BORN FREE

I have never been a big Kid Rock fan.  I’m more of a classic rock, late 60’s and 70’s fan.  But Kid’s song “Born Free” I have always liked.  I especially like the version “Tribute to the Military”, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJBTyKtbe1A . 

 It has even more special meaning to me.  I was born at Ft. Knox and raised in the Army, while I never served, if I could do over I would.  My dream was to be a fighter pilot, that didn’t happen.  The military has always been special to me.  I was and still am surrounded by men and women in the military and I have a tremendous respect and high honor for those who serve:

My Grandfather: Troy Maegerlein, US Army, served in WW I

My Great Aunt Mary, Colonel in Women’s Army Corp and served as a nurse in WW II Battle of the Bulge

My Father: Master Sargent Herschell Young, US Army, served in WW II Battle of the Bulge and Korea

My Mother: Dorothy Young, civilian served as a secretary to a Full Bird Colonel Ft. Knox

My Uncle: Bob Williams, US Navy Air Corp.

My Father-in-Law: Captain Chet Millstead, US Army, served in Vietnam

And now my two Step Sons:

Airman First Class Johnson McKenzie, Kentucky Air National Guard

Airman First Class Kenton McKenzie, Kentucky Air National Guard

It brought back many memories of my family as I watched Kenton and Johnson graduate from Basic Training this past weekend; remembering the honor of Lesa’s and my family members who have served in the military. Seeing the pride, honor and discipline the boys have newly discovered.

While none of these in my immediate family have given the ultimate sacrifice, I am thankful, but there are many who have.    However they did and do make sacrifices of fighting for our Country on foreign soil, being away from loved ones for extended periods of time and putting us and their Country above themselves.

I pray that each of us can always show the honor and respect to every man and woman who serve in the US Military as they so richly deserve.   The above list swore an oath to serve and protect us and our country so we can be “Born Free”.   

Written by Ian Troy Young

October 24, 2014