Mail Call From Afghanistan!

Words For Warriors has been supporting Sgt. Jeffery Tumey through his deployment in Afghanistan. He has received a number of letters, as he is one of the few who specifically requested letters from students. A memo went out to teachers with a little about Sgt. Tumey's background. Mr. Tripplet's 1st grade class and Mrs. Bricker's 3rd grade class responded to Sgt. Tumey's call for mail. He is currently answering their letters, meanwhile I received a box of thanks.

Sgt. Tumey is the second from the banner, on the left, in the back row.

Sgt. Tumey is the NCOIC of an Engineer Team.

Obviously Sgt. Tumey has discovered the way to my heart.... BOOKS!

Sgt. Tumey included this touching thank you letter.

Kristina,

      Hey! Thank you for all you have done for myself and the Soldiers' here. I know you keep very busy with a lot of stuff including your family life. I am sure that you have a pretty hectic schedule daily. I am also thankful that I have found a pretty cool friend like you. It's hard to trust hardly anyone in my situation so seeing and talking to a friendly person helps me back to reality. This packaged box was the only box that was small enough for this picture and letter. To give you more of an adventure into my vivid imagination sometimes, I sent these two books just to give an idea of century that I place my mind into when not battleing. I have read these already and I loved them. I am not saying YOU MUST READ THEM, you know what, yes I am, YOU MUST READ THEM, there I said it twice! Lol But for real, your thoughtfulness and appreciation is unmeasurable to anyone I have ever known.

Thank you Kristina, you will forever be in my heart, and the Soldiers that you make an impression on.

Sincerely,

SGT Tumey, Jeffery aka: Sapper 

Letters like this one reinforces the importance of supporting the military. I am proud of Sgt Tumey, the men and women he serves with, and his family that misses him dearly while he is gone. Thank you Sgt. I look forward to welcoming you home soon. I will also have book reports soon on these two must read books!

*Sgt Tumey gave prior permission to use his real name, his team picture, and to post his letter.

A US Army Medic Wounded Warrior

Sgt. Brian Christopher Jergens, from Oklahoma is 22 years old and his wife is 18 years old. They were married a month before Sgt. Jergens left for Afghanistan. Sgt. Jergens, a medic was one of three riding in a Humvee when it was struck by and IED, unfortunately he was the most severely injured. He lost both of he legs below the knee, his ring finger on his left hand, a broken arm, a cracked vertebra, abdominal injuries to the extent doctors removed his spleen. Doctors also had to control the swelling of his brain.

It was only just recently, in the end of August that Sgt. Jergens opened his eyes for the first time at the hospital in San Antonio, Texas to the joy of his wife, Jennifer. He hasn't been able to talk yet, but he is able to track objects with his eyes, and his wife says he is very aware of his surroundings.

Sgt. Jergens followed in his fathers foot steps of enlisting in the Army to be a medic. His father, Sargent Major Brian Keith Jergens has been temporarily assigned to a post near his son who was recovering in Texas until today.  Sgt. Jergens was flown to California to continue his recovery at the Palo Alto VA today, September 19th. The Patriot Guard was on hand to support this wounded warrior and in welcoming him to California.

This warrior and his family has a long tough road to recovery in front of them. If you would like to read updates about his recovery his wife has set up a web page http://prayforbrianjergens.weebly.com/ there is also a facebook group http://www.facebook.com/groups/116622488435086/

I wish I could have personally been able to meet Sgt. Jergens to welcome him to California, it would have been an honor. In fact it is an honor to have him and his wife in California. I hope and pray he has a full recovery.

Remembering The Dogs Of War

Dogs have been man’s best friend for hundreds of years.  They have played the role of protector, defender, hunting companion, and family member.  Since dogs are intelligent, they are perfect partners for helping mankind in a variety of ways.  A dog’s sense of smell is renowned; in fact it is so remarkable Japanese researchers are currently conducting a potentially life saving study where dogs diagnose cancer in humans.  Dog’s brains and noses are clearly built for pursuing, tracking, and stalking prey.  Whether the pray is a rabbit, a pheasant, a missing person, a German in World War II, narcotics, or explosive components, dogs are the perfect weapon to accomplish the mission. 

The single minded focus dogs demonstrate while stalking, combined with their unfaltering loyalty make them ideal partners with militaries around the world.  Since 2005 bomb or IED sniffing dogs have increased exponentially in Afghanistan.  Currently the United States, Australia, Canada, and Great Britain all use dogs to detect IED’s in Afghanistan.  The importance of the “Sniffer dogs” mission, to save lives, fused with the troops ability to bond with the dogs is evident by the presence of several veterinary clinics to ensure the Sniffer dogs health. 

Sniffer dogs wounded in action have been treated as true brothers and sisters in the military family.  Canine units have been given the same priority as injured NATO troops.  In cases of extreme emergencies the dogs have been medivac to the Role 3 Multinational Medical Unit (MMU) where dogs have received life saving major surgery.  The MMU surgeons have agreed to treat the dogs when certain surgeries are too complex for the small veterinary clinics.

When a Sniffer dog is killed in action, he is mourned like a true brother.  After an in theater memorial service, the sniffer dog is received back to it’s country with honors.  If the dog’s handler is also killed in action, the two are buried together.  Staying true to “Never Forget” the Afghanistan War Dog Memorial Project has been established.  Mahor Donna DeBonis, who served as a Veterinary Officer at Kandahar Airfield in the Summer of 2009 founded the Afghanistan War Dog Memorial.  The current mission as stated on facebook is, “To create and build a War Dog Memorial lodged at Kandahar Air Field by September 11 to pay tribute to the War Dog Lives lost in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom.  The Memorial was built for the dedication ceremony OCT 2009. It is maintained by the US Army Veterinary staff on duty at KAF.”  The plaques for the memorial were donated by Cheryl Musket of the AMEDD Museum at Ft. Sam Houston.  Albert Staniforth, a Canadian Civilian Contractor and SGT Wes Stewart contributed their labor to the effort.

Some might wonder, Is it necessary to have a war dog memorial?  A British paper reports that Sniffer dogs and their handlers are HVT or High Value Targets.  The Taliban are seeking out these teams with focused snipers since they have been impacting the efficiency of Taliban IED’s. Read the story of  Lance Corporal Liam Tasker and his Sniffer dog Theo to see the impact these teams have in country and around the world.

With the approach of Memorial Day, I ask you to extend your thoughts, prayers, and thanks to honor the brave IED Sniffer dogs that have lost their lives saving our children and Afghan children from IED’s. 

For a photographic history of dogs in the military around the world check out The Dever Post Dogs Of War

Reflections on the Death of bin Laden

Osama bin Laden is dead. After 10 years of war, I had given up hope that we would hear those words. However, tonight those words were spoken to the American people, our allies across the world, and most importantly - our enemies.

September 11, 2001 changed my life forever. If not for that dark event on a bright September day I would have never joined the United States Marine Corps in December 2001. My entire adult life has been in the service of my country because of one man's plan to destroy my country and my way of life.

I sat this evening watching Fox News. The talking heads spouted off the facts of the last 10 years' search. The ticker repeated the same information for over an hour and a half. We all waited for the confirmation of the leaks and reports. And then the words were spoken. "Good evening. Tonight I can report to the American people and the world that the United States has conducted an operation that has killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of Al-Qaeda and a terrorist who's responsible for the murder of thousands of innocent men, women, and children."

My reaction at the words was a solid fist pump into the air. It wasn't just a rumor as we'd heard so many times over so many years. We have DNA confirmation. We have the body. He is dead.

The question for many of us now is, "What do we do now?" The man ultimately responsible for the deaths of over three thousand Americans is dead, but terror is not. There will be those that work towards the same goals as Osama bin Laden. Men will step forward to become the new leader of Al-Qaeda and make every effort to extract revenge upon the United States of America for the death of Osama bin Laden. I have but one warning to give. No matter how long it takes, no matter where you hide, you will meet the same fate.

Marcus is a blogger at You Served, producer of You Served radio, and active duty Marine stationed in South Carolina.

A Dutch Officer Helps a Paraplegic Afghan Child

Dutch officer works to improve disabled Afghan's quality of life
By Tech. Sgt. April Lapetoda, NTM-A

KABUL - NATO troops walking in the Green Zone-area of Kabul between Camp Eggers and International Security Assistance Force Headquarters have become accustomed to speaking with and waving to locals in the area.

Many of the local children are eager to speak English, which they learn in school. While others also volunteer to escort troops between the compounds and walk side-by-side with their NATO friends.

Pictured: With the assistance of Netherlands Army Maj. Edwin Kok, Hamed Ghafoor uses his new hand bicycle chair for the first time, April 2. Kok is assigned to NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan as a strategic planner and has worked for the past three months to help Hamed receive a new chair. (Photo by Tech. Sgt. April Lapetoda)

One young man who stands out to many walking between the camps is Hamed Ghafoor.

Hamed is disabled and doesn't have use of his legs. He lays on a small, three-wheel cart, which sits about six inches off the ground with his legs folded under his chest and pushes himself around using his hands.

One Dutch officer saw this and looked to himself and his home country to see how he could make a change.

"Kabul is not a city where it's easy to get about, especially the way Hamed has been doing with his little cart," said Netherlands Army Maj. Edwin Kok, who is assigned to NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan as a strategic planner. "I felt sorry for him moving around on his little cart. Using his hand with a shoe on it to propel his body cannot be good for his body."

Read the rest of the article at War On Terror News. 

LCPL Tyler A. Roads, A Marine To Know

“Tyler taught me how to love.”

Lance Corporal Tyler A. Roads’ mother Sonia and I settled down on the grass next to where Tyler rests.  We find ourselves picking up pine needles that continuously fall on Tyler.  His headstone is not in place yet, but there are several offerings left by loved ones.  Sonia picked up a small bunch of yellow flowers, “I wonder who left these?”  She lovingly straightens and rearranges everything until they are just right. 

After reading about Tyler’s death in Afghanistan on July 10^th, the day before he was to celebrate his 21^st birthday, my heart extended out to his family, friends, and brothers.  By the power of pure luck and the Internet, Sonia stumbled across Words For Warriors on Gold Star Mother’s Day, giving me the chance to meet her, and her son.

Prior to arriving at Tyler’s final resting place, Sonia shared pictures, childhood schoolwork, and memories with me.  Through pictures I discovered Tyler wore the same half-cocked playful grin as a boy that he wore in Afghanistan.  I can see Tyler grinning in my minds eye as Sonia tells the story of Tyler, at the age of seven begging her to shoot Doves in the back field with his Red Rider BB gun.  She finally gave in.  Her smile widened as she remember the proud look on his face when he came back with two Doves and his head held high with accomplishment.  “After that I always cooked what he brought home.  He loved to hunt.  He planned on being a Game Warden when he got out of the Marines.”

To keep Tyler’s memory alive and honor his dream the community of Burney has founded the Tyler A. Roads Memorial Scholarship Fund.  The scholarship is $1000 for a student who wants to be in law enforcement or Fish and Game Management.  US Bank is accepting donations for anyone who has the ability and desire to contribute to a Marine and his dream.

At the end of my visit Sonia and I sat in silence beside Tyler, knowing we would have to leave soon, but not wanting to go.  The scent of pine lingered in the warm air.  Sonia smiled, pointing to the Military Memorial with the flags of each branch, the POW/MIA flag, and the American Flag that was fifteen feet from Tyler.  There had been a constant breeze making each flag flap consistently; however at this moment all flags were still except the Marine Corps flag, which waved proudly at us.  It was as if Tyler was waving goodbye.

Getting to know Tyler through his mother is an honor and a privilege.  I don't feel as if I have done his memory justice here, but this is no easy post. If you knew Tyler I encourage you to leave a comment of your favorite memory of him here, or on the Lance Corporal Tyler A. Roads Memorial facebook page here. Other post on Tyler can be found here and here.

Oh and Tyler, your mom says, “ILUMTAITWWW PAMF, DON'T FORGET!!!

Veterans History Project

I love history, and not just the kind in the books. I love "his-story." Whenever I am around someone's grandparents I love to get them talking about their younger years. I have heard many stories about The Great Depression, World War I, World War II, and I treasure each one.  The stories of Vietnam, Korea, Iraq, and Afghanistan are more difficult to get Veterans to share, for many reasons.  Pain, shame, and time frame being a few.  Some of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans haven't processed their own experiences, so how can they tell them? And do they want to?
I believe personal stories are a much bigger learning tool than any book. When you have someone who experienced a time first hand they give a unique story tailored to their circumstances.
Recently I had one of the most wonderful ladies in my life die. She would have been 85 in October. Almost five years ago in November there were two weeks this wonderful lady stayed with me as we waited for the birth of my second child.  During that time she shared stories with me of her childhood. Stories I will always cherish.  Speaking with her friends and family I heard more stories, not just of her life, but of her husband's life, (a man I missed the privilege of meeting) and their life together. It was then I realized their "his-stories" and the lessons in them live on in us, the people they loved.
History is important.  It is important to write it down so it may be shared with current and future generations with accuracy.  Which is why I think the Veterans History Project is important.
The Veterans History Project has been funded by Congress to collect first hand stories, correspondence, and documentation about World War I, World War II, Vietnam, Korea, The Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, and Iraq. There is even a program for High School students to use the Veterans History Project as a Senior project before they graduate.
I think the Veterans History Project is important to us as a Nation. It can help inform the masses with first hand knowledge about what a our Veterans experienced. It can bring younger generations closer, helping to dissolve the disconnect between themselves and Veterans around them. It can be a living monument to those who came home, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice. It can help ensure that no one is forgotten. 
To those family members who have their parents and grandparents war memorabilia and don't know what to do with it, look into this project.
To you Veteran's out there, I encourage you to look into this project so you may tell your "his-story" your way, instead of letting someone else tell it for you. Being a Veteran automatically makes you a part of history.
Tell your story.

To learn more about the Veterans History Project please click here.

If you are interested in this project and want help, contact me. I will gladly help anyone.

Honor The Fallen of Afghanistan

As American's there are times we are guilty of believing the War On Terror, or September 11 only affected us.  This of course is not the case. Other countries lost loved ones on September 11th, and they most certainly have lost son's and daughter's in the War On Terror.  There are currently 45 Countries fighting in Afghanistan, not including the USA.

Thanks to my friend at Spockgirl Musings, we can all go to Fallen Canadians to view a list with pictures of the 151 proud Canadian's who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan. 

There have been 22 Australian's killed in Afghanistan. You can honor them by looking here. 

Since 2001 there have 322 British killed. You can honor them here. 
The Fallen of the United States of American can me honored here. 

The following is a complete list of coalition casualties as of Aug. 31, 2010
USA 1,192
UK 332
Canada 151
France 49
Germany 47
Denmark 36
Spain 30
Italy 27
Netherlands 24
Australia 21
Poland 20
Romania 15
Norway 9
Estonia 8
Sweden 4
Czech Republic 3
Hungary 3
Latvia 3
Portugal 2
South Korea 2
Turkey 2
Belgium 1
Finland 1
Jordan 1
Lithuania 1
New Zealand 1
Georgia 1
For a total of 1,985 son's and daughter's who have left behind family who misses and loves them. Each and everyone deserves our respect no matter what country they were born in or fought for.

A Fallen Hero Laid To Rest

Picture By Christine Boyd

On Friday, July 16, 2010 Marine Corporal Daniel Dambrowski accompanied Lance Corporal Tyler A. Roads from Dover Air Force Base, Delaware home to Burney, California. More than 200 people met the plane at Redding Airport. Approximately 200 vehicles followed the hearse for as the procession drove 90 minutes down Highway 299 to Burney. Law enforcement officers estimated the crowd along Burney's Main Street at 2,500, many of whom held flags and signs of support for the Roads family. You can see footage of Burney welcoming home their Son and Hero here.  You can see a wonderful slide show here. The Marine Vigil can be seen here and the service can be viewed here. 

Lance Corporal Roads sacrifice, and that of his family will never be forgotten. Thank you for your service.

A Fallen Hero

Lance Corporal Tyler A. Roads of Burney California died Saturday, July 10th supporting combat operations in Helmand province.  Lance Corporal Roads would have celebrated his 21st birthday on Monday, July 12th.
The Redding Record Searchlight and the L.A. Times  report on Roads life, friends, and family.
For you close readers, I will be posting updates as information comes in regarding services. It is my understanding the Patriot Guard will be present.
I humbly extend my thanks for the Roads family in making the ultimate sacrifice. My Flag is flying half mast in honor of Lance Corporal Roads, as is the Burney Lions Club Flag, and the Huge flag on North Bechelli Lane of the Enterprise Lions Club in Redding California.

Update: Funeral services will be held this Saturday, July 17th at 11 am in Burney, California. 

Stars

Right before school was out, I became aware of a friend, who knew a female soldier, who survived an IED in Afghanistan and was recovering at Walter Reed. That same day a teacher asked me how "the soldiers are doing?" I mentioned the female soldier, and how I wished I could do something to send her some support. That's how it got started. I spoke to the students in the classes I taught that day, all kindergardeners through third graders. I asked the students to raise their hands and tell me what made them feel better when they got hurt or sick. I got a variety of answers ranging from rainbows to video games. Then I explained there was a hurt soldier and perhaps if we drew some of the things that made us feel better, it might make her feel better too. Soon I had approximately 100 drawings and a few letters. Mrs. Bricker and Mrs. Ovitz, both Third grade teachers had their students go a little farther by decorating stars to send.

My thoughts have mostly been with the female soldier and her family. It hadn't occurred to me what the students would learn from making these cards, until the very last day of school. I had a kindergardener walk up to me and say, "I remember you. You taught me how to make people feel better by drawing pictures for them." That priceless moment is one of the BEST moments of my teaching experience so far.
I tell people, if you really want to change something, then start with the children. In the battle of apathy in America today, there are several students at Janesville Union who I believe will turn the tide for the better.

Welcome Home

"My Marine Master Jedi" and his men will be coming home after a long 9 months of showing Afghanistan their type hospitality while traveling the country. Perhaps there will be a few Taliban sleeping a little better when they leave the country next week, but I doubt it.  Mostly I am writing this post to yell out a big "WELCOME HOME" and I can't hardly wait to get a big bear hug and chat with you over that beer I promised to buy you.

My Master Jedi Marine

I have a friend who is a very special Marine.  He is the guy, that if he does his job right, you will never know he existed. You will never know what he has done for you. You will never know the sacrifices he and his men have made for your safety, your freedom, and your future. When my boys asked what he did, I told them he was a "Master Jedi Marine" and since they love all things Star Wars, they were in instant awe. When my boys found out that lightsabers were not standard issue, they demanded we send two lightsabers to our Master Jedi, because how could he and his men be expected to defeat the bad guys without a lightsaber? 

Now he is properly armed. 

My Master Jedi doesn't expect a thank you for a job he enjoys and takes pride in, but he is trained to notice things.  Like how there is not as many American Flags flapping in the wind as there was after The World Trade Center tragedy. He's noticed Iraq and Afghanistan are only acknowledged during an Election year. Even the media has backed off it's coverage, only reporting the kinetic engagements following the eternal rule that if it bleeds it leads.  From the troops I'm in contact with, they have all noticed a decline in the American Public's support for them, not just My Master Jedi. It is these reasons that I started Words For Warriors in the first place. To show our troops they have not been forgotten about.  My Master Jedi knows he has not been forgotten about. I would never allow that to happen.
In an effort to share some of his experience with me, I sent him an American flag, which he carried in his vest on two missions, and flew over his base in Afghanistan.

The initials on the corner of the flag show it is mine. He carried it with pride, I have no doubt.  My boys were excited to learn he was shot at while carrying our flag, seems fittingly symbolic for him to be shot at while carrying an American flag as he fought for our freedom, no?

This is my flag flying in the winds of Afghanistan on December 16th, 2009. 

My Master Jedi sent me many more amazing pictures of him and his Team that I cannot post. One of my  favorites is a picture of him and his Team holding my flag before a mission.  The picture seems iconic in so many ways. He also took the time to write me a letter, documenting the dates and a few details regarding where my flag had accompanied him. In the letter he writes,

"I understand the struggle, hardship, and inconvenience that you go through to support people that you do not even know. But this package I hope finds you and your family with warm hears behind it. I have enclosed the flag as promised for your family and with it; it represents dedication that you and your family deserve... It has seen the torn country that the United States military is trying to rebuild and reorganize... "

Although I appreciate the thanks in my Master Jedi's letter I feel that he and his men deserve the thanks. One way I have done that is to frame the flag, with my initials showing, his letter, and nine of my favorite photos of him and his men. I have placed this trinity in my office for friends and family to see. This trinity invokes pride in everyone who has seen it. It is a trinity of instant American pride. I took pictures of this trinity to show my Master Jedi what I have done to honor him and his men's hard work.  He wrote back telling me he thought is was "very patriotic of me" to frame everything.  He showed some of his Teammates whom he believed felt pride at the images. I hope the pride was not only for their country, but for the honor, and thanks I give them by showcasing their handwork.  Proving that in one house, our troops, and their sacrifices will never be forgotten.
Even though I know my Master and his men don't expect a thank you, I think they deserve one.  I encourage you to leave a comment of thanks for them to read.  I know it will mean more than you know.

For A Brave Warrior

Anyone who knows me, knows I don't have to know you, to want to do something for you. If I hear you need something, and I have it, I will give it to you. If you need a laugh, I am your fool. I am a giver. It makes me happy to help other people, anyway I can. That is, after all, why I started this blog and Words For Warriors project. I saw a need for the men and women who fight for us to know, we know they are there, and we appreciate them. Their sacrifices do not go unnoticed.

This leads me to my friend Krystal. She is an Army Medic. I have no doubt she will have an impact on the future in many ways, saving lives is only going to be one of them. Recently one of her close friends who was stationed in Afghanistan was injured by an IED. Even though I have never met, talked to, or even seen a picture of Krystal's friend, I felt helpless. I felt helpless for the injured soldiers' husband, family,  friends, and teammates. While reading all of the facebook updates posted by friends and family I wanted to do something... anything to help. So I emailed a few of the teachers who have been big supporters of Words For Warriors. I told them about Krystal, and her injured friend, and asked if they would take the time to make something.... anything that we could send to make sure this soldier, who sacrificed her leg, among many other things, would know her sacrifices have not gone unnoticed.  

Mrs. Bricker and Mrs. McKee's classes from Janesville Union School made "Get Well Shamrocks" for me to send. Some of these Shamrocks where intricately decorated with markers, crayons, and decorative cut outs that would put a snowflake to shame. Some had messages of sympathy and empathy written on them. I was proud the teachers, and the students took the time to make something, for someone they had never met, who had sacrificed so much on their behalf in an effort to make sure a proud defender of our country knows we care.

I mailed these shamrocks directly to Krystal, who just happened to be home on leave and planning a trip to Walter Reed to see her friend. I know Krystal, who has worked with children before joining the Army, could appreciate the students efforts and would enjoy sharing them with her recovering friend. I hope more than anything these shamrocks provided at least one smile, along with the support from so many in a small town in California.

Thanks From A Marine

I just wanted to share this letter I got from Corporal Stevenson who was lucky enough to get the Valentines Day pop-up cards from Mrs. Ovitz's third grade class.  If you don't remember these fabulous cards you may see my previous post here.

Hello Kristina, my name is CPL Stevenson, (I just go promoted not to long ago so my email still says LCPL) I am in the United States Marine Corps and have been in for roughly 3 years now. I just wanted to take the time to thank you for the time you have took to start you "words for warriors" program. It is greatly appreciated. About my self, I am 21 years old and am currently deployed in southern Helmand province in Afghanistan, I too am from California, I am from Fresno which is in central California. But I am stationed out of camp lejeune NC. Your letters are VERY much appreciated, "A MARINE IS ONLY AS STRONG AS HIS SUPPORT FROM HOME" and to tell you the truth, sometimes we do feel forgotten and unappreciated, but people like you are the ones that we are here fighting for. And I thank you for what your doing. We have forwarded your letters to all the marines in my direct unit, and thought we do not have much time to write, I took it upon myself to let you know that we appreciate it... so once again, thank you very much, feel free to email me anytime.. thank you!!!!


CPL STEVENSON
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS


I would like to extend a big CONGRATULATIONS to Corporal Stevenson on his promotion.  I have no doubt it was well earned.


*I would just like to note that I have reposted Corporal Stevenson's letter exactly as he wrote it.  I have not added or taken anything from it and all emphasis is his. 

Thanks From An Airman

Kristin Devine, Mrs. Rachel Vincent and the students of Susanville, Ca. and surrounding areas.  I have read each of your letters and passed them on to my Airmen.  During the Holidays we have received numerous packages and gifts from around the states.  However, the letters from the students are treasured most because of the messages sent and support relayed in each letter.  From the football, basketball, soccer players to the ones with artistic skills and musical dreams; all of us here in Afghanistan would like to thank you for your support.  Your letters and drawings are hung proudly in our office.  I wish I could write back to all of the letters I received from students like you.  Please know that your support and letter helped an Airmen in some way.  Either it got them through a tough day or brought the memories of home just a bit closer to them.  We are all here for the same reason.  To help the people of Afghanistan and protect our way of life back home.  In my mind, I do what I do for you and my family.  I have two boys, 10 yrs and 16 yrs old that I would do anything for and that feeling is extended to everyone back in the states.

The words and thoughts of the young people are what most of us remember when we return home.  So I thank you again for taking your time to start a great program.

Thank you and take care.

SMSgt Timothy W. Fearney