On Saturday evening, the BJU Bruins’ basketball teams defeated Toccoa Falls College in both games. Fans cheered, players congratulated one another, but it was the halftime presentation during the men’s game that made the night extra special. At that time, Leroy Esco, a member of the Wounded Warrior project relayed his story to the fans in the Davis Field House.
 
It was a hot and sunny day in March of 2008, and Esco and his company were executing a routine patrol when suddenly his Humvee struck an explosive sending his body flying out of the vehicle and littering his body with shrapnel. Before they knew it, the unit found themselves in the middle of an ambush. Esco and his unit were pinned down for over thirty minutes as the enemy relentlessly kept up their attack. Esco’s weapon had been obliterated, his uniform and equipment battered and torn, and his body badly injured, but there was one piece over his breastplate that stayed free from harm.
 
“I always carried Psalm 91 in my breastplate pocket,” Esco said. “It was always a comfort to me and a reminder. When I took that book out with those words on it, not a page was torn, not a scratch was on it.”
 
In Psalm 91, David assures his confidence in God by saying,
 
“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation” (Psalm 91:1-16, KJV).
 
Esco required extensive medical attention as he had suffered near-fatal wounds to his leg, foot and hand and lost most of the hearing in his right ear. After weeks of recovery in Germany, Esco came home to his wife and children.
 
The crowd at the Davis Field House gave a rousing standing ovation as Esco walked onto the floor. Many eyes filled with tears as Esco recounted that day that would change his life forever. Most importantly, Esco praised God for his protection in bringing him back home to be with his family. Though life would forever change for him on that day, Esco’s love for God and country was clearly communicated.
 
“I would do it all over again for my country and for my family,” Esco said.
 
Every day we celebrate accomplishment. A grade on an exam, a job well done on a special project at work or a high five with a friend when our favorite team scores a touchdown, so often we forget about those who sacrificed so much to keep us free. Men and women, like Esco, endure countless hardships in order to protect our rights and freedoms. These are the heroes who walk and live among us. These are the men and women who deserve our honor and respect. These are the true heroes of our society.

More information about Wounded Warrior Project can be found by visiting woundedwarriorproject.org