I wrote this post a little over a year ago while Lone Survivor was being filmed. Even though I do not know Mr. Luttrell personally, I still feel very close to this story after participating in the Boot Run with him back in 2012. I thought I would re-post this in order to share his inspiring story once again and also to raise awareness for the Lone Survivor Foundation and the Boot Campaign.
On Sunday, November 25, 2012 I participated in Boot Run Houston - a fundraiser owned by Melanie & Marcus Luttrell. Marcus Luttrell is a United States Navy SEAL and also the author of ‘Lone Survivor', a memoir accounting the details of an important event dating back to 2005 involving Luttrell and his teammates from the Navy SEAL Team TEN. Luttrell and SEAL Team Ten were on a reconnaissance (sniper) mission that took place in the mountains of Afghanistan. After coming across three Afghan shepherds the team made a unanimous decision to let the shepherds go. Shortly thereafter, SEAL Team Ten was attacked by about 150 Taliban members. Luttrell was the only one out of his teammates to survive enemy attacks. He was then taken in by Afghan villagers who were opposed to the Taliban. Following a 2,000 year old custom, the villagers promise to protect any person who asks for assistance just as Luttrell had done. The Taliban put a bounty on his head and threatened to kill everyone in the village; still the villagers did not surrender the Navy SEAL. Surrounding villages had also pulled in to help protect the soldier. In the end the villagers sent a messenger to the nearest U.S. base to secure Luttrell’s safe release and ultimately save his life. I had the pleasure of participating in the Boot Run on Thanksgiving weekend to help raise money for the village that protected Marcus Luttrell. Luttrell’s motto is ‘Never Quit’. I watched him live this out as the injured Navy SEAL crossed the finish line after a grueling 13.2 miles. Did I mention he’d just had a metal rod set in his back before the race? It was unbelievable. In his humble character he would probably deny this statement however Marcus Luttrell is truly a modern day hero. He teaches us that it doesn’t matter what line of work you are in – CEO, teacher, Navy SEAL – we all have the chance to follow in his footsteps. When the going gets tough, start killing people. Kidding. When the going gets tough, keep trucking. Keep pushing. Remember your fundamentals and stay focused on your goal. For Luttrell, this meant being on the front line and seeing his best friends and teammates fall victim to enemy attacks, but he will say himself that he was simply doing his job. We have a lot to learn from people like Marcus and the fallen men of SEAL Team Ten. I hope their story will inspire you just like it did me and my family (all three of my nephew’s even have Marcus Luttrell one-zies).
If you’re interested in helping U.S. war veterans then you can donate to the Lone Survivor Foundation or the Boot Campaign. The Boot Campaign’s goals are to Cultivate Awareness, Promote Patriotism, and Provide Assistance for our military when they come home. Spread the word! U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A! Oh! And if you’re not from the USA then perhaps you can find (or start!) something for your own war veterans.
One love, ~grace
Here is the man himself (far right #298) finishing up the Boot Run.
Beautiful story, and what an inspiration he is. That is so beautiful that he wants to give back to those villagers! This story touched home with me; my dear cousin's sweet husband was a diplomat in Afghanistan and was recently killed by a suicide bomber, leaving his wife and three darling baby girls behind. I wouldn't say he would not have it any other way, because nobody wanted this. However, he died in service to his country, something that was always important to him. Thanks for sharing. --Joleen
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear about your friend's husband. What those men go must through is unimaginable and now his family... You nailed it though, they do it all for their country. Thank goodness we are blessed with such standup men. Take care and God bless!
DeleteDon't for get the Women! God Bless all our troops!
ReplyDeleteReal Heroes, Real Men!!!!!!!!!
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