Army Times Photos: Faces of Valor (An FR Holiday Tribute to our Armed Forces)

Army Times ^ | 12/16/03

[Wolfstar]

You are most welcome, and from a Navy vet to an Air Force vet, thanks for your service.

[Donaeus]

Absolutely! I can't serve in any official military capacity but I'm ready to dig in and do what I can. Thank you so much for the service you did give, we wouldn't be where we are without you.

[NotJustAnotherPrettyFace]

I've sent the link to this post to my nephew who recently returned from duty in Iraq, and encouraged him to send it to others in his unit who might appreciate the support here.

[Conspiracy Guy]

Unless you're worried about being PC (which I doubt), just say it. Essay, note, song, rhyme, poem, limerick, sdrawkcab ti etirW. It doesn't matter if it's how you feel ; )

[Apple Pan Dowdy]

[Wolfstar]

That is one very cool ornament.

[Wolfstar]

Pinging the list of FReepers known to have family members, other loved ones, and friends in the Armed Forces: This thread is for them — and you. (For those of you who have already seen this thread, please forgive the unnecessary ping. I took the list, sorted it alphabetically and pinged all. Besides, extra love, prayers, and good wishes in this wartime holiday season are never wasted.)

God bless you all,
"Wolfstar" (ex-Navy)

[notpoliticallycorewrecked]

This speech is from a few years ago(pre 9-11)to honor the families of our National Guard unit. It is more true today, than when it was written. Also, it applies to all families of the Armed Forces .

The preamble to the United States Constitution states:
We the people of the these United States in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Two key phrases speak to me about the military in those words.

Insure domestic tranquility and provide for the common defense.

I believe the Guard fulfills the job requirement of those two simple phrases.

But, what, I ask you, are we defending or insuring the tranquility of? A piece of land? A mountain that we can look upon? Or a wheat field?

The Natioal Guard's job is to insure the tranquility of, and defend the people of, these United States.

People, who make up families. Families who come in all shapes, sizes, colors, religions, beliefs, previous nationalities, political parties, and backgrounds. Families who may have been here for hundreds of years or a few months.


But this job comes with a price, a price from the Guard member and their family. When their Guard member is called upon to serve, the family serves also. It may be a mother, a brother, a wife, a dad, or a long-term relationship that stays home and does what needs to be done.

What needs to be done varies within each family, and with each deployment, training or TDY. Children and/or elderly parents may need medical care. Bills still have to be paid, cars may need repairs, business’ still have to operate, the list can go on and on.

Families that wait, for that joyous occasion when their Guard member return from duty. As they step from the plane the family wonders- Is it them? It is them, their loved one is back safe! The hugs, the kisses, the tears, the squeals of delight from the children. The family unit is once again complete.

2000, the Year of the Family is dedicated to the families of the ANG.
This year dedicated to the family, acknowledging the many deeds that that each member does, but go unnoticed. The son who repairs his mother’s car. The grandfather who videotapes that first soccer game, including the goal that the grandson made (for the wrong team). The step-mom who takes the child to the slumber party. The grandmother who misses her grandson at her 80th birthday party. The daughter that wishes her dad could see her dressed up for the prom. The mom that knows her son is half way around the world and could be in danger.

These are the faces of the families of the National Guard, each has a story to tell.


Major General Paul Weaver the head of the Air National Guard states:

The family can exist without the National Guard. Our National Guard cannot exist without it’s families.

Our Operation Ready Families program would like to salute the many families of the Air National Guard. We would like to share your joy when you are celebrating, and comfort you when there is sorrow in your life. We would like to come beside you when need a helping hand, and applaud you with your successes. We feel honored to stand by you as you stand by your Guard member.

[JusPasenThru]

God bless America.

Democratis delende est.

[Squantos]

Great pic....the nametag says NAIL ?

LOL........Dear Wacki Iraqi you've been nailed !

[Zechariah11]

Great pics of great soldiers.

[goodnesswins]

Bump.....for showing to hubbie later