In my life, Independence Day was always about popping fireworks, lighting up bar-b-que grills and just celebrating summer. That all changed this Independence Day Weekend.
You see, my son, Eric Tristan, is a combat medic in the United States Army. As you read these lines, Eric is packed on a C5 military plane flying into Afghanistan. He and his 581st battalion out of Fort Hood are scheduled to arrive at their military destination sometime on the Fourth of July.
When Eric steps foot on Afghanistan soil, he will begin a one year deployment. Eric joined full active duty last year and this is his first military deployment ever.
Eric is pure San Antonio. He was born and raised here. He went to school here - Oak Hills Elementary School, Pat Neff Middle School and graduated from Holmes High School. This is our city and Eric is a proud San Antonian.
Eric's wife, three babies, his mom, myself, his sister and all our family were emotionally torn at Saturday's going away military ceremony in the gymnasium at Fort Hood. There wasn't a dry eye in the house. It is tough when you watch one of your loved ones leave. (Check out my attached video blog for brief highlights of ceremony ... it will definitely make you proud of our military!)
There is no question that soldiers sacrifice so much to defend our country's freedom. But military families really are the cornerstone to every good soldier. Family and friends who support our soldiers are simply amazing. When dads, moms, sons, daughters have to leave their families for 12 months to go off to war - it's a huge sacrifice. The uncertainty of it all is what makes it the most emotional. Not knowing, wondering how they are, seeing the news, it's just mind-boggling.
When Eric was a boy long ago, he asked me, "do you think I'll ever grow up to be famous and be a Dallas Cowboy player." I looked at that wide-eyed 10 year old little boy and I told him, "yes sir, give it your best shot and you will grow up to be somebody special."
In adulthood, Eric is not a Dallas Cowboy player. He is even better than that. Eric is an American soldier who is fighting for our freedom on this Independence Day. To me, that is the ultimate hero.
Here's to all our military soldiers who fight defending the United States of America. On this Fourth of July, let's honor our soldiers. They are true American heros.