Dedicated to Henry Roe’s Vision to Life

With a heart full of tears I cannot make it today to say goodbye to my friend, comrade, and brother. I was blessed though that I got to say goodbye a little earlier this year.  

We are only a few days short of the 40-year mark when I first met Henry Roe at Lackland AFB TX. Henry was one of 100 plus young men that were ready to train to be a part of Pararescue, a group of men whose motto is “That Others May Live”. Henry was single and just graduated basic training and I was married with two children and already about 5 years in the service.  Henry became known for his tenacity, perseverance, stubbornness, grit, and guts. He was the embodiment of the Lone Star State's indomitable spirit. Henry set his sights on a lofty goal: graduating the first 8 weeks of Pararescue Indoctrination. He knew that this rigorous training program would put his strength and determination to the ultimate test. The odds were stacked against him, as a staggering 90% of recruits didn't make it past the first eight weeks, Henry was undeterred.  Henry dove headfirst into the demanding training regimen. He faced obstacles that seemed impossible to conquer, endured grueling physical challenges, and pushed himself beyond his limits.  Henry's fellow recruits marveled at his unyielding spirit and Texas wit. While others stumbled and fell early, Henry pressed on with a stubborn determination that could rival a bull's tenacity.  The instructors threw countless challenges his way, testing his spirit, but Henry's Texas-sized grit was unbreakable. He met every hurdle with a grin on his face and a twinkle in his eye as if to say, "Is that all you've got?". Sometimes, unfortunately, he said it out loud and that was pain for all of us. As the weeks went by, Henry inspired others to push themselves by his example, and together we formed an unbreakable bond, forged through shared sweat, tears, and a whole lot of laughter and a little self-induced pain.  And so it was that Henry Roe, the strong Texas boy with tenacity and guts aplenty, made it through the many grueling steps as others fell along the way. The road ahead was still challenging, and the final test awaited, could Henry learn to sometimes Not say what was on his mind? Well, we all know that answer, but Henry is Henry (heart).  Henry never quit, he continued forward as he flew off into the sunset, cowboy hat firmly on his head, ready to face a new challenge in the USAF, flying to keep our country safe and he did it with skill and tenacity.  
I lost contact with Henry for 3 decades and with God’s Blessings and Purpose we reunited over a phone call. Before I speak a little more about Henry I want to look at the Biblical account of Job

 Job was a righteous man, blessed with a loving family, like Henry’s family comprised of his lovely and caring wife, Carmen, children, Henry Justin Roe IV and Alyssa Lauren Estrada , and his granddaughter Alexis Jaydn Estrada; in addition to his siblings Clinton, Charlie, Ronda, and Cynthia.  Job found himself in the depths of despair, grappling with overwhelming grief and anguish, and in the midst of his suffering, Job questioned the fairness of his circumstances and wrestled with deep anger. He cried out, venting his frustrations and lamenting his fate. He yearned for an audience with God, seeking answers and longing for understanding. Yet, despite his anger and despair, Job never lost faith in God. He clung to his belief that there was a higher purpose behind his suffering, even when he could not comprehend it. He never wavered in his trust that God was just and compassionate, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable adversity. Job engaged in discussion with his friends, who desired to offer explanations for his suffering. Job questioned their views and challenged their understanding of God's ways. His relentless pursuit of truth and justice revealed his unyielding faith, even as he grappled with the depths of his pain. God's words reminded Job of the vastness of creation, the complexities of the universe, and the limitations of human understanding and that pain was part of a larger, divine plan beyond his or our comprehension. Job's story teaches us that it is natural to experience anger, doubt, and confusion in the face of suffering. Yet, it also reminds us of the importance of maintaining faith and trust in God, even when life's challenges seem insurmountable.  Even in the darkest of times, our faith in God can sustain us and lead us to a place of healing and restoration. 

Back to Henry Roe: A Life of Strength, Faith, and Inspiration

In memory of Henry Roe, a dear friend, comrade, and brother who valiantly battled ALS, I remember a man whose strength and unwavering faith in God served as a guiding light in the face of pain and suffering. Though he ultimately lost his personal physical fight to ALS, Henry won every single day in life through his remarkable spirit and resilience. Henry's journey was marked by immense challenges, physical pain, and mental anguish, but he faced them with an extraordinary courage that inspired all who knew him. Even in the darkest moments, he refused to succumb to despair, instead finding solace in his faith and drawing strength from his relationship with God. Yes, he was angry, but so was Job, but his faith didn’t waver. His unwavering determination and indomitable spirit provided a source of inspiration and strength, to those around him, and mostly to myself. Henry's battle with ALS reminded me of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. His unwavering faith in the Lord became a beacon of hope, showing me that even in adversity, there is a higher purpose.  Henry's suffering and pain brought us closer together, forming a bond that transcended any words I could deliver in these comments. Through his struggle, he taught me the power of empathy, compassion, and the strength we can derive from each other and our faith. He showed me that in times of trial, it is through our connection to others and our trust in God that we find the strength to endure. Though we may not fully comprehend the reasons behind pain and suffering, Henry's life taught me that there is a purpose in it—a purpose to draw us closer to one another and to deepen our relationship with God. His legacy serves as a reminder that our trials can become a catalyst for unity, compassion, and personal growth.

Henry Roe, a man of unwavering strength, unyielding faith, and profound resilience, leaves an indelible mark on all of our hearts and minds. His memory will forever inspire me to embrace each day with gratitude, face our challenges with courage, and extend love and support to those in need. May we continue the fight in his honor, so “That Others May Rise” and find strength in the face of adversity. Rest in peace, my Brother Henry, knowing that your life has touched countless lives and your spirit will forever live on in our hearts and impact our lives.

"In the midst of life's storms, Henry taught me there is peace in the raging winds. HooYah Brother."

That Others May Rise will honor your spirit from this day forward and in your honor we will do an annual activity “4 Our Veteran HeRoes” as we work with veteran groups. God Bless you Henry Roe and may you rest comfortably in our Saviors Arms.  Your brother Paul

Liga Nazarena de Solidariedade

Liga Nazarena De Solidariedade is a Non-Government Organization (NGO) recognized since 1991 working with the Cabo Verde government and other agencies to improve the every day life of others through direct assistance, education and training.

Note: We work with the organizations closely as they are from the local area, but they are not part of That Others May Rise.

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