Memorial Day

And What it Means to Me

Hello Princess General,

Today is Memorial Day, a day when we honor all American soldiers who sacrificed their lives for our country. For your Grumpy Combat Veteran Knight, today brings back memories of his friends who gave their last full measure of devotion.

A Grumpy Combat Veteran Knight Remembers His Comrades on Memorial Day

Today, your Grumpy Combat Veteran Knight reflects on and honors all his friends. I wanted to share some stories about a few of them.

A Grumpy Combat Veteran Knight Explaining Memorial Day to His Princess General

A1C Leebernard Chavis was the first troop your Grumpy Combat Veteran Knight lost in combat. Your Grumpy Combat Veteran Knight always remembers his smile and courage. We would always laugh and talk about his future that never came.

Jackie Chavis, mother of Airman 1st Class LeeBernard Chavis, and Maj. Thomas Miner, former 824th Security Forces Squadron commander, view Airman Chavis' memorial during the Military Operations in Urban Terrain dedication ceremony Aug. 24. Airman Chavis, 824th Security Forces Squadron, was killed in action near Baghdad Oct. 16, 2006, while performing duties as a turret gunner with his security forces’ team on a joint patrol with Iraqi police. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Angelita Lawrence)

Today, your Grumpy Combat Veteran Knight also remembers SrA Jonathan Yelner. SrA Yelner loved serving his country because he knew he was protecting you and helping the Afghan people rebuild their nation. He was incredibly proud of his service—and you should be too.

Air Force Lt. Col. William D. Andersen, Kapisa-Parwan Provincial Reconstruction Team commander, salutes U.S. Army Col. Jonathan Ives upon uncovering the sign dedicating a Dining Facility on Bagram Air Field to Senior Airman Jonathan A.V. Yelner. Yelner was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated underneath his vehicle April 29 in Tag Ab Valley, Kapisa province, Afghanistan. (U.S. Army photo/Army Capt. Elizabeth Casebeer)

Today, we also honor Captain Jesse Melton III. Jesse was instrumental in assisting your Grumpy Combat Veteran Knight to grow as a leader, enabling him to better support his troops. Without Jesse’s guidance, your Grumpy Combat Veteran Knight would have been less capable of safeguarding his men during combat.

Gold Star Mother Janice Melton and her son, Jesse (USA)

We also remember Captain Casey McCausland today. Casey was one of your Grumpy Combat Veteran Knight’s best friends. He was hilarious, always cracking jokes and singing songs, albeit horribly off-tune. Your Grumpy Combat Veteran Knight misses him dearly.

Casey and GCV6, Nijrab Valley, Afghanistan (Personal Photo)

Today, we honor all of America’s heroes. They gave their lives so you could be free, Princess General. We must live lives that are worthy of their sacrifice.

A Princess General Looking at Photos of Her Father's Friends Who Were Killed in Combat

So today, and every day thereafter, remember your Grumpy Combat Veteran Knight’s friends and their families. Say a prayer for them. And remember: they died for all of us. And, as always, no matter where you are, your Grumpy Combat Veteran Knight will ALWAYS come to your rescue.

A Grumpy Combat Veteran Knight Coming to the Rescue of His Princess General