This is, hands down, one of the most important and heartfelt stories I’ve aired on the news.
Last month, Don Shelby and photojournalist Tom Aviles spent a week in Iraq with the Minnesota National Guard 34th Infantry Division Red Bulls. While overseas, they spent time with Master Sargent Rich Kemp. Upon returning home to Minnesota, Tom met with Master Sgt. Kemp’s wife and two little girls. As always, Tom was able to capture the emotion and reality of the situation without sacrificing any details through his camera lens.
Although they’re a world apart, it’s apparent Kemps are strongly connected. I’m amazed by the strength of the entire family and how honest they were. Even the daughters are articulate and inspiring. It breaks my heart they’re not with their dad for the holidays.
The most heartbreaking part of this story - there are hundreds of other families going through the same thing.
There is no better way to celebrate and honor these soldiers than to say thank you, and to share their stories. Because we can’t forget they’re sacrificing everything for us.
