John Wheeler

In 2006, I was out of the Army. I had done a tour in Iraq in 2003-04 and I was sour on the Army (to say the least). I had moved on and I had a decent job, but it just wasn’t the same as being in. Then came Memorial Day Weekend: one of my best friends, @CoachDiCenzo called to tell me that his brother Doug had been killed in Iraq. He was a Company Commander and he had been killed on his PDSS. I was in utter shock. I had idolized Doug, who was a year older than me. He was a big reason why I joined ROTC coming out of high school. Our mothers worked at the same school, we played little league together, he was my teammate on the football team. He was an undersized lineman and an absolute beast on the field and the wrestling mat. He was the epitome of setting the example for others to follow. Much has been said about Doug over the years and our home town has done a great job of keeping his memory alive. None of that does justice to describe what an incredible leader, man, husband, father and friend Doug was. He was also the reason I went back in the Army. I was already feeling something was missing in my life. Doug’s death was the catalyst for me to go back in the Army. A few weeks later, I walked into a recruiting office and asked how I could get back in. By the end of the summer, I was back in. Even after he had passed, Doug still drove me to be better. RIP, brother. We will never forget. 🇺🇸🫡

AMERICAN HEROES OF THE DAY: DEPUTIES MASON ACHESON AND PARKER PERRY GAVE THEIR LIVES TRYING TO SAVE ANOTHER Today we honor Spokane County Sheriff's Office Deputies Mason Acheson and Parker Perry, who were shot on November 3 while attempting to rescue a potential hostage near Spangle, Washington. They moved toward danger because someone else's life could be at risk. Mason, 35, died on November 4. He joined the sheriff's office in 2022 after eight years with the Washington State Patrol and served as a SWAT sniper. He also served as a sergeant in the Washington Army National Guard. He leaves behind his wife and two children. Parker, 29, died on November 7. He joined the sheriff's office in 2020, served on the SWAT team and became a K9 deputy with his partner, Brego. He also served as a captain in the Washington Army National Guard. He leaves behind his wife, two children and a third child on the way. His family's decision to donate his organs carries his service to others forward. Two husbands. Two fathers. Two men who served their country and their community, and gave everything trying to protect someone else. Rest in peace, Mason and Parker. You were the best America has to offer, and you always will be 🇺🇸