John's big day

A big congrats to my brother John! After a long, long time in Walter Reed Army Medical Center, he's back to doing what he loves best... being a soldier.

A sniper hit John in Baghdad last April. The bullet passed through his left cheek and exited near his left ear. We thank God on a daily basis that he survived, and praise God that he's recovered. He's been in and out of Walter Reed for nearly a year, and during that time he's endured surgeries, therapies, and visits from politicians. He met Superbowl Champ Peyton Manning and a few other Colts, musician Stevie Nicks read him a poem, and Pentagon staff clapped for him during a special tour. And that's just a small bit of the attention he deservedly received.

John received the Purple Heart. I think it's worthwhile to note too, the April injury wasn't the first time he'd been hit. A mortar hit his head during an earlier attack... to look at the lighter side, he's undeniable proof the Slattons have incredibly hard heads. (How many of you already knew that?!)

So this post sends a special good luck and congrats out to John, as he heads back into active duty at his base. He'll no doubt have a very special reunion with his friends and fellow soldiers, and enjoy getting back into a 'normal life' stateside. We wish him all the best.... so I'll close with a favorite picture of the Slatton brothers on John's graduation day at Ft. Benning.... we are all still, so very proud.