Blessings, Unexpected Suprises and Dear Friends
I'm at Ft. Hood for a few days. There were a couple of reasons for the trip. One reason was to meet some Soldiers and their families I had the privilege to support while deployed to Iraq for 15 months. For those of you who support our troops I'm sure you would agree that we do what we do because we feel it is our part of the "mission." We don't do what we do for public acknowledgement, thanks or any reason other than to let our Soldiers, Marines, Airmen, Sailors and Coasties know we care about them and their families and the sacrifices they make.
Well, yesterday I was with Master Gunner, his wife and Cav Tanker. Master Gunner had been in a meeting with me earlier with a group that is about to deploy. I was at the meeting with another dedicated troop supporter (who insists on a low profile) to talk about what we can do for this group that is about to deploy as part of the replacements for the 173rd Brigade. He clearly heard me say that we did not want ANY public acknowledgement for our support. So later in the day Master Gunner looks at me, reminds me of what I said in the meeting earlier then says BUT.....
He then began to say some very touching and kinds words and ended by reaching over a table and handing me this:
The tank was hand made by a man near Ft. Hood at the request of these Soldiers. The turret rotates 360 degrees. Each piece of the track is a separate piece of wood. The wheels and the track move although the tank itself is permanently affixed to the base piece of wood. I was completely caught off guard and speechless to say the least. I hope all of those who were involved in this most unexpected acknowlegement read this post because I know I didn't say anything I was thinking at the time.
Master Gunner, Cav Tanker and Ranger John - each of you and your wonderful families have been and continue to be such blessings in my life. I genuinely love you all. There are no words or actions to properly thank you. As I've told each of you time and again you owe me no thanks because each day that you put on that uniform you are giving me more than any American can - you give me security, freedom, peace and hope. Thank you for honoring me as you did and thank you for your friendship. Most of all thank you for your selfless service to our great nation.
Why? you might ask, am I posting this if I don't want any public acknowledgement? The answer is simple - I wanted to show this awesome tank!
Comments
WOW ! ! ! and WoW, again.