Lone Survivor (Movie)

Just returned home from seeing Lone Survivor the movie. I reviewed the book the other day. More than likely this is going to be a jumbled mess of thoughts. This is not a movie review as there is nothing on this Earth that could justify reviewing this movie..

I am in awe of the character of those who volunteer to become a member of our American military. They go in knowing they will sacrifice more than they'll reap. When you become an elite member of our military the sacrifices double and your life expectancy takes a hit. Still there are men and women who join these ranks and I can't thank them all nor express the depth of my gratitude.

A few years ago I had the pleasure of talking with my cousin who served in the Air Force. Amidst all my questions he made two things clear a) he is glad that most Americans live clueless as to what happens in areas our soldiers are deployed to and b) the news media is the biggest steaming pile of poo. Those are my words not his.

I'm sure there are many people who wish movies weren't filmed about the military. I've seen an overwhelming positive response to Lone Survivor. Something that struck me at the end of this movie is their deaths should not be in vain. The freedom I enjoy as an American came/comes at a price. A steep price. Men and women have been dying for centuries to preserve my way of life. The least I can do is repay them by living my life to the fullest. I may never find myself in a gunfight on the side of a mountain. However, I need to dig deep for the courage to do other things.  While those who protect my freedom might not judge how I live my life, I am compelled to honor their sacrifice by living it to match the price paid for it. i started 2014 wanting to make this a year of change for myself. I'm going to steal from the SEALS and adopt an attitude of "never out of the fight." The only one who can take me out is me; I'm choosing now to not quit.  

In an interview on CNN Marcus Luttrell corrected Jake Tapper when Tapper suggested there was a hopelessness to Operation Red Wing.  Marcus corrected him. He reiterated it they never felt hopeless. The fight wasn't over until they were dead. Sadly three of them did die. "It was our job. We didn't complain about it."

When a movie like Lone Survivor, Black Hawk Down, Act of Valor, or Seal Team Six premieres it either affirms people's hate of war or justifies others war ideals. What I take out of these movies and from conversations with current and former military is they feel a calling. Some of them love their country to an extent they'll die defending it. Others have an intense desire to protect. Still others find a family within the military. Regardless their motive, their mindset is the same. They put themselves somewhere low on the totem pole of priority. They are an amazing group of  individuals.They march to the beat of honor, integrity, focus, discipline, and humility.