Just a note to a freind leaving for the war..
Today I got a note from a friend that he is leaving for Iraq again (2nd tour) on the 27th of Feb. SO I sat down and wrote him a note, and I thought I should share it with all our military men and women. SO I hope Lance doen't mind. I am sure he wouldn't. Here it is:
Lance,
A few thoughts for you while you are traveling.
As an American I am very proud of the conduct and courage of our military men and women on the warfront. Being ex-military myself I cringe at each report of a solider being injured or killed, yet know that that soldier died doing what they thought was the most important job in the world, defending their family and friends here in the US, and they were right. Fighting the enemy on the enemies ground and not in the US. I applaud and walk with pride each time I hear of a military members courage under fire and the unbelievably outstanding attitude a lot of the troops have. I know for a fact most Americans are proud of our men and women in uniform. A few vocal minority get to have their side told on the mainstream media, while those deserving of the airtime are never known. Many of us think about you guys every single day.
I thank you for your service and professionalism.
I thank you for my freedom and peace of mind.
I thank you that I can walk the streets of the US without fear of suicide bombers or terrorist.
I thank you that my 6 year old son will most likely never face what children his age in Russia did.
I thank you that my wife can drive to Disney world and enjoy the sunshine without having to watch for guns or bombs.
I thank you for leaving those you find dear to your heart, knowing you may not come back.
I thank you for going even for those that don't like what your doing.
I thank you for my freedom.
I thank you for showing the rest of the world that the US has THE finest fighting force in the world.
I thank you for showing the Iraqi and Afghanistan people what Americans are really like, not what the news and movies show them.
I thank you for being ready to the call of your country and not turning a deaf ear.
Most of all I thank you for myself, my son and my wife, that my son may grow up to see what a wonderful thing our young men and women of the military did for him that he may live in this wonderful country called the USA, all because you were willing to leave it to go far away and confront our enemies with the awesome might of the US military, of which you are the most important part. Be assured that everyday I pray for you and all our military peoples safety.
May GOD bless you and all your troops, watch over you and care for you and your family. Please tell your family thank you, thank you for sharing you with the rest of us, thank you for making the sacrifices they have to without you. May you come back to them the same way you left, with your head held high, your chest out, and your pride in your country showing in every step.
Lance take care of yourself. Stay in touch please, I would love to hear from you and anyone in your group.
Your friend, and fellow solider (albeit old and ex)
Chris
Thats it unedited and with all my heart. God bless you Lance. See you when you get back.