As I worked with our Special Forces prior to 9/11, I thought I understood soldiers speaking to me of their buddies they had lost in the tight streets of Mogadishu, Somalia and why they encouraged me to help get them the upper hand in close quarters.
But, I didn't fully understand. Because on January 26, 2005, what they and the families of those who have sacrificed feel suddenly became all too real as my nephew, Marine Sgt Jesse Strong, was killed in Iraq along with three other Marines: four of America’s best young men.
So, in 2005, this ongoing program was dedicated to these four Marines who are special
to our team. Their memory is a sustaining force for our team and myself when this program meets tough challenges. This dedication is to remind
us that actions taken or not taken, affect lives and there are consequences that affect history and future lives.
Just as the memory of my Fallen Hero drives me to be the “Pitbull on the pantleg” for change needed for our soldiers, there are Americans
across our land who understand that it is unacceptable to say something can’t be done just because it is tough or not normal, because this
is exactly what we are asking of our men and women everyday as they serve in Afghanistan, Iraq and around the globe.
So, we thank our men and women of our armed services and their families for their sacrifices and we have them in mind
to counter any tendency for inaction at a time with so many are yet in harm’s way.
With them in mind,
Russell W. Strong
