I felt like I was in a historical movie last night.
On the stage was Congressman Trey Gowdy, in front of a crowd of 200+ people. The congressman had flown from Washington specifically to introduce a friend of ours, Thom Shea. Thom is a Silver and Bronze Star Navy SEAL who was launching his soon-to-be best seller, Unbreakable: A Navy SEAL’s Way of Life. At the urging of his wife Stacy, Thom wrote the book while in combat in Afghanistan. The lessons in the book were to be a record for their kids if Thom were to die fighting for our country. Having survived, Thom was asked to share his story with the public, and we are lucky that he agreed. The book will knock your socks off.
I am still awestruck when I think about what happened last night as Congressman Gowdy entered the hall. It was like an electrical charge hit the room, as the crowd leapt to their feet and gave our congressman a standing ovation. Congressman Gowdy, who was clearly moved and touched by the welcome, took the stage and delivered a heartfelt and powerful introduction. His words were a form of commitment to this brave warrior that the congressman was going to do his best to get to the truth about Benghazi, and it was a big deal.
Following the introduction, as Thom came to the stage, many of us knew we were seeing something special. Here was a decorated Navy SEAL looking at a crowd standing and applauding. As the crowd slowly quieted down, Thom walked to the front of the podium and began to talk directly to Congressman Gowdy about the importance of his mission in leading the Benghazi commission. You see, SEALs never leave anyone behind, and when someone on their team is in trouble, they run toward the gunfire and fight. They never quit. They are truly unbreakable. Thom's eyes spoke volumes as he urged the congressman to fight for the truth.
Thom then delivered a direct and spellbinding account of his life and covered some key highlights from the book. Folks were transfixed as he spoke, and they will be even more moved when they read his book. For me, some moments in the book make me want to cry, and others are simply unimaginable. Thom fought past spots where he literally thought he had been killed. Instead, he vanquished the enemy and continued to fight for all his brothers in battle. Significantly, he brought his entire team home alive.
Maybe I'll see an American warrior honored again, and I'm sure I'll hear another congressman speak. But I don't think I'll ever see an American hero like Thom Shea and a congressman like Trey Gowdy communicate together like that in front of a crowd.
It felt like history. Buy the book. --> http://amzn.com/1940262372