This article is written by Vampire 06 on AFGHANISTANSHRUGGEDThis is a post that I’ve struggled to write many times during my deployment and each time it seems that I’ve failed. At the end I’m always left with the feeling that I didn’t quite describe their hardship, give them their true credit or convey our true gratitude. I’ll try; but am afraid I shall fail them.I’m talking about the women that stand guard at home, support us, encourage us and reinforce that fighting spirit that sustains us. Our wives, mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, volunteers and so many other wonderful and strong women that I can’t even begin to name.Not just our team but each and every soldier, marine, sailor or airman that deploys to Afghanistan or Iraq, for that matter any conflict. A huge burden is being carried by those that fight but do not go to combat.Thank you, for being the ones that deal with the mess once we leave. We’re trained well to fight. But there is no Field Manual that describes how to explain to a young child that their father isn’t going to be home for a long time or in the worst case may never come home. You do it with such grace and poise.Thank you, for being patient and waiting. Enduring the pain of waiting to hear from us wondering if the worst has occurred when we’re late calling or emailing and enduring our complete lack of understanding at your frustration and fear when we are late. “We came back late from patrol”; just doesn’t validate that fear. Your patience is epic.Thank you, for being the ones that hold us fast to reality and help put us back together when we return. You hold us tight and tell us things will be Ok when the rockets and gunfire have gone but the war has not left us. Your strength is what protects the warrior.Thank you, for accomplishing all the things that we fail to acknowledge. Fixing broken sprinklers, taking kids to school, paying bills and the myriad of other things that are required to sustain life at home. You do so much and get so little from us many times.Thank you for being the volunteer that says, “Welcome Home” in the middle of the night ensuring that no one comes home to silence and being their when we leave to say “Come Home Safe”. You inspire us with your selfless service.Finally, thank you for being you. For serving in a war you did not volunteer for and keeping us strong, sane and secure. We and the rest of the country owe you a huge debt that can never be repaid, the best we can hope for is to understand your journey, listen and learn from you.From the bottom of our hearts, Team VAMPIRE and every other serving member says “THANK YOU”!And to my wife and mother; I could not have done all of this without you. You are the truest warriors I know, pure of heart, strong in determination and unwavering in faith. I have a lot to learn from your examples!Once again I reach the end of this post and I think I’ve come so very short of expressing our gratitude. This is the 12th time I written this post.In tribute to all of the strong and wonderful women that support the fighting force we’ve joined together with Ranger Up to stage OPERATION:VAMPIRE PINK to raise money for breast cancer research. We designed a new shirt which you can see below and $5 from each sale is donated to the Susan G. Kommen Foundation. Go here to see t-shirts.Vampire 06__________________________________________________________________This time I ask you to go to this soldiers blog and leave your comment there. It will encourage him to know we all support them.Twana
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Well written young man. many folks take for granted the tasks that face the mother or young wife and children of a deployed military member. I never gave it much thought because it was just the way things had always been in our family,we were all leaning on each other at one time or another.. the times have changed considerably since I was "in" at times it is not the father, husband or son it's the daughter, wife and mother that pickup the colors to the front. to me I pray you will all come back to us and soon.. GOD BLESS YOU ONE AND ALL & GOD BLESS AMERICA
Thank you for posting this well written letter to all of us back home. When our sons and daughters are gone for so long, the worry becomes overwhelming at times. We try our best to support the soldiers, airman, Marines and sailors the best we can. Your cause is a good one. And we owe you so much more than a thank you. I wish you would have used your name, rank and unit so we could address any donations to be in your name.
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I left a comment in the soldiers blog as you requested. Thank You for posting Vampire06's article.
Peggy, Austin, Texas