn’t happen until the early to mid-70′s. So, you might want to reconsider your attitude towards a person that served this country fighting in Korea back in 1953. The choice to serve, and where he served was not his.

      Report Post »  
  • dr emil shuffhausen
    Posted on November 27, 2011 at 10:58am

    Thank you for your sacrifice Sergeant. I hope your new home makes life a little easier and that you can find some comfort. Thank you to the good souls who helped him and his family. It makes me proud.

    In contrast, the Black Friday stories that highlight the disintegration of our culture make me ashamed. I’ll choose the happy ending story to focus on.

    Report Post » dr emil shuffhausen  
  • Clownshoes
    Posted on November 27, 2011 at 10:21am

    Everyone mentioned in the story is a shining example of bravery, kindness, selflessness, and compassion. When people are not forced to give to others, they give more and more freely. This is the point that Liberals and Democrates miss, forcing people to give only build resentment which leads to people trying to cheat a system they feel steals from them. I have often heard my Liberal friends defend wealth redistrubtion as what Jesus would want. That is a lie, Jesus never forced anyone to give, he only asked them to. Because when you force someone to give, they do not do it with their whole heart and the gift is therefore meaningless to God.

    Report Post » Clownshoes  
    • pollyanna
      Posted on November 27, 2011 at 11:48am

      Thank you ClownShoes for your timely message. Blessings.

      Report Post » pollyanna  
    • Rick300
      Posted on November 27, 2011 at 12:37pm

      That’s right! A man convinced against his will, is of the same opinion still.

      Report Post » Rick300  
    • bigdaddyt46
      Posted on November 28, 2011 at 6:47am

      you are right on the money there bro/sister. that is exactly what Jesus said. example is the poor widow who gave two sheckles. people like this man, and J.R. Matrinez make me proud everythime i look at their disfigured faces because above all that is their core beliefs that God saved them for a reason, instead of condeming God for their “condition”. it behooves each one of us to remember this in our own lives. God has his plans for each one of us, and i for one will not stand in his way.

      come Lord Jesus, quickly. for we are all waiting, and i guarentee not one of us will be disappointed. Amen

      Report Post » bigdaddyt46  
    • bassist237
      Posted on November 28, 2011 at 10:32am

      A person convinced against his will, is of the same opinion still!. one of my favorite, and very true quotes. :)

      Report Post » bassist237  
    • Samsss
      Posted on November 28, 2011 at 1:18pm

      Boy, you nailed it “Clownshoes” – How well I remember my very first experience with “United Way”. I was an E2 in the USAF and we were informed at “Commander’s Call” that we would every one, be giving five percent of our pay to the new charity, United Way! At the time I think I was earning about $90.00 per month and they took $5. How I do wish I had been allowed to give freely – may’ve given more!
      I think that set the pace for UW from then on for me – not just in my life but in the lives of many of my brothers there.
      Thru the years, United Way has become more and more of a “liberal” organization and I’ve never participated in it since – nor will I again. (see Boy Scouts vs. UW, etc, etc,) but I do give as much as I possibly can to charity – and will as long as I live.
      Please don’t berate me – I’ve forgiven UW many years ago but just like the rest of “that” side of the world I just don’t go there!!
      Sam Sayger
      Hernando, MS
      USAF Veteran (Peacetime)

      Report Post » Samsss  
  • ShamanWorld
    Posted on November 27, 2011 at 10:02am

    Mr. Tavera is a shining example of courage and perseverance. When will our country reap the benefits of the sacrifices that our servicemen/women have made. The wars have made our country weaker, not stronger like the neo-cons proposed.

    Report Post » ShamanWorld  
  • TWO BITS
    Posted on November 27, 2011 at 9:50am

    This is a timely example of the spirit of giving! Those who truly sacrifice for us deserve our gratitude and respect, and they have that from my family. May God comfort and sustain Sgt. Tavera and his fellow patriots throughout the remainder of their lives, and may God allow us to work on His behalf.

    Report Post » TWO BITS  
  • ambrosia
    Posted on November 27, 2011 at 9:39am

    Awwww…….the ‘Good news” story of the day.
    America should read a story like this EVERY day, sometimes more than once a day.

    “Building homes for Heroes” sounds like a charity that should be at the top
    of everyone’s giving list this season….and beyond.

    Just think of all the the good
    that wasted money on Solyndra could have done for our brave vets ?

    Enjoy your peaceful, new home Sgt. Tavera…….no one deserves it more !

    Report Post »  
    • GeorgieJo
      Posted on November 27, 2011 at 9:44am

      God Bless this man for fighting for our FREEDOM!!!!

      Report Post »  
  • Coyote6
    Posted on November 27, 2011 at 9:28am

    I’m always shocked to see some of the meanspirited comments on here. Get a life people. I was at Camp Adder (Tallil) in 2006-2007). It’s no joke. God Bless our servicemembers, heroes.

    Report Post » Coyote6  
    • 13th Imam
      Posted on November 27, 2011 at 1:42pm

      Shocked ???
      Out of the 70 comments, 2 Two,, TWO, II were somewhat negative, and none directed at this hero were negative. Shocked??
      Shocked is Barry’s attempt to darken the Second Amendment by his FAST AND FURIOUS murder spree

      Report Post » 13th Imam  
  • ares338
    Posted on November 27, 2011 at 9:17am

    Everyone has a right to their own perspective and shouldn’t have to feel differently because of someone elses perspective. I am glad this soldier got this house and has such a great attitude! War changes people. Before going off to serve in the Marines in WW2 my dad was a happy go lucky young man. When he returned he was a morose, humorless man with a bad temper until the day he died this year at 88. Sometimes events shape us, but we all can be whatever want. We are always at cause for our own situation in life!

    Report Post » ares338  
  • GMI
    Posted on November 27, 2011 at 9:15am

    God bless. My blood boils when I think of the money given to kennedys green slush fund, yet some want to punish our vets. It goes to show that those that never served (like joe biden with his 5 deferments) have no clue. It is time for the veterans of this great county to form our own party, one based on America!! Patriots Unite!!!!!!!!

    Report Post »  
    • Sibyl
      Posted on November 27, 2011 at 12:54pm

      We need to reform Congress and MAKE SURE they are accountable for every dime.

      Obama and Pelosi should NOT have the power to send 2 billion to the Muslim Brotherhood, spend billions on green companies owned by their cronies (Solyandra was partly owned Pelosi’s bro in law, and another green company by the Kennedys) without a clear vote by congress AFTER they have cleared it with their TAXPAYING constituents.

      We need to stop this pork fest and corruption AT OUR EXPENSE – asap.

      Report Post »  
  • APROUDVETERAN
    Posted on November 27, 2011 at 9:12am

    I served for seven years and was damn proud to have done it. When 9/11 happened I walked into a recruiting office and they told me I was too old to re-enlist – I was 62 at that time — I think countries like Israel have the right idea. You reach the age of 18 and you MUST give 2 years of service to your country. I think the spoiled brats who complain about this country have never seen how poorly people live in much of the rest of the world. They should thank the Good Lord that they live here in the USA

    Report Post »  
    • ambrosia
      Posted on November 27, 2011 at 10:02am

      Your message, “Proud Veteran” is so heartfelt and spot on.
      I would say all patriotic Americans would agree with you 100%-
      love of country is first & foremost.

      Israel does have it down pat, citizens feel priviledge & obligated to serve their country
      where freedom & survival is tantamount to anything else.

      As with Sgt. Tavera-
      your clarity, service and love for America goes without saying
      and is appreciated these days……..more than ever.

      Thanks for your gracious poignancy and protection…blessings belong to you, always.

      Report Post »  
    • ambrosia
      Posted on November 27, 2011 at 10:32am

      One further note-at least two years of military boot camp under his belt.
      It would instill deep respect for our military and all it undertakes.

      Sacrifice for country is not too much to ask for one who inspires
      or contemplates holding the highest job in the land.

      Watching three brothers who were already terrific human beings,
      become proud Marines made them shine even more.
      Like with all veterans, the American Flag means everything to them.

      The current President will never have any understanding of military life-
      he’s never walked a mile in combat boots or camouflage.
      He’s never carried a couple hundred pounds of equipment on his back
      or dodged an RPG.

      Without any basic military training-
      a presidential is inferior, right off the cusp
      and it matters not what his or her political persuasion is.

      That is why Obama will always be inferior
      and a military man like Allen West is far superior and a billion times wiser.

      Report Post »  
    • ambrosia
      Posted on November 27, 2011 at 10:40am

      Sorry-
      mistakingly deleted a line in the first paragraph above.
      It should state that a President of the USA should be required to serve
      at least 2 years of military boot training…….

      Report Post »  
  • duster
    Posted on November 27, 2011 at 9:01am

    God Bless you Joel and God Bless you Maritza – your strength, love and commitment to Joel is what enabled him to survive and strive.

    Report Post » duster  
  • MR_ANDERSON
    Posted on November 27, 2011 at 8:53am

    Seriously Blaze, how do you write this…

    “—and Tavera got to see him crowned champion.”

    Sgt Tavera is blind, get you stuff together.

    Report Post »  
    • grayling646
      Posted on November 27, 2011 at 9:10am

      I think everyone but you understood what was meant.

      Report Post »  
    • pavnvet
      Posted on November 28, 2011 at 10:55am

      Let‘s not forget one of the Lib’s favorite people – Joe Biteme when he told the disabled vet in the wheelchair to stand up and let everyone see him.

      I am truly happy for Sgt.Tavera. However, there are thousands of injured/disabled vets that are not so fortunate. Let us not forget about them.

      Report Post » pavnvet  
  • The_Almighty_Creestof
    Posted on November 27, 2011 at 8:34am

    Though selfish of me to say so (at least that is how I feel), I am grateful to all those who endure such pain in their lives and overcome it…for it truly shows how inconsequential my problems are.

    Bless you soldier!

    Report Post »  
    • MR_ANDERSON
      Posted on November 27, 2011 at 8:58am

      Yes, Lord watch over Sgt Tavera, and thank you for leaving the tattoo.

      Now, if you could just get theblaze to stop insulting Vets with horrible writing.

      “Tavera got to see him crowned champion.”
      Really???

      Report Post »  
  • Eliasim
    Posted on November 27, 2011 at 8:22am

    I wouldn’t have accepted it. I would prefer that the guilty feel guilty to the fullest extent.

    Report Post »  
    • quicker
      Posted on November 27, 2011 at 8:36am

      I knew that was only a matter of time before you came out from under the manure pile you live under.But that`s alright ,because I will defend your right to be a jerk.

      Report Post » quicker  
    • Eliasim
      Posted on November 27, 2011 at 8:42am

      I can never understand even the graduation gift. They graduated hopefully through the good words of parents. I let their gift be the things they acquire through their learning and self sacrifice. Does a child get a reward for doing what is expected as in cleaning their bedroom? This boy is all messed up because he got messed up in a senseless war, and the guilty are attempting to alleviate their own guilt the only way they know how, and that is by further killing the spirit of people.

      Report Post »  
    • Eliasim
      Posted on November 27, 2011 at 8:51am

      quicker,
      If a nation has the ability to pound a country back to the stone age, but instead choose to trickle troops into that country to be maimed instead, then that country isn’t much of a threat at all it must be. Can you picture any ancient King saying to his Knights, “I have the ability to over-throw them, but instead I will send you Knights a few at a time?” Of course not because in those days, eventually the Knights would have rebelled and beheaded the King.

      Report Post »  
    • Eliasim
      Posted on November 27, 2011 at 9:16am

      The King : “My dear Knights I have to send you to fight in a far away place, but I have to send you five at a time. And the Archers (ancient air-power) will be staying behind because we haven’t been granted air-space over the wheat-field they have to fire over. But mostly it because none of us even own our own swords because they are financed by the friends of the King I’m sending you to fight. Also the Archers can not light their arrows to burn down the structures because we buy the fuel for the arrows from the same King we are fighting. But I know you Knights will prevail for me, even though I send you a few at a time.” Yeah, they had sense back then, I don’t think that King would be tolerated by the Knights.

      Report Post »  
    • quicker
      Posted on November 27, 2011 at 10:13am

      Soldiers don`t write the Roes,gutless politistions do.Do not say this soldier has guilt and him and so many like him deserve so much better from us.You want to throw guilt then put it where it belongs,on the gutless politistion that make up these dam i ble ROES.Untill then you are still a jerk.

      Report Post » quicker  
    • bikerr
      Posted on November 27, 2011 at 11:43am

      @Eliasim—no problem, for you it wouldn’t have been offered.

      Report Post »  
  • dissentnow
    Posted on November 27, 2011 at 8:12am

    What a sweet story!
    Habitat for humanity has moved into my area and has been building houses here for the past couple of years. As a result, my neighborhood is becoming the ghetto with punk kids and thugs with their pants around their ankles crossing over into our area, leaving trash, damaged property, and theft in their wake.
    It would be nice if the area would build houses for those who truly deserve them; our injured vets who have sacrificed so much and who ask for so little in return.

    Report Post »  
  • Healingrace
    Posted on November 27, 2011 at 8:10am

    If you have a heart to serve our Warriors and their familes, just walk out your door and look up and down your street. Chances are you will find a veteran or active duty Service Member. As easy as that, you will make a new friend and make your neighborhood stronger.

    Report Post » Healingrace  
  • DanielBurke
    Posted on November 27, 2011 at 8:09am

    Our government virtually ignores these returning heroes; it falls to private investors and corporations to do something like this for them. The OWS maggots etiher don‘t notice or don’t care.

    Report Post » DanielBurke  
    • loriann12
      Posted on November 27, 2011 at 8:19am

      I hate to say it, but my first thought was when Obama wanted our returning vets to pay for their own medical care, and called them selfish when they balked. He gave right up to the ultimate sacrifice and it’s the least that could be done for him. I wish him the best. When I was 21, I was reporting to my first shore duty. I can’t imagine what would have happened had it been war time, but I would have gone anyway.

      Report Post »  
    • Minnaloushe
      Posted on November 27, 2011 at 9:13am

      Daniel
      It’s even worse than that. I fear the next story to come out of this will be when the state seizes the house when they can‘t pay Florida’s outrageous property taxes.

      Report Post »  
  • Tagudinian
    Posted on November 27, 2011 at 8:05am

    Folks, how quickly you forget, “This is America!” Charity and generosity abound because we are blessed by our creator to be an exceptional nation. History shows that Americans are the most charitable people in the world. It is a self-evident truth. Congratulations to American Hero Joel Tavera and his family! How appropriate… Mr Tavera’s name JOEL. The prophet who wrote, “Young men shall dream dreams…” This is a dream come true for the Tavera Family. God bless you and God bless America!

    Report Post » Tagudinian  
  • BABS6118
    Posted on November 27, 2011 at 7:51am

    What an amazing story! May we always have “heroes” like Sgt Tavera. We don’t have too many of them to look up to these days! God Bless him and his family!

    Report Post » BABS6118  
  • grayling646
    Posted on November 27, 2011 at 7:43am

    People are good.

    Report Post »  
  • GTH
    Posted on November 27, 2011 at 7:42am

    Every Vet should get a free house….In stead they give the college brats who never served anyone, everything. I served for 4 years but if I could go back in time I wouldn’t have bothered. I never got a thing out of it. Told both my sons not to bother either because they’ll never get anything for it besides shot at for some A$$ Hole hitting balls at a golf course.

    Report Post »  
    • grayling646
      Posted on November 27, 2011 at 7:48am

      I served 4 yrs and got ‘nothing’ either. Well, no material things anyway and I never expected any. But I did “grow up”. I learned responsibility, leadership, teamwork. I also learned that were it not for our veterans, including you if you actually served, we wouldn’t enjoy the freedoms we have today.

      Report Post »  
    • GTH
      Posted on November 27, 2011 at 7:59am

      GC said it best….War is poor young people dying to protect rich old people’s interest.

      http://youtu.be/hYIC0eZYEtI

      Report Post »  
    • GTH
      Posted on November 27, 2011 at 8:04am

      Grayling: Why wouldn’t we be enjoying the freedoms that we have today? Nobody ever tried to take over this country, or have I missed something? And if Germany ever did, are they not free also? Or am I missing something?

      Report Post »  
    • grayling646
      Posted on November 27, 2011 at 8:05am

      You lie about serving and then you expect me to watch some lame video you linked?

      Report Post »  
    • diablosho
      Posted on November 27, 2011 at 8:08am

      I did 4 years as well, and while I never “got anything” (material anyways), I was also never “promised anything”, nor did I ever “ask for anything”. I, and you, knew what you were getting when you signed up…to hold it against them after the fact is a little low isn’t it?!? And if you don’t appreciate the opportunity to serve your nation as a protector of freedom and liberty as a once-in-a-lifetime thing, nor the commraderie, hard-work, missions accomplished, and the overall sense of “importance” you have while serving, then you didn’t get the whole experience and should try again!

      Thank you for your service though! And BTW, my parents were Active Duty, and they (like you) STRONGLY discouraged me from going in the military because they wanted me to go to college (I got a 32 on my ACTs, and 96 on my ASVAB, so College was a definite possibility). We know how that turned out don’t we! There is a gene in your bloodline that allowed you to consider military life, and as such, that gene is in your children as well. They WILL join, just make sure you support them when they decide to. Case-in-point: My grandfather was Army-Air-Corp, my Dad was Air Force, my Aunt was Coast Guard, my mom was Air Force, and I was Air Force. It is how children are raised, in addition to the “military gene”, that brings about the creation of the protectors of this nation.

      Report Post »  
    • ADNIL
      Posted on November 27, 2011 at 8:09am

      All the same, thank you for your service, Sir. You are still a hero to me.

      Report Post »  
    • grayling646
      Posted on November 27, 2011 at 8:10am

      Germany is free because we and our allies defeated its tyrannical leader. Are you really that stupid?

      Report Post »  
    • pumpalope
      Posted on November 27, 2011 at 8:20am

      GTH…are you serious? I served 8 years including a year in nam and never expected a thing in return…I served in the army of the country I love. I earned my manhood and learned what true sacrifice is about. I received a degree in life studies. You obviously did not. Serving is not about what you get….it’s about what you give.

      Report Post » pumpalope  
    • quicker
      Posted on November 27, 2011 at 8:29am

      Gth hasn`t learned the lesson that all for evil in this world to excist is for good men and women to stand by and do nothing.May his sons be better men than he.

      Report Post » quicker  
    • sarg356
      Posted on November 27, 2011 at 8:45am

      Most veterans serve out of love for their country,What you get from it has nothing to do with possessions. It is the most noble thing that you can do for a county with 1/2 the people who have the”what do I get out of it mentality. Love our country are freedom not yourself. Love it or leave it!

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    • wireme
      Posted on November 27, 2011 at 11:46am

      GTH I guess you never heard of Pearl Harbor you idiot and if we didnt step into wwII we would not be here today and you would not be able to post this crap you are posting. You didnt get anything out of it? I did its called PRIDE.

      Report Post »  
    • COFemale
      Posted on November 27, 2011 at 12:40pm

      Well it is all about what GTH wants. Nothing but a selfish, entitled mentality. The military never owed you anything, but gave you a way to make a living and serve your country. If you joined expecting you are owed something, then your expectations were set to high. I know many who only join the service to get the ‘free’ college education and then when they go to armed conflict they say that is not what they signed up for. Well, YES YOU DID!. Those who join the service with good intentions do it for one reason and one reason only, TO SERVER THEIR COUNTRY!. If you join to get that sign-up $20,000 bonus or to get a free college education, then I question your motives. If you only signed up for these reason, then don’t complain when you are sent into armed conflict; sometimes it is the nature of the beast.

      I was a military wife for 23 years. I lived in Turkey for two years and was 6 months pregnant when I arrived, I lived in Germany for 4-1/2 years. I have lived all over the U.S., never once did I expect any entitlements from the military. I would not have traded that experience for anything else in my life. I learned things, many Americans take for granted.

      Report Post » COFemale  
    • Dismayed Veteran
      Posted on November 28, 2011 at 2:29pm

      Gth

      Sounds like you didn’t like KP or Fire Watch.

      I was one of those nasty college kids up to the point in time I joined the Army. I had the privilege of leading some of the finest men I have ever met. Viet Nam was a bad place. I wouldn’t trade the time I was there for anything.

      Report Post » Dismayed Veteran  
  • DagneyT
    Posted on November 27, 2011 at 7:42am

    Like it or not, they are heroes! God bless him, he shows the Glory of God in his miraculous story. God will always be with you, Sgt. Tavera!

    Report Post » DagneyT  
  • quicker
    Posted on November 27, 2011 at 7:34am

    These Heros desearve all that this nation can aford them.Things like this should remind us that freedom isn`t free and it`s the sacarfice of the few that allows the many to live in freedom.All to often we forget the sacarfices that was make to make this great country.Remenber all gave some and some gave all.

    Report Post » quicker  
  • Bronco II
    Posted on November 27, 2011 at 7:25am

    Prayers were answered and GOD does truely take care of his own.Thank you all for helping Tevera and we need to keep helping our vets and their families they are so deserving and it is the least we can do.Thank you for your service and may GOD continue to Bless you and your family.From one very proud American family to yours.I pray you have a very Blessed MERRY CHRISTmas and Blessed New Year.

    Report Post » Bronco II  
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