My Brother, My Hero    
A Soldier in Kuwait

By: Kara Grant

      Kory Grant is one of thousands of soldiers, men and women, in the military who had to pack up and leave their jobs and families behind, so they could serve their country in this war. Many of these men are under 20 years of age and have never seen a war, much less fought in one. According to The Miami Herald, "…about 9,900 Florida reservists and National Guard members have been activated since the middle of December. Florida is among the states producing the highest number of reservists and National Guard soldiers for the looming war." My parents and I are just one family out of thousands who have had to say goodbye to their loved ones not knowing what this war will bring.

     My brother, Kory, joined the army in 2000 when he was 20 years old and the world was a safer place. He had just quit college at Trinity International University when he decided that joining the military was a better choice. He had no idea what he was up against or what he'd experience as a new recruit, but he did it wholeheartedly. Every time he had the chance to come home from training, he was alive with stories about his experiences. I'd never seen him so happy. Not only that, but my little brother went from being a boy to a man and the change surprised me. I never realized how important the military was to him until I saw how much he matured overnight. He went from being a rebellious kid to being a respectful soldier, doing his patriotic duty. Our father once served in the U.S. Marine Corp. and my other brother, Kary, is in the ROTC on a full scholarship to University of Tampa, so Kory was eager to fulfill his part in the military. I am utterly proud of my brothers knowing they are serving God and their country, but I'm also aware of the risks they encounter and I pray daily for their safety. None of us were prepared for September 11, 2001 or the war that was to follow.

     Kory married Tanya on November 30, 2001 and was shipped out to Kuwait in January of this year. Before leaving for war, like other soldiers, he had to sign a will and make his peace with God. At home, he left behind our parents and family members, as well as a new wife and her family. Tanya has amazed us with her strength and courage awaiting her husband's return. She writes him letters every day and when he's able to, he calls her for brief moments. Kory drives a Bradley Fighting Vehicle complete with cannons and an onboard computer and transports 8-10 soldiers a day to the front line. Before war began, his day started at 5:30AM followed with physical training and desert training. Now that war has started, each day is different. He misses his wife, his own shower and his private time the most. He says, "It is for the best and I will have glory to pass on and victory."

          One of the many ways we can show support for our soldiers is by displaying the Yellow Ribbon of Hope and by praying for their safe return. That may not seem like much, but faith plays a big part since we can't see what's going on. With the sensitivity of the situation, it's difficult to show support because there are so many restrictions on what can be mailed to my brother's unit. Only the immediate family can know the address of the soldiers and we are limited in what we can send as far as care packages. One thing's for sure, my family will place a yellow ribbon around a tree in our front yard and when Kory returns home, he will untie the ribbon and bring it down. I anticipate my brother's safe return. I know he will be a changed man after fighting in this war, but I also know the world will be a safer place, once again.