We Protect America's Children

      As you are well aware, on September 11, 2001, our country was attacked by terrorists. That day, will without a doubt go down in world history as the most tragic event ever to happen on American soil in one day. That day, more than any other event in American history, will be etched in my mind forever. On September 23, 2001, twelve days after the 9-11 attacks and four days before my 40th birthday, I re-entered military service after a fourteen-year separation from the U.S. Army. On January 15, 2003, my home unit, 489th TC (Port Operations) located in Jacksonville, Florida, notified me that myself and 19 other Soldiers were being mobilized and attached to our sister unit, 650th TC (Port Operations) located in Wilmington, NC, soon after which we were deployed to Ashu Shuaiba, Kuwait, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

      On April 15, 2003, at approximately 0215 hrs (2:15 a.m.) while on combat life-saver duty at the Port of Shuaiba, I suffered a devastating injury to my neck. While rescuing two young Soldiers from the path of a falling expansion bridge, I felt something pop in my neck; both Soldiers were fine, but in my effort to pull them to safety, I suffered injuries to my neck and right shoulder. Soon after this incident, I was evacuated to Germany and then back to Fort Bragg, NC, where military doctors latter informed me that my military career was over.

      My first thought was how would my three beautiful children deal with knowing that I could not function the same as before I left. With that in mind and knowing that all things are possible through Christ Jesus, I refused to accept the doctor’s diagnosis and set out to prove them wrong. After two years of both physical and occupational therapy, I proved the doctors wrong. I am now back at 100% and can perform my military duties better now than ever before. 

      During my stay at Ft. Bragg, I was given the honor of leadership when I was placed in charge of my own platoon; this was an assignment I did not want at first, but it would turn out to be the most rewarding experience of my military career. With an outstanding NCO at my side (SSG Lester Burns), I supervised 50 of the bravest warriors to ever put on a U.S. Army uniform.

      It was during that time that The Soldiers And Kids Program's concept began to become a reality. My platoon and I were very close, just as a good military leader should be with his Soldiers, but after hearing the horror stories of childhood molestation and abuse from my Soldiers and other Soldiers in the unit; and seeing news reports of child kidnappings, molestations and murders all around the country, I decided I had to act, and the result is a child-targeted crime prevention program that actually works.

      The program is unique and revealing. It is unlike any child safety program in use anywhere in the world today. In other words, the information contained in this educational program has never been made public all at once. 

      In closing, I ask that you continue to support my fellow warriors still in harms way; the best weapon a Soldier can carry into combat is encouragement and knowing that everyone back home has his best interest in mind. Please send a Soldier some words to keep them in the fight.

     You may contact me at: SFCYeartie@SoldiersAndKids.com.