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."

[summer]

Hey all you MI type Freeper People -- Say something uplifting to FR poster "bosniajmc" and see post #26, as calls your state home, and he is way the heck over there in Bosnia! Thanks, love, summer :)

[summer]

Hey, please see my post #41 on this thread! Thanks, :)

[Gabz]

Just a BUMP - this is a wonderful story.

[summer]

Hey, please read my post #41 on this thread! Thanks, :)

[summer]

Hey, please read my post #41 on this thread! Thanks, :)

[summer]

Hey, please see my post #41 on this thread! Thanks, :)

[summer]

Thanks so much, both of you! :)

[300winmag]

The guard troops here at the airport in Grand Rapids are armed with pistols. I assume live ammo too

Knowing the MI NG, they have a loaded magazine outside the weapon, and cannot lock and load, under pain of court martial, without direct orders. Michigan politicians do not trust us with loaded weapons, and they don't even trust their own troops.

[coder2]

AMERICAN LOVES OUR NATIONAL GUARD AND ALL OUR MILITARY PEOPLE = AMERICA....

Yep !!! In fact, I met my hubby (of 18 yrs) when he was in uniform. That's what made me notice him !!! I still honk & wave to the military men when we see them on the road. We need to support them, I always have and always will !!! Thanks for the post !!!

[vetvetdoug]

Nice post, it choked me up....

[Roebucks]

Thanks for posting this.

[Utah Girl]

Thanks for the great article. All of my little nephews want to be firemen for Halloween and when they grow up.

[wardaddy]

1980 Ole Miss grad here. Jackson native. 7th generation Mississippian.

We sir, are with you. This country is incredibly united. More than I've ever seen in my 44 years.

Stay safe and God Bless.

[Saundra Duffy]

Adorable. For victory & freedom!!!

[Exeter]

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

There are times when the simple thoughts of children can put verbose pundits like myself to shame. Bosniajmc, thank you for the sacrifices you've made for the rest of us. The devotion you and your fellow warriors have shown to your sworn duty, taking you far from family and friendsand placing you in a hostile land, speaks volumes to the quality of your character. I know I speak for the other Mississippi Freepers when I say you have our profound gratitude and appreciation. Well done, soldier!

Exeter, Brandon, Ms.

[LADY J]

What a great post!! Thank God our country is 'coming home'!!

Keeping all the service men and women in our daily prayers...We owe them our thanks and support.

[Chapita]

Is that somewhere close by the casinos at Tunica? Ha! Ha!

[SouthernBelle]

Hi, there, Bosniajmc! I hope all of y'all know how much you are appreciated. Stay safe, and God bless! From a fellow (well, gal, anyway) Mississippian.