Posted on 05/15/2003 12:59:30 PM PDT by SkyPilot
I just wanted to take a few moments to share this all with you. Today was a very busy day—life seems to assault you with breakneck speed sometimes. I was coming out of a meeting when one someone told me he needed help responding to a Congressman who had visited us recently. Somehow, his district was made aware he was visiting wounded here in Germany, and people from his district in Indiana had supplied him with letters for our soldiers, sailors, and airman at the hospital and also for Iraq. I believe it was dubbed Operation Thank You.
I was somewhat annoyed when I was handed 2 large boxes, and asked if I would arrange flights to get them delivered as soon as possible. My petty anger soon turned to utter amazement at the volume and heartfelt care put into these cards by young children, senior citizens, and ordinary Americans. My co-worker is an American citizen, but she has lived in Germany most of her life (long story there). She was in tears reading some of the letters. Children had taken great care to draw pictures with cheerful slogans, and wrote incredibly moving passages:
”We are all praying for you!”
“Come home safe, and thank you for going through so much loneliness and hurt to fight for us.”
“You are my hero, and I have dreams you all come home to America safe and sound."
Things like that are written, over and over again in these cards. I ran into a friend who is the commander for one of the squadrons I used to fly with. He took a stack of the mail and told me he would see that soldiers get them, whether they are in Iraq or other places we are operating out of in Bosnia and the Middle East. I have arranged for some of the mail to fly to our troops very soon. Many of the cards had scripture verses, and many had stories about their own troubles at home, their own worries and everyday cares, and their own prayers. You should see the homemade artwork and intricate care and love poured into some of these cards. They are truly beautiful.
Some senior citizens wrote letters to perfect strangers that seem like letters to grandchildren that are sorely missed:
”Dear Service Person. Greetings in Jesus’ name, the most precious friend we could ever have. We have been praying for you all and for President Bush. I know this has been hard for you—leaving your loved ones, but you will soon be back and what a happy day that will be. Folks here are flying US flags and ribbons for you, and boy did we have a lot of snow this winter. But Spring is here now. One of my neighbors just mowed his yard. This is a nice town, a little under 1000. Here we have a nice high school, 2 elementary schools, 2 casket factories, a farm grocery store, gas station, and a Kabers show where ladies sew. We are praying you will come home soon
Love, Maxine.
A little girl colored a huge THANK YOU on her card, and said:
”I want you to thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you do for our country. It takes a lot of courage to go and fight for our country. Love, Bonnie”
And this:
”I know it must not be pleasant there, but don’t worry so. You will soon be home, and we all love you so much! Thanks for protecting our country, and don’t give up! Thanks, Brittany.
And more:
Kick some sand butt! But be kinda careful while U do it. Thanks for serving your country and protecting us. Look at it this way—I bet you are getting a good tan. Well, it took awhile to draw the flag, so I am going to go now. Good luck! Your pal Jason.
And these too:
Dear Soldier, May God bless you and keep you all the days of your life. I would be over there too if I was an older kid. You’re doing everyone a favor—believe me that. I hope you come back to your friends and family. Just find Saddam Hussein and beat him to the ground. Sincerely, Greg.
And….
Dear Soldier, May God bless you and keep you all the days of your life, and may He comfort you and protect you. We as a nation are so grateful. Don’t worry, cause God is IN CONTROL! He knows everything, so you can talk to Him if you want to. Love, Judy.
You know, America is far from a perfect nation. But seeing something like this makes me so proud of my homeland. This is one very small slice of America, and one that God sees. Maybe I should not be so surprised that our nation has been so blessed. We are citizens of a vast and rich nation, unlike any other in the world.
It was right after the first Gulf war, years ago that I recall sitting at the controls of my C-141, crossing the North Atlantic in the middle of the night. The other pilot had taken off his headset and slumped in his seat--trying to get a few precious minutes of sleep. In that silent cockpit I read some letters from school children from Maine. I still remember that, and I have kept one letter to this day.
To the folks of Indiana, and to Americans everywhere who are unmatched as a people, let me return these simple words back to you: thank you.
Got something in my eye - BUMP!
I may be a bit biased. ;-))
Our military is mightly, not just because of our technology, but because it is fueled by overwhelming love.
Somehow, indeed. Samwise, how much of this is to your credit?
(Dang Hobbits, always getting adventures started.)
I am glad to see the project was so successful. Indiana is really a wonderful state. Everyone kind of forgets about us, as we are sandwiched between showier and larger states of the Midwest. As a life-long Hoosier, I am proud of the people of Mike Pence's district.
I don't think Clinton will be getting too much TV time at the 500. Tony George was at that super-elite meeting with President Bush on Monday evening.
-archy-/-
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