THANK YOU
First off, I want to thank you for stopping by. I especially want to thank you if you decide to add this site as a friend.
INTRODUCTION
My name is Tim. I'm just an average 27 year old and haven't served in the military. I never really appreciated the sacrifices made by our military until a few years ago. I, like many of you, were greatly affected by the events of September 11, 2001. Since that day I, like many of you, have a new found appreciation for the troops protecting us day in and day out. This site is dedicated to every person that has ever been in the United States Military, from the Revolutionary War to today. Whether you served during wartime or peacetime, here at home or abroad, this site is for you. It's just my little way of saying thank you for making the United States of America the best country in the world, and protecting not only myself and my fellow Americans, but also the freedoms we all enjoy so much by being an American. From the bottom of my heart I thank you.
LINKS
Below are three sites that have good news from the war fronts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Combined Joint Task Force - 101
Department Of Defense
Multi-National Force-Iraq
To view links for our troops that includes: charities, tributes, official sites for each branch, services that help our troops, and more click here .
MILITARY & PATRIOTIC HOLIDAYS
February 19 - President's Day
The combined celebration of George Washington's and Abraham Lincoln's birthdays.
March 3 - National Anthem Day
On this day in 1931 the Senate designated "The Star Spangled Banner" as the national anthem.
April 9 - National Former POW Recognition Day
This day remembers and honors the sacrifice of former POW's and their families.
May 8 - National Military Appreciation Day
On this day we honor those in the military.
May 8 - V-E Day
The anniversary of the allies' victory in Europe in 1945.
May 12 - Military Spouses Day
This day is dedicated to the spouses of our troops.
May 30 - Memorial Day
This is a day of rememberance for all of those that have died serving our country.
June 6 - D-Day
The anniversary of the allied invasion against Germany at Normandy, France in 1944.
June 14 - Flag Day
This day is to honor our flag.
June 28 - Treaty Day
On this day in 1919 the Treaty of Versailles was signed to officially end WWI.
July 4 - Independence Day
On this day in 1776 The Declaration of Independence was signed.
September 2 - Victory Day
The offical end of the war against Japan and WWII overall.
September 17 - God Bless America Day
The Constitution was completed and signed on this date in 1787.
November 11 - Veterans Day
On this day we honor all the veterans of our military.
December 7 - Pearl Harbor Day
On this date in 1941 Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
MAJOR WARS
Revolutionary War (1775 - 1783)
War of 1812 (1812 - 1815)
Mexican - American War (1846 - 1848)
Civil War (1861 - 1865)
Spanish - American War (1898)
World War I (1917 - 1918)
World War II (1941 - 1945)
Korean War (1950 - 1953)
Vietnam War (1956 - 1975)
Persian Gulf War "Operation Desert Strom" (1991)
Afghan War "Operation Enduring Freedom" (2001 - present)
Persian Gulf War "Operation Iraqi Freedom" (2003 - present)
MESSAGES
I got the following messages from americasupportsyou.mil . It's a great site that has a list of a bunch of charities you can give to, a link to send a message to the troops, you can see more letters written to troops, more letters written from troops, video tributes, musical tributes, and much more.
To The Troops
You are all in our thoughts - and prayers - every single day. I remember a newspaper cartoon that depicted a the wreckage of the twin towers, and a fallen injured fireman handing an American Flag to a soldier - with the caption of the soldier saying "we'll take care of this from here..." When I think of that soldier I am thinking of you. In John F. Kennedy's inaugural address he said "In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger" - He was talking about your service today - now. Words are inadequate to express the gratitude that all Americans - indeed, all free peoples - would want to express regarding your service - and your sacrifice - but know that you are appreciated and honored - and in our thoughts and prayers every day.
(jim kargman, Chicago, Ill.)
Thank you guys so much. I am going to basic in a few weeks because I have seen what you guys are doing and I want to be a part of it. Many thanx and my heart is with you.
(Alicia, Rome, Ga.)
Hello out there! It's Springtime in the USA. The daffodills are blooming here in Illinois. Thanks for all you are doing, and for all you are leaving behind and risking. There are many people who appreciate what you are doing and we know we live in the greatest country in the world. Please take care and stay safe. Make it home safe to your loved ones. And if you don't have any loved ones, you will someday.
(Mary S., Elmhurst, Ill.)
I am writing today just to say THANK YOU for all you do and the great people you are! I admire you for your courage and strength! Please keep up the good work you are doing and know that we all honor you and care for each and every one of you! Take care and don't ever forget the great things you are doing today!
(Sandy, Yakima, Wash.)
To all whom might read this. I know you might be hearing all the news articles saying that we shouldn't be in Iraq and that we aren't doing any good over there. I've listened to some of you soldiers on various talk radio shows and have listened to the various things that have been done over there to help the civilians. I will be 60 years old in July. I served during the Viet-Nam era aboard the U.S.S. Boston CAG-1. I wasn't really sure why I was there. However, when I'd come home on leave and my family and friends would tell me how proud they are of me it hit home. I was never on land in Nam but did give support with our 8" guns. We'd hear from various soldiers who were thankful of our support that it made it worthwhile. I started to realize why I was there. I was safe aboard the ship and I did what I was asked of me to help make our troops a bit safer on the beach. I just want you all to know how PROUD I am of you all. In my book you are all heroes. I don't know any of you personally but want you to know that you all are in my prayers. Don't listen to the negative crap that is being broadcast on some TV and Radio stations or in the newspapers. Everybody I know and have talked to support you all very much. I pray for you and your families to keep you all safe and secure. May God be with you all!
(Dale Anthony Nick, Princeton, Minn.)
From The Troops
I would like to thank everyone that has taken the time to write a message, send a package. With everything you do day to day, you raise the morale of toops at home and abroad. I wish you could see the eyes of a service member when they see that people back home are in full support of what they are doing and will continue to support them as they return home. I know that with the support and love of people like you, it makes being away from a little bit easier. Thank you again for the support.
(Rick Jestice/SFC/US Army, Maineville)
I just would like to say Thank You for all the support that all of you have given to the men and women who protects the way of life in the United States of America.
(LCpl Price, Jason USMC, Bassett, VA)
just have to say thank you to everyone who supports us. I've been having my own personal crisis for the past few weeks. I've been in the Air Force for 13 years next month, I'm single, and I'm stationed in Korea for the second time. I didn't want to come back here. The truth is that I hate it here. I hate everything about this place. I am so miserable that it pains me to wake up and go to work. But something just changed...my own little epiphany. It took a little girl, a 7-year-old cancer patient on TV to remind me what I was doing it for. I'm serving for her. I'm the one who's protecting her and her family from the enemies abroad, the enemies who threaten her recovery and her right to live comfortably. She has bigger things to worry about. I'm here so she can be there. I want to apologize for my momentary selfishness, and thank every one of you for supporting me and my brothers and sisters. Your support doesn't go unnoticed. I will go on suffering so that you may live the American dream. Thank you all. ~TSgt Jonathan Merker, firehawc_69 at yahoo.
(Jonathan M. Merker, TSgt, USAF, Camarillo, Calif.)
To all of you who have blessed us with your unwavering support, thanks and love. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You'll never know how much it means to me and others over here to read your emails and letters, you can't imagine what it does for morale. It's like I told people when I was home on leave, and they were saying thank you. I said and you are the reason we do what we do. GOD BLESS AMERICA, AND ALL HER PEOPLE ... SSG JEFFERY DAVIS
(SSG JEFFERY E DAVIS , 48TH BCT GEORGIA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD , SCANIA IRAQ, ELLIJAY, Ga.)
I would like to take this opportunity to Thank all of America for their support of our troops during our on-going war on terrorism. I would ask that the American people remember the tradegy of 9/11 and remember, that ultimately, those that we face would have our way of life cease to exist. We must remain strong and determined to see this through. We can only do this with your support. Thank you.
(1SG (Ret.) Dana Walker, LaPorte, IN, Fla.)
POEMS
It is the Soldier
It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us the freedom of the press.
It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.
It is the soldier, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial.
It is the soldier who salutes the flag, serves under the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag.
(Father Denis O'Brien - U.S. Marine Corps)
Our Soldiers
When the security of our land is threatened,
We call on our soldier's might,
To go wherever they're needed,
To defend us day and night.
They leave their loves ones behind,
A great price our soldiers must pay.
Let us salute their courage and bravery,
May we remember them each time we pray.
Each time we spot "Old Glory"
Waving for all to see,
Let's think of all the soldiers that have
Kept it flying proud and free.
This great country is tolerant
Of cultures from other lands,
But, when they attack our precious freedom
We will punish with a heavy hand.
Our soldiers are tried and true,
Tempered like carbon steel,
Born of American Spirit;
Raised with American will.
Remember our fallen heroes that died,
So freedom may grow,
To nations around the world,
Wherever our warriors may go.
(author unknown)
Thanks To The American Warriors
From the colonist, who rebelled,
to the soldier of today,
My thanks, be to you,
I know not what else to say.
Since the words I do not have,
to give the tribute that is due,
So a simple heartfelt thanks,
sincerely I give to you.
Thanks to our American heroes,
whose devotion is second to none,
Whose courage and braveness alone
caused many battles to be won.
We have beaten the forces of evil
and carried our flag far and wide,
Because of our American Warriors,
our hearts are filled with pride,
Only because of you and the price
you willingly did pay,
Only because of you,
Old Glory still flies today!
(author unknown)
Invisible Soldier
You can tell her by the twinkle in her eye,
At parades when the flag marches by.
She served our country and she served it very well
Some have even served a tour or two in Hell.
She suffered hardship and never ceased to care.
It gave us strength just to know that she was there.
She was a leader, you could tell by the rank she wore,
But she became the invisible soldier after the war.
Now, it is finally time to right a wrong.
Honor our sister soldier; hear her song.
It's very clear that she's a patriot to the core.
Don't let her be the invisible soldier anymore.
(Sarge Lintecum)
Vetern's Day
Here's to you, son
Though you're so far away -
I think of you always,
But especially today.
You're part of the millions
Who've gone ..
Millions of soldiers
In peace and in war -
Their spirits watch over
All the soldiers like you
And comfort the mothers
Of soldier-sons, too.
Some of us are gone
And some are just far -
All of us are proud
Of just who you are.
So when you feel tired
Or lonely or blue,
Remember that someone
is thinking of you....
It won&..39;t ever matter
The place or the day -
There's somebody with you
Each step of the way.
(author unknown)
Freedom Isn't Free
I watched the flag pass by one day.
It fluttered in the breeze
A young soldier saluted it, and then
He stood at ease.
I looked at him in uniform
So young, so tall, so proud
With hair cut square and eyes alert
He'd stand out in any crowd.
I thought how many men like him
Had fallen through the years.
How many died on foreign soil?
How many mothers' tears?
How many Pilots' planes shot down?
How many foxholes were soldiers' graves?
No Freedom isn't free
I heard the sound of taps one night,
When everything was still.
I listened to the bugler play
And felt a sudden chill.
I wondered just how many times
That taps had meant "Amen"
When a flag had draped a coffin
of a brother or a friend.
I thought of all the children,
Of the mothers and the wives,
Of fathers, sons and husbands
With interrupted lives.
I thought about a graveyard at the
bottom of the sea
Of unmarked graves in Arlington.....
No -- Freedom isn't free!!
(...Cadet Major Kelly Strong Air Force Junior ROTC)
A Poem
When will you be coming home...
I guess soon we will know,
but untill that day comes, this I can show..
I owe you my life, my honor, my thanks,
to each and every soldier in every single rank..
Just smile for me soldier and know your not alone...
for you have the support from every american back home...
(author unknown)
Thoughts Of A Soldier
I struggle to see my objective for the sand blowing in my eyes,
I hear the sound of explosions like thunder from the sky,
My mouth is dry and my body aches,
I must push on no matter what it takes,
the lives of so many innocent keeps running through my mind,
I know this is why my country has put my life on the line,
So don't lose hope America we do this for you,
For all your soldiers bleed red, white and blue.......
(Jimmy L. Ashburn)
The Final Inspection
The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, you soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"
The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.
But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills just got too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.
If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand."
There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, you soldier,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on the streets of Heaven,
You've done your time in Hell."
(author unknown)
