November 11, 2009 VETERAN'S DAY

Happy Veteran's Day to all who have served and those serving now. Our gratitude goes out to you for all you have done on our behalf.

Mark was featured in a story this morning on the local news. The footage was taken about six months ago, but not used until today. Mark was amazed at the change he saw in himself in the time that passed since the video was done. I can tell you that his speech is much improved and he has become so much stronger. He has built up so much upper body strength that he could hardly get into his dress blue uniform jacket for the Marine Ball last weekend!

To see the story, go to the link below:

http://www.wtsp.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=117502

Sunday, November 8, 2007

Today marks the second anniversary of the crash of UH-60L 88-26025. We ask that you take a moment to remember CPT Christian Skoglund, CW2 Davidangelo Alvarez, CPT Cartize Durham,
SRA Kenneth Hauprich, SSG Robert Rodgers and SSG Mark Spence and to pray for their families.

Mark was among the lucky to have survived. He has battled back to gain strength and independence once again. It has been a very long road and his journey will never truly be over. His life changed forever that day, as did all of ours. However, we are blessed to have him here and we appreciate each day God grants us much more so than before.

Over the last twenty-four months, many people have asked me "How did you do it?" I don't have an answer. You just "do it" whatever "it" may be. However, I think it is important to realize that through our journey we have met so many more families going through the same thing. Some of their situations are far more critical than even ours and the outcomes have not been as good.

Please remember these families today too, because although their sons and daughters survived their crashes, blasts, and attacks, they have lost their lives, as they knew them, for this country. And the fates of their families will never be the same. They will continue to care for and love their soldiers and sailors and do everything possible to bring them back. They never ask "how"; they just "do".

Bless you all for listening.