Savoring the little moments

Servicemen hand out backpacks, and advice, at Together We Cope

With 11 years of military service between them in some of the most dangerous places in the world, you would expect the two young men to be somber, perhaps weary.

Instead, they wore big smiles while handing out backpacks and school supplies to children whose families are struggling in hard times. And they had even more to offer during Together We Cope's annual Back to School event in Tinley Park: advice to youngsters on how to face the difficult times in their lives.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Lorenzo C. Hood, 23, and U.S. Navy 2nd Class Petty Officer Carlos Diaz, 24, have faced significant adversity personally and professionally. But their take on life is remarkably positive and uplifting.

"Enjoy every moment of life, even the small things. They matter the most, things like time with family and friends and all the steps in your education," said Hood, who grew up in Chicago and New York. A member of the Army Special Forces, Hood has served in Kandahar and stands ready to serve again wherever, and whenever, he is called.