MY Heroes of the year!

WAITING FOR PRESENTS - A young Iraqi boy watches from a balcony
as U.S. Marines from the 5th Marine Regiment, 3rd Battalion, and Iraqi
policemen beneath him distribute clothes and toys to Iraqi refugees at a
humanitarian aid compound in Fallujah, Iraq, Dec. 10, 2007.
U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Neill A. Sevelius (source)



(Biography here)


(Biography here)

This morning I was sent an interview that General Petraeus did with a European media outlet. More on that in a moment, BUT as I read the General's words, saw his grasp of matters those idiots in Washington prove they are clueless about on a daily basis, I was reminded what a fine hero he is. Yes, I know we have had discussions here before about the bandying around of the term "hero" - with our very own hero Master Gunner weighing in - but today, I have to call it as I see it.

I have oh so many heroes in my life these days. From the aforementioned MG, and Cav Tanker, to the deployed troops that are "mine" - yes, they are all 'mine', to their families on the home front who do amazingly heroic deeds every single day - to get through the day - and the veterans who hold a special "hero" place in my heart, (you all know who you are. Deal with it...lol), I do feel truly blessed to know such fine men and women.

We don't have to turn to our history books for heroes. They're all around us. Don't let anyone tell that America's best days are behind her that the American spirit has been vanquished. We've seen it triumph too often in our lives to stop believing in it now.

So said Ronald Reagan.

And he is absolutely correct. Yes, history books are full of heroes from bygone days. I was raised on the stories of heroes within my own family, and my own national culture, going back hundreds of years. ( It's a Brit thing ya know...lol,) I contend, though, that today, walking among us we have many heroes. We may not know every single one of them by name, as they serve us and our countries in their different roles, but they ARE heroes.

General Petraeus and General Hillier are the US and Canada's public faces of all our military heroes. I thought I was going to have to explain to our American readers who General Hillier is; I discovered, just today, that General Hillier was actually connected to Ft Hood during his career. Who knew????! :)

Both of these men have proven their mettle in the battlefield. Both men are highly respected by those under their command. I met a Canadian veteran a few weeks back. Recently returned from Afghanistan, he told me of when he met General Hillier during one of the General's visits there. This veteran spoke from the heart, so highly of the General. As I listened I knew without doubt that there was such respect that this veteran would follow General Hillier anywhere. I get that sense about General Petraeus too, in everything I read about him.

Both men are highly educated. Both men are so knowledgeable, both in military matters and history, and world history, the BIG picture. Very articulate. Both men have had their feet held to the fire by the dimtwit politicians. I know that both Generals are constantly having to "deal" (okay I'm being polite here) with ignorant and belligerent politicans who openly sneer and display their disregard, disrespect for all these men are, all these men have accomplished. Both men are overflowing with dignity as they are called to account for themselves before the legislators (this being polite is.........well.lol)

Time magazine decided to overlook General Petraeus as Man of the Year, and designated Putin instead. Time Canada chose the looney as whatever of the year...Hmmmmmmmmmm.... Do I need to tell you that neither of those, not Putin, or the Canadian dollar, would be a blip on the international 'newsworthy' radar without the good efforts of Generals Petraeus and Hillier? Guess I won't be working for Time magazine any time soon...aaaaaaaaaah well. lol. Asses.. I can tell ya, though, unequivocably, that I'd take either General looking out for me any day, over either Putin or our Canadian looney (that's our dollar to the rest of the world.)

Regular readers here know that General Hillier is always willing to explain our military and their mission to the public... Recently on CBC radio taking questions, he proved what a dignified, gracious man he is. The way he acquitted himself was downright heroic, in my humble opinion. I have heard him a few times. And who can forget General Petraeus answering politicians' "questions" (using that term loosely here.lol) on the Hill? Dignified, gracious, when the rest of us had very undignified, ungracious thoughts as to what we would like to do to the disgraceful idiots.

Back to the interview I was sent this morning (by our inhouse hero MG. Oh, he is so gonna have words with me for this...lol) This interview was far reaching in scope, and what interested me was how the interviewers actually gave General Petraeus room to answer their questions. I know, a novel concept, but I did tell you it was European. (Not that always gaurantees anything but in this case...lol) Still and all, what shone through every single answer was the thoughtfulness, the awareness, the professionalism honed from a lifetime of the General's service to the greater good. Not only well-versed in American history, General Petraeus demonstrated a deep grasp, and respect for, world history. I was trying to find just one or two quotes to share with you, to whet your appetite for the whole interview. Instead, I will URGE you to go read the whole thing. It really IS must reading for any of us who care about the world we live in. You can find that here..I plan to save it and read and re-read it more than a few times. Oh, and also go read both men's biographies (links by their pictures above). Inspiring and humbling to say the very least.

When I replied to MG earlier today, I told him that General Petraeus is on the very short list I have of people I mean to spend time with, and interview, in this lifetime. General Hillier is also on my "dream list."

The picture of the little boy at the top? He, and all the other children around the world are heroes in every sense of the word to me. They are what drives me on. I suspect they figure large in both Generals' raison d'etres also.

So, today, I designate General Petraeus, General Hillier, and the children they protect, as MY Heroes of the Year.

Thank you Generals. God bless you both.

Brat