Monday, November 12, 2007

Thank a Veteran Today

Since today is one of those days, I've decided to post here what I'm writing on my Operation: Love From Home cards.

To Those Who Serve-

This holiday season, you’re far from home, missing your families, friends, pets, and most likely your beds.

Some of you are in hellish conditions, being shot at, and running the risk of coming upon an IED daily. Most of you are living without things that we here at home take for granted each and every day.

Whenever I think about that, my heart feels heavy. I wish you could be home right now, hugging your wives and girlfriends, your husbands and boyfriends, your kids and your parents. I wish you had the luxury of going to an office, or to class every morning, like I do.

And then I think of my nephews, my friends and my family, and I remember that you stepped up and volunteered to protect them, and me, and my heart swells again with pride that there are such people in our society.

People who die, so that others don’t have to.

I am so proud that there are people like you in the world, and you can never know how much it is appreciated.

Some of you don’t get letters, or cards, or care packages. Some of you may be feeling lonely, like no one cares, but that isn’t true.

We care. I care. This card is for every soldier, sailor, corpsman or airman. But it is especially for those who are alone, or feeling down, or wondering why they were ever dumb enough to sign that contract.

This card is to say Thank You. Thank you for my nephews, my parents, my friends, and for me.

If you know a soldier who could use a pick-me-up, please, pass this on to him or her. If you know a soldier who needs someone to write a letter to, give them my address. I can not think of a better way to spend some time than in giving back to those who have left their whole lives behind, so that I can sit here and pen this note in safety, and in freedom.

Thank you, a million times thank you, for everything that you have given up, and everything that you do, so that others won’t have to.