On President's Day, most businesses were closed. State, government, and banks all closed. I work for a bank. While our actual bank was closed, all 650 employees that work for my bank did not get to have a day off. Instead, we had an all-day meeting, that occurs every other year on President's Day. It's a way for employees to socialize, meet people we wouldn't normally get a chance to meet, and learn some new stuff. This year's event was titled "Improving Lives". We had 3 guest speakers: One lady from a vendor we contract with to talk about our 401K benefits we might be eligible for, as well as better ways to save/budget our money. Another guest speaker was another lady who talked to us about managing our time. Learning how to organize our time on-and off the clock. How to help prioritize so we can get the maximum time out of enjoying life as possible. The other guest speaker is the one that had the most meaning. He made many people tear up (of course, not me. I'm tough :P ) His talk was to teach people the beautiful way of looking at life, "Adapt and Overcome". Most people have plans for their future, their dreams, wants and desires. Often, our plans are interrupted by the unexpected. We have to learn to accept what is thrown at us and learn to go with it. Don't let it bring you down because what you originally thought you wanted is now unachievable.
Do you watch Dancing with the Stars? Our guest speaker won on Dancing with the Stars recently. HE also is an actor. Starred in an episode of Army Wives as a Soldier with PTSD and war wounds. He also began what was supposed to be a 3-month stint on All My Children as a soldier who came home with war wounds as well. His 3-month stint turned into a 3 year role. In 2002, this man joined the US Army. Do you recognize him?
Probably not in this picture. J. R. Martinez his his name. He is an American Hero. An Iraqi War Veteran. Recipient of the Purple Heart. just 7 months after joining the Army, he was driving a Hum-vee that ran over an IED. The 3 people in his vehicle with him were ejected, and walked away with minor scratches. J.R. became trapped in the car, which had exploded. Two of his SGTs' pulled him out, and he suffered 2nd and 3rd degree burns on nearly 1/2 of his body. He has an amazing outlook on life, even though his dreams were shattered and his plans were drastically changed. You may recognize him better from his more recent images:
J.R. is a beautiful person, inside and out. I was so honored to meet an American Hero.
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