"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13



Today, I feel very thankful for the men and women who have freely given their lives so I can live free.

Last month, a young soldier from our home town was laid to rest. Corey Kowall died in Afghanistan, doing what he had always wanted to do: serve his country in the military. He is a hero, and I am honored to have known him. Thank you, Corey.

John Frizzell and Robert Finney, two of my uncles, served in Europe during WWII. Uncle Johnny is with the Lord now; Uncle Bob is still with us. Neither ever spoke of the ugliness of the war they fought; I want them to know I am proud and thankful for both of them. Brother Blythe, enjoy that Honor flight; you have more than earned it. Thank you.

Roy Fields, a dear friend, does daily duty with the Murfreesboro Police Force. Family friend Eddie Mitchell serves with the Murfreesboro Fire Department; our neighbor, Dewitt Cooper, is a member of Jacksonville Fire and Rescue. Thank you, so very much.

It doesn't matter whether the fight is overseas against a foreign enemy or on our neighborhood streets, these brave men and women are standing in the gap for us, ready to fight, and, if necessary, die to protect us. What makes them willing? A strength far beyond any I have. And that is why, this Veteran's Day, I want to say to all of them, "Thank you. I appreciate everything you do for us. God bless you and keep you."