Taking Chance

Last night, my husband and I watched an HBO original movie called "Taking Chance." I recommend that everyone who has access to HBO watch this 78 minute masterpiece. "Taking Chance" is the true story of Lt. Col. Michael Strobl's journey as he escorted the body of Chance Phelps, a nineteen-year-old killed in Iraq in 2004, to his final resting place in Wyoming. The story is breathtaking and will leave no one dry-eyed. The reaction of those whose path Lt. Col. Strobl crossed was nothing less than extraordinary, and it made me proud of the respect that Chance Phelps was given by the people in our great country.
Being the wife of a War on Terror Veteran, I thanked God again, as I do every night, that my soldier is home and able to kiss me every day and watch our children grow. I think people often forget what our soldiers are doing, and that so many have paid the ultimate price for the greater good. Those who have come back still live with the effects of their unselfish service in one way or another every day. So, don't wait until Veteran's Day or Memorial Day to show them that you care. Thank a soldier today. Tell them that you appreciate what they have done and that you are glad that they are home. Don't be afraid to approach a stranger in uniform, because I guarantee you five small words - Thank you for your service - means more to them than you know.
From the poem "They Did Their Share" by Joanna Fuchs
... we honor
Soldiers who protect our nation.
For their service as our warriors,
They deserve our admiration.
Some of them were drafted;
Some were volunteers;
For some it was just yesterday;
For some it’s been many years;
In the jungle or the desert,
On land or on the sea,
They did whatever was assigned
To produce a victory.
Some came back; some didn’t.
They defended us everywhere.
Some saw combat; some rode a desk;
All of them did their share.
No matter what the duty,
For low pay and little glory,
These soldiers gave up normal lives,
For duties mundane and gory.
Let every veteran be honored;
Don’t let politics get in the way.
Without them, freedom would have died;
What they did, we can’t repay.
We owe so much to them,
Who kept us safe from terror,
So when we see a uniform,
Let’s say "thank you" to every wearer.

So I am here to again thank all I know and love, as well as those I don't know, who have served and are still serving our country:
Thank you Wes, and Papa, Ed, Uncle Mike, Chase, Jared, Jordanna, PK, Irwin, Rex, Marshall, Mark, Kelly, Stephen, Clay, Logan, Corbi, Warde, Travis, Jeremy, Jimmy, Sean, Tod, Monte, Mason, Patty, Manzella, Barry, Dean, Sloan, Bowers, Yasmine, Ty, Dave and Misti, Lowery, Dean, Cody, Catherine, Shane, Tish, Tim, Seba, Jack, Roger, Mitchell, all you guys in the 366th and 812th MP Companies that I didn't list individually, but are still just as important!, and David Payne--may you rest in peace.