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04 Jul

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Act of Valor

July 4, 2012 | By | 32 Comments">32 Comments

On a plane ride home from Savannah, I watched the movie Act of Valor. I can tell you that I never thought I would be shedding tears over an action flick. But I did–a lot. If you haven’t see it, please consider doing so.

Every single day, warriors are putting their lives on the line so I can sit in my office and type this out. Sleeping in hotel beds a third of the year is a lot better than sleeping in a dessert or a jungle somewhere. Eating a home cooked meal is considerably better than a lot of the meals our protectors eat.

I am so proud of the people who make sure I am able to go about my day with the feeble worries that I have, as opposed to having serious concerns like being blown up or something.

To the men and women who serve to protect me every day, to say thank you doesn’t even cover it! You are my heroes!!! If it brings you any comfort, please know that you are appreciated immensely, and you have my prayers. I am only speaking for me because I know there are a few people who will read this today, and they will want you to know their thoughts.

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  • http://www.ningbo.co.uk//chairs conference chairs

    What dose it say at the end of Act Of Valor after the tecumseh quote and before it lists the names of the SEALs killed in action sense 9-11. It says something like at the beginning of the movie but adds something.

  • http://www.ningbo.co.uk//chairs conference chairs

    I would like to know what song or at least some of the lyrics of the last song that plays in Act of Valor during the beginning credits. It was a guy singing about being deployed and it was really good. Id love to know who its by.

  • http://www.ningbo.co.uk//chairs conference chairs

    I was wondering if the Stolen Valor Act, covers all fraudulent acts such as posing as a serviceman, and or veteran. Or does it only cover misrepresentation of medals, tabs and so on.

  • http://www.ningbo.co.uk//chairs conference chairs

    I just want to know how bad the swearing in Act of Valor is, and also could you please tell me what the most common swear word used in the movie is?

  • http://www.ningbo.co.uk//chairs conference chairs

    They said that the way the law was written made it too broad, and made it applicable in areas where the government doesn’t necessarily need to be (eg the family).

  • http://www.ricardoequips.com RicardoEquips

    I served in the US Army 2nd Armor Calvary Regiment when they were stationed at Fort Polk, LA from 1998 (right out of high school) to 2001 (till three weeks before 9/11) as a Food Service Specialist (Chef/Cook). I can’t even find some of my friends yet who when over to Afghanistan looking for Osama. I love those guys. I learn a lot when I was in the military. God bless my brothers and sisters out there.

    • http://LouiseThaxton.Net/ LouiseThaxton

       @RicardoEquips God bless YOU for serving – and Ft. Polk, LA, is the Army base we serve from Leesville, LA!  Everyday there is a soldier sitting in my office – it is a humbling thing – to sit in the presence of heroes every day.

      • http://www.ricardoequips.com RicardoEquips

         @LouiseThaxton That’s right! You were the one who said you worked out there in Leesville right outside the gate. What do you do and where do you work again? I’ve haven’t been on that base in almost 11 years, but I’m pretty sure I can remember a few things out there.

        • http://LouiseThaxton.Net/ LouiseThaxton

           @RicardoEquips I own a branch with national mortgage company – and over half of what I do are VA loans!  I have offices through Louisiana (Baton Rouge to Shreveport/Bossier City) – but one of my biggest offices in in downtown Leesville!  Just a few blocks from the courthouse. 

        • http://www.ricardoequips.com RicardoEquips

           @LouiseThaxton Ha! Ha! I know where that is at! Awesome! Wonderful!

  • http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=36736095&trk=tab_pro TroyD

    Thank you, Thank you to all those serving our nation.  Especially the woman, who are twice the man I could ever be, you’ve got guts!  I appreciate every one of you beyond words.  God Bless!

  • Kentlapp

    The movie really is worth seeing. It’s a great reminder what all our soldiers are going through every day but also there are so many principles in there that we can apply today in our lives and leadership. We need to quit sitting around and kick butt when the situation calls for it. Great post.

  • http://LouiseThaxton.Net/ LouiseThaxton

    Chris – you inspired me to edit my post for today on my blog – Acts of Valor: Then and Now on  http://www.LouiseThaxton.net to add the movie clip!  Thanks for the inspiration! 

  • http://hardandsimple.blogspot.com/ Skropp

    Side note. If you want to read an amazing story of heroes, pick up “Lone Survivor” by Marcus Luttrell. Marcus was the Lone surviving Navy SEAL in an operation gone horribly bad in Afghanistan in 2005. It is an amazing, touching book he wrote about being alone and hunted by the Taliban for about a week! It’s a must read!

    • http://LouiseThaxton.Net/ LouiseThaxton

       @Skropp It is an incredible book – and it inspired the non-profit organization – http://www.BootCampaign.com! 

      • http://LouiseThaxton.Net/ LouiseThaxton

         @Skropp I am giving away an AUTOGRAPHED copy in the month of July to top commenter on my blog http://www.LouiseThaxton.net – check it out.

    • http://www.facebook.com/john.f.daly John F. Daly III

      Skropp, good call on the book. The Navy’s newest destroyer is DDG-112, the USS MICHAEL MURPHY. HOOYAH!!!! We do a “Murph” on Memorial Day every year- his favorite workout. It’s a 1-mile run, 300 squats, 200 push ups, 100 pull ups, then another 1-mile run. In body armor. New to the board here- sorry for kicking up a 6-month post!

  • http://www.indueseason.net skottydog

    The ability to type this comment.  To compose this post.  To watch a movie on YouTube.   The internet  (well, that was Al Gore).   Spending time with family.  Driving or flying to get to family.  Watching a fireworks display.
     
    All of these things, and endless others are because of the people who have defended and protected our country time and time again.  
     
    Thank you to all of our veterans, military, and their families.

    • http://LouiseThaxton.Net/ LouiseThaxton

       @skottydog AMEN!

  • http://hardandsimple.blogspot.com/ Skropp

    Man I LOVE that movie!! I watched it in the theaters when it came out!! I’ve read 2 autobiographies from Navr SEALs and I just am in awe of what those guys (and all service members) sacrfice for us!!! For any service members that read this today, THANK YOU!!!
    You have my absolute respect for your service, and so does your families! God bless you and god bless our country!!

  • http://www.livebeyondawesome.com/ JenMcDonough

    I too say thanks to the serviceman and woman out there. 
    Thank you for the beautiful blog post Chris. I haven’t seen Valor yet, but will put it on my list. 
    Jen

    • http://hardandsimple.blogspot.com/ Skropp

      @JenMcDonough Jen it HAS to be on your list! It’s an amazing film!

      • http://www.livebeyondawesome.com/ JenMcDonough

         @Skropp  @JenMcDonough oh fun! I will put it on there. Typically we don’t get past Pixar or Disney movies too much with four kiddos. ha ha
        I meant to say I wanted to hear your debt free scream – when I went back to look at it, the broadcast was taken off of my TTMO subscription. I would love to hear it if you have it. Will you send it to me on Twitter (@TheJenMcDonough) – you had mentioned it a few weeks ago and I was excited to hear it but bummed I could access the podcast file.
        Jen

  • http://www.lilykreitinger.com/ lilykreitinger

    In an ideal world, the one I would like for my children, no one should have to sacrifice to protect their loved ones. Warriors would serve during disasters and emergencies and protect widows and children. We have much to learn. It is very humbling to me as a foreign-born resident of the United States that someone’s son, father, husband, mother, wife, sister…is in harm’s way to protect me and my children. Have a blessed 4th of July.

    • http://hardandsimple.blogspot.com/ Skropp

      @lilykreitinger It is amazing. And they do it everyday. I can’t imagine the sacrifices their spouses and children make too!! Anything worth having is worth sacrificing for, and this country is certainly worth both, I’m grateful there are those willing to put their lives on the line for me, my family and my way of life!

  • JoshuaWRivers

    Happy Independence Day! I haven’t seen that movie, but it’s on my list now. Thanks, Chris!
     
    If there is anyone reading this that has or is currently serving in our military – Thank You!

    • http://hardandsimple.blogspot.com/ Skropp

      @JoshuaWRivers Certainly worth watching man! One of te best movies I’ve ever seen

  • http://LouiseThaxton.Net/ LouiseThaxton

    Act of Valor was such an inspiring movie to me.  I watched it just before I was heading to a fundraiser San Diego in my role as an Ambassador for the non-profit, the Boot Campaign (www.BootCampaign.com).  It was incredible to be at this event which was hosted by a friend of mine who is a Navy SEAL, and it largely attended by Navy SEALS, some of which were in the movie. 
     
    I am reminded today of the millions of Americans who have given their lives over the last 236 years for our freedom.  And today I thank God for the ones who have signed their names on a blank check made payable to the USA – not knowing the cost which is to be paid.  Some will pay with their lives – some with their physical or emotional health – and some will pay with their marriages or families. 
     
    There is a cost to freedom.  May we remember that today – and thank someone who is paying the price.

  • http://www.bluebridgecomm.com/ JoelFortner

    Happy July 4th everyone! Serve some cake up to the USA!

  • James

    Sarah and I watched this movie last night! We sat in stunned silence after it was over, thinking about the great sacrifice that happens all the time and we never even know about it! I am so very grateful for the sacrifice of our troops and I hope and pray that I live my freedom in such a way that is worthy of this sacrifice! Thanks Chris for sharing your thoughts!
     
    James Sorensen

    • http://hardandsimple.blogspot.com/ Skropp

      @James It is almost unbelievable what they do huh? When they list all the SEALs that have given their lives since 9/11 I felt like it was the absolute most important part of the movie!

  • http://epicenterlanguages.com.mx/our-blog Aaron Nelson

    Freedom, Independence and Liberty are such immense blessings. For many of us who have grown up in and lived in conditions all our lives, it’s so easy to just take them for granted, isn’t it? 
     
    What I thought about and am thinking about….
    God, thank you for freedom. 
    God, thank you for the men and women out there who fight and stand to preserve it.
    God, help us all to take that same stand in everything we do. In our homes, and in our businesses and in our communities – help us to be doing things that enable those who are with us, and those we interact with to be free.
     
     

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