I recently had the rare opportunity to assist with a Health event in Kentucky for the National Guard. We processed 540 troops preparing to deploy. Our team was awake for 21 hours on Friday, we were able to get 4 hours of sleep and we worked 15 hours straight on Saturday outside in the rain with 40 degree temperatures along with a moderate to brisk bone chilling wind. We returned early Sunday morning in a dense fog and 34 degree weather to complete the remaining troops requirements.
Throughout the event, there was no way possible not to overhear the conversations of the troops as they waited patiently in groups for their next screening process. The stories were heartbreaking to hear as these brave people talked about how many times they had been deployed (some up to 5 times already), missing the birth of their son or daughter, loss of a friend while in service of our country (some actually witnessed such tragedies), the pain to be so far away when a family member passed away and they could not be there for the final services, missed holidays, birthdays and other tender family moments. What an incredible sacrifice these men and women make every day!
We have all seen the emails that show photos of our armed service personnel as they try to deal with the day to day oppression and suffering, and to those family members waiting for the return of their loved ones, my heart goes out to you. Seeing these emails, though heart wrenching, it is another story to actually hear the pain in the voices of the actual people who have experienced all that we have seen in those photos. 
And to end the event, we were “Thanked” by the troops for our services and commitment through such extreme conditions. Thank me? I have never been so humbled and proud to have been able to be present to help these brave Americans through the required processes before deployment and I will never pass an Armed Forces service member again without thanking them for their sacrifices and services that they provide every day for our safety and security! 
Please view the link below and remember to say “Thank You” to our Troups every time you see them!

Kyle

  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSfFYxSdKdo

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