This Memorial Day email is going to be different than the past. I want to tell the story of a warrior who we lost recently, SGT Christopher James Ward.
I had the honor of knowing Chris when we were in D-co 1/75th. He was kind to new guys at Regiment and humble about his service. I can’t tell you how many deployments he did, or what awards he had before his passing.
He doesn’t have that information readily available if you Google his name because he did not perish serving in combat. Chris passed this year from the invisible injuries we all carry in different severities. The mental battles that are inevitable with serving during a time of war.
This is where my story about Chris will stop out of respect for his family. If any of you who are reading this knew Chris, I want you to know I looked up to him and I am sorry for your loss. I hope this email is ok.
Memorial Day is different than Veterans Day. Veterans Day we celebrate those that served. Memorial Day we celebrate the lives of those who didn’t make it home and their sacrifice on our behalf.
I want to center today’s email around one thing. The fight so many veterans are losing when they come home. Since our exit from Afghanistan in 2021, I have had no shortage of phone calls about friends who are struggling or lost the fight against the demons we face when we re-enter “polite” society.
I believe they are losing the fight because they came home to a society they don’t recognize. People pick their political hill to die on and if you aren’t on the same hill then you are their enemy.
We owe it to those who didn’t make it back, and to those who are losing the fight, to be better as a society. Sure, honor their sacrifice today in whatever manner you choose, but more importantly live a life worthy of their sacrifice. Be kind to others. Regulate your emotions. Stop choosing sides that should be united by the same flag.
One of my favorite quotes is from Ben Franklin and I think it is befitting here.
“You have a republic… if you can keep it.”
We are losing it because of our disdain for our neighbor. And our veterans feel their sacrifice was for naught.
— Pat Montgomery
CEO & Founder, Valor Provisions
