A daughter’s hero

Tragedy hit the family earlier this week as my cousin Dan died following an ice fishing accident on Lily Lake.

The Forest County Sheriff‘s Department says a Freedom man died after the vehicle he was driving fell through the ice on Lily Lake, in the township of Nashville.

Authorities say Daniel Arnoldussen was driving an off-road, side-by-side four-wheel vehicle on the lake Sunday afternoon when it went through the ice. His daughter, Megan, was a passenger.

Authorities say Arnoldussen kicked the window out as the vehicle was sinking and pushed his daughter to safety. He was pulled out of the water and CPR was performed until rescue officials arrived. (Source: Freedom father dies after fall through  ice – WFRV)

The link above also has WFRV’s interview with his family.

WBAY also interviewed daughter Megan, whom Dan manged to save before losing his life.

Now, instead of enjoying a family Christmas vacation, Megan and her family are planning a funeral.

Megan says Dan Arnoldussen was all about his faith and his family.

“He taught us all to hunt and fish, and that was a big part of his life he was passionate about, and he was very loving and his love just overflowed on everyone.”

Even in his final moments.

“Life is unpredictable and you’re not guaranteed anything,” Megan said. “It’s a big reassurance to us that he’s with God and that he’s helping us cope with it and he’s giving us strength.”

The family wants everyone to know the funeral is Saturday at Appleton Alliance Church. Visitation is from 9 to noon with the funeral to follow.

O’Connell Funeral Services says Arnoldussen will also receive military rites. (Daughter says father who drowned was a hero – WBAY)

Condolences to the Arnoldussen family, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sen. Baucus drunk on Senate floor

This is downright despicable.  If I was from Montana I would be ashamed and embarrassed that my Senator felt the need to show up for a debate on the Senate floor drunk.

What a lack of class and respect for the fine institution known as the U.S. Senate.

Wednesday Hero 12/30/09

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Olga Elliott

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Olga Elliott, a Multi-National Corps-Iraq human resources technician, poses with MNC-I Command Sgt. Maj. Frank Grippe after finishing the Bobby Crim 10-Miler Aug. 22, at Camp Victory in Baghdad. Elliott, a San Diego native, finished the race in 1 hour, 9 minutes, 57 seconds, earning her top female honors.

Photo Courtesy United States Army

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Wednesday Hero 12/23/09

I would like wish a very Merry Christmas to all, but especially the men and women in the U.S. Armed Forces who are out there protecting our Freedom.  As Chris says below, please be sure to keep them in your prayers this Christmas season. – Brad

With only two days until Christmas, I want to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and to remind you to keep our men and women that are not able to be with their friends and families this time of year in your thoughts a prayers. They do so much without ever asking for anything in return.

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.