Brotherly Love!

Time for a break from all the doom and gloom and remind everyone there are some great stories if you look for them. Lucky me I didn't have to look too far. There are few I've met that don't know how proud I am of my boys, here is just another example why.....

My oldest Jeremy is deployed in Afghanistan at FOB Fenty till somewhere around May. Just prior to his departure my youngest Stephen and I got to share some time with him. The timing was great as Stephen happened to be off from football and home on break from school. We had a great time and Jeremy passed on some mementos to Stephen to keep while he was overseas. Jeremy had some old army gear he purchased at the PX and Stephen has excited to receive an official camo backpack and bandana. He told his brother many at college had camo backpacks but not official army issue gear, especially one with his last name on it. He wears it proudly at school daily to carry his books and papers, and tells everyone who asks about it about his brother's service!

The kicker came this past weekend when the University of Charleston played their first game of the season. Stephen #21 ran onto the field clutching the camo headband. He wore it throughout the game in dedication to his brother's service protecting our country. He announced he would dedicate this season to his brother, and was going to pick off the quarterback for an interception. They are close and train together in the off season encouraging each other to be all they can be. When Jeremy isn't protecting the country he is a certified personal trainer, so Stephen is one of his best customers in the off season, and is quite a tribute to his ability.

Stephen played the game like he was possessed. His promise of an interception came to fruition on the first drive, when he stopped the nationally ranked Tusculum College offense with a diving pick off. University of Charleston won the game 31 to 14. Stephen looked to me from the sidelines after the turnover and pointed to the headband, mouthing the words that's for Jeremy!

Examples of brotherly love seem to few and far between in this busy world. With all that's going on and all the negative, it's heartwarming to hear a story like this, let alone be apart of it. I'm proud of both of them, they are incredible young men. I thought it would be inspiring to share this story to start the week. Show someone some much needed love today. Pay it forward, and smile, God loves you!

God Bless
Capt. Bill