By Jackie Lukas
Wow! I always say that one of the reasons I love my job is because I get to meet different people every day. And today I met some of the most incredible individuals. They were our wounded veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan. Some of the vets were in wheelchairs, others were amputees. But instead of reporting on a depressing war story, I got a chance to see them having fun!
The vets gathered at the Rockaway Yacht Club in Breezy Point, Queens. It was a gorgeous day to be right on the water! And our heroes took advantage of the weather and a load of activities. Fishing, waterskiing, jet skiing, kayaking and even scuba diving in a pool! Not to mention a fabulous barbeque! It was all set up by the Wounded Warrior Project and the Breezy Point community.
You could just tell that our injured soldiers appreciated everything. They were smiling the whole day and couldn't wait to try the next activity. Although they admitted it was a challenge, they weren't going to let their injuries hold them back from trying something new. I admire each and every one of them. Not just for helping to keep our country safe, but because they truly live life to the fullest.
So to those soldiers I met today and every soldier out there, thank you... for being an inspiration.
Hey Jackie,
Great Blod about our soldiers doing a good job over seas. I hope you keep writing good blogs at News 12 LI. Jackie don't leave News 12 LI. thats a good place for you to work.
Posted by: Tim | July 12, 2008 at 04:04 PM
Jackie, great story!!You're right, our troops are an inspiration.. but so are YOU!! I am graduating Dowling next year with a degree in communications and would love to do the news.. What did you do to get where you are??? I heard you were on the basketball team.. Do you still play?? I totally support our troops!! Again great story!!!
Posted by: Melanie | July 11, 2008 at 07:00 PM
It was great to see an uplifting story about our heroes. It's hard to find any positive stories about our Vets in the liberal hate America news today.. Good job Jackie... I'll go scuba diving with you anytime... You are an uplifting voice at news 12! Good Job!
Posted by: ClydeNY | July 11, 2008 at 06:34 PM
Great blog Jackie!! It's good to see a reporter doing a story that isn't trying to bash what we are doing over in Afghanistan and/or Iraq. Usually when I turn on a news netowrk, all I see is anti-war propaganda that most of the liberal media trys to feed us. Nice to see something positive about our soldiers or a change. Keep up the good work and hope to read more from you.
Posted by: Pat | July 11, 2008 at 03:41 PM