Two highly educated and accomplished sons join the United States Marines to defend their country. One is killed in Iraq; the other still serves there. The 61-year-old father - an orthopedic surgeon - gets an age waiver to enlist and now serves as a combat surgeon near his son. The mother - strongest of all - supports and prays for them from home. Meet the remarkable Krissoff family, whose story reminds us all of the debt we owe our military families.

Bob Evans, Contributor

July 2, 2009

2 Min Read

Two highly educated and accomplished sons join the United States Marines to defend their country. One is killed in Iraq; the other still serves there. The 61-year-old father - an orthopedic surgeon - gets an age waiver to enlist and now serves as a combat surgeon near his son. The mother - strongest of all - supports and prays for them from home. Meet the remarkable Krissoff family, whose story reminds us all of the debt we owe our military families.However you choose to view our country's military campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan, this is a story that transcends such beliefs and speaks to the almost-inconceivable bravery, selflessness, strength and profound goodness of the men and women who voluntarily put themselves in harm's way to protect us and our freedoms. They ask for next to nothing from us, except our support for them and their families.

So as this country's Independence Day approaches, I hope we can all find some way to offer that support: a card or message to someone in the military, a gift to the USO or other support organization, or a quiet prayer of thanks. And as you do, perhaps you'll be thinking particularly of the Krissoff family and their sacrifices for this great country.

Here's my thought: may Lt. Commander William Krissoff, United States Navy Medical Reserve, and his son Austin Krissoff of the United States Marine Corps, now on his second tour of duty in Iraq, fulfill their missions to their country and their comrades and return home safely to Christine Krissoff. And as those three reflect on their noble shared sacrifice, may their hearts find nothing but peace and honor as they recall their fallen son and brother, Marine First Lt. Nathan Krissoff - Williams College grad, athlete, and musician -- who deployed to Iraq on the fifth anniversary of the September 11 terrorists attacks and made the ultimate sacrifice for his country in December 2006. RIP, and a grateful nation thanks a classic American family.

Their story is here.

About the Author(s)

Bob Evans

Contributor

Bob Evans is senior VP, communications, for Oracle Corp. He is a former InformationWeek editor.

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