The Story behind Solid 7
On Memorial Day 1969, Mitch Mesenburg was 8 years old, that’s when he found out his brother had been shot, SGT. Terrance R. Mesenburg was serving in the Army, 9th. Infantry in Vietnam when a sniper bullet injured him, one-week later June 6th. Terry died from that injury; he was 19 years old. After that incident, the Mesenburg family sat in the living room and stared at the floor, nothing was discussed or brought up by anyone.
On January 5th. 2019 at 8:02 pm the Mesenburg’s received a text from their son who was in the Air Force stationed at Joint Base Andrews, Security Forces, the text was a picture of a hand-written note, it spoke of his love for Shannon and Mitch then went on to say, “this is nobody’s fault, the stress life has given me, has broken my will to live”. It was a suicide note. XinHua died that night of a self-inflicted gunshot wound; he was 25 years old. That next morning, Mitch and Shannon found themselves doing the same thing Mitch’s family had done 50 years prior, at that moment, they were determined to be sure that their son’s death would not be in vain, that something good would come out of it.
For thousands of years, civilizations have supported their heroes with time-honored wisdom, traditions, and ceremonies to help them recover and reintegrate into society after they have experienced trauma and moral injury during their service. Modern society has lost touch with the importance of assisting these heroes, so they may return with honor, and continue living a full, productive, and meaningful life.
I’m a “Solid 7“
When XinHua was stationed in Qatar, he texted the Mesenburg’s this picture of himself, Mitch texted him back and said “Son, you are one damn handsome man” XinHua came back with “Eh, I’m a solid 7”. SrA XinHua Mesenburg had a great sense of humor.
What is #ChargeTheStorm?
We provide support, activities, guidance, and resources in a dignified manner to Veterans, Active Duty, First Responders, Gold Star Families and their loved ones. Our goal is to support positive mental health and resilience by combating PTS, depression, anxiety, and other stressors; all in memory of Senior Airman XinHua S. Mesenburg.
MacDill AFB Speech
Mitch was asked to speak for a Gold Star Family Day event at MacDill Air Force Base, which is always observed on the last Sunday in September. After his presentation, he was approached by the base Commander, Col. Bingham. This hardened Warrior had tears in his eyes as he shook Mitch’s hand and hugged him. The Col. asked if Mitch would return to the base in October to address the Colonel’s first, 6th. Air Refueling Wing All-Call. The event was held outside the huge hanger of one of the refueling tankers. It was a sunny morning but very chilly for that time of year with a brisk wind blowing off Tampa Bay, there were around 700 in attendance and as Mitch spoke you could have heard a pin drop.
Our Core Values
1.
JUSTICE FOR ALL PEOPLE
2.
Honor those that serve
3.
Dignity for those in need
4.
We work as a Team
5.
wE WILL NOT TOLERATE FAVORITISM
6.
rESPECT THE LAWS OF THE u.s
7.
dISCRIMINATION IS FORBIDDEN