The Yellow Ribbon symbolizes our commitment to honoring America’s Military who are proudly serving around the globe, their families, those who are missing in action, and those who have fallen. So to that end I will keep a yellow ribbon wrapped around my heart forever for our troops.
-Athena ” Chickie ” Ransom
“Without our troops keeping us safe, we would never be able to do what we love. Freedom isn’t free and everyone should thank our miltary for paying their way!”
God Bless America & Our Troops
To Our Armed Forces- Thank You All – Without you there would be no US…
Please always keep our American Heroes in your thoughts and prayers.
A certain lieutenant colonel at Luke AFB deserves a big pat on the back. Apparently, an individual who lives somewhere near Luke AFB wrote the local paper complaining about a group of F-16s that disturbed his/her day at the mall.
When that individual read the response from a Luke AFB officer, it must Have stung quite a bit.
The complaint:
‘Question of the day for Luke Air Force Base:
Whom do we thank for the morning air show? Last Wednesday, at precisely 9:11 A.M, a tight formation of four F-16 jets made a low pass over Arrowhead Mall, continuing west over Bell Road at approximately 500 feet. Imagine our good fortune! Do the Tom Cruise-wannabes feel we need this wake-up call, or were they trying to impress the cashiers at Mervyns early bird special?
Any response would be appreciated.
Regarding ‘A wake-up call from Luke’s jets’ On June 15, at precisely 9:12 a.m., a perfectly timed four- ship fly by of F-16s from the 63rd Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base flew over the grave of Capt. Jeremy Fresques. Capt Fresques was an Air Force officer who was previously stationed at Luke Air Force Base and was killed in Iraq on May 30, Memorial Day.
At 9 a. m. on June 15, his family and friends gathered at Sunland Memorial Park in Sun City to mourn the loss of a husband, son and friend. Based on the letter writer’s recount of the fly by, and because of the jet noise, I’m sure you didn’t hear the 21-gun salute, the playing of taps, or my words to the widow and parents of Capt. Fresques as I gave them their son’s flag on behalf of the President of the United States and all those veterans and servicemen and women who understand the sacrifices they have endured..
A four-ship fly by is a display of respect the Air Force gives to those who give their lives in defense of freedom. We are professional aviators and take our jobs seriously, and on June 15 what the letter writer witnessed was four officers lining up to pay their ultimate respects.
The letter writer asks, ‘Whom do we thank for the morning air show? The 56th Fighter Wing will make the call for you, and forward your thanks to the widow and parents of Capt Fresques, and thank them for you, for it was in their honor that my pilots flew the most honorable formation of their lives.
Only 2 defining forces have ever offered to die for you….Jesus Christ and the American Soldier.
One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.
Lt. Col. Grant L. Rosensteel, Jr.
USAF
Will You Give This To My Daddy ?
Last week I was in Atlanta Georgia attending a conference. While I was in the airport to return home, I heard several people behind me beginning to clap and cheer. I immediately turned around and witnessed one of the greatest acts of patriotism I have ever seen. Moving through the terminal was a group of soldiers in their camo’s. As they began heading to their gate everyone was abruptly to their feet cheering and waving. When I saw the soldiers, probably 30 – 40 of them, being applauded and cheered for, it hit me. I am not alone, I am not the only red blooded American who still loves this country and supports our troops and their families. Of course I immediately began clapping for these young unsung heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for those of us so we can go to school, work and home without fear or reprisal. Just when I thouht I could not be more proud of my country or of our service men and women, a young girl not more than 6 or 7 years old, ran up to one of the male soldiers. He kneeled down and said, “Hi !” the little girl then asked him if he would give something to her daddy for her. The young soldier he didn’t look any older than maybe 22 said he would try and what did she want to give to her daddy? Then suddenly the little girl grabbed the soldiers neck, gave him the biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek.
The mother of the little girl, who said her daughter’s name was Courtney, told the young soldier that her husband was a Marine and had been in Iraq for 11 months now. As the mom was explaining how much her daughter, Courtney, missed her father, the young soldier began to tear up. When the temporarily single mom was done explaining her situation all of the soldiers huddled together for a brief second. Then one of the other service men pulled out a military looking walkie talkie. The soldiers started playing with the device and talking back and forth on it. After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked back over to Courtney, bent down and said this to her…” I spoke to your daddy and he told me to give this to you!” He then hugged the little girl he had just met and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He finished by saying, ” Your daddy told me to tell you that he loves you more than anything and he is coming home very soon!”
The mom at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as the young soldier stood to his feet he saluted Courtney and her mom. I was standing no more than 6 feet away from this entire event as it unfolded. As the soldiers began to leave heading toward their gate, people resumed their applause.
As I stood there applauding and looked around, there were very few dry eyes, including my own. That young soldier in one last act of selflessness, turned around and blew a kiss to Courtney with a tear rolling down his cheek. We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their families and thank God for them and their sacrifices. At the end of the day, it is good to be an American.
Submitted by Karen Lowe/ABATE Palm Beach Chapter
U.S. Army Homepage – Official resource for the U.S. Army contains information on enlistment, current Army activities and issues.
U.S. Navy – Official source for the U.S. Navy deals with enlistment procedures and addresses current Navy activities and issues.
Air Force Link – Official U.S. Air Force site provides sections on careers, news, and images.
Marine Link – Official information source for the U.S. Marine Corps showcases news and bios on high-ranking officers.
U.S. Coast Guard Home Page – U.S. Coast Guard delivers details on careers, history, boating safety, units, and locations.
View official links for various uniformed services, including the Merchant Marine and the US Border Patrol.
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