I try to be mindful, thankful & honor the courageous men and woman who made the ultimate sacrifice for the country they love daily. I cannot expect anyone who has not experienced service to our country to fully understand it. Why at 42 years of age I still wear a Navy t-shirt to the gym, pack a bag to travel across the world in an attempt to make my present day brothers and sisters smile, light up like a child on Christmas morning when I meet or see one back home safe. The willingness to put your life before each and every other fellow country member is a misunderstood act at times. Tarnished by many of the very freedoms a Soldier, Sailor, Air Men/Woman and Marine hold in great value. Standing side by side in a small room in all corners of our beautiful country solemnly swearing to support an oath is about putting others ahead of you. Individuals standing to your left or right, who taught you back home, who wrote your favorite book, who held your legs for a keg stand or beat your home team… it’s about you reading this. Some of those who made that oath did not make it back. Today we are mindful, thankful & honor them. PJ
Category Archives: Military
When I Get To See A Hero Laugh At Home
Last nights second show was the closest thing I’ve had to that feeling you get as a kid on Christmas morning. The lead up, excitement and joy. This happens to me every time I know a Soldier, Sailor, Marine or Airmen who I had the opportunity to entertain in Iraq or Afghanistan comes to see me here back home. Knowing they made it back and I get to see them HERE ALIVE! Nothing in my life has this kind of significance, importance and is as internally powerful. The joy is completely fueled by relief. In some cases seeing them can/has been difficult. Life back home is far from easy for a good number of our heroes. But seeing them, shaking their hand & sharing that manly or womanly hug let’s me know whatever fight they may be having at least it’s here on the home front now. My respect, friendship, support and loyalty will never waver and is always accessible. I grew up with only sisters. Who undoubtedly bring my life’s biggest joys. In a way I have always searched for a brother… I have found many. In life, the military and even the entertainment world. What is life without true bonds between humans? Just wandering I would think. I have been fortunate to never wander. Which brings me to last night. My friend here is named Micah Clifton. We met in Iraq where he was in charge of keeping myself and the other comedians safe. I bonded with Micah tighter then any other service member over all my years. I have zero doubt it was do to his great sense of humor that complimented an incredible professionalism. His job was to keep us ignorant, safe & clear of the possible dangers that could and did come upon us. He was/is simply the BEST I have ever encountered at giving you a smile that tricked you into thinking everything is fine. I know this because since he’s been out I have gotten the “let me tell you what was REALLY happening THAT DAY talk”. When I tell you it takes a truly special kind of person to be able to navigate situation like those. Please understand my words here can never do his courage justice. Micah is one example of so many men and woman who under our colors function in ways most could never even comprehend and they hope you never do. Micah’s just one story, he’s my protector, my Christmas morning… My Brother! You made it f*cking back! Will love you till my final breath!
Veterans Day 2012
Someone asked me once “what is it about being a Veteran you value the most?” Simple – Other veterans. Past, present & future. Service to our country is not an act that is going to make you famous, get you rich or really even at the end of the day get you a “thank you.” It’s a selfless choice where you rely on the individuals around you and they on you. An oath, a person’s word, a sense of responsibility and accountability that I seldom see in the world. I’m in the entertainment business where “image” is everything. Most of the time when you pull back those images you don’t find honesty, integrity & truth. That’s why the truly guenuine people go unseen. Those are the people I love, respect & cherish. They allow my “full of shit” at times self to shine in the spotlight. I got to be part of the group for a minute and the opportunity to be around those people and learn those lessons is what I value the most.
Patrick J. Walsh (United States Navy 1990 – 1996)