By Douglas J. Lanzo
Copyright 2017
First published in the Academy of the Heart and Mind (November 3, 2022)
Dedicated to Captain Luis Avila, an American Hero and Recipient of the Bronze Star and Purple Heart
You served our nation with unswerving honor, resolution and grace,
Through five combat tours of duty, constant perils of war you did face,
Battles against Hussein’s forces and insurgencies in Afghanistan and Iraq,
As you championed divine-endowed virtues of freedom under ferocious attack;
Your selfless dedication to our beloved country in its hour of greatest need,
Following September 11th’s insidious attack on our motto and creed,
Will forever be something we deeply cherish and with grateful hearts remember,
Especially those of us who mourn loved ones lost that darkest day in September;
Your heroism on that fateful day, the 27th day of December, 2011,
When on a search and secure mission an IED sent three of your mens’ souls, we pray, to rest in heaven,
The fierce explosion sheered your entire vehicle in two,
Leaving three dead and three severely wounded, including you;
Your last conscious words painstakingly cried out while you remained alert,
Exemplify your character: “Accountability check! Who’s hurt?”
Rescued, they amputated your leg and fought heart attack and stroke,
While they desperately worked to save you, you neither moved, saw nor spoke;
Though completely paralyzed and twice pronounced dead,
Your wife vowed to bring you back alive in good stead,
Deep in a coma you responded to music you loved and to Claudia’s care,
As you both defied death and resisted some counsel to disconnect in despair;
God smiled upon you, rewarding your family’s faith, courage and prayer,
Welling up from within reservoirs of strength beyond those you were aware,
You have recovered wondrously and continue to traverse new streams and fords,
Regaining movement in your left arm through healing springs of the Lady of Lourdes;
We are most honored to welcome you as our neighbor and friend,
A true patriot and hero whose legend will never end,
Echoing the words of Gary Sinise spoken at the dedication of your home on Veteran’s Day,
“Welcome home my friend!” and agree that your sacrifice for our country is a debt we can never repay.