Thank You Veterans
SoFLPhillyFan
Posts: 3,931 ✭✭
Today is Veteran’s Day and I am prompted to send this message to friends and family, along with the article below.
In my eight year former professional life with an international agency that shall remain nameless, much of my duties involved providing support for military members and their families. Every day I spoke with families, who needed to send emergency messages to service members, helped arrange emergency leave, processed applications for loans to military families when they experienced financial difficulties, etc. After Sept. 11 this activity increased as our country sent troops to Afghanistan and Iraq. Today my mind is filled with stories of victories small and large, and tragedies that families faced on the delivery of sad news.
In my work I like so many of us struggled with my personal opinions of why our country makes certain decisions, and this sometimes created an ethical quandary. I hope that those of you who may not agree with our decision to fight the current conflicts will be helped by my experience.
Some say that it is hypocritical to not support the ongoing war but still provide the much needed support to our troops and their families. I assure you that this is certainly possible. In fact our collective lessons learned from past wars tell us that this is a necessity. It is hard for us to find something more damaging, more divisive than refusing to honor those that have given their time and their lives for our country, no matter what our opinion. We have learned from the Vietnam War how this deeply affects our troops when they lack the support needed for a successful transition back into the family and civilian life. Our situation today is no different. An overwhelming number of our active troops today are reservists and National Guard members who have been taken from their regular jobs and their families and thrust into a life not expected when they signed up. Yes they knew the possibilities but nothing could prepare them for what they face.
Thankfully many of our troops today are young enough that their parents experienced the Vietnam War or served in that conflict. We can take a message from the veterans of that era who now support their sons and daughters and do so knowing what they themselves battled on their return home.
Please read the article below. It is tragic but a fact of today’s world. I am in no way trying to make a statement other than “support our men and women who have served our country.”
Perhaps you know a veteran. Send them this message and thank them. Talk to a veteran today and thank them personally for their service. They may share a story or two that exemplifies their pride in serving. This we can learn from them – despite their own personal opinions our country comes first, and the primary reason is unity and freedom.
Thank you to all who receive this that have served, and to your families. Our peace of mind and liberty is due only to your sacrifice.
Keith
November 11, 2004
VETERANS DAY
The Things They Wrote
A year ago the Op-Ed page marked Veterans Day by publishing excerpts from letters written home by soldiers who lost their lives in Iraq. At the time, fewer than 400 Americans had died in Operation Iraqi Freedom. This year Veterans Day takes place during the battle for the Iraqi city of Falluja, where at least 11 Americans have been killed this week. Since the beginning of the war, the number of American dead in Iraq, according to the Pentagon, stands at 1,149. Thousands more have been wounded.
Below are passages from letters sent this year by men and women, now dead, to their families in the United States.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Excerpts from letters to his parents from Pfc. Moisés A. Langhorst of the Marines. Private Langhorst, 19, of Moose Lake, Minn., was killed in Al Anbar Province on April 6 by small-arms fire.
March 13
As far as my psychological health, we look out for each other pretty well on that. ... I've been praying a lot and I hope you're praying for the Dirty 3rd Platoon, because there is no doubt that we are in the Valley of the Shadow of Death.
March 15
After standing in the guard tower for seven-and-a-half hours this morning, we went on our first platoon-size patrol from about 1200 to 1700. It was exhausting, but it went very well. I had to carry the patrol pack with emergency chow, a poncho and night vision goggles. That's what really wore me out.
We toured the mosques and visited the troublesome abandoned train station. The people were friendly, and flocks of children followed us everywhere.
When I called you asked me if Iraq is what I expected, and it really is. It looks just like it does on the news. It hardly feels like a war, though. Compared to the wars of the past, this is nothing. We're not standing on line in the open - facing German machine guns like the Marines at Belleau Wood or trying to wade ashore in chest-deep water at Tarawa. We're not facing hordes of screaming men at the frozen Chosun Reservoir in Korea or the clever ambushes of Vietcong. We deal with potshots and I.E.D.'s. With modern medicine my chances of dying are slim to none and my chances of going home unscathed are better than half. Fewer than 10 men in my company have fired their weapons in the 10 days we've been here.
March 24
While not always pleasant, I know this experience is good for me. It makes me appreciate every little blessing God gives me, especially the family, friends and home I left behind in Moose Lake.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Excerpt from an e-mail message to her cousin on his wedding day from Sgt. First Class Linda Ann Tarango-Griess of the Army. Sergeant Tarango-Griess, 33, of Sutton, Neb., was killed on July 11 in Samarra by an improvised explosive device.
May 14
So today is your big day? Wow! It seems like just yesterday that I was making you peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and Malt-O-Meal. We experienced a lot together as we grew up and for the life of me, I can't think of a time that you and I never got along. IS THAT NORMAL?
I never thought I would see the day that you settle down and get married, but here you are. You couldn't have picked a more wonderful person than Rachel. She is very sweet, very giving and most important, she loves you. Be good to her. I am sorry I can't be there to share in your day, but here I am in hopes that one day, these people will have the chance to be as happy as you. Just know that I AM with you ... just close your eyes, place your hands on your heart, and you will feel me there.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Excerpts from letters to his 2-year-old son and his wife from Sgt. Christopher Potts of the Army. Sergeant Potts, 38, of Tiverton, R.I., was killed on Oct. 3 in Taji by small-arms fire.
January
Hi my big guy. How are you? I miss you bad. I miss things like you calling for me in the morning when you hear me in the kitchen, or when you come home at the end of the day. I also miss cooking for you and Mom. But most of all I miss your big hugs. I enjoy hearing your voice on the phone and seeing the pictures you draw for me. I'm sorry for not writing you till now. But the days are very long here, and we only get about four-and-a-half hours sleep a night. I got up a little early to write this because I know you need your own letter too.
March 18
Hi my love. Well, where should I start? First we left Kuwait after being issued a combat load of ammo - M-16 ammo, grenades, smoke grenades, grenade-launcher ammo and C-4. I knew that night that this is for real. Some people paced, some people slept, some of us had to write the just-in-case letters, some just sat. The letter-writing was a real hard thing to do, it definitely makes you aware of the situation and your life. But you'll never have to read it - unless you want to when I get home. It's weird because I'm not afraid of what might happen, or the pain of it. I'm just afraid of not being able to see you again.
The first leg of the trip through the desert was really bad. There were children of all ages from God knows where begging for food and water. The dust was blowing all over them, and some had torn outgrown clothes, and some were barefoot. I looked over at my driver and we were both crying after a few miles. I said to him, You know, this is why I'm here, so that my kids won't ever have to live like that. Then we just drove in silence for a while.
As we got closer to Baghdad you could see blown-up military equipment, ours and theirs. People were on the side of the road selling gasoline out of plastic jugs. There was diesel and fuel spilled everywhere ... then you'd see some slaughtered lambs on the side of the road. The meat is hanging out in the sun and dirt and germ-infested air. Farther down the road there were people bathing and washing up. Other people were picking through garbage.
I hope today I can call. I miss you so much that as I write this part my eyes are running. The TV in the mess hall said you got snow yesterday. I wish I was there to shovel. I hope you are being taken care of.
In my eight year former professional life with an international agency that shall remain nameless, much of my duties involved providing support for military members and their families. Every day I spoke with families, who needed to send emergency messages to service members, helped arrange emergency leave, processed applications for loans to military families when they experienced financial difficulties, etc. After Sept. 11 this activity increased as our country sent troops to Afghanistan and Iraq. Today my mind is filled with stories of victories small and large, and tragedies that families faced on the delivery of sad news.
In my work I like so many of us struggled with my personal opinions of why our country makes certain decisions, and this sometimes created an ethical quandary. I hope that those of you who may not agree with our decision to fight the current conflicts will be helped by my experience.
Some say that it is hypocritical to not support the ongoing war but still provide the much needed support to our troops and their families. I assure you that this is certainly possible. In fact our collective lessons learned from past wars tell us that this is a necessity. It is hard for us to find something more damaging, more divisive than refusing to honor those that have given their time and their lives for our country, no matter what our opinion. We have learned from the Vietnam War how this deeply affects our troops when they lack the support needed for a successful transition back into the family and civilian life. Our situation today is no different. An overwhelming number of our active troops today are reservists and National Guard members who have been taken from their regular jobs and their families and thrust into a life not expected when they signed up. Yes they knew the possibilities but nothing could prepare them for what they face.
Thankfully many of our troops today are young enough that their parents experienced the Vietnam War or served in that conflict. We can take a message from the veterans of that era who now support their sons and daughters and do so knowing what they themselves battled on their return home.
Please read the article below. It is tragic but a fact of today’s world. I am in no way trying to make a statement other than “support our men and women who have served our country.”
Perhaps you know a veteran. Send them this message and thank them. Talk to a veteran today and thank them personally for their service. They may share a story or two that exemplifies their pride in serving. This we can learn from them – despite their own personal opinions our country comes first, and the primary reason is unity and freedom.
Thank you to all who receive this that have served, and to your families. Our peace of mind and liberty is due only to your sacrifice.
Keith
November 11, 2004
VETERANS DAY
The Things They Wrote
A year ago the Op-Ed page marked Veterans Day by publishing excerpts from letters written home by soldiers who lost their lives in Iraq. At the time, fewer than 400 Americans had died in Operation Iraqi Freedom. This year Veterans Day takes place during the battle for the Iraqi city of Falluja, where at least 11 Americans have been killed this week. Since the beginning of the war, the number of American dead in Iraq, according to the Pentagon, stands at 1,149. Thousands more have been wounded.
Below are passages from letters sent this year by men and women, now dead, to their families in the United States.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Excerpts from letters to his parents from Pfc. Moisés A. Langhorst of the Marines. Private Langhorst, 19, of Moose Lake, Minn., was killed in Al Anbar Province on April 6 by small-arms fire.
March 13
As far as my psychological health, we look out for each other pretty well on that. ... I've been praying a lot and I hope you're praying for the Dirty 3rd Platoon, because there is no doubt that we are in the Valley of the Shadow of Death.
March 15
After standing in the guard tower for seven-and-a-half hours this morning, we went on our first platoon-size patrol from about 1200 to 1700. It was exhausting, but it went very well. I had to carry the patrol pack with emergency chow, a poncho and night vision goggles. That's what really wore me out.
We toured the mosques and visited the troublesome abandoned train station. The people were friendly, and flocks of children followed us everywhere.
When I called you asked me if Iraq is what I expected, and it really is. It looks just like it does on the news. It hardly feels like a war, though. Compared to the wars of the past, this is nothing. We're not standing on line in the open - facing German machine guns like the Marines at Belleau Wood or trying to wade ashore in chest-deep water at Tarawa. We're not facing hordes of screaming men at the frozen Chosun Reservoir in Korea or the clever ambushes of Vietcong. We deal with potshots and I.E.D.'s. With modern medicine my chances of dying are slim to none and my chances of going home unscathed are better than half. Fewer than 10 men in my company have fired their weapons in the 10 days we've been here.
March 24
While not always pleasant, I know this experience is good for me. It makes me appreciate every little blessing God gives me, especially the family, friends and home I left behind in Moose Lake.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Excerpt from an e-mail message to her cousin on his wedding day from Sgt. First Class Linda Ann Tarango-Griess of the Army. Sergeant Tarango-Griess, 33, of Sutton, Neb., was killed on July 11 in Samarra by an improvised explosive device.
May 14
So today is your big day? Wow! It seems like just yesterday that I was making you peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and Malt-O-Meal. We experienced a lot together as we grew up and for the life of me, I can't think of a time that you and I never got along. IS THAT NORMAL?
I never thought I would see the day that you settle down and get married, but here you are. You couldn't have picked a more wonderful person than Rachel. She is very sweet, very giving and most important, she loves you. Be good to her. I am sorry I can't be there to share in your day, but here I am in hopes that one day, these people will have the chance to be as happy as you. Just know that I AM with you ... just close your eyes, place your hands on your heart, and you will feel me there.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Excerpts from letters to his 2-year-old son and his wife from Sgt. Christopher Potts of the Army. Sergeant Potts, 38, of Tiverton, R.I., was killed on Oct. 3 in Taji by small-arms fire.
January
Hi my big guy. How are you? I miss you bad. I miss things like you calling for me in the morning when you hear me in the kitchen, or when you come home at the end of the day. I also miss cooking for you and Mom. But most of all I miss your big hugs. I enjoy hearing your voice on the phone and seeing the pictures you draw for me. I'm sorry for not writing you till now. But the days are very long here, and we only get about four-and-a-half hours sleep a night. I got up a little early to write this because I know you need your own letter too.
March 18
Hi my love. Well, where should I start? First we left Kuwait after being issued a combat load of ammo - M-16 ammo, grenades, smoke grenades, grenade-launcher ammo and C-4. I knew that night that this is for real. Some people paced, some people slept, some of us had to write the just-in-case letters, some just sat. The letter-writing was a real hard thing to do, it definitely makes you aware of the situation and your life. But you'll never have to read it - unless you want to when I get home. It's weird because I'm not afraid of what might happen, or the pain of it. I'm just afraid of not being able to see you again.
The first leg of the trip through the desert was really bad. There were children of all ages from God knows where begging for food and water. The dust was blowing all over them, and some had torn outgrown clothes, and some were barefoot. I looked over at my driver and we were both crying after a few miles. I said to him, You know, this is why I'm here, so that my kids won't ever have to live like that. Then we just drove in silence for a while.
As we got closer to Baghdad you could see blown-up military equipment, ours and theirs. People were on the side of the road selling gasoline out of plastic jugs. There was diesel and fuel spilled everywhere ... then you'd see some slaughtered lambs on the side of the road. The meat is hanging out in the sun and dirt and germ-infested air. Farther down the road there were people bathing and washing up. Other people were picking through garbage.
I hope today I can call. I miss you so much that as I write this part my eyes are running. The TV in the mess hall said you got snow yesterday. I wish I was there to shovel. I hope you are being taken care of.
0
Comments
Thank you for the post. I cannot imagine leaving my wife and kids to travel to a hostile foreign country, facing death on a daily basis as these men and women do.
We all owe them a debt of gratitude, as they allow us to collect our cardboard and coins, and go home to our families in the evening. This is one point that all republicans, democrats, and independants can agree.
Thank you Veterans
Dal
keep this country safe, without them we wouldn't be here talking about cards or ball players, or anything!
Thanks
kevin
James
Army here!
I got out 12 days early. August 30th 2001!
I have friends that were going to ETS "get out" in late September of that year but are still locked in. God bless those who served their time "and then some".
Glen
USAF - Fire Rescue, Sgt.
Thank you for the support. It's heart warming to know we are appreciated. It's too bad though it only happens once a year. If you could find it in your heart for the next 364 days when ever you see anybody that is or may have been in the service...walk up to them and say "Thank you"
I wish I could describe in words how warm it feels to hear ordinary citizens aknowledge how they appreciate our services. Again, for myself and all other service members Thank You.
N. Morris
I collect Yankees (especially Derek Jeter) and autographed sports memorabilia from any sports. Will pay cash or trade.
Refs. Jason, CoachVinny, Colt, Baird34,DpSports,CardnYou, Ryano and many many more
I retired in 1997 and am very proud to have served in the US Army. I recently started a correspondence with a guy who was in my unit in Vietnam. Here I am on the bus going to Ft. Dix, NJ to take Basic Training.
To everyone in the forum, peace! Your friend
Mike
PS: no jokes about the dumb guy in the funny hat!
John Herman
U.S.N.
Looking for 81-84 Topps Stickers in PSA 9 or better, 81 Topps Scratch offs, 83 Topps Fold outs in PSA 8 or better, 83 Fleer Stamps and 81/86 Fleer Star Stickers in PSA 9 or better.
>
Let's keep this at the top for a bit.
Now collecting:
Topps Heritage
1957 Topps BB Ex+-NM
All Yaz Items 7+
Various Red Sox
Did I leave anything out?
To The Top!
I believe our friend Stone 193 is from that unit, right Mike?
Keith
<< <i>I believe our friend Stone 193 is from that unit, right Mike? >>
Keith
Good memory! Before I made my own icon, I was using my old 10th patch that is on file here. My last "zone" job was in Saudi. Now I'm fighting two mortgages in San Antonio - I'll let you guys decide which is more scary!
your friend
Mike