Welcome everyone, 

 

As I sit here today, on February 4th, I am drawn back to February 4th, 2008; the day Navy SEALs Nate Hardy and Mike Koch were killed in Iraq. I’ll never forget it, but you don’t forget it when the Navy arrives on your campus where I was working, to inform Nate’s parents he had been killed. It rocked the community and the State. Mike’s community was equally affected.

 

Nate and Mike trained together, fought together, died together, and are buried alongside each other at Arlington National Cemetery. You see they were the best of the best and did whatever it took to protect this country. “The only easy day was yesterday” was something in which they strongly believed.

 

Pictured Left (Nathan Hardy 1978-2008), Pictured Right (Michael Koch 1978-2008)

 

Since their deaths 16 years ago, a lot has happened here at OHT. $4.7 million dollars has been donated to 128 nonprofit organizations in 41 states and in a few short months we will reach the $5 million dollar mark. They would be extremely proud of the work we’re doing and I know they would be amazed to think we’ve helped thousands of wounded and recovering service members and veterans.

 

Let’s NEVER FORGET their sacrifice and what they meant to this country.

 

Arlington National Cemetery, Photo Credit: Mike Beland

 

IN LOVING MEMORY

Warm Regards,