Supporting Our Troops,

I am constantly amazed about how great the level of support the American people provide to our troops. I am not talking about what the Government does but about what the individual American and the volunteer organizations do for us.

I have received numerous posts and emails from people I have never met who have offered to send me packages. In the case of one townhall poster, a Korean War vet with problems of his own, he sent over gifts and phone cards that I was able to share with Soldiers that needed and enjoy myself. No one did that for the troops of his generation and I am honored to be in the company of great men such as him. 

The Jewish Holiday of Purim was celebrated on 21 March, 2008. The holiday commemorates how enemies threatened to destroy the Jewish people and through an act of courage the people were spared. It is a time of giving food and rejoicing. I have received over 15 packages, many with letters from children, (and yes I am behind in my Thank You letters), from religious groups, individuals and VFWs. Items in care packages, range from snacks, treats (and this slightly pudgy Major eats them but doesn’t need them) toilet items such as soap and dental products (although we can now get them readily in the PX during the initial deployment we couldn’t), magazines, cards, playing card decks, socks, writing paper and envelopes, but the biggest gift of all is the knowledge that we are not FORGOTTEN by the folks back home and the knowledge that people of all faiths are praying for us. 

I have received numerous offers from individuals when I get back. I have been offered fishing boats at dealer cost after posting a question on boat buying on a fishing forum. I have scheduled a free off-shore overnight fishing trip with a charter service and have received other similar offers. After my last deployment I had meals and drinks paid for and my wife and son were at a Disney restaurant once and someone overheard that I was deployed and anonymously bought and paid for their meal. My roommate went on a website and received a good quality new guitar free simply for being a Soldier in Iraq. The generosity of the American people is incredible. 

Many Americans in the entertainment industry visit us frequently from the USO. Cheerleaders and actresses are always popular J with the troops. Comedians come and put on shows, musical groups tour and perform, we even had a fishing tournament from some guys , who do professional Salt Water Fishing shows. These people hold a wide variety of views on the righteousness of our efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan but they share a common goal of making life a little brighter for those of us who serve the Nation.   

The thing that means the most for me is when we walk through airports or other places and the Viet Nam vets come up and thank us. It is not possible for me to describe the Emotion of shaking a veterans hand, knowing they never got the welcome back or thanks, and all the history of that time, and hearing them say good things about those of us serving. 

When I returned from my last deployment, in Jan 06, we got off the plane in Savannah and could smell the salt air and humidity mixed with that sweet southern pine scent and you could feel the dust free nature of being home. Then there was a double line of VFW veterans with flags that we walked between welcoming us back. That feeling made it hard to keep my eyes dry and is something I will carry with me and treasure always. I deployed again in March 07 and have been here just over 12 months at the time that I write this. I have about ten weeks until I get home. I am proud to have been afforded the opportunity to serve the great Americans back home by my service and to carry on the Legacy of the many veterans who came before me. 

Today, many Americans don’t personally know soldiers Serving Overseas. Some organizations that directly support soldiers are the

USO at http://www.uso.org/ (that’s United Service Organization)

And a great new charity that is legitimate and very much about supporting soldiers at http://www.heartsamerica.com/

For sending soldiers music instruments check out http://www.operationhappynote.com/

And of course books are an important gift try http://booksforsoldiers.com/

I am fortunate to be married to the greatest wife in the world who has sent me everything from my favorite hard to get candy, to quilts, to saltwater fishing magazines, and of course the greatest gift of all her love and support while I am gone.

Feel free to contact me at tinsldr2@yahoo.com but know that I go home in about ten weeks and really don’t need any more snacks or anything. But I do really appreciate the offers. Now if someone wants to give me a free $40,000 23ft cabin boat with saltwater engines let me know J ( just joking )

Rob