Sgt Peck returns home
Truly A Braveheart: Sgt John Peck WELCOME HOME!
 | By Guest Column Bev Perl (Bio and Archives) Wednesday, May 11, 2011 | Print friendly | Subscribe | Email Us |
- Yesterday was the official Welcome Home and Fundraiser for Sgt John Peck (formerly Cpl Peck, yes this two time Purple Heart Recipient was promoted and the official ceremony will take place at Walter Reed upon his return there). More photos here.
If you missed this opportunity yesterday to Welcome Sgt Peck Home, you really missed out!! This Brave Warrior from Antioch, Illinois is truly a man of courage who defines the word Hero! I have never met anyone like him and I know I never will again. HE IS THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS!
Sgt Peck’s Mother is a Marine too and this Mother and Son truly do exemplify The Band of Mother’s motto “Warriors Come From Warriors!” I remember what John’s mother told me when I saw her at Walter Reed in February: I asked her when does she have to return to work and her answer was so stoic and strong, “When my Son doesn’t need me anymore.”
There is no doubt in my mind where Sgt Peck’s gets his will and backbone from! The Welcome Home was a beautiful event and I think the entire town came out to line the escort route. I cannot recall the last time I saw that many children and young people all in one place, waving flags!!!
To all who came, I say thank you with a mother’s heart! To my husband and Ralph, thank you for taking time off work to accompany me. There wasn’t a dry eye in our car during the escort! To my friend’s in DC and those who might be traveling to DC, you can email me anytime for Sgt Peck’s contact info.
I believe it is incumbent on all of us to keep an eye on Sgt Peck. He fought ferociously for all of us and if he needs us now or ever, we need to answer that call and be there for him! It is important he knows he can always count on us, no matter what! Donations for Sgt Peck can be sent to:
Sgt Peck Fund
State Bank of the Lakes
440 Lakes St.
Antioch, IL 60002
Lastly, just a glimpse into the heart of the greatest Americans among us, The Band of Brothers: Sgt Peck’s steadfast dedication to his country and the Corps is foremost in this Warrior and that was evident yesterday when he instructed the magnificient Marines in their dress blues to go get their recruitment brochures and bring them to the VFW hall so they could use this event to try and recuit new Marines! Sgt John Peck, Semper Fi!
Take heed of Sgt Peck’s words, which exemplify what a Braveheart he truly is:
What does he want people to know about his experience and his new reality?
“Give a damn about your troops. Don’t just say it. Stop griping about the little crap in your life. There is so much being done by our military for your benefit, and nobody understands its extent unless they see it themselves or a loved one goes through it. Put your little differences aside and care about someone else besides yourself.”
He said that if every person in the U.S. gave a one-time $5 donation to a charity that supports the troops it would be really helpful.
“My arm, which is only a temporary arm, costs $10,000. There are a lot of expenses that must be paid to equip an injured soldier. Give to charities, or otherwise go up to someone in the military and offer to pay for a meal or do something special for them. Get to know them. Write them letters. Send care packages to random troops you don’t know because guys are really bummed out when mail call comes and there is no package for them.”
Again, thank you to all who attended this Welcome Home! May God Bless and Watch Over Sgt Peck, his Mother and Family, and All Our Troops! Hug them and thank them, every chance you get!!! Beverly Perlson The Band of Mothers http://www.thebandofmothers.com
(I apologize for the order of the photos, I tried to get Sgt Peck and his beautiful dog Misha first, but this photobucket seems to have it’s own idea in what order the photos post!
You can also view pictures from Friday night at Joe’s Bar where Gary Sinise & The Lt Dan Band (who I believe are the Greatest Patriots of our Time!) performed and Sgt Peck and several Heroes attended at: http://www.thebandofmothers.com)
Items of notes and interest from the web.