Portrait of a Hero

His name is Javier and he is a parachuter for the United States Army. A native Puerto Rican and full of pride for his home and all of America, Javier joined the military and was called to serve in Iraq. While on a mission with two of his comrads in November of 2007 there was an explosion. The blast was so severe that it took the lives of both his fellow troops and severely burned Javier. As you can see, Javier has suffered greatly as a result of this tragic day in Iraq. He received the Purple Heart for his efforts in the fight for freedom and has spent much of his life since in the hospital with surgeries and skin grafts. Javier is by no means out of the woods. He has months and months of continued medical care ahead of him, not to mention pain and suffering. Javier has lost his ears, part of his fingers, and needs extensive medical treatment. This is no cake walk for this brave military man of the ripe old age of twenty one. Yet, without reserve or hesitation, Javier wants to recover sufficently so that one day if it is necessary he can return to Iraq or to active duty and continue his mission with the Army. He doesn't want pity from anyone and has made that clear to his family and friends.

When I heard about Javier and saw his photographs I broke down and cried. I've never met Javier and probably never will. Yet I feel like I have known him and all of the troops in my heart for a very long time. I am a mother and a grandmother, and we have big hearts for all of our youth wherevever they may be and whoever they may belong too. So I cried for Javier, but then I realized something. Javier doesn't want my tears. He doesn't want anyone's tears. He wants to pick himself up, get himself well, and do what he loves in this life to be in service to others. Javier IS a hero in every sense of the word and more.

When I look into Javier's eyes I see a pride that gleams out and shines across the universe. I see a human being that truly has a great love for all, his country, the world, and all people. I'm glad that Javier's life has touched mine, even though we have never met. He is a hero to me and I could not be more proud of him. God Bless you, Javier. You are the very BEST of the BEST!