Last night, while celebrating my mother's 70th birthday, I was chatting with my brother, aunt and uncle about the movie. While not everyone at the table had seen the movie, we all agreed to the incredible sacrifice our military men and women make. Chris Kyle's bravery and dedication to his country were every bit as compelling as his actions during is four tours of duty.
This past week, I've read and heard a growing chorus of negativity aimed at Chris Kyle and American Sniper. I simply don't understand this. While we can hopefully all agree that a world without war would be ideal, the sad truth remains that it has, and likely will remain, a fact of life. I can understand getting angry and upset at the politicians who make decisions to engage (or not) in war. I CANNOT understand politicizing the actual folks sacrificing life and limb for our country. I didn't know Chris Kyle. Nor, likely, did some of the folks now trying to portray him in a negative light. The only thing that I do know for a fact is that this man gave so much of himself for a cause he believed in. For that, he and all the other people in the military have my utmost respect.
My brother Billy said something that really hit home during the conversation.
"It's easy to say 'Thank You' to a veteran, and I'm sure they appreciate it. But I think it would be better if we could actually DO something to express our gratitude."
What Bill said got me thinking. As a physical therapist, I don't have the means to write meaningful checks to veterans' causes. What I do have is my time, knowledge and caring. Towards that end, I decided to offer men and women of the military free hour long consultations in an effort to say "THANK YOU" for all they have done.
If you know of anybody who has served our country and is in need of physical therapy care, whether due to pain or impairment, please share with them my offer. It is my small way of giving back to those who have given us exponentially so much more. My contact information is below:
JAMES HORN
CHELSEA PHYSICAL THERAPY
& REHABILITATION
119 W. 23RD STREET
SUITE 1002
NEW YORK, NY 10011
(212) 675-3447
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