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."

[mafree]

Thanks for the ping- I did sing along and it felt good! God Bless America. America is blessed by God.

[Walkin Man]

You are so welcome and thanks for making everyone smile.

This story reminds me of when I was in the Air Force, flying home on leave, wearing my dress blues. I was waiting in line for my gate at the airport in Detroit and this little guy said to his dad, "Look at the soldier Dad!"

I just smiled at the little guy. If an adult would have called me a soldier, it would have been an insult! (No offence, GI Joe ;)) When the little fella called me that, it made me proud to be an American!

May God protect and watch over all of our great servicemen and women, and bless the little children.

[summer]

Yes, your son in included in all our prayers. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this thread. I'm so glad you read this post! Sincerely, summer :)

[summer]

Thanks for your response, mafree! I'm glad you sang! :)

[summer]

What a great post, your post #82. Thanks for sharing that. Also, check out posts #68 and #71 if you feel like singing! Sincerely, summer (with a salute for you!)

[summer]

Also, maranatha, check out posts #68 and #71 if you feel like singing! :)

[riley1992]

ping

[skr]

Thank you for the sweet post.

[homeschool mama]

Big Military and SSgt David Osborne BUMP!!!

[summer]

Dearest skr, My pleasure! :)

[AmishDude]

Thanks for the bump. I believe the word is "verklempt" but I don't know about the spelling.

[summer]

homeschool mama, How nice of you to think of David over there in Bosnia! I bet he's glad to see your post above! Sincerely, summer :)

[summer]

AmishDude, so nice to see you here! Thanks for the kind word, however it is spelled. Sincerely, summer :)

[liliana]

hello from michigan, grand rapids, thank you for serving our country.

[summer]

Re your post #91 -- You were more on the money than I was, as I knew "kind" was not exactly correct with respect to this word:

What does "verklempt" mean?

The Yiddish word verklempt {alternately spelled as verklempt, fahklempt, ferklempt, farklempt, and farklemt due to inconsistencies in transliteration} was popularized by Mike Myers' Linda Richman "Coffee Talk" character from Saturday Night Live. Based on Myers' mother-in-law, the "typical Jewish woman" worships Barbra: insisting that she's "like buttah!"

As for verklempt, it's a semi-humorous expression of being all-choked up. The San Francisco Chronicle (January 3, 1994) {who uses ferklempt} defined it as being "beside oneself with joy and emotion." One season following another laden with happiness and tears (Sunrise...sunset).

A more literal translation being, "gripped my heart; overcome by emotion."

[homeschool mama]

The homeschool support group I lead boasts 29 families (and a mess of kids!)...all of which will be sending David letters, cards, pictures, etc. from the kiddos...David will then pass them out as he sees fit. We're very excited about this!

[bonesmccoy]

Hey, God bless the guys in the trenches! You guys are great!

[AmishDude]

"gripped my heart; overcome by emotion."

Something like that. ;)

[summer]

Fantastic!!!! How did that come about? Did you know David before this thread?

[summer]

You're makin' me blush here! And, don't look! :)