Three years ago I worked for a company named AAFES. AAFES, for those of you who don't know, used to stand for Army and Air Force Exchange Service - but now has been changed to stand for Armed Forces Exchange Service - to reflect its acception of all military personnel (although, the Navy still uses NEX).
While working there, I met thousands of soldiers, marines, and officers; all being trained to kill, and all getting ready for Iraq.
You see, the Military Base where I live is one of the main training bases here in the United States that soldiers and marines see before leaving to go to Iraq becaues the climate here most closely matches that of Iraq.
So everyone I met was heading that way; and everyone was proud to be of Service.
I was always greeted with respect, kindness and a smile. It pained me to know that some of these men and women would not be coming back to see me, but that knowledge did not deter them. They were proud, they were brave, and they were devoted. And I was proud to be there to help to send them off, even if all I did at the time was make sandwiches at the deli on the firing range.
Then, one day, a LT Colonel came up to give me a hug. We had been talking over the past many weeks and we had extremely close religious beliefs; if we'd been family we'd possibly have been of the same tradition. He was the first person outside of my family that held the same beliefs I held. He was also missing his family horribly and was depressed.
I made him some traditional Scottish foods and brought them with me one day to the firing range just for him - no charge. He smiled and cried, said nothing, and turned away. I was afraid I'd hurt him.
He came back a few weeks later, still crying, and hugged me. "Thank you..." he said. And I cried as he continued... "thank you for reminding me what I'm fighting for, thank you for reminding me how wonderful life is here in America, and thank you for being here...
"Thank you for understanding, and thank you for supporting us. I don't even know if you're for or against the war, but thank you for being here for us... Thank you for reminding me that, even though I am being trained to kill, I am being trained to do so to protect your life and your freedom... Thank you..."
Yes, I cried. I cried and I latched onto him in a tight hug and I did not want to let him go.
Of course, I had to. And as I did, I gave him my address and asked that he kept in touch.
I continued to send him energy and keep him in my thoughts. He came to visit me while he was on leave a few months ago. And again, upon our good-byes, there were tears, there were hugs, and there were thank you's.
I received a package in the mail today from this Lt Colonel's wife; he was killed during transit to the airport to come home for good after three successful deployments to Iraq.
The package included a letter from him, several letters from some Iraqi children thanking him, and a Purple Heart that he has asked me to keep hold of...
"If this letter reaches you, it is because despite my love for America, and despite the strength you have given me, I have failed.
They have gotten the better of me somehow, and I am sorry...
Thank you for your support, thank you for being there, and thank you for being a constant reminder of what and who I am fighting for.
You have given me the strength to fight for as long as I have been here, and try to give the people here the same life you have...
Thank you...
Enclosed are letters from people that I have told about you. When they asked me why I was here, I showed them your picture and told them what you have... and what you have done for me...
They try to thank me, but I think they should thank you. You gave me the strength to fight for them..."
Again, I cried.
As for the Purple Heart, I have asked his wife to please keep it. As much as I appreciate the gesture, I really believe that she should be the one to hold on to it.
This soldier has successfully done what I thought no one could do; he's made me cry three times, all without trying to hurt anyone...
And sadly, our Army is short one valiant man, and I am short a friend who was willing to lay his life on the line to defend me...
People ask me all the time whether or not I support this war; I'm torn on this, to tell you the truth.
But I do believe that we should be defending our soldiers and marines while they are there; not just fighting to pull them out. Send them the love and resources they need.
Send them reminders of why they are there...
And see how many soldiers can make you cry...
You might feel proud to have known them, and to be the person they are fighting for...
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i think, if you don't know about it already, you would be very interested in the adopt-a-soldier program (actually there's more than one program, i've provided two of the links i found at the end of the comment). my friend told me about it, as she is a participant. the least you do is send a letter or a card about once a week, i think (i haven't fully researched it, but i'm seriously considering doing it in a few weeks when i have more money to put together a care package), or you can send full care packages to your assigned soldier. i think this does far, far more to support the troops and boost their morale than by regurgitating government propaganda about the war while doing nothing remotely supportive of the troops, or simply slapping one of those obnoxious yellow magnets on your car.
--stacie
http://www.adoptaussoldier.org/
http://soldiersangels.org/index.php?page=adopt-a-soldier
Thanks for this information, although I do already participate in several programs and continue to send care packages on a weekly basis (well, actually I've been a little slow in getting them out since buying the new house).
And even though I do have one of those obnoxious yellow magnets on my car, I'm always on the lookout for other things.
I'm also the leader of an Army FRG group and run a support group for Military Spouses.
LOL, I am just all over the place :)
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"Dream as though you'll live forever, but live as though there's no tomorrow" --James Dean
Fanaile Essence,
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I believe that there are many soldiers who have fought bravely for our country and who do not get the credit that they so richly deserve and are soon forgotten. My husband did two tours to Vietnam and was of the very few in his platoon that came back "alive" so to speak. He will always have the nightmares and the visions of the war and will always remember the people when he came back throwing rotten tomatoes and spitting on him and cursing him and all he was doing was giving of him life so that they and other people might be free.
Aww. I've been a total cry baby today. I read this and cried. And then cried some more. I'm so very sorry that he didn't make it back, dear. It is stories like this that keep those soldiers and their families and friends in my thoughts daily. Thanks for sharing this.
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"It is never too late to give up your prejudices." Henry David Thoreau
"In case of dissension, never dare to judge till you've heard the other side." Euripides
-----
Fallon
I cried too. *sniffles*
~C
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I'd hug you if I could :)
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"Dream as though you'll live forever, but live as though there's no tomorrow" --James Dean
Fanaile Essence,
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Aww, I'm sorry.
I cried a lot too, before I wrote this, while I was writing this, and even now to try to read through it again to find any mistakes I might have made in spelling or grammar gives me the chills.
He was an amazing man.
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"Dream as though you'll live forever, but live as though there's no tomorrow" --James Dean
Fanaile Essence,
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I am an Iraq war veteran and wish to thank you for your support of that man. When I was training to go to Iraq, there was a woman working in an AAFES PX at Fort Lewis, WA that brightened my day everyday. I never got her name and I never spoke to her for more than a couple minutes, but she always had such a sincere smile when I walked in there. I wish I would have at least gotten her address.
I am not a supporter of the war, but I made the best of it while I was there. I adopted two Iraqi children and tried my best to at least make their lives worth the war. Sadly, one of them was killed during my tour. I chronicle it here in "Tears in Baghdad: I Never Knew War Would Be Like This." So, the circumstances were different, the nationality was different, but I feel your pain. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of that boy, Achmed. Ali told me that Achmed's father had asked him to let me know how much I had enriched his life in my time there, but he'll never know how much he changed mine.
Thank you for sharing.
Justin C. Cliburn
Iraq Veterans Against the War
www.ivaw.org
Isn't it amazing, sometimes, how the people who seem to influence your life the most are the people yu least expect to hold any influence at all?
Thank you for your service and your message... :)
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"Dream as though you'll live forever, but live as though there's no tomorrow" --James Dean
Fanaile Essence,
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I actually have a very good friend of mine who is over in Iraq right now. Im sooo ready for him to come home in October!! His name is Dustin and hes in the air force. Hes a really nice guy. And we've tried to keep in touch through emails. And ive tried to let him know how much i care and support him. i dont know what id do if he didnt make it home. its really hard to think about it.
and im sorry that your friend didnt make it but all we can do is pray and hope for the best for the others who are still there!
ps. i dont necessarily support the was but i do support the men and women over there fighting for what they believe in!
My father-in-law just returned from his second tour in Iraq, as did one of my brothers-in-law and I have several friends that are there now and others getting ready to go over there.
Of course, I cry everytime someone new leaves to go fight; but I am proud of each one that is going.
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"Dream as though you'll live forever, but live as though there's no tomorrow" --James Dean
Fanaile Essence,
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i like your posting, i am against war in iraq, but it is really touching, sometimes, when we are focusing on staying the course or a withdrawal, we forgot, that in the mist of this, the american military family is the one who will be affected by this.
and it is a sad thing because they are not getting the proper equiment that they need, because those magacorporation thought that it was more important to make profits than give the right body armor, kinda like a store owner burn down his store because he realize that he would make more profit that way, or a woman kill her husband so that she can have his cash.
This story is emotional and it almost made me cry.. I'm glad you got to know a soldier before he died.
Once I can afford it (I'm financially limited at the moment), I'm going to start participating in a knitting for soldiers program. I really love to knit and crochet, and though good yarns are expensive, I would really love to know that someone is wearing and appreciating one of my creations.
That sounds like a great idea; I haven't heard of that one yet. I have so many crochet projects running around the house right now. It would be rather easy for me to get involved in something like that (provided I can find the time to actually finish something, LOL).
By the way, I don't know what shops are around you, but Caron's Simply Soft yarns are good and they're usually inexpensive compared to other yarns. They also make awesome aphgans! Plus, although it varies depending on the size I'm making, I can usually get one scarf and hat set out of one skein, and one sweater out of two skeins (also depends on the pattern).
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"Dream as though you'll live forever, but live as though there's no tomorrow" --James Dean
Fanaile Essence,
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Well, I'm currently in a Red Heart budget. You know, the really cheap stuff. Well, it doesn't squeak, so that's good.
Red Heart is really good for granny squares :)
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"Dream as though you'll live forever, but live as though there's no tomorrow" --James Dean
Fanaile Essence,
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i live very close to a marine base that sends troops out almost every day it seems like. Were i live it is also perfect for the strong and pround men train for Iraq. You have inspired me to join the AAFES. Thank you very much!
may i ask which base you live by
*CaSSeY*
Wow Cassey, that's great! Thank you for this :)
I PMd you the info on the base :)
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"Dream as though you'll live forever, but live as though there's no tomorrow" --James Dean
Fanaile Essence,
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It is a shame so many people have respect for the trash in the US Armed Services. US Troops only promote fascism. US troops deserve no respect or support. This quote from Dwight David Eisenhower illustrates why the military industrial complex has caused fascism to spread across America. "Only an alert and knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial and military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods and goals, so that security and liberty may prosper together." In short, Americans are too stupid for freedom. This is why America houses ¼ of the prisoners in the world despite having only 5% of the world’s population.
I'm so glad that you think my mother is trash, without even getting to know her. I had thought we were fighting against prejudice, not promoting it.
~C
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Wow, judging by your logic and reasonong then (not to mention judgemental and prejudiced mannerisms) - you should be an officer...
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"Dream as though you'll live forever, but live as though there's no tomorrow" --James Dean
Fanaile Essence,
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Dwight Eisenhower's speech about the military-industrial complex was about the CIVILIANS that were in government who gave contracts to CIVILIANS in private business who manufactured and sold arms and stood to profit from lobbying for war. The soldiers are just the pawns in the game. The real fascists are the ones who wear no uniform, but are still represented by green.
Members of the military are a mixed bag, like any other profession. Some are good; some are not. Some are intelligent; some are anything but. Some are informed; some are blissfully ignorant. Some are faithful; some are atheists. Some are hard-working; some are lazy as Hell. You cannot paint the military with a broad brush, just as you can't paint college students or bloggers with the same broad stroke.
That being said, I hate the military and the culture of fascism that pervades it due to the system it operates in. There is virtually no room for disagreement and it breeds a workforce of yes men that do not dare rock the boat.
I can say these things because, as a member of the National Guard, I have spent a total of 24 months on active duty, including 12 months in Baghdad, Iraq . . . where I was anything but a fascist. You, however, probably do not have that experience and therefore truly do not know what you are talking about.
Again, I am not at all a flag-waving lemming that is your stereotype of the military. I cannot stand the military nor do I like everyone in the military, just as I don't like every doctor I encounter. Either way, they're not "all fascists" as you so eloquently purport.
Justin C. Cliburn
Iraq Veterans Against the War
www.ivaw.org/user/326
I agree with pretty much everything that people are posting in response to you. How could you possibly blanket everyone in the military as trash...obviously, you have been more than misinformed, you have chosen to strengthen your ignorance by posting such a disrespectful blog. I suppose that through that ignorance you are willing to blanket yourself in the comment you make "In short, Americans are too stupid for freedom."
I honestly do not know how you as a human being can even rationalize in your mind that "US troops deserve no respect or support". What is really wrong with you? I mean, surely, you cannot be serious with this post, can you? To say that "It is a shame so many people have respect for the trash in the US Armed Services." What is the true shame is that you are perfectly fine with your ignorant.
The words that I read are almost so ludicrous that I almost think that you just wrote this to get a rise out of someone. Your attempt to quote a former President to support your point is even more proof of your uneducated soul because anything can be used to attempt to support a view if it's taken out of context.
Maybe, you should volunteer yourself to go to Iraq to fight a war that no one agrees with anymore so that one of our beloved and well-respected soldiers can come back home to their families to see another day and experience the freedom that you take advantage of. Do you realize how ignorant you truly sound and that your opinion means as much as Bush's does when he attempts to assault America's opinion that anything we say against the war is an attack on our troops.
If you want to blanket me in the people that you believe to be shameful because I whole-heartedly respect and support our troops, then I can surely blanket you into the group of the most ignorant people in America today. Perhaps there is a group that you can join to find the 5 or 6 people that think like you because I can tell you that in a room full of people you would stand alone in your ignorance.
Perhaps the military complex supports fascism, but the troops themselves do not. I know several enlisted men as well as others in ROTC (who face going to war in the very near future) and know none that support this war, and many who do not want to go to war but joined out of poverty, lack of intelligence, or for the free education. In addition, by law, with the distinct and grave possibility of facing jail time and death, these troops MUST follow orders.
Also, I think your assertion that US Troops support fascism is confused. As Miriam-Webster states, fascism is "1. (sometimes initial capital letter) a governmental system led by a dictator having complete power, forcibly suppressing opposition and criticism, regimenting all industry, commerce, etc., and emphasizing an aggressive nationalism and often racism." Nowhere does this definition state that a large conglomeration of people constitutes fascism even in the remotest sense of the word. You may say that the president or the Secretary of Defense is a fascist, and that the troops are a tool to create a fascist state, but fascism is by no means a bottom-up sort of government (that is why it is on the complete opposite of the political spectrum as Communism, which is government by the "bottom" class, or proletariat).
Lastly, if there were fighting on American soil, and troops knew what you had said, it would take a very magnanimous soldier to even suggest defending you from the enemy. Let's hope it never comes to that, for your sake.
b-money
"A cactus is the opposite of a chair. In my house you can sit anywhere but there."
? Who is this in response to?
As written, it looks like a response to my blog, but I didn't say they were fascist :(
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"Dream as though you'll live forever, but live as though there's no tomorrow" --James Dean
Fanaile Essence,
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Oh no no, I'm responding to the "US Troops are Trash" post, which I thought my content would make clear. I agree with you quite thoroughly, actually.
b-money
"A cactus is the opposite of a chair. In my house you can sit anywhere but there."
Ah, okay :)
If you hit "reply" at the bottom of the comment you want to reply to, it'll indent your comment below that particular comment. Sometimes makes it easier when some blogs get a lot of commentary.
And thanks for your support!
:)
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"Dream as though you'll live forever, but live as though there's no tomorrow" --James Dean
Fanaile Essence,
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I am hitting reply, but for some reason I can't get my responses to indent. Apparently, this technology is not interested in serving me...
b-money
"A cactus is the opposite of a chair. In my house you can sit anywhere but there."
LOL, I just hate it when technology decides that it hates me for the day.
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"Dream as though you'll live forever, but live as though there's no tomorrow" --James Dean
Fanaile Essence,
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Your post is absolutely heart warming. I'm a big supporter of our troops and I cannot stand when I see one of those rediculous things mocking our troops and our president online. My cousin just recently decided to enlist in the army and if his training works out he'll most likely be sent overseas. I also have a friend who's brother in law was injured in iraq. The humvee he and a few of his squadrents were riding in hit a carside bomb. Unfortunately only two survived the explosion out of seven but my friend and her sister and the rest of her family are greatly relieved to have him back home.
My grandpa is a veteran of the Vietnam war, and my deceased grandpa was a veteran from World War II. I'm from a very big armed forces oriented family. One of my mom's friends died while in the Navy. He was a pilot and died when the plane he was test flying crashed into the ground, unfortunately I never met him but I heard a lot of wonderful stories from my mom. So I really respect you for posting this and hopefully some people can realize how much our men and women go through just to keep everyone in america free and allow them to say what they say. So thank you.
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Sometimes people don't know who they are, that's why they lie. They're just afraid that someone else will figure it out before they do.
This is the second soldier-death post that's made me cry today. I've got to stop reading these!
My boyfriend of almost three years is in the army in Iraq right now. I don't really support the war. However I think that no matter what you think of the war its important to support the troops there. They are away from their families in less than ideal conditions putting there lives on the line for us. So put your thoughts of the war aside and realize its not about politics its about human beings.
~ Be so strong that nothing can disturb your piece of mind~
i'm not particular fond of our president, nor do i hate him. i don't agree with some of his decisions but that's just me. i don't support the war but i'll support their troops. your story was very touching. i have a few friends who are in the marines right now. the truth is, i don't even really know WHY our troops are still there... fighting for freedom for those people while killing thousands of them... i get it, not. i wonder what the next president will do about this war.
thanks for sharing this wonderful and heartwarming story. i had been thinking about adopting a troop as well. once i get more money. i'm currently just a part-time employee working minimum wage and have to pay utitilities, my own bills, and my brother's allowance... but thanks, one of these days...
This is a great blog Fanaile, I just realized I hadn't read this one.
Caity =)
When we cry it shows we care. I had some of the same experiences.I was married to a GI for 5 years and went to Germany for 3 of those years . It seemed like a dream vacation about to happen ,but once there I realized how many natives really didn't want us there.The protest and the disrespect for any and all Americans. So needless to say our soldiers having to deal with this overwhelming hate is very upsetting because they are giving there all ,no matter where they are ordered to go .I worked in and around Army instalations and natuarly got to know alot of them and very few complained about going because they "Signed up" and were proud of what they were fighting for. I 've cried alot for my friends that won't be back. And I cry for their loved ones who will miss them.
Your story was amazing....I will admit it made me cry too.....and made me think about my two friends from high school who are in the Army and are over there right now. And that made me cry even more. Especially for my one friend who got shipped over one week after he got married.
Thanks so much for posting this and sharing this. I've been an adament supporter of the troops, but not a very empathetic one. I've decided to write to some of them, it's the least I can do. :)
I live on a military base also, and I know how hard it is to see people leave to iraq. Your story really touched me because it hit so close to home. My boyfriend is leaving and it IS good to know what they are fighting for. thank youy for writing this.
This is an amazing story and for you to be able to witness and be a part of such a mirical is a amazing. For it is just that, a mirical, that our men and women can go to war and fight for us with a smile on their faces and our freedom in their hearts. I live on a military base over seas and have seen the faces of men and women leave just as you have, a dear friend of mine went to war and we never heard from him again, and sadly that is war through and through, but our soldiers are a mirical, so brave and strong for their country. Id like to take a moment of silence for the fallen heroes, may God bless the ones who are fighting and those who have died, comfort their families, and bring home our men and women soon and saftly. Amen
Much Respect,
Rebecca Friedlander
"Proud Mommy 'n' Proud Army Wife"
I just had to say thank you for posting that story. It made me choke up thinking about less than a month ago I had to watch my husband leave for his 3rd deployment to Iraq. Myself and our families are working on boxes and cards to send him and his troops throughout their deployment to help keep their spirits high. I love to hear about other people who love our soldiers as much as I do, we owe them everything.
Much Respect,
Rebecca Friedlander
"Proud Mommy 'n' Proud Army Wife"
I am torn on what to think about war in general and this war in particular. I don't like fighting, but I know that sometimes it is necessary to protect yourself, your family, or your country. The soldiers in Iraq are simply trying to protect their families and their country. It is very important to support them.
My older cousin just retired from the Navy about a year ago. She was a Navy nurse and I believe she even led a unit of nurses. She has been to Iraq and the other areas a few times in the last couple decades. When she first returned from Iraq she struggled with the change to civilian life. I know that the support she got from our large extended family has certainly helped. I don't think she had anybody sending her a card or care package besides family, but we all tried to let her know that we supported her (and there are a lot of us, my mom's the youngest of 9 after all). I know that our support meant a lot to her and I know it's important to support others too.
I'm sorry your friend didn't make it back.
omg i couldnt even finish reading this cuz i was crying so much. i showed it to my mom and she was bawling all over the place
Thanks for showing me the other side of soldiers. For some reason I always think that they have nothing to fear and nothing to cry for. lol I probably watch too many anime. Anyway, it was really touching. I was sad to learn that he isn't alive anymore. Sometimes I would like to trade my place with one of the soldiers who went to Iraq, I wonder what it would be like. My school psychologist told me that it's very dangerous mentally and physically. I guess I understand it little better now. Stay true. Peace.
It is very dangerous to the soldier as a whole. My friend says to me nearly everyday something to the effect that he's going crazy and that "it must be Baghdad getting to my mind". It's sad to see that he is suffering mentally so much. He watches his closest soldier brothers die everyday before his eyes. He's asked me in his moments of desperation if I've ever watched someone die or if I've ever been responsible for killing someone. While we may question our decisions everyday, he is forced to just do things, his decisions are made for him. At times, I feel like he questions why he even got into the military and questions "is this really what I signed up for". Everyday is just as mentally exhausting for him as it is physically exhausting. Just think, this past heat wave, we had the benefit of pools and A/C and wearing appropriate clothing for the heat. Soldiers carry heavy loads of gear and weapons and are dressed head to toe in the 140 degree heat. Granted, there are places with A/C, but not out in the desert in the heat of the battle.
Proud of your effort. I agree somewhat with the magnet statement, but that's only because some people get one and think that they are fully supporting our troops. I make sure that I make time to talk to my friend Ryan who has been in Iraq since just before last Christmas. It's so sad to hear that he has these moments of breakdown that he has to cry alone in a terribly violent country. It's so hurtful to know that he cares so deeply for me and when I'm upset, it ruins his day because he can't help me.
He has thanked me countless times for being there for him through this. As if war wasn't enough, his wife, who is also currently on deployment in Iraq, has decided to get a divorce. What a time, right? But still, he carries on, gets up every morning to watch his brothers get killed, and maintain the "this is my job" attitude. He's sooo ready to come home and reminding him that he is one day closer only gets on his nerves. I can't say that I blame him.
He is even so appreciative that he is sending me a thank you gift from Iraq. I have attempted to refuse that many times because the mere fact that he tells me how much it means to him to have someone Stateside that truly cares about him and supports him is enough for me. He's told me several times that he gets through everyday a little better knowing that I'm here to talk to him and get him through one more terrible day in Iraq.
If all of us just picked one soldier to write to or e-mail or send cards to, there would be one more soldier that feels the same way that my friend does...or that your friend did. To know that he is watching over you like you watched over him when he was here without even having to ask will provide for endless happiness, even though he's gone. He will be your soldier forever, just as my friend will by my soldier forever.
From the friend of a soldier to the friend of another, I thank you because I know first hand what you meant to him. I don't think that all people truly know the ramifications of their support and the slightest gesture is amplified a million times through the eyes of a soldier. It's more than the letter and the saying "it's the thought that counts" is redefined by people like you. You display your magnet with heart behind it, not the money that was used to buy it and feel "popular". Support like yours comes from a different place and is appreciated by a different type of person altogether. I'm glad to know that you continue that support through other efforts to ensure that our soldiers do feel appreciated.
I like this blog because it was very touching.
This broke my heart, this is what we should be told about this war then all the stories we hear everyday on the news and TV.
This is a human story. Let us never forget that it is our brothers and sisters over there fighting this war.
Sorry for your loss of a friend.
J
I am new at all of this blogging, but I might be getting the hang of it. I am just not quite sure where I add my comments. I do know that I was very touched by the story on "The day a soldier made me cry".
I'm sorry to hear that a wonderful man and soldier is gone from this world. I am sorry that you lost such a wonderful friend. I sort of understand and I have a lot of sympathy for you. I have a friend who is already in the Navy and I've never met him face to face but should anything happen to him I believe I would be heartbroken. We try to keep in touch online. As a recruit in the Navy I would like to thank you so much for inspiring me.
It is such a shame that we cannot give the due respect and honor that is due these soldiers for they are only doing their jobs and trying to make it a safer place for us to live.
They give so much for us and yet so much is taken away from them. It just does not seem fair when all they want to do is have a little respect for serving their country.
Agree, the soldiers aren't asking us for anything for their service to the country. Just a little respect for what they do. It's outrageous for people to make comments saying that they are "trash." I really hope that that opinion is not taken seriously by the soldiers, I make it my point to communicate that it's not the general consensus that we don't support them by not being in support for the war.
I whole heartedly double agree with what you said. Just because we do not like the war does not mean that we should not give our soldiers the respect and honor that they so richly deserve.
There are so many over there that they believe that they are doing the right thing to serve their country. It just so happens that war and killing goes along with it.
I once saw a bumper sticker that said something along the lines of, "If you won't stand behind our troops, please feel free to stand in front."
Although not everyone agrees with the war, it's obvious that we are united in our support of American Armed Services. If you don't have anything nice to say about the men and women who are risking their lives for our freedom, then don't say anything at all (and if you aren't an American citizen, it's better not to comment one way or another regardless).
Quadruple agree. We could go on and on and on. If we can't stand behind our own soldiers, then just do not say anything. Don't go there. Hold your tongue. Be quiet.
What a heartwarming post! I read this, and I almost cried. To me, the most magical thing in the world is connecting with someone on such a level that they cry simply due to patriocy and what feels like a genuine sentimental connection.
You were lucky to have this with someone.
I truly am the lucky one who has someone who is so warm and genuine and loves his country.
that was an amazing story
I cried reading your story. Which is awkward since I'm at work and got a meeting in 5 minutes. Coincidentally, there is atleast 1 army general in the meeting.
Awww... I'm sorry...
Well, if they ask why you're crying, give the General a hug for me...and tell them it's all my fault. :)
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"Dream as though you'll live forever, but live as though there's no tomorrow" --James Dean
Fanaile Essence,
A-Team Member
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your story is very touching and sincere. i appreciate others reaching out to our troops, whether you support war or not they are fighting for you. and thank you to the person who supplied links to adopt a soldier. i registered and now I am just waiting to receive my soldier. KUDOS!
THank you!
I was very upset at the time I posted this; but I've been able to move on some now. I just hope everyone, whether they are for or against the war, is able to get a little something out of this...
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"when you have nothing else to say, "Fwonk" is always the perfect thing."
"yeah well, fwonk"
--Devon
Fanaile Essence,
A-Team Member
I missed the link to adopting a soldier. Could you suply that to me, please. Thanks for your comments.
this post reminds me of how innocent people start out as very touching
ORPHIOUS THE NATORIOUS OF WICHITA
FEAR ME HAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHa ( Not Really)
ur amazing. i wish i could hug you right now. :)
i don't like this war....i don't like the fact that people are dying and being killed....it shouldn't happen....but i do support our men and women...they need loved ones..they need to know we're here. they need to be brought home.
this made me cry....im glad u were there for him...he needed you.
peace luv.
(take care of yourself and keep the love going)
Awww....
I'll take the hug, thank you for your kind words, and say I'm sorry you cried :)
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"when you have nothing else to say, "Fwonk" is always the perfect thing."
"yeah well, fwonk"
--Devon
Fanaile Essence,
A-Team Member
I believe that we all need a hug once in a while. It helps make the world a better place and easier to face whenever we know that we are not alone. So many people are out there that actually believe that they are all alone and have to face everything all by themselves. I know this for a fact because I was one of those people for so long and I have finally wised up and found out that life is not always as bad as I can make it out to be especially when I have someone to give me that "hug" or shoulder.
I don't know of anyone who loves war, but sometimes it is a necessity that must be dealt with. We just need to be sure to back our troops whenever we are at war whether we like war or not. After all, they are defending the rights for us to have freedom and they, many of them, give up their lives in order to do this. The least that we can do is back them up and show them some respect.
My wish for my life, is to touch someones heart like you obviously did his. And hopefully be touched the same.
You succesfully made me cry. I don't know what I feel about the war but I agree with you that the troops need our suport. I am envloved with MORE at my church. it is the Military Out Reach and Encouragement and we write letters to the soldiers overseas.
HE is the way, the truth, and the life.
Katie
Wow, I'm so sorry, at the same time this man will leave an impression on you for the rest of your life, and that's a good thing. I appreciate you telling your story.
This really touched my heart. I am a proud military brat from 3 generations of veterans. Plus on top of that, I work relatively close with soldiers on a day to day basis because of my job. I used to work at an SRP (Soldier Readiness Planning) site and I loved working there. It made me proud to help out the guys who fight for our freedom in this country. I met a guy who was living to Iraq and before he did, a few of my co-workers and I went to lunch with him once a week and for a while, emailed him on a weekly basis. Sad to say, we lost touch somewhere, but hopefully he's still safe out there!
All I can be is simply me
-Mz Liz
This really touched my heart. I am a proud military brat from 3 generations of veterans. Plus on top of that, I work relatively close with soldiers on a day to day basis because of my job. I used to work at an SRP (Soldier Readiness Planning) site and I loved working there. It made me proud to help out the guys who fight for our freedom in this country. I met a guy who was living to Iraq and before he did, a few of my co-workers and I went to lunch with him once a week and for a while, emailed him on a weekly basis. Sad to say, we lost touch somewhere, but hopefully he's still safe out there!
All I can be is simply me
-Mz Liz
Little stuff like that means a lot to those guys and gals. You would be surprised.