I have 3 sons and 1 daughter, all three of my sons have or are serving in the armed forces. My Army son was deploying to Iraq and I said my boys, were my heroes. My son that was deploying said "Im not a Hero Im a soldier, Heroes come home in boxes". With that said, he did his tour and came home, only slightly damaged , he had no visible damage, but there were nightmares, hearing damage, and emotional issues.
My son in law, SSG Tyler J Smith, served in the Army also and was on his 3rd tour of duty, 1 in Iraq and 2 in Afghanistan. In following my son's definition Tyler is my Hero. I still have a son in the services, a Marine. I hope like heck I never have another Hero.
Tyler loved his country and knew by the age of 9 he wanted to serve his country in the Army. He loved being in the Army almost as much as he loved his wife and kids. According to my 6 yr old grandson,Wyatt his daddy is a golden eagle flying high in the sky.
My Marine and Tyler (Army) used to banter back and force about what branch was more awesome. My Marine flew to Dover to escort SSG Tyler J Smith home. Standing watch over his brother in the pouring rain and storm;
RIP Ty. To my sons... I love you all and Thanks for your serice
Palacios, TX
