I’m lazy.

When the night
comes back
telling a story, I’m
lazy: beautiful
sounds of a primitive
faith appear in
my mind, and even
that arrow describes,
in a moment, the
slippery darkness
of a tender caprice,
there, where a
light fades away……

Francesco Sinibaldi

God Bless both of you! My family is humbled by your service to our country and to our veterans. Godspeed to Caitlin….

What a beautiful story and what a beautiful person…..

Catlin Mixon’s sacrifice was for nought. There is nothing heroic about serving in Iraq. It is a purposeless endeavor for which lives and treasure are wasted.

Hi Alicia,

i just wanted you to know that you truly are an angel. Its very rare that people have such a big heart.

I have 3 sisters and i really dont think any one of them would have done the same for me.

It really hurts when reality strikes , when one is in dire situations and they dont stand by you , while during happier times , they were all with you .

Anyway , just want Catlin to know that he is very lucky to have a wonderful sister like you . May God bless both of you .

regards
Johnson

Alicia and Catlin’s parents raised them well. Quite often the good that young Americans do goes unnoticed. Thanks for the article and thanks to the Mixon’s.

Hi Alicia & Catlin! You may or not remember me but my friends and I met you both in downtown San Antonio a few months back…it must have been sometime before Christmas. We were out on the Riverwalk and we bumped into you guys and we ended up hanging out the rest of the night. So just wanted to say that you are both awesome….Catlin, I appreciate everything that you have done to serve our country and Alicia, you are about the sweetest person to give up all you had to be there for your brother! I hope you guys are doing well and if you ever need anything, feel free to email me. God bless and take care!

i know how you feel i was once in the same situation

Alicia, you are a wonderful sister to your brother. I would do the very same for mine. Catlin, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Stay strong, take one day at a time, and thank you for serving our country.

God Bless you. A lot of people will question why you would do such a thing or how you could, more will question your sanity. They are the ones we need to feel sorry for. You are doing the right thing, the only thing you can. Those that need to know do and your spirit of caring will not go un-noticed. Your brother is very blessed to have a loving and caring sister, like you.

You are Truely great, May God bless you as you serve our Hero.

I want to tell U how WONDERFUL of U to do this.. This is what God’s Love is all about…………….. God Bless U………..

Thats truly what family is all about.
Hats off to you.

You are an angel straight from Heaven. I hope lots of people read your story and know that they can make a huge difference even though they are just one person. God bless you and your Brother!
Edie Myers
Boothwyn, Pennsylvania

The cost of Love is Priceless.

Be strong.

Heidi
Charlotte, NC

Wow, what a nice story! I am in the Army myself and I’ve lost friends in the war as well as had a few come back home wounded.
Alicia you are a true hero! God Bless You Both
Catlin.. Drive on battle and thanks for your sacrifice…!

What class! Five years ago when I was forced to go onto SSI for disability, my inlaws told my wife she should leave (after 26 years of marriage) but she chose to honor her vows. Two years ago she devoloped a neurological condition that put her onto disability. I chose to honor my vows. It was never an option. Thank you Catlin for your service and thank you Alicia for being there for your brother a disabled vet.

Wonderful Sister. You will reap what you will sow. May the good lord abundantly bless her.

He might one of the nation’s heroes. But certainly not mine. I never asked him and his buddies to go shoot up 100,000 innocent civilians. Would you hail Iraqi soldiers as heroes if they came over here and shot up a 100,000? I’m just being theoretical of course, but same concept.

The Mixon family is a fine example of how members of a family should always be there for one another.

In life all we have are those we love. Everything else is secondary.

Best of luck to the Mixon family. The hearts of many folks go out to you.

It is so nice to see sisters and brothers taking care of one another. Sometimes I think that family values just don’t matter anymore. You are a wonderful person and your brother is very lucky to have. Besides who will take care of our little brothers anyways if not us. Keep strong!!

I just wanted to say that I know if I was in her position I would have done the same thing thats for sure without any hesitation. Family is the most important and if we cant count on them then what do we have!!!

there is nothing that will replace family!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It’s a heart felt sacrifice few would dare even talking about it, let alone make it a reality. In this day and age to see people of such a fabric is rare to say the least but nevertheless do still exist. This is to underline the fact that this world is still good and can be saved. This is also to affirm that blood doesn’t turn to water. Blood relations are strong and work in mysterious ways. Well done Alicia; God Almighty will certainly reward you in heaven where there would be no tears or dying or sorrow. God bless you.

You go Alicia, All we have in life is our family. God Bless you and your brother. Thank you son for your service to your country and for me.

In the end it’s family that really matters. God Bless

You are an awesome sister and I would do the same. I like to say to you and your brother. May God Bless you for being an angel for your brother and may God bless your brother for having such a great sister.

This is pretty much not a comment but I would like to say that what your sister is doing is beyond beautiful. I myself have a brother and if anything that serious was to happen to him (and I have a 7 yr old lil girl) I too would pick up and take care of him. Im 26 and he is 27. This is why we have brothers and sisters its not just a label but a bond. God bless the both of you!!!!!

Hi Alicia,

Has your brother cosidered applying for Traumatic Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (TSGLI)? It is a benefits program that provides severely injured soldiers with a one-time payment to help them in their time of need. Please consider it; your brother may be eligible : https://www.hrc.army.mil/site/crsc/tsgli/index.html

Janey Penny is my 1st cousin. She emailed us about Caitlin and the relationship he had with her son Danny, whose anniverary day is today. As a parent of a Marine who died in service to his country, we want to first off, thank Caitlin for his valiant sacrifice, and second, to say that we will be praying that God be there for you and Alicia during this time of emotional and physical healing. Semper Fidelis. RGHarter

In response to Ben Dover, you may not have asked him and his buddies to go to war but the elected officials voted by the people did. Our government sent our troops there so instead of vilifying the troops for doing their job, why aren’t you doing your best to bring them back?

All the men and women who serve our country are heroes as well as the family like Alicia who support them.

Alicia - you are a beautiful person. Nothing can replace family. Best wishes to both you and your brother.

God Bless You Both! What a wonderful sister!!!

; )

Plain and simple:

God bless you!

Alicia Thank you for helping your brother, Charity starts at home with family, Thank you ra.

Hi Alicia,

What you are doing is quite incredible…the true meaning of love for another person. My question is What do you do to relax from the pressures and stress to care for your brother?

This is absolutley wonderful. I would so do anything for my sister or my brother. I love them so much. We are best friends. I applaud Alicia.
As for the people who feel the need to try and bash our troops… Just remember they are over there fighting for your freedom. They are fighting for the right for you to stay stupid crap and live a free life. Get off the men and women who are brave enough to go over and lay their life on the line for their country. They are TRUE HEROS. Anyone who,in my opinion, want to sit there and bash our HEROS are cowards. Keep your mouth shut. Once you lay your life on the line for your friends family and strangers..then you talk your crap. Otherwise put a muzzle on it.
UNITED WE STAND

Catlin,Thanks for serving our country. You paid a terrible price but some day you will be rewarded. God bless and be with you. And Alicia, you are truly an example to the world. No matter what we have, we have nothing without our family and friends. God bless and be with you.

Both of you are heroes! All of us Americans owe deeply to patriots such as yourselves. Your good deeds are stellar inspirations, serving God, Country and Family.

What differentiates heroes and winners from the rest is the ability to have the courage to do what is right, and both of you have demonstrated that more that anyone else ever can. With best wishes, and thanks for everything that you have done

Catlin: The least I can say is Thank You for the willingness to serve OUR country. No circumstances are needed….thank you for giving of yourself in ways that most of us will never know. God Bless You.

Alicia: You are an amazing sister and woman. You are truly blessed that you still have your brother with which to spend life. I know you are an angel in his time of need! God Bless You.

If you would like to know how your STATE ELECTED SENATOR (for which your state voted to speak FOR you and your state) used your vote; take a look below.
Here are the votes by state for use of military action in Iraq:

Grouped by Home State
Alabama: Sessions (R-AL), Yea Shelby (R-AL), Yea
Alaska: Murkowski (R-AK), Yea Stevens (R-AK), Yea
Arizona: Kyl (R-AZ), Yea McCain (R-AZ), Yea
Arkansas: Hutchinson (R-AR), Yea Lincoln (D-AR), Yea
California: Boxer (D-CA), Nay Feinstein (D-CA), Yea
Colorado: Allard (R-CO), Yea Campbell (R-CO), Yea
Connecticut: Dodd (D-CT), Yea Lieberman (D-CT), Yea
Delaware: Biden (D-DE), Yea Carper (D-DE), Yea
Florida: Graham (D-FL), Nay Nelson (D-FL), Yea
Georgia: Cleland (D-GA), Yea Miller (D-GA), Yea
Hawaii: Akaka (D-HI), Nay Inouye (D-HI), Nay
Idaho: Craig (R-ID), Yea Crapo (R-ID), Yea
Illinois: Durbin (D-IL), Nay Fitzgerald (R-IL), Yea
Indiana: Bayh (D-IN), Yea Lugar (R-IN), Yea
Iowa: Grassley (R-IA), Yea Harkin (D-IA), Yea
Kansas: Brownback (R-KS), Yea Roberts (R-KS), Yea
Kentucky: Bunning (R-KY), Yea McConnell (R-KY), Yea
Louisiana: Breaux (D-LA), Yea Landrieu (D-LA), Yea
Maine: Collins (R-ME), Yea Snowe (R-ME), Yea
Maryland: Mikulski (D-MD), Nay Sarbanes (D-MD), Nay
Massachusetts: Kennedy (D-MA), Nay Kerry (D-MA), Yea
Michigan: Levin (D-MI), Nay Stabenow (D-MI), Nay
Minnesota: Dayton (D-MN), Nay Wellstone (D-MN), Nay
Mississippi: Cochran (R-MS), Yea Lott (R-MS), Yea
Missouri: Bond (R-MO), Yea Carnahan (D-MO), Yea
Montana: Baucus (D-MT), Yea Burns (R-MT), Yea
Nebraska: Hagel (R-NE), Yea Nelson (D-NE), Yea
Nevada: Ensign (R-NV), Yea Reid (D-NV), Yea
New Hampshire: Gregg (R-NH), Yea Smith (R-NH), Yea
New Jersey: Corzine (D-NJ), Nay Torricelli (D-NJ), Yea
New Mexico: Bingaman (D-NM), Nay Domenici (R-NM), Yea
New York: Clinton (D-NY), Yea Schumer (D-NY), Yea
North Carolina: Edwards (D-NC), Yea Helms (R-NC), Yea
North Dakota: Conrad (D-ND), Nay Dorgan (D-ND), Yea
Ohio: DeWine (R-OH), Yea Voinovich (R-OH), Yea
Oklahoma: Inhofe (R-OK), Yea Nickles (R-OK), Yea
Oregon: Smith (R-OR), Yea Wyden (D-OR), Nay
Pennsylvania: Santorum (R-PA), Yea Specter (R-PA), Yea
Rhode Island: Chafee (R-RI), Nay Reed (D-RI), Nay
South Carolina: Hollings (D-SC), Yea Thurmond (R-SC), Yea
South Dakota: Daschle (D-SD), Yea Johnson (D-SD), Yea
Tennessee: Frist (R-TN), Yea Thompson (R-TN), Yea
Texas: Gramm (R-TX), Yea Hutchison (R-TX), Yea
Utah: Bennett (R-UT), Yea Hatch (R-UT), Yea
Vermont: Jeffords (I-VT), Nay Leahy (D-VT), Nay
Virginia: Allen (R-VA), Yea Warner (R-VA), Yea
Washington: Cantwell (D-WA), Yea Murray (D-WA), Nay
West Virginia: Byrd (D-WV), Nay Rockefeller (D-WV), Yea
Wisconsin: Feingold (D-WI), Nay Kohl (D-WI), Yea
Wyoming: Enzi (R-WY), Yea Thomas (R-WY), Yea

http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=107&vote=00237&session=2#state

As you can see, the odds are 77% of the american people voted for military action in Iraq by way of their state senators vote. Only 23% did not. SOOOOOO…….Missy is COMPLETELY correct!!!!

Well, Wayne, Onalaska, WI, as you can see the story is not about Iraq or what we are doing there. It’s a story about the sister of a Soldier who has giving to helping her brother.

Ms Mixon you’re an awesome person! Good luck to you and your brother.

This beautiful story reminds me of an old song - He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother. God bless you both - you are both heros.

Hey there-

I thought it was really important to feature some of our young military heroes when I first started this series. Many servicemen and women are under 30 and so are their spouses back at home. When I wrote this post, I started receiving more nominations through iReport. If you know anyone who fits that description, send them over in time for Memorial Day so I can continue the coverage.

In the meantime, Alicia will be in the studio on Friday and I’d love your video questions or comments for her. When we first reached out to her she told us she loves her life and “didn’t think twice” about what she’s doing for her little brother.

Nicole

Alicia, All I can say is that you are a fantistic sister. I know you did not have a choice, you and your bother are all that you have. I have always told my own children the same thing. Siblings must all stick together. I am proud of you and your bother.

Good luck to you both.

Thanks for serving American and fought for us, too. Alicia, thanks for helping your borther Catlian! That’s the family all about!

Wendi

catlin, sincere thanks for your support and dedication to your country and a big, big thank you for your sister to put her life on hold to care for you. what a generous and beautiful sister you have. god bless you and your family.

Alicia, you are amazing and so is your brother. My son is serving in Iraq now and we are all so proud of all of our soldiers and their families. All we hear about in the news is the sad and bad stuff, to hear a beautiful story like yours gives us hope.

Please know that we are praying for both of you and have you in our hearts. Smile every day and look in your brothers beautiful, amazing eyes and thank him for all of us. He is a hero, you are a hero and we are so proud of you.

I think Alicia is doing what comes naturally to her and doesn’t see “hero” attached to her caring for her brother. If she’s as close to her brother as I am to mine (and certainly she is by her actions), then you just do what has to be done. As an older sister myself, I know that if my little brother needed help, I’d drop everything too.

If anything, I commend Alicia for being a good sister.

This sad country does not deserve people of such beauty and courage. We have betrayed you both. How can it be that in spite of this mindless and cruel war that exploits people like you to pursue the demented vision of powerful fools, you keep coming?

Alicia i love you and GOD loves you, You are doing a great job , I wish there was more of people like you .

Now brother & sister can live together without their relationship being taboo.

My thanks to both the Mixon’s as heroes, for serviving family and country with unparalleled commitment to both. I honor and appreciate your sacrafice.

Nicole, thank you for taking the time to bring inspiring stories such as these. They enlighten and remind us that there are still some people out there who genuinely care about others and are willing to sacrifice their time and resources to help their brother and/or fellow man.
It is truly disheartening to see individuals use this venue to show their political and/or social contempt. Most of us were taught that if you have nothing good to say, say nothing at all. Derogatory comments made by three shallow individuals were uncalled for and unwelcomed. Common decency would have you praising Caitlin and Alicia for their efforts, not to try and discredit or embarass them. An honorable man will put his personal differences aside in situations such as this.
Caitlin, I salute you. Your willingness to serve and your sacrifice lift you up among an elite group of men and women who have valiantly served this country.
Alicia, I also salute you and your family. Many people fail to realize that the family members of those who serve, are serving also. The bravery and support shown for Caitlin during his deployment, his injury and his recovery is a testimony of your love for him and your country.
Thank you and God Bless you and those who serve or have served this great country of ours.

To Sister and Soldier: Great and inspiriing! Sister, don’t forget to take some time for yourself! You will need it.

Alicia & Caitlin, I think you are both brave, terrific people. I don’t think the article should call it putting your life on hold for your brother though. I believe life is a journey , not a destination. This is part of your life journey & this time together, through the pain , the frustration, the laughter & the tears, will most likely be some of the best memories of your life. You are truly blessed to have each other. Both of you are an inspiration & deserve all the best as you continue on your journey.

Thank you Catlin and Alicia. My husband is deployed right now and many in his unit have been killed and injured. I know the families of the killed and wounded are hurting but I have seen them come together and put aside differences for the sake of their loved ones.

Critics need to get over it. Whether the wars are right or wrong, we are in them. We need to support our troops and live up to our responsibilities. We need to find a way out that does not involve abandoning innocents to terrorists. I want to know where all these critics were BEFORE we decided to invade Iraq and Afghanistan. Did they write their representatives and make their opinions heard or were they too busy putting their heads in the sand?

What Catlin and Alicia have sacrificed can’t be gotten back. What are the critics willing to sacrifice to have the right to voice their opinions freely? Freedom isn’t free. Thank your military and their families. Their sacrifices enable the rest of us to live here in relative affluence and security.

You are both heros and the love you have for each other gives us all hope for mankind and the true meaning of devotion, loyalty, family, and strength. Thanks for sharing your story.

I think it is great she loves his brother so much

God Bless you both!

Hi there, I wish you both well. That is really nice of you Alicia to take care of your brother. My sisters and I are taking care of my mother right now, and I feel the same way about putting things on hold and taking care of family. You will be in my prayers.
God Bless you both.

J.James

As a military medic done time over in afghanistan. I want to say thank you caitlin for making it all the way home. You have a loving sister that is a hero in my eyes. From one service brother to another. thank you for your sacrifice and dedication to freedom. God bless

to Ben Dover,

First did it take you awhile to come up with an original name like that you COWARD! Regardless of what you think you know, which is obviously very little you tiny rat of a little boy! This Soldier and his Sister are both HERO’s! Going in a shooting up a 100,000 Iraqi’s huh? Again, you know so much! When were you in Iraq again, uh, never? What about Saddam and his guys(I think maybe your hero’s?) They killed almost 2 million of their own people! Before you go and have dysentry of the mouth, why don’t you go over there and ask the average Iraqi what they think and I think you will sing a different tune than the one you are given by a media that makes it’s living on bad news! But, back to the true topic these two are true HERO’s in every sense of the word! May God Bless them both, and May Gob Bless America and all her people, even those who are unwilling to stand up for there freedom because they know they have true HERO’s who are willing to go for them (I am talking about YOU Ben Dover!.

hi alicia.I read the story of you and your brother,i was so move by what you have done for your brother infact I pray for you.i pray that almighty God should met you at the point of your needs.and God will blessed you.Amen;are you marry and how long will u stay with ur brother.please let me know my email is amissola@hotmail.com

Ben Dover:
Your name obviously is what you do best. While you are hiding behind your computer, berating those who have had to do what they did, I wouldn’t want to think that I could feek safe if you were supposed to be watching my back. Enjoy the freedom you have in your daily life. Many had to pay the price, including their lives to get you where you are today. Try moving and living in another country, where you will be feel much safer. Go live with Michael Jackson and hide from reality.
I suppose you feel the same for those who lost their lives during 911. And who suffer the affter effects of it. Your parents should be very proud that you are an American.

So touching this to read and great to see the reflections of the better side of human mind and it’s feelings. Hope this inspire more and more people to help and care those who are badly in need of it.

It really touched .

Hello everyone

I write these lines from the distant Pakistan, where people have a different perception about US of A and about it’s involvement in Iraq.

I will not go into the diffrences, I just want to express my sentiments for the sacrifice the sister is offering for her injured brother. Her action is most heart warming and comendable. Infact it is exemplary to all of us, irrespective of faith or geographical discrimination.

Indeed, world seems a better place to live in, when one comes to know about such acts of human kindness. It gives you hope for a better tomorrow and the assurance that God Almighty has still some reasons to keep this world running.

In the end, I would put my sincere appeal to everyone who is touched by the action of this lady, please spare a moment from your lives and just for a few seconds, try to put your selves in the shoes of Iraqi and Palistinian people. It will help you understand why the world is begining to hate America.

God bless you all.

Catlin & Alicia, may the Lord bless you both with strength, courage & love. There will be many times when you struggle, you feel that there is nothing left or that you can’t go on, but always remember that God has a plan. You may not feel it at that specific moment but he’s always there with you. Make sure that when times are starting to get boring or feel worthless, it means that you need to try something new. Life is about experiences, so you must be sure to explore new things. May God bless and always be with you both.

You are one in a million…. god bless you, I wish we had more families as yours . May God bless your brother and give him the strength to carrie on.

Your heart may be in the right place but I hope your helping hand is there for the sole purpose of your brother getting back on his feet (no pun intended) Dont forget you have your own life to lead as well..

All volunteer, know the risks, getting paid. Heros?

When you become detached mentally from yourself and concentrate on helping other people with their difficulties, you will be able to cope with your own more effectively. Somehow, the act of self-giving is a personal power-releasing factor.
- Norman Vincent Peale

Thank you for being my inspiration

Thank you for protecting my family. Words alone cannot express my gratitude for the sacrifice you have taken. God Bless you and your family and may you always be protected.

Catlin and Alicia, it is an honor to thank you both for showing us what service and love is all about. You may think you’re just ordinary people — but y’all are shining heroes. May God bless both of you as you continue life’s journey.

Nicole, thank you for featuring this awesome brother and sister. (I feel sorry for a few of the naysayers who just don’t get it.)

Having lived near three military bases all my life, Camp Lejeune,Cherry Point, New River, NC, and with Ft. Bragg, NC, only a short distance away, I daily see and hear of fantastic and courageous acts done by men and women in the military, and courage that equals that ,by the families left behind. Dads, mothers, wives, and children remain at home with only their faith and belief that their loved ones will return home safely, and somehow hold everyday life together, until they do return. I am sure they are all afraid, but more important is their willingness to serve this country in whatever way possible, so that this country can remain free, and the wars that are simply destined will remain on foreign soil….and not in the backyards of Americans. Thank God for all the Catlins and Alicias out there…You make it possible for the rest of us to have the freedom to do what we do.

Mike,
Congratulations! That was almost a haiku!
You (and several others) are missing the point. This blog post is about Alicia’s devotion to her brother, which would be just as strong and selfless if he had been in a car accident. Ever heard of unconditional love? This is it.