For all you served

[Ed O'Brien]

To those members of this board, that when you were called, served -- I think of you and your sacrifice and thank God for you. Everyday, each of you deserve
recognition. Being that's impossible, otherwise you'd have no life, just running hard from one parade to the next... Let this Memorial day satisfy as best it can. Remember your buddies, as we remember you... young, brave, full of vinegar, and proud of your service. Thank you. Each and everyone of you... thank you ever-so-much. When next you come across a man or woman in uniform... thank them
and remember them also!
With respect;
ED OBRIEN

[crispy critter]

Re: For all you served

I'll second that.

[Bobdog]

Re: For all you served

Me Too!!!!!!!

[Ed O'Brien]

Re: For all you served

Major Peter Blake/USMC/Air Corps/15th MEU stationed in Al Anbar Province for the previous 10 months, returned to Yuma Arizona on May 29th... the day after Memorial day. He landed his Harrier2 about 1PM, shook hands with his men, kissed his wife, met his newest baby girl... born while he was gone in Iraq, and went home. This was Maj. Blake's 3rd tour since 9-11.

Lt. Like Mathers, 3rd Marines, returned to Camp Penalton the week before after Mother's day from Iraq. Lt. Mathers was greeted by his parents and girl-friend. In front of them all he proposed marriage to this young woman and she accepted. They are to be married in the fall. His return marks his 3rd tour in the middle east since 9-11.

God bless these fine men and all those who are serving, who have served, and who will serve. There is no controversy regarding their dedication to duty and to our country. There is only appreciation. Deep and respectful appreciation. God bless them all. Of course there are many others besides these 2 fine men that deserve our thanks. Our job is to praise each of them as we can. To show our appreciation for their efforts. AND, to count ourselves lucky to that they are among us again, safe and loved.
With regards; ED OBRIEN

[Tony Johnson]

Re: For all you served

I sometimes donate a flight in my L2 to charity organizations who sell them at silent auctions to raise money. Last month after one of those events I was approached by a young man who had purchased the flight. It turns out that he is a Marine on leave from a tour in Iraq. I told him that he needed to give away or sell his flight, because the flight for him would be free, a gift from a Vietnam Marine to an Iraq Marine. He gave the flight he bought to his dad.

To avoid legal complications I hire a commercial pilot to take people up who purchase the flight from the charity. I pay the commercial pilot and donate the use of my L2. The commerical pilot, a retired naval flight officer, told me that he would not take my money to fly the Marine, his pilot service would also be free.

The Marine was called back from leave early and did not have time to take the flight. I told his dad that the free flight would be waiting for the Marine whenever he wants it.

[Ed O'Brien]

Re: For all you served

Last Sunday was Father's Day... I was in Yuma Arizona with a Marine Major, his two sweet daughters, his very lovely wife, and our welcome home for him from his latest tour in Iraq. The Major's coming to Colorado in August and I'd love to give him a ride in my L2. He's never flown anything smaller than a T-38 with a turbine engine.

We live in troubled times and I suppose always will but as a Viet-Vet -- I took some pride last week when there were Ho Chi Men placards ripped down by factory workers celebrating what amounts to Labor Day in Vietnam. Now that they're all capitalist... I ask you, who won the war?
So maybe some of the trouble we live in turns-out better than we think.
God Bless the Marines!
With regards; ED OBRIEN