GREETING FROM BOOTS ON THE GROUND

[sweet pea]

Greetings from Kuwait,

Thank you for your note and for all you do as well. On Veteran's Day, are

reminded of the Americans who came before us and whose sacrifice made our

freedom possible. For this we are eternally grateful and resolve to preserve

a Nation where Government by the people, of the people, and for the people

will continue to flourish.

Our mission here is on schedule as we redeploy over 30K U.S. military

members and a massive amount of equipment. The weather has been good so we

are moving ahead of schedule. We have closed four major military

installations in Iraq and programmed F-16 top cover for hundreds of convoys

driving into Kuwait. So far U.S. Air Force-Central Command had only seven

minor injuries as we have moved over 15K USAF members in six weeks. U.S.

forces will be out of Iraq by mid-December.

Conditions here in Kuwait are good. We work just about seven days a week

but spirits are high as the redeployment moves forward. I am a mission

programming officer on the Commanding General's staff; I assign close air

support to convoy movement. Our mission is to put armed, F-16 top cover

over thousands of vehicles moving out of Iraq.

Iraq is still a hostile country and Iraqi people are continuing to shoot at

Americans as we leave their land. I fear so much of our blood and treasure

spent in Iraq will be for little as the entire region will eventually return

to what it was and soon come under partial control of Iran.

The decision to put American forces and resources into a civil war 7000

miles from home seems to be too easy for the political machine in Washington

D.C. Call me a right-wing conservative, but I believe our leadership needs

to focus on taking care of America, securing our borders, reduce federal

spending, and stop wasting lives and money in a part of the world that will

never change for the better.

It is our duty be thankful, take care of our families, carry on with life

and teach our children how thankful we are to live in America: Land of the

free, home of the brave.

I look forward to seeing you all when I return home, and thank you for your

prayers and support. God speed.

Love, Mitch

[Danan]

Thank you Mitch for your service and for your beautiful words. I will be glad when all our military are safe. I pray that Iraq is able to govern themselves and keep thier country safe, as so many lives have been lost for both sides.

[kox]

Thank you Mitch, And my sentiments exactly. I hope that soon our men and women will be home. And securing our own borders and stop wasting our money is very important to us all.

[uncirculd]

Mitch, thank you for sharing. Your words are ringing in my ear. There are not enough words to thank you properly for what you do for our freedoms. Peace with you my brother, God speed blessings in your life.

[Sann]

Greetings Mitch, thank you so much for your service to this Nation. I just want you to know that I'll remember you and the other soldiers over there in my prayers. You are appreciated and may God bless you and your loved ones all your days. Come home safe and soon. Thank you.

[Treyn]

This just about says it all........ God Bless.

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, 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 got just 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 Heaven's streets,

You've done your time in Hell.'

Author Unknown~

[Usaok]

The u for all u hv given.... Only u know how u feel.. Gods speed to u n yours.. From an old marine ...

[pattyangel]

Thanks Mitch for all you do.

I wish I could find words to express the deepness of how grateful I am for your service. I just want to hug each and everyone of our military men and women and never let go. Protect you, like you protect us.

You all are awesome and you hold a special place in my heart. I call you all "Our Protector's of America."

Be safe in all that you do. Watch your back.

I pray that the angels above will be with you and all our military.