Libby Logger Veterans Assembly

It was truly a pleasure to attend the Veterans assembly last Friday. The school put on an awesome assembly and I would like to thank all involved with the operation and setup. The student reflections were good to hear.

However, the most moving event that stirred my innermost feeling was the guest speaker, Lance Corporal Ramsey Smith, a United States Marine combat veteran from Troy, and his statements about his upbringing in Troy and issues with a disruptive family background and the reason why he and his brother Raleigh went into the United States Marine Corps.

During the Battle of Fallujah in Iraq, 71 American military members were killed in action and 425 wounded in action. Ramsey’s brother, Raleigh, another Troy hero, was one of the 71 Americans killed.

Ramsey’s comments about the horror and his personal fight with PTSD took more courage than any one person can ever imagine. Lance Corporal Ramsey Smith is the real thing, A TRUE AMERICAN HERO with the courage of more lions than I can count.

I hope hearing this tremendous story will solidify the strength in one soul, the sacrifices that our brave Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen, Non-commissioned officers and Officers take on a daily basis to protect our freedom.

Always remember, “do not take freedom for granted.” The cost of freedom is not cheap.

American blood has been shed all over the world, and for one major reason: Freedom, and to let people live happy and productive lives.

Lance Corporal Ramsey Smith, thank you for your courage, honor and superior military service.

Semper Fi.

— Mark T. Roberts, U.S. Army veteran

Libby