My Grandpa, An American Hero

I know I need to update this blog with some pictures and other stuff, but here is what I really want to share with you right now.

I am so proud of my Grandpa! He is a gentle and wonderful man and I am so priviledged to share in this honor with him next week...The following is (an edited version of) the local press release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MAY 14, 2008 TULSA, OK - Oklahoma native and Tulsa resident Ted Anderson is an American hero. He will be recognized and honored for that title during a rare and unique presentation by Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry during ceremonies at the Oklahoma capital at 1:00 p.m., May 20th. Only two Oklahomans have earned the right to be honored at this ceremony. The other is fellow Oklahoman and Iwo Jima Survivor former Governor Henry Bellmon.

Ted is not just a hero that put his life on the line to help all Americans preserve and realize an unprecedented freedom and way of life, but he has lived an exemplary life that reflects a humble and proud American.

Yes, he was wounded during actions above and beyond the call of duty and ignored his own safety and welfare for the sake of others. But, just as important he quietly overcame life-threatening and debilitating physical obstacles to take his place as a proud family patriarch and impacting business professional in a developing world of technology.

His reflective and thoughtful demeanor, guided by a strong faith and his marriage partner of 60 years, Cindy, has entitled him to raise five successful children who have blessed him with 12 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

His impact as a behind-the-scenes leader and motivator has earned him the respect of untold numbers of friends and success among professional peers. And, all of this has been accomplished while silently concealing a remarkable American who proudly helped shoulder the fate of a nation and won. This experience and modest attitude has allowed him to become a model by example of who he believes Americans should be.

Ted will proudly stand beside his combat comrade Monday and modestly accept a reward that has been long in arriving. But, he will be most proud of his family and friends who share that honor with him.

Ted Anderson and Henry Bellmon will be honored with serial numbered American Flags that have flown over the Iwo Jima Memorial. This is an honor specifically for the soldiers who courageously fought in that deadly battle.

Ted Anderson's story in brief:

Ted was a Navy Corpsman attached to the 5th Marine division which attacked Iwo Jima. Ted was in the wave that hit at H-hour plus 2 hours. He witnessed the first American flag flying on Mt. Suribachi during the intense battle on February 23, 1945.Approximately two weeks later he and a comrade were bringing injured Marines from the intense battle fields to the Field Hospital. Along the way they were attacked. At the conclusion of the skirmish, he continued with his injured wards of responsibility. When he arrived, the doctor looked at him and said, "Sit down."Ted explained that he was the Corpsman and those he had brought in were the injured.

The doc repeated, "Sit down." Ted obeyed, went instantly unconscious and awoke on a hospital ship, blind in one eye and a head full of shrapnel, some of which he still carries.

The story doesn't end there. Ted's uncomplaining courage and determination to overcome blindness, other wounds and a future that doctors painted as being painful and limiting, tells an ongoing hero's story of strength and resiliency that all Americans can point to with pride.

WE LOVE YOU GRANDPA!

Thank you for everything you've done for all of us!