Fruit Inspection

The Declaration of Independence was signed on this day in 1776. An army of men gained freedom from the British and took it upon themselves to establish rights in this country to ensure all who live here would maintain that freedom.

Periodically over the past 230 years, selfless Americans have risen up to defend this nations’ democracy. Today, I pay tribute to one such fallen hero:

Army Spc. Michael James Stokely

Michael was born on April 19, 1982. He is described as somewhat of a prankster. He loved to laugh, would make good out of bad, and wouldn’t let his circumstances get him down. He showed a desire to serve in the U.S. Military as early as middle school, and in the spring of 2000, as a junior at Loganville High School, he joined the National Guard. He completed basic training the summer before his senior year. Then returned to Loganville and graduated with the class of 2001. He then went back to the National Guard, and later assigned to the 48th Brigade Combat Team out of Griffin, Georgia.

In May of 2005, just a month after his 23rd birthday, while home on a 10 day leave, he married his high school sweetheart, Niki.

Three months later, on August 16, 2005, Michael Stokely was killed a few miles South of Baghdad when a bomb exploded while he was on patrol. During his time spent in the Army’s National Guard he was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service, the Purple Heart for wounds received in action, and the Good Conduct Medal for exemplary service in the military. He was promoted to Sergeant posthumously.

I personally remember the day Michael’s body was brought home to rest. There is a major 4-lane highway that goes through our town and people were lined up on either side for miles, waving flags and saluting as his casket drove past. It’s hard to describe the feelings of sadness, pride, and respect I had welling up inside me for a family I did not know, whose loved one sacrificed his life for that of my family.

At our home church on Memorial Day of 2006, Robert Stokely, Michael’s father, spoke tenderly about his son. His sense of humor, his love of people, and his kind heart. It gave him comfort to know that Michael was a Christian, saved at a young age, and had gone home to his Heavenly Father. He told us about the Memorial Service when his Commanding Officer said that “Mike could often be found reading his Bible and praying.” Another man said, “A lot of guys find God on the battlefield, but Mike Stokely brought God to Iraq with him”.

I just want to say thank you to Michael Stokely and his family. This tribute seems like such a small token of appreciation in comparison to the loss you have suffered. I pray for you and I pray for the other men and women on the battlefield who see the death and destruction around them each and every day, yet courageously choose to keep on serving, knowing it could be them next time. You are TRUE heroes!

As the inscription reads on Stokely’s grave marker: “John 15:13~ Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends”.

Today Let’s Remember: Some Gave All