08/17/2026
Happy Monday America! And Happy Alive Day, Oklahoma! What a wonderful day to be an American!
For the past 22 years, like clockwork, I awaken around 0315 hours, finding myself in deep reflection on the gift of life. In the military, we refer to this as the "Silent Wounds of War." In this spirit of reflection, I take time today to celebrate my 22nd Alive Day with a prayer of love and gratitude to the Lord who gave me a second chance at life. And a prayer of support for those that did not leave me behind on the field of battle.
John 15:13 (King James Version) “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
What is an Alive Day? Since the Vietnam War, and even earlier, military members have celebrated Alive Days. Engaging in war significantly increases the probability of death, and it often feels miraculous to survive an encounter with the enemy. Alive Day celebrations not only commemorate this escape from death but also serve as a way for military members to renew their bonds and celebrate a safe return from the battlefield to the Homefront.
As we mark my 22nd year Alive Day Anniversary today, I want everyone in this country to remember that freedom has never been free. These words rang truer than ever on August 17, 2004, when an Improvised Explosive Device (I.E.D.) or roadside bomb altered the course of our lives forever. As I struggled to breath and my faith was tested, I recalled a powerful comment from my late father, Chief Warrant Officer Manuel J Pulido. He told me, "When you take the oath of office to defend the greatest nation in the world, it is about God, Country, Family, and all those who serve in the Armed Forces of the United States of America, to protect you, the American people.” This parental spirit instilled in me, as an officer in the United States Army, a patriotic duty to never leave anyone behind on the battlefield or on the Homefront. So help me God!
Reflecting on this special day, as I watch the sun rise for the 22nd time here in Edmond, Oklahoma, I want everyone to know that we must always honor the military men and women who sacrifice so much for our freedoms and in that same spirit always support their families. Their devotion and sacrifice form the bedrock of our sovereignty as a nation, our values as a people, our security as a democracy, and our offer of hope to those in other lands who dream of freedom, of "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness."
In this spirit, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my family and friends for their unwavering support over these past 22 years. This journey has not been easy, but with your support and a never-quit attitude, we are making a difference for those we serve at Major Ed Empower The Veterans Foundation.
In conclusion, I want to thank God, my family, and the American people for the precious gift of life and freedom. As my favorite President, Ronald Reagan, once said, "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States when men were free.”
Thank you for your love and support! May God Bless America! Hoorah! 🇺🇸
