On Lockdown with Heroes

Tuesday I was at the SFAC (Soldier Family Assistance Center) speaking to a group about our journey to healing and how Yellow Ribbon Fund would like to help Ft Campbell like we are helping Walter Reed and Ft Belvoir. It went really well. It was a great group filled with caregivers, chaplains and staff. It was really great to have a friend and fellow caregiver from Walter Reed sitting front row reiterating all that YRF has done and can do. Our meeting was winding down, but was suddenly cut off due to an alarm in the building. We heard the sirens then, "Attention this building will now be on lock down. We have an active shooter threat."

I immediately thought of all days for them to have a drill. Really? I went to the bathroom with my friend and as we stepped out they told us to grab our belongings and go into a more protected side of the building. The looks on the faces of soldiers and staff in the lobby confirmed it was not a drill.

I had already text Chaz what was going on. I seriously thought it was a drill, but my hubby sitting miles away in our house knew it wasn't. When I finally looked at my phone I had texts from Chaz saying "cover and concealment now" and "grab a pen or pencil and go for the temple."

Little did my hubby know by the time I got his texts we were already hidden and my pen was in my hand. This chicky does not go down with out a fight. I had already figured out how I was going to stab the shooter. I might get shot, but I was going to do my best to inflict some good pain first. Chaz has taught me a few things and he's taught me very well I might add. I was scared, but I was ready.

We stood there just waiting. Then it dawned on me all the soldiers and a few staff were still in the main lobby. I was thinking get your asses in here now. Then I realized they were protecting us. It was a humbling moment to me. I have had he honor of living with a soldier for 14 years. I have always felt safe around him. I have had the honor of being around heroes and hearing their stories of combat and survival. I have never witnessed heroes in action. These strangers were standing in the lobby guarding the building and protecting us.

I realized this is why I love my job. These men and women sign up voluntarily to protect us from all enemies foreign and domestic, something I am too selfish to do. They were very aware that potentially one of their own had turned and was now a threat. Yet they did not waiver. They assessed and controlled the area to make sure the civilians were safe. Then they stood in the lobby to provide a line of defense for the civilians they had hidden.

It was such an honor to see such heroic efforts in person. I seriously NEVER want to see it again so close. But I will never forget their reactions and how they were ready to put their life in front of mine and so many others. I am so thankful for the men and women who so selfishly run in to the fight for all of us. And I am thankful that God has placed me in position where I can help them in there time of need. Most of all I am thankful for God's timing. He knew I needed to be shown that not all people are selfish assholes. Some are heroes, true to the definition.