This #MedalOfHonorMonday we honor Sergeant Major Thomas P. Payne who displayed extraordinary courage during a hostage rescue mission in Kirkuk Province, Iraq, on October 22, 2015.
As enemy fire erupted and a building holding dozens of hostages became engulfed in flames, Payne repeatedly entered the burning structure under intense gunfire to help free those trapped inside. Despite collapsing conditions, smoke, and flames, he continued returning to the building to cut through locks, evacuate hostages, and ensure no one was left behind, ultimately saving 75 hostages.
Sergeant Major Payne’s selfless bravery and unwavering devotion to others reflect the very highest traditions of military service. Today, we salute you. 🇺🇸
Anonymous
My husband and I were eating dinner at a restaurant. Couple next to us. Young. Celebrating something. Overheard bits. New job. Finally stable. Excited. Their bill came. Card declined. Tried another. Declined. The joy drained from their table. Started adding up what they could afford. Removing things.
My husband grabbed their check. Paid it with ours. Didn’t ask. Just did it. Told the waiter to tell them it was covered. We left before they could thank us. Didn’t want thanks.
Just wanted them to keep celebrating.
We forgot about it. Three years passed. Got a letter at our house. From them. They’d tracked us down somehow. Waiter remembered us. Helped them find us. Letter said they were getting married. That night was their first date after months of struggle. First celebration after barely surviving. “Someone paying our bill told us the world had good people in it. We held onto that through everything after.”
Invited us to their wedding. We went. Didn’t know them.
Went anyway. They introduced us to everyone. “These are the people who showed us kindness when we were strangers.” Danced at their wedding. Cried during their vows. Felt like family somehow.
They have a baby now. Send us pictures. Christmas cards. Updates. We’re in their life because of one paid check. One moment of seeing people who needed something and providing it.
Sometimes family isn’t blood. It’s just people who chose to see you.
Today, on Silver Star Service Banner Day, we honor the wounded, ill, and injured service members who have sacrificed so much in defense of our nation.
The Silver Star Service Banner represents their courage and resilience, and recognizes the families who stand beside them through every challenge and every step of recovery.
We are deeply grateful for their service, their strength, and the sacrifices they continue to make. 🇺🇸
@CatherinVaritek@BostonStrong_34@extremekiss Catherine- Thanks for making a genuine connection with so many fans. You and Tek are classy people. Baseball needs the Varitek's and it won't be long before Tek is back on the field. Best wishes always. Be well. Dennis
Replacing Ted Williams was not an enviable task, but Carl Yastrzemski was up to the challenge.
On this date in 1961, Yaz trotted out to left field in Fenway Park and began a career that would reunite him with Williams in Cooperstown. https://t.co/BCaCTFN3mF
@MorePerfectUS Private equity has impacted health care, sports, real estate and the restaurant industry. I was born a Red Sox fan and will die as a member of RSN. For me, the family tradition, emotional connection and brand loyalty are driving factors.
"Ted Williams, one of the greatest natural hitters of all time was retired and giving some tips to the rookies at the Red Sox spring training camp.
One of them asked how to tell apart a curveball from a slider when they were coming in.
Williams replied:
"Oh! That's easy.
If it's a curveball, the red spot you see on the ball will be rotating clockwise - if it's a changeup, counterclockwise."
They all nodded and politely thanked Ted Williams for the tip.
One of the rookies turned to the others and said whispered, "Now who the f*** can even see a red spot on a ball coming at you at 95 mph?"
Then Ted Williams went on to claim that he could tell exactly where on the seams he hit a baseball.
No one believed him.
Ted Williams was long retired at this point.
Williams took a bat and covered the barrel with pine tar and they started throwing him some pitches.
Ted would hit and say "across the seams" or "between the seams" or "across one seam" or whatever.
They retrieved all the balls and found out Ted Williams was right, EVERY single time.
CALLING ALL DRAKE MAYE AND PATRIOTS FANS‼️🗣️ We’re giving away a signed Drake Maye football and all you need to do to enter is:
1) Follow @PatriotPlace
2) Repost this post
The winner will be selected on Friday. Good luck!🏈🔥
Rest in Peace, Corporal Matthew Tyler “Ty” Snook with the Delaware State Police. End of Watch: December 23, 2025.
Corporal Snook served for almost 11 years and is survived by his wife and one-year-old daughter. He was 34.
The @FBI sends our prayers and condolences to Corporal Snook’s family, friends, and colleagues left behind. They will have our full support.