Is this a class act from a soldier or what?

Question

When President Bush entered Lance Cpl. Chad Watson's hospital room, the young Marine wanted to stand and shake his hand.

Just standing is quite a feat when you have just one leg and your foot is in a cast.

Supporting himself on a walker, Watson reached out his hand but immediately lost his balance and grabbed the walker.

"The second time I went off balance again," said Watson, 23. "My brother (Brandon) saw what I was trying to do and grabbed me under my arm. That stabilized me enough to shake the president's hand."

Surrounded by family members, Watson stood upright as a fellow Marine read his Purple Heart commendation, and the president pinned the medal on his blouse.

"It was all his upper body strength," said his father, Mike Watson. "There wasn't a dry eye in the house."

Then, the president said, "Lance Cpl. Watson, I command you to sit down."

"With a smile on his face, of course," Watson said.

Mike and Gina Watson said the president and first lady Laura Bush spent about 15 minutes with their family, which included Brandon, a Mount Zion High School sophomore, and Amy, a sophomore at Northern Illinois University. His other sister, Lindsey Damery, a nurse who helped Chad Watson tremendously while hospitalized, was unable to attend.

When Chad Watson asked the president if he had a few minutes to sign autographs for his siblings, he replied, "I'll sign all day for you."

A three-star general in the president's entourage told Chad Watson that he planned to tell the Marine commandant that a young Marine who was missing one leg, with the other injured, had made the effort to stand for the president.

"That is something I am most proud of," Chad Watson said.
http://www.herald-review.com/articles/2007/01/03/news/local_news/1020214.txt

Answer 1

Finally someone who realizes how honorable our troops are.. THANK YOU for posting this!

Answer 2

As Marines, we are full of traditions and customs. We were at a HS football game on Veteran's Day this past year. During half time, the home team's band played a tribute to the military. Songs like Stars and Stripes Forever, God Bless the USA, etc. At the end, they played each branches song or hymm. Of course everyone was seated throughout the performance. The Marine Hymm came last. When it started, all the Marines in the stands stood up, as we were always taught to do. A female friend of mine asked why we did that, and I explained it to her. Some of the guys who stood were very old, and were probably out for quite some time. But, when the hymm started, we all reacted immediately. She told me afterwards that it was very moving.

Traditions are what makes each branch of the military great. All deserve respect, even when those of us who are Marines tend to believe we take it to a higher level.

Answer 3

That's not only class, it's inspiring. Bravo Zulu Lance Cpl. Watson.

Answer 4

I would have cried my eyes out seeing that. I just wish we could hear more stories like this one. The troops do an amazing job on and off the battlefield. :-)

Answer 5

Yes, it is indeed a class act and we should all be proud of our brave men and women who protect America. Freedom is not free. God Bless America.

Answer 6

It just goes to show you what amazing men and women we have in our Armed Forces! God Bless our Troops and God Bless America!

Answer 7

Even though I am an Army brat, my hat goes off to that Marine.

Semper Fi

Answer 8

Yes, it was. Since I was unaware of it, I thank you for sharing. I will do the same.

Land of the free, because of the brave.

Answer 9

This is a example of a TRUE soldier and a class act!!!!

Answer 10

yes.

(best answer, please)