Sometimes it’s not always easy to express what we feel. However working with our troops, that is the one thing that comes easy for me. Often times I'm so overcome with pride and gratefulness that it moves me to tears. The stories of their bravery and valor are ones that I will cherish forever.

I'm so proud when I see a wounded hero take his first steps with his "new" legs. He's been through so much physically and emotionally, but courage and bravery still encompass him. For the wounded...their journey is a long one. For some, their battle scars are not visible, however it makes them no "less" wounded. Often times these are the worst injuries of all.

I'm so proud when they reach certain milestones or accomplishments such as taking those first steps, or attending their first group therapy session for PTSD. It’s almost impossible for me to keep from standing up and clapping and cheering them on...in fact often times – that’s just what I do. I'm so proud of them.

I used to wonder what it is that gets these brave warriors through some of their darkest moments. After seeing them with my own eyes and hearing their testimonials, I don’t have to wonder anymore. I know the answer. The answer is faith, hope and prayers. Faith so strong that one wounded Marine (a triple amputee) said to me, “why should I complain to God about how big my mountains are? I tell my mountains how big my God is”. I have watched this brave young warrior courageously take his first steps with pride. Despite his devastating wounds, he has touched the lives of many. Our own faith has grown by watching him overcome such difficult obstacles. His road is a long one, but with faith, hope, and prayer, he grows stronger every day and shines just like the warrior Marine that he will always be.

Another soldier who was wounded in the battle of Fallujah shared this with me: “My dad (a pastor) made a remark a few weeks ago that I will never forget. In a sermon, he said, "In Heaven we will no longer have Faith and Hope because we will no longer need them." As I have went through the rehabilitation process after being wounded, I have needed much Faith and Hope to overcome obstacles I have faced. In my situation, my beliefs have carried me through hard times because I know that they are temporary. Even though some of the pain and symptoms may last a lifetime, I know that one day it will all be better.”

As a caseworker for our wounded, I often go into situation knowing that I need to do whatever I can to help these Heroes. Funny thing is, more times than I can count, it is ME that THEY have helped. You see, I have witnessed miracles with my own eyes, and my own faith grows stronger with each passing day. May God Bless our Troops, for he certainly has blessed each of us with them.