I have a grandson named Ricky who is in the National Guard in Oregon preparing to leave to go to Iraq this coming week. He is just 20 years old and has never been over-seas, much less to a war as a soldier.
Ricky has always been a very special boy, who is loving, fun, family oriented, and loves sports. He played football through middle school and high school and was a star player. He has a special knack for mechanics and likes to work on his car or his parent’s car if there is a problem. He has many friends and a very special girlfriend named Drew.
He has a special bond with his younger brother Samuel, and the two of them have spent a lot of fun time together. Sammy, as we call him, will definitely miss him, as we all will do. His father, Brigido, sister Carlene, and especially his mother Sheila will miss him terribly. But, they are all proud of him, and his dedication to serve his country.
It was a big surprise to us all when we learned Ricky was going to join the National Guard, because he wanted to serve his country. News of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan has been on the news so much, that I think Ricky felt he should serve too.
Although he hasn’t even participated in any action as of yet, my grandson Ricky is a hero to me, because of his feelings of patriotism, dedication, and determination to do well. We have just remembered and honored our veterans this Veteran’s Day, but also we should respect and honor our young enlisted men and women today, who are fighting for our liberty and way or life, because it is the youth of our military today that is the backbone of the defense of our country and it’s through their courage and devotion that we once again owe so much to so few by so many. I am proud to be Ricky’s grandmother, and with all of our prayers that we are sending with him. I feel in my heart that God will keep him safe for us until he returns home once more.
Linnea Johnson
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