Yesterday, I got home and found my mailbox jammed packed with letters, and a note from my mailman that more that were waiting for me at the post office. I was stunned. As I flipped through the envelopes I saw that all the addresses were from soldiers in Iraq. I was overwhelmed with emotion and of course as I hurriedly read the first one in the elevator ride up to my apartment I nearly began to cry.
You see, I began writing and sending these brave men and women letters since they were first deployed. Most don’t have time to write backas they work long days, in challenging environments that when they finally do get back to their bunks it’s to take care of themselves and get ready for the next day. This company finally received a short assignment in Kuwait.
As a company, they decided to write back to thank me for the care boxes I've sent them this past year. Each letter touched my heart in a special way. I for one don’t take their service lightly, being the direct recipient of their efforts. So, I decided to share a portion of a letter, from the leader of their company, whom I will refer to as Major Ken. I think he sums up eloquently why this is the right war at the right time!
Dear Michele...
We are here in Iraq for a one-year tour and the time is flying past. There are so many good things happening and as I write this letter the interim government is preparing to meet tomorrow morning to begin preparation for the upcoming elections. I am grateful to be a part of the process and after being here last year I’ve seen a dramatic change in the country already.
Although this is my second deployment, my time here this year continues to be rewarding and challenging. The soldiers are working very hard daily to give the interim government a chance to get started.
It is hard to give you a glimpse of what a day looks like for the average soldier. Of course every soldier gets food and we are eating well. The heat is a challenge, but the biggest struggle is being away from those we love and away from the freedoms we have grown to take for granted while in America. Each day soldiers put their lives on the line to make a difference here, so that freedom can be won for the people in Iraq. A freedom that other nations neighboring Iraq fear, because then their citizens will be inspired and emboldened, also calling for freedom. It is a great mission, but one that is difficult to see when your out fighting on the streets of Baghdad. Unlike what is reported in the media, our fighting with the enemy is rare or infrequent. The enemies of freedom don’t want to face us directly so they leave explosives on the roads to detonate as our vehicles pass by, killing soldiers and innocent civilians in the process.
Your packages, prayers and letters of encouragement continue to make a difference in our everyday lives. I have shared with my soldiers your letters, which have inspired them to write to you directly. Whether you realize it or not, your prayers, letters and gifts of kindness have gone a long way toward helping Iraq become a free nation. Please continue to pray for these great troops, as their spirit is fortified with your prayers.
Today I visited one young soldier in the hospital that just lost his arm to a grenade last night. He was positive, upbeat, and grateful just to be alive. His attitude was contagious and that thankfulness just permeated the room where he was seated. I’ve experienced the resiliency of the American soldier on so many occasions since my arrival that you as American can be truly proud of your nation’s soldiers. Thanks for your continued prayers and I hope you can visit us at Fort Hood, Texas, so we can thank you in person, and also let you experience the proud tradition of the First Team someday.
Maj. Ken
Beautiful.
But curse you for making me misty at work :-)
Posted by: Harvey at October 19, 2004 11:57 AMThank you so much for sharing. I am very excited as I've adopted some soldiers also and just love putting together the boxes and letters.
But...I also want to say I am not surprised at their reactions to you letters and caring. Your notes to me always touch the heart. You are one of the most caring, sensitive people I've had the pleasure to know and it does this heart good to know that you have had the same impact on so many others.
Michele - you truely are a Gift.
Posted by: Tammi at October 19, 2004 03:00 PMThan you so much for sharing these.
You made me all sniffly and proud of our soldiers.
Posted by: Elizabeth at October 19, 2004 06:11 PMYour a good lady and I am proud to know you.
More people should take note of you as an example.
Posted by: Machelle at October 20, 2004 02:36 PM