Chris Baskow ticks all the boxes – FLYERS NITTY GRITTY

According to Webster’s Dictionary, a hero is defined as follows: “A person who is admired for his achievements and noble qualities.

Without our servicemen and women who sacrificed and fought for the United States of America, we would not be here today enjoying barbecues, family gatherings, sporting events, etc. On this 4th of July, I would like to dedicate a piece to a Flyers fan, hero and true American patriot, my brother Chris Baskow.

He served in the U.S. Army for six and a half years, during which time he was stationed in Kansas and in Germany at Ramstein Air Force Base. Chris enjoyed his time in the military, rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant before his tour of duty ended. He served three tours in the desert between Iraq, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. Of course, these tours were classified at times, so our family didn’t know his whereabouts for a while. Each time, he did it with class and dignity.

I’ll never forget a moment in 2004 when the Flyers played the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Eastern Conference finals. I had tickets to Game 6 and was on ESPN before the game started. My brother happened to see me from his base in Iraq as he and some soldiers were watching the game from their barracks. After the Flyers won Game 6 in overtime 5-4 to tie the series at 3-3. Some people in the Philadelphia area were honking and dancing in the streets, it was a celebration. I remember walking down the street and people honking as I put on my Flyers jersey. Shortly after the game, my brother called just to check. You could hear the excitement in his voice, but he always said, “I wish I could be there, but I have a job to do.”

He is a hero, a patriot. Chris fought every day and thought of Americans. Even in all his desert deployments, he never accepts gratitude or recognition. That is what soldiers do every day. They should be recognized for their service, something some are afraid of. On this holiday, the Fourth of July, please remember all those who have made sacrifices and worn a military uniform.

These selfless acts continue to keep us safe here at home. We are proud to be Americans, and I bid you farewell with Lyrics by Lee Greenwood (God Bless The USA):

“If everything were gone tomorrow
I have worked all my life
And I had to start all over again
Only with my children and my wife
I thank my lucky star
Living here today
Because the flag still stands for freedom
And they can’t take that away

And I am proud to be an American because at least I know that I am free
And I will not forget the men who died and gave me this right
And I would like to stand next to you and defend them today
Because there is no doubt that I love this country, God bless the USA.

From the lakes of Minnesota
To the Hills of Tennessee
Across the plains of Texas
From sea to shining sea
From Detroit to Houston
And from New York to LA
Well, there is pride in every American heart
And it’s time for us to stand up and say, “I’m proud to be an American. At least I know I’m free. And I will not forget the men who died.”
Who gave me this right?
And I like to stand up
Beside you and defend them today
Because there is no doubt that I love this country (love this country), God bless the USA

And I am proud to be an American
Where at least I know that I am free
And I will not forget the men who died
Who gave me this right?
And I like to stand up
Beside you and defend them today
Because there is no doubt that I love this country (love this country), God bless the USA

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