10/16/2026
Nearly 20 years ago, these men served together in the Army’s 10th Mountain Division, 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry, known as the Polar Bears. They were stationed together in New York and deployed to Iraq together in 2006–2007.
On October 5, 2006, their convoy was hit by an IED. One of their brothers, Alex, lost his leg and part of his other foot. They now recognize this date as their “Alive Day.”
Today, they live all over the country, from Hawaii to New York, but every year they make an effort to come together on (or near) the anniversary of that day.
For the third year in a row, they’ve gathered at our beach house in Crystal Beach, Texas. Nearly two decades later, they’re still showing up for each other.
They left us this incredible gift, which tells their story better than I ever could. I wish I had a picture of the flag they gave us too. We are going to hang it when we come back for Thanksgiving. I’m happy to know these brave men and be a part of their story.
Still Here. Still Together. 🇺🇸