Fallen Heroes

As we near this time of celebrating our country's birthday, I want to honor two of our fallen heroes who gave their lives protecting our freedom.

Jaron Holliday was the son of some dear friends of ours. In August 2007, he was killed in Iraq when his vehicle hit a roadside bomb. He was 21 years old. He had 7 little siblings who looked up to him very much, and was a very accomplished pianist who loved the Lord. He loved people and always took the time to brighten someone's day. He loved to make them smile. A few days before his death, he had red roses sent to his mom, who was undergoing chemo for breast cancer. His homegoing left a hole in many hearts.

Last week another young man in our church family was killed in Afghanistan by a suicide bomber. Andrew Looney was 22 years old and had been in the country for 6 weeks. He had been wounded in Iraq in 2007 when a roadside bomb exploded. He lost part of a foot and suffered a traumatic brain injury. After spending over a year in rehab, he was determined to return and fight for his country.

I can't imagine what these families have gone through, and are still going through. I pray that the Lord will carry them in His loving arms and heal their hearts.

Thank you boys for giving your lives so that we may remain free!