Note from two boys make the day for Tampa airport Guardsmen [AP]

AP, via The Naples Daily News ^ | AP

[summer]

Florida front | Florida archive | help Note from two boys make the day for Tampa airport Guardsmen

Wednesday, October 10, 2001

Associated Press

LAKELAND — Two National Guardsmen on patrol at Tampa International Airport were approached by boys, about 4 and 6 years old, who handed them a piece of paper.

It was a note that said: thank you.

Lakeland-based Florida National Guard Spc. Billy Halterman and Pfc. Steve Meredith were in a terminal corridor when the boys came up to them.

"They both walked up and the little one stopped and gave me a salute," said Halterman, 20, of Haines City. "We saluted back. The older boy then said, 'We have something for you,' and handed me the note."

The boys saluted, walked back to their parents and left to board a plane Sunday.

When the guardsmen unfolded the notebook paper they found the boys had drawn an American flag and a smiling solder. The message read:

"Dear armymen and policemen. Thank you for keeping our country safe. Your freinds (sic), Murphy and Hayden."

"It made everybody smile," Halterman said. "We pull long shifts and are on our feet for hours and then when something like this happens, it makes you feel like you've done it all for something important."

[SW6906]

Last night I just returned from France and had been traveling for nearly 24 hours without sleep. I went through at least five different sets of metal detectors and also an in-depth interview (in Amsterdam all passengers did) during my travels. I took the time to stop and thank one of the soldiers at my home airport as I walked through the final checkpoint. He really appreciated it.

[summer]

Thanks so much for sharing that. I think we can't do enough to let our military people know how much they are in our prayers every single day. God bless you. With love, summer

[summer]

Thank you both for your wonderful posts to our military! :)

[summer]

Thanks! :)

[dixiechick2000]

I thought you might enjoy this! ;o)

[cgk]

bump!

Thank you.

Mrs Kus

[cgk]

bump!

Thank you.

Mrs Kus

[MissAmericanPie]

I would like to thank them with about a 100% increase in pay. Some of them are on food stamps.

[summer]

WOW!!! Thank YOU! And, thank the talented artist too! :)

[summer]

BTTT to your post #128!

[cgk]

I wish I could thank the talented artist. Unfortunately I found it on one of the many photo-essays about the attacks, possibly Yahoo? I wish they had posted a name so I could give credit for the piece. But I found it to be so touching, I "grabbed" it so I could keep it to remember. It's touching to see that our children can express themselves so well in the light of the terrifying images they surely saw that day and since. It certainly lets us know even our children can put these events in perspective.

"They will not break us."

Mrs Kus

[summer]

Thanks for sharing that. Yes, children are truly incredible. :)

[Snow Bunny]

Thanks it is wonderful.You are so right.

[madison10]

Hello, fellow Michigander. It's nasty cold and rainy here in the Great Lake State tonight, but that's what lakes are for...to catch all that water. :D

The Wings lost last night. Their new, fancy goalie missed a few. LOL

Take care. Thanks for taking care of all of us by serving and for making us proud!

[Colonel Jim]

Absolutely a great post!

[summer]

madison10, great post to bosniajmc, but I wrote "MI" when I meant to write "MS" -- he's from Mississippi! :)

[summer]

Hi Major Jim, Glad you found this thread! If you don't mind me asking, are you on active duty, or retired, or what? And, BTW, did you listen to the musical number on the post with the heavenly picture of a child? You have to click on the picture -- I'll try to find the number of the post. You'll love it! Sincerely, summer :)

[summer]

OK, Major Jim, the musical number I know you'll enjoy is on post #68 -- just click the picture! :)

[JudyB1938]

Another day, another bump for our heroic military!

[davidosborne]

POST 29 !!

Awesome Photo..

God Bless America !!

AIRBORNE !!

SSG Osborne