A few words from Andrea

Hello! I would first like to say that Military Missions is a great organization and I am proud to be doing my small part to support our troops.

My name is Andrea and I am a junior at Eastern Kentucky University. I'm studying for a bachelor's degree in criminal justice with a minor in fire safety and engineering technology. My family has always been a huge supporter of the military and there is a long tradition of service on my mother's side of the family, dating back to the Spanish-American War. I plan to carry on this proud tradition when I graduate by enlisting in the Coast Guard. I also plan on joining a local volunteer fire department in the fall.

I've been doing a lot of running lately, so tonight I sat down to make a list of heroes to honor. I had to keep double-checking to make sure I didn't miss anyone. Besides my family members, I know dozens of career and volunteer firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and military personnel. One of my best friends is a decorated Marine and another who made the ultimate sacrifice in 2008. I have a neighbor who is a retired Navy SEAL. I have friends serving overseas and a few in the National Guard. It is both humbling and overwhelming to know so many who do so much for their communities and our country.

I am honored to be surrounded by so many people who devote their lives to something greater than themselves and have core values like duty, honor, service, courage, and integrity. Our military and emergency service personnel are tragically underpaid and underappreciated by the public. Every day, these men and women run toward situations that everyone else is running away from, all the while knowing that this fire or traffic stop or battle could be their last.

God bless everyone in the military and emergency services. You are all heroes. Keep up the good work!