He was assigned to some of the most dangerous missions you can have. But it's what he wanted to do.
You see the ribbon on cars and trucks and flags in places and it is so abstract until it hits your family.
It's a great honor. He died a hero. It's as simple as that. Everyone ? whether or not they lose their life ? everyone who goes into combat is a hero. We owe them our gratitude regardless of whether we agree with the mission or not. That's immaterial.
It's a high price to pay. And you plead with the Lord every night to keep watch over your children. Every night.
It's heartbreaking to leave a widow and four children.