United We Roll at Stardust Radio

Another American Hero has joined those who have gone on before him. Leonard B Keller passed away on October 18th due to injuries received in a motorcycle accident. Had it not been for his incredibly heroic actions in Viet Nam, many other Americans would not have come home to their loved ones. His citation reads like a Hollywood script, but describes a very real situation in which Sgt Keller placed himself in several very dangerous positions in order to protect those with whom he served. The citation copy below is from the site at http://www.homeofheroes.com/moh/citations_living/vn_a_keller.html

We know from past occurrences, including some in recent months, that our American Heroes do not receive the acknowledgements they so richly deserve in our major media. Please take a few moments to remember Sgt Keller and to pray for his family. Please share this information with others so they, too, can honor this Fallen Hero.

Leonard B Keller
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company A, 3d Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. Place and date: Ap Bac Zone, Republic of Vietnam, 2 May 1967. Entered service at: Chicago, Ill. Born: 25 February 1947, Rockford, Ill.

Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sweeping through an area where an enemy ambush had occurred earlier, Sgt. Keller's unit suddenly came under Intense automatic weapons and small-arms fire from a number of enemy bunkers and numerous snipers in nearby trees. Sgt. Keller quickly moved to a position where he could fire at a bunker from which automatic fire was received, killing 1 Viet Cong who attempted to escape. Leaping to the top of a dike, he and a comrade charged the enemy bunkers, dangerously exposing themselves to the enemy fire. Armed with a light machinegun, Sgt. Keller and his comrade began a systematic assault on the enemy bunkers. While Sgt. Keller neutralized the fire from the first bunker with his machinegun, the other soldier threw in a hand grenade killing its occupant. Then he and the other soldier charged a second bunker, killing its occupant. A third bunker contained an automatic rifleman who had pinned down much of the friendly platoon. Again, with utter disregard for the fire directed to them, the 2 men charged, killing the enemy within. Continuing their attack, Sgt. Keller and his comrade assaulted 4 more bunkers, killing the enemy within. During their furious assault, Sgt. Keller and his comrade had been almost continuously exposed to intense sniper fire as the enemy desperately sought to stop their attack. The ferocity of their assault had carried the soldiers beyond the line of bunkers into the treeline, forcing snipers to flee. The 2 men gave immediate chase, driving the enemy away from the friendly unit. When his ammunition was exhausted, Sgt. Keller returned to the platoon to assist in the evacuation of the wounded. The 2-man assault had driven an enemy platoon from a well prepared position, accounted for numerous enemy dead, and prevented further friendly casualties. Sgt. Keller's selfless heroism and indomitable fighting spirit saved the lives of many of his comrades and inflicted serious damage on the enemy. His acts were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army.

May God Bless You With Everlasting Peace and Watch Over Your Family.

If you join us on United We Roll to hear the conversations with our deployed military members each week, you will hear over and over so many reasons why we call “them” Heroes. They say they are just doing their jobs.

I am not going to say much more here, except to share with you all this beautifully written piece I received in an email. My hat is off to the unknown author who penned these words. My heart goes to those who serve and their families - past, present and those to come.

THE FINAL INSPECTION

The Soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

'Step forward now, Soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?'

The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
'No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep....
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the Soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

'Step forward now, you Soldier,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell.'

~Author Unknown~

God Bless All Who Put Their Lives On Hold and On The Line For Our Country, Our Safety and Our Freedom.

United We Roll World Tour Show
Stardust Radio www.stardustradio.com
Tuesday, October 20, 2009 2-4pm Central (live)
Wednesday, October 21, 2009 6:30pm Central (Repeat)

We have four great visits with 5 deployed Heroes of Freedom to share with you all. Because we do not edit anything out of our visits and they are brought to you in their entirety, it is sometimes difficult to fit our visits exactly into a two hour broadcast span. Today, we will go over our two hours by about 10 minutes, but I am sure you will enjoy every minute. Remember, if you are not able to stay with us through the show this afternoon, it will repeat again tomorrow evening, Wednesday, Oct 21st at 6:30pm Central. In addition, an MP3 copy will be placed on our show archive site for listening and downloading. You can reach our archive site at www.stardustradio.info or through our full website at www.stardustradio.com.

(2:07pm) Our first guest for today is Air Force SSG Ebonie Bates, who is currently deployed with the 380th ESFS (Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron). Folks, we often talk about our military members being the type of people who are givers and who look to work and volunteer in areas where they can help others. SSG Bates is not only on security duty to protect those with whom she is deployed, but she has served with the air police for 8 years and is also studying for her nursing degree. Stay tuned to learn more about this incredible Hero of Freedom.

(2:32pm) Coming up next we will visit with Air Force TSgt Jerome Vahalik, who is currently on deployment with the 732nd ESFS (Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron) where he is the Program Manager for the K-9 unit. Whether or not you are a dog lover, you will definitely enjoy this visit and probably learn a lot as we did during this conversation. Once again, you will be inspired by a Hero of Freedom as this dedicated young man parent stands guard over our freedom. I am placing an article in our blog with more information about TSgt Vahalik and this K-9 unit.

(3:04pm) Our third visit is with a member of the HHT, 1st “Ironhorse” Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. Army Sgt Nathan Jones is about 8 ½ months into his 12 month deployment in Iraq, where he is serving as a Broadcast Journalist. Since reporting news about those with whom he serves is his mission, you can imagine how well versed Sgt Jones is with the goings on and in knowing the men and women he has met along the way. This is a great visit and you will not want to miss a minute.

(3:40pm) Our final visit for today is with two members who are on deployment with the 376th EAMXS, where both are crew chiefs on KC-135’s. Not only that, but both of our guests have recently received awards for their exceptional work at Manas Air Base. SrA Dustin Bordelon was the recipient of the September’s Airman of the Month award and AFC Cassandra Delaney receive the Manas Warrior of the Week Award. These two guests will talk not only about their duty days, but also about living the military life and some of the things that go along with that. Check our blog for an article with more information. This is a truly inspirational visit.

As always, we are extremely honored to bring you these visits with our Heroes of Freedom. And, we are very honored to have you, our listeners, join us each week.

May God Bless You All & May God Bless America!

Due to connection problems, United We Roll is not able to be broadcast on Tuesday, October 13th. So, we will run the show live on Wednesday, October 14th at 6:30pm Central. We will have the same guests and schedule as originally planned.

Thank you for your patience and we hope you can join us on Wednesday 10/14/09!

The response to the needs for the survivors of Bravo Troop 361 Cavalry has been wonderful! Almost all items have been secured and an update will be posted on Tuesday 10/13/09.

The survivors have been moved to a more secure base where they are doubling up with another unit and space is a bit tight, but they are safe. I will post more links later today for follow-up information.

One thing that is clear - our troops need to continue to receive support in the way of letters, cards and even care packages. More to come on this also.

A huge thanks to those who did respond and to those who keep the letters going out.