My brother, Roy, is my hero. He is one of the most wonderful men I have ever known and I know that I am in the presence of true greatness whenever I have the privilege to be in his company. Let me explain.
This is the sweet little boy with whom I shared my childhood. He was a skinny little kid who lived in a world of dinosaurs, bugs in jars, guns, and imaginary military tanks. I was his greatest nemesis and his greatest defender.
He never worried too much about pleasing anyone. Thus his school grades were forever belying his true intellect; and I, being his elder by two years, and his big sister felt it my solemn responsibility to keep him in line. This meant I watched him like a hawk and if he ever made a move I thought would get us in trouble, I took whatever action I found appropriate to get him back in line. This action could included anything from screaming and yelling at him to kicking or tripping him to the ground and sitting on his chest, pinning him down until I was certain he understood the error of his ways.
Yet, even though some times he yelled that he hated me, Roy always loved me. He knew and saw again and again that his big sister would beat the tar out of anyone who ever attempted to injure him whether by word or action. He defended and protected me too, to the best of his ability. He was better, though, at making a point without tearing the offender apart limb by limb.
Now, decades later, I wonder how he didn't kill me. Who could have guessed that this little boy with the mean big sister would grow up a kind man who felt it his calling to serve his county.
Roy surprised us all and made us proud by returning to the Army after a twenty year hiatus. He felt it his duty to take our cousin's place once our cousin, Andy left the Army after many years, and several tours in Korea, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Andy only left because a war injury made it impossible for him to return to his unit.
Yep, that's Roy. A true patriot who will stand up for his country even at the late age of 42. He has left a successful career at a huge mega store distribution center to travel to uncomfortable places to fight an evil enemy who is hard to define. He's left his wife and children to help make our families safe from those who would destroy our way of living. He is offering himself to fight for our freedom so that we can sleep easily at night.
Yep, that's Roy, and yep, I am proud to be Roy's Sister
