It does not take a Congressional Medal of Honor, Silver Star etc. to be a "Real-live-Hero." Each and EVERY member of the 45th Infantry Brigade from the Oklahoma Army National Guard - called "Thunderbirds" because of the patch that they wear on their uniform - is a no kidding, "Real-Live-Hero!" Currently serving in Iraq, the 45th has a very non-traditional mission. Indeed, the Commanding General - in the photo provided - is like the Mayor of the International Zone (one of the most dangerous places in Baghdad). However, the 45th soldiers are spread all over Iraq in support of specific missions. Brigadier General Deering, though, is still responsible for them, as well as the airmen and sailors under his Command in the International Zone.
Each 45th soldier now serving in Iraq ducks missiles on a daily basis. He or she continues to do their job, with pride and distinction, while being routinely shot at and having people try to run them over etc. Does not matter who you are, how much money you have, what you think of the current White House, what you think of the war itself or what you think of the upcoming elections; we can all agree, with the greatest of pride, that every 45th soldier is a "REAL-LIVE-HERO" to whom we owe the deepest sense of gratitude!
