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First of all, let me apologize for being so long winded. I was simply so impressed that I wanted to share just a bit of a truly memorable evening. I cannot do it justice, but I hope you get a bit of the glow I still carry from hearing from these wonderful people and being in the same room with like minded grass roots Texas Americans.

My wife and I went to the Patriot Tour event at the Long Center in Austin on Friday, August 2, 2013.

First of all, in reference to the accompanying thread for the Majestic Theater in Dallas, there were no 'anti carry' signs or activities at the Long Center.

As for the event itself...it was stunning, thrilling, gratifying and generally impressive.

One of the most personally satisfying things for me was to be able to stand up and applaud some truly remarkable Americans...in person.

There were four primary presenters, not performers. In addition there were a few musical tributes by a lovely and talented singer, Mary Sarah.

The first presenter was Gold Star Mother, Debbie Lee. She is the mother of Marc Alan Lee who was the first SEAL to lose his life in Operation Iraqi Freedom. She also guided the transitions between speakers throughout the evening. Friday night, August 2, was the seventh anniversary of the date of his death in Ramadi, Iraq. Her commenting on that anniversary was heartrending. Her heartfelt story of loss, loneliness, grief and recovery in strength was moving and inspiring. She said she had wondered how operators often feel stronger bonds to brothers in arms than to brothers in blood. She noted that after seeing the bonds in person through the grieving SEALS who came to visit and mourn with her that she now understands. She commented that in her loss of her son Mark Lee, she gained many new sons in the form of his fellow SEALS, one of whom was Chris Kyle. Her pride in her son shown like a beacon. I get weepy eyes just writing this. Marc Alan Lee would be proud of her, too. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star with Valor and the Silver Star.

Taya Kyle was the next presenter. As most may know, the wife of SEAL Chris Kyle. Her obvious love and respect for her husband was self-evident. Her own strength is also apparent. She spoke of Chris Kyle not as a hero but as an all too human and imperfect man. He was a man with his own demons to battle. He found his new life and his new mission of service in aiding other vets. As you may, or may not know, they donated the proceeds of his hugely successful book, American Sniper, to the support of fallen warriors' families. After leaving the service he had a lot of loose ends and no defined purpose, and not a lot of money. It was a pretty low place for a while. The turning point in the redemption of his new life came when he was told that a severely wounded soldier in Walter Reed Medical Center want a copy of his book, American Sniper. Chris Kyle decided that not only would he provide an autographed book to the soldier, but that he would present it to him in person. He was in awe that man with such grievous wounds wanted nothing more than his book. This started his new life of service.

Taya Kyle suggested that she was a strong believer in the ripple effect of good deeds. She commented that so many veterans are on the emotional edge and that we are losing way too many to suicide. She spoke being on the receiving end of unsolicited good deeds and how heartwarming it was. Her suggestion was to pass forward acts of kindness and appreciation to veterans and service personnel…and certainly not forgetting the Viet Nam vets, Korea Vets, WWII vets. Thank them when you see the ‘Vet Caps’, thank the ones in uniform, buy them a meal, mow a lawn, fly a flag. The point is that one never knows where the ripple goes and who might receive just the encouragement to go on for a while longer because of an act of kindness and appreciation.

The next presenter was Capt. Chad Fleming (Ret.) who was in the 3rd Ranger Battalion. While serving in Iraq, his patrol was ambushed and his left leg was severely injured. After more than two dozen surgeries, he asked his doctors about his prognosis with his damaged leg and without. There were more positives without the leg and he had the m remove it. While being told he wouldn’t walk too well, he signed up for a 5K run…before he had gotten his new prosthetic leg. He ran it, and later the New York marathon (never again). He wanted to stay in the service and go back to Iraq. After extensive re-qualifying, including jump school, he DID go back to action in Iraq. He now lives in Dripping Springs, TX.

When he first came on stage he was wearing shorts and carrying a lot of stuff. What the stuff turned out to be was his ‘spare legs, I don’t go anywhere without them.’ His ‘Texas Leg’ has a cowboy boot on it. His ‘Sexy Leg’ has a more natural appearance with toes, etc. Finally there was his ‘Unfair Advantage’ leg that he uses for running.

Capt. Fleming uses humor to great advantage and told a side story of the day he was wounded. During the ensuing firefight he eventually, due to loss of blood, lost consciousness, occasionally coming to and going back under. Apparently while on a gurney at the field hospital, as the Docs were cutting his pants leg to remove the clothing, he set up to their amazement to demand that they NOT cut his Underarmor underwear because they cost $37 per pair. Later, in recovery, a nurse held them at arm’s length to return the uncut drawers. They are now on display at the Underarmor headquarters.

Finally, Marcus Luttrell spoke. The fifth generation Texan spoke amazingly fast for an East Texas boy. Lots to say and a short time to say it, I suspect. The man is not a polished public speaker. However whatever he may lack in polish, he more than makes up for in intense, honest, humble, and honest authenticity. He was spellbinding. The audience in the large auditorium was largely silent in rapt attention, when they were not applauding. The man has an honest dry wit.

Marcus told of his growing up on a farm in East Texas. He related the story of how he and his older (by minutes) identical brother decided at the age of 14 to be a SEAL. His brother is currently a SEAL serving in Afghanistan.

He spoke of the rigors of BUDS training, SEAL life and his bonds with his brothers in arms. He spoke of his best friend , fellow SEAL Lt. Michael Murphy.

He then went on to talk about Operation Redwing, which is the subject of his book, Lone Survivor. I won’t try to top the book. I highly recommend that you read it. It is astonishing. It was during Operation Redwing that three members of the four man patrol received the Navy Cross, two were posthumous awards. The fourth member of the team, Lt. Michael Murphy received the Congressional Medal of Honor, posthumously, for his actions. The Navy destroyer USS Michael Murphy carries his name.

As a side note, Governor and Anita Perry were in the audience. Marcus Luttrell personally thanked Anita Perry for ‘saving his life’ when he got back home. No further explanation was given.

May God continue to bless America with remarkable individuals like these.