Allow me to introduce you to one amazingly patriotic American family…The Krissoff Family from Truckee, California.
Have you ever stopped for a moment to think about what it means to truly love your country? I mean truly love her…sacrifice for her…being ready to die for her…America, the beautiful.
The United States of America is the one place on earth where Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness still means something and for those who really want this American Dream, Â they can actually achieve it.
Then, there are those extra-ordinary American citizens who go beyond the call of seeking the American Dream and volunteer for military service. Brave young men and women who know when they sign up that they could face the enemy of mankind and the evil-doers that seek to destroy freedom as we know it. These folks are really special and we need to thank them for their service and their sacrifice everyday of the year. Not just on one somber Memorial Day in May every year.
Let me begin this blog post by first mentioning a few notes about the keynote speech given by Camp Pendelton’s Top Brass before I introduce you to fallen Marine, 1st Lt. Nathan M. “Nate” Krissoff and his family.
Major General Lawrence D. Nicholson, USMC in speech mode. Dr. William B. Krissoff, Nate’s father, listens on in full Navy Medical Corp uniform.
Keynote speaker:
Major General Lawrence D. Nicholson, USMC.
Major General Nicholson is the current Commanding General, 1st Marine Division, at Camp Pendelton, California. He oversees some 23,000 of America’s strongest, toughest and ready-to-protect-America-at-all-cost Marines.
Like a true battle-hardened military leader, he quickly man-handled the microphone and took charge of the 1,000 or so in attendance this Memorial Day Ceremony on Mt. Soledad…and, he did not mince words.
Where is Mainstreet America regarding the Military, he asked?
The Commander voiced his concern about Mainstreet America drifting away from the military…”the widening gap between the American people and “their” Armed Forces is not a good thing,” he said.
“Look here today for example, while we may feel good about a thousand of us showing up to show our respects to those who have given their lives for our freedom, there should be 10,000 or even 20,000 Americans here today on this beautiful mountain top Memorial to our Veterans.”
“I bet the majority of you in attendance have some connection to the military. A family member, a friend, a co-worker, someone close to you that has served or has even paid the ultimate price…died for this country. How about those with no direct personal connection to the Military, where are they today, on this Memorial Day I ask?”
The Commanding General also talked about the gap forming around the definition of what it really means to serve country.
“Fact is, the sense of responsibility toward love of country has faded somewhat since the draft ended almost 40 years ago. Today, it’s an all volunteer army of young, brave American patriots…give or take one 61 year old orthopedic surgeon who’s up here on the stage with us today. :)”
He mentioned his disappointment that less than 1% of true-blooded Americans serve in the military today…the lowest percentage in decades. Imagine this he said, “About 16 million military personnel served in World War II when the world was trying to stop Hitler his army of killers. By comparison, there are only 1.5 million Americans in uniform today trying to stop terrorism worldwide! The world is a very dangerous place. Thank God for the U.S. Armed Forces.”
On December 9, 2006, I was the Commanding Officer in charge of our Marines when informed that we had lost a special Marine in Iraq. He was one of our best counterintelligence officers with the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalian. That Marine was 1st Lt. Nate Krissoff.
I wrote a letter to his parents sharing our grief for Nate and surprisingly got a letter back from Dr. Bill Krissoff telling me that he wanted to join the Marines…the rest is history. I was the Commanding Officer in Afghanistan when Dr. Bill Krisoff showed up to take care of my wounded Marines. He is one of my heroes. There’s no doubt Marines are alive today because of his bravery and his medical expertise.”
The Major General’s speech was impressive indeed.
The man has leadership, love of country and love for his Marines written all over him. It was an honor to hear him speak at the 2015 Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial Ceremony. MJB
The Krissoff Family: Patriotism like I’ve personally never seen.
The unveiling of Nate Krissoff’s special plaque. Mom and Dad Krissoff along with Bruce Bailey, CEO of the Mt. Soledad Memorial Association, look on in admiration.
At the age of 61, Dr. Krissoff, convinced the Military to give him an age waver so that he could join the Navy Medical Corp to serve as a surgeon in Iraq and Afghanistan. Yes friends, fans and followers, it’s OK to say WOW here!!!
His lovely wife and mother of Nate, Kristine Krissoff, was right there behind Bill fully supporting him as signed up in the Navy Medical Reserves and went off to care for injured Marines in the wartorn hell holes of Afghanistan and Iraq.
It was his way of dealing with the incredible grief that comes with a parent losing a child. He followed in his son Nate’s footsteps to honor him. He and Kristine also did it also to honor both of their boys (Nate & Austin) who, after the attack of 9/11, decided to become U.S. Marines to do their part in protecting this great land.
This family…is just extraordinary in my book. I salute you Sir and your family.
Please take a moment to review the following video for additional context here as I cannot do justice to this blog post with mere words. This is a remarkable story that every American should be familiar with. Video: “Following his sons in service.” Source: SierraSunNewspaper.
Also see Steven Spielberg’s narration video on the Krissoff story…Source: HBO – “The Concert for Valor.”
The Bottom Line…
1. 1st Lt. Nathan M. Krissoff, USMC
An American Hero forever remembered on the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial. Only 25 years old when he died for America. He was killed instantly when his Humvee was struck by a roadside bomb in Iraq. We can’t thank you enough Nate for your service and your sacrifice. RIP and may God Bless your soul young man.
2. Mom & Dad Krissoff
My heartfelt gratitude and thanks to you parents. So sorry for your loss. You raised a truly spectacular American…a hero.
Joining the Navy to honor your son was not only an act of courage, but I cannot think of a better way to honor your son’s heroism and to honor America by having two sons join the Marines. You and Kristine should be justly proud. Thank you for your service and thank you for sharing your U.S. Marine sons, Nate and Austin.
3. Mt. Soledad…a truly unique Veterans Memorial.
I love this place…and ride there at least once per month to pay my respects and to show appreciation for the heroes on that mountain top. One can easily sit there for hours admiring the blue water scenery of the Pacific Ocean and the beautiful 360 degree view of America’s Finest City, San Diego, California.
The Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial is considered one of the most unique Veterans memorials in America. It is the only one to honor veterans, living and deceased, from the Revolutionary War to the current conflicts in the Middle East with a picture of the veteran and a brief summary of their military experience. Click here for information on how you can get a plaque for your Veteran.
2015 INDIAN CHIEFTAIN…WITH THE MT. SOLEDAD CROSS IN BACKGROUND. Click image to read my original blog post on this Memorial.
I want to personally thank the Krissoff Family for their dedication to America and for sharing their family story of bravery, sacrifice and love of country. Thank you very much. MJB
Ride Safe Out There.
Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial…one of my favorite and regular riding destinations in SoCal.
YOU TOO CAN GET A BRICK PAVER ON MT. SOLEDAD. Click my brick for details.
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