Dear Captain Dan,
Thank you so much for serving our country. I read the article on how our soldiers go through ethics training in the FOX Web page. I can understand that. A physician myself, I remember my very first day at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in July of 1986; I was introduced into the ethics of medicine. Over the course of the following four years, I had an hour class of ethics almost every week. It's a no brainier that all professions, that could control another person's life or destiny such as doctors, soldiers, policemen, clergymen, lawyers, and the likes, ought to go through rigorous ethics training. Too bad the same could not be said for some of our politicians.
Captain Dan,
My family often prays for our soldiers, for man and women like you, to keep harm out of your way. We also pray for our politicians, for God's guidance, for they need that more than any of us! Again thank you for your courage. You are the reason we are still free. —Duc-Thanh and Tien
Captain Dan,
Thank you for not just being committed to writing the soldiers' story but for being so honest. It is truly an honor to get even the briefest glimpse at life through the eyes of a hero. I look forward to every new entry and have cried as I reread other ones. Thank you for all you and other soldiers do. It is a thankless job with rewards that can't be valued by money yet you choose to take on the task. That is in itself a hero. —Julia Loftin
Dear Captain Sukman,
I have just learned of our and coalition forces killing Zarqawi! What a feat for our men and women! I am sure the moral-o-meter has gone up a notch or two. While no one cheers killing another human being, this individual is a vessel of the enemy who got his justice here on earth. I pray for all of your safety while in harms way and I pray for your families and friends who are missing you and who are even more proud of all of you than I. Take care and have a blessed day. —Lisa Farmer
Dan,
I want to say thank you to all the men and women who are serving in the armed forces. Please disregard people who use their words to try and bring you down. All of you are doing what you committed yourselves to do. You are some of the few who follow through when it's good, when it's bad and when it's ugly. Each night I say my prayers hoping that each of you will come home to your families and loves ones safe and sound, as well as soon, knowing that the reality is that some of you won't. I also pray for those families and friends who have lost and will lose their loved ones in the days, weeks and months to come. I am a military daughter and I know firsthand the sacrifices that you and your families are making. I am angry each time I witness the ignorant men and women who voice their protests to our troops; they have evidentially failed to learn their lessons in school. I raise my voice and shout over the top of them OORRAH! I am proud of each and every one of you. Stay safe and come home soon. — Fran H.
Dear CPT Sukman,
I wanted to write a short note to let you know how much I appreciate you taking the time to write your entries in the Soldier's Diary. If only one person reads it and has a better understanding of what our guys go through and the camaraderie you build, then it has accomplished more than most would understand. Thank you so much for sharing with the public. —Beverly Maddox
Capt. Dan,
I've read some of your entries and try to imagine the feelings and emotions you and your family must have. I recently visited Pearl Harbor because I had a cousin who died on the Arizona. I think he was 18-years-old when he died, and even though I wasn't even a thought in my parents' heads yet, I couldn't help but feel a great loss seeing his name there on that wall.
I have a 16-year-old son and sometimes I get worried that he will have to enter the military by draft with the way things are going and then I think to myself, I'm no better than anyone else and would have to make sacrifices as well if called upon. My son, I know would gladly and proudly serve if he was called to but I can only imagine the worry I would feel. I know that your family is facing that worry now.
I have such great admiration for anyone who serves our country and is willing to lay down his or her own life to preserve others. I think it is the greatest love anyone can give; I mean to give up your own life for someone else. It reminds me of a son who gave up his life for everyone and never complained, willingly did it and even gave forgiveness in the end. Of course I'm speaking of our Lord Jesus Christ. I will pray for you and everyone over there to take a safe trip back home to us because we are all your family even though you've never met us, we've met in spirit. Take care and tell everyone you see over there that they are not alone and we believe in what you are doing over there and hope that it will all end soon. — Kathy Hudson
Hi there Captain Dan!
We are writing from Richmond, Va., from Deep Run High School. I teach world history and 20th century U.S. history students and often I share parts of your online diary with them in class and we have discussions, especially in my 20th century class with my upper level grades. I enjoy reading your insight into the war in Iraq, but additionally, how you write and relate emotionally, non-politically, and without bias.
While some of my students read your online journal themselves, it is nice to incorporate the analysis of the "human" side of war and apply it to various wars we study, the political and social climate of the times, etc. This type of understanding, in my opinion, is just as important as the straight-up facts about a war or situation, and makes us all more
Well rounded, accepting, humbled citizens. I just like the idea that I can help my students know that y'all are over there doing a job (albeit, one of the hardest ever) and that politics cannot factor into the equation (even though it is hard for most people to separate it in their minds).
We respect and admire your courage and strength and perseverance. I am 29 years old and it is so weird to think that many of you are of similar ages fulfilling jobs and positions that require responsibility beyond people's wildest dreams. We are proud and honored to have all of you represent the United States. Please know that you have people in Richmond, Va., thinking about all of you and hoping for your safe returns! —Jessica Fallis
Captain,
Thank you for your insight and allowing us an inside look at your daily lives. As a former Marine, I understand how the public perception of us can be off track, but I also understand that if we, our military, fail to show the human side of us in uniform and in combat, the public perception will continue. It is a great thing that we are trying to do in Iraq, giving a people a voice for the first time, but I also understand it is a great task and our military is handed the job of diplomacy when it should be our politicians. We will never get the recognition we so rightly deserve for our service to our country, as you will probably never be given the great admiration you and your men so rightly deserve, all we have is each other, and all we have is our moral convictions to do the right thing for the man next to us. —Tom Bryant
Hi Capt. Dan,
The Memorial Day entry was eye-opening point of view because I wonder just how many people stop to think what the day is actually for. I was driving through Salem, Ore., on the Friday before Memorial Day and the city installs hundred of flags on both bridges that go into and out of the city; it is quite a sight. A cousin of mine was killed by an IED in January of this year; he was a combat medic. I didn't know him but when relatives sent out e-mails to all extended family members around the state it made me stop and think just how precious and short life can be. I volunteer for a local fire department and respond to 911 calls when someone needs help and see how events, whether it be a fire or a vehicle accident, can devastate a life. Most of us take every day life for granted that it will be here tomorrow and the next day, but don't stop to think that in the blink of an eye it can be over.
I think all the service men and women are doing a very difficult job, protecting our freedom. And like some of the other e-mails that I have read from other readers, you are all supported back home in this great country of ours, and those who have a different opinion about the war, that's fine they have a right to their opinion, but that's all it is. Take care and stay safe as you can, Dan. Thanks for all that you do. —Randy Brown
Captain Dan,
I am writing to let you know that I appreciate the job that you guys do. Everyday that I wake up, I thank GOD for allowing me to see another sun rise and pray that he protects the men and women of our military as they put their life on the line. The only thing that bothers me is the people who sit around and criticize our military for doing a job that they didn't have the guts to do. If it was not for people like you and the others in our military we could not have the freedom that we do and could not walk up and down the street in a free country. I guess it is easy for people to forget about what it takes to keep our country free and safe. It is easy for those who have never taken an oath to uphold the laws of this country and serve and protect the people of this country to second guess the decisions that our soldiers make when they have no idea what kind of stress a soldier goes through on an everyday basis. I guess people think that it is an easy job when all they do is sit behind a desk and all that they have to worry about is a paper cut or where they are going to eat lunch at and what time they are going to get to go home. Well, I am going to end this email with a prayer that every one of our soldiers will make it home safe and that all of you will be coming home soon. Again I would like to THANK each and everyone of for the job that you do, may GOD BLESS all of you. —Ofc. Jonathan T. Cook
Hello from Minnesota,
After reading your most recent entry, a very simple but powerful Memorial Day narrative, my husband and I felt the least we could do was to let you and your soldiers know that this grateful family will continue to fight the good fight back here at home for as long as there even one military person fighting the good fight "over there" ... wherever over there may be. So often all one needs to know in order to push on is that you are not forgotten and that most of those that you are fighting to preserve freedom for, have your back covered too. You are definitely not forgotten and we have your back covered in Kandiyohi, Minn. Thank you for your service.
Stay in God's Grace. God's speed home. —Doug and Annie Moudry
Dear Captain,
Good Afternoon, it is now 12:40 p.m., Thursday, here in Farmington, New Mexico. I had read both of your articles that were placed on the Internet. Your article brought some sadness to me today. I'm sorry; all of our U.S. Armed Forces have to go through what you go through everyday. I sometimes watch documentaries on the war in Iraq. I sit and wonder what all of the parents think of their children and love ones serving in Iraq. I do not know anyone there but I still pray for everyone that is there in Iraq. I pray for their safety, health and a safe return to their love ones.
I will always remember your article, The next Memorial Day or every Memorial Day, when someone is planning a BBQ, I will think back to your article. Thank you. —Celena Woody, Farmington, N.M.
Capt. Dan,
I wanted to tell you that my family and I thank you and all our brave service men and women for your service to our country. We are free because of the brave! I wanted to also tell you that I did not BBQ on Memorial Day. I flew the flag proudly and I just wanted to share that with you. Thanks again! "You haven't failed until you quit trying." —Scott Morrow
Capt. Dan,
I read your entry today. I actually keep up on your stories on FOX News. I wanted you to know that our Memorial Day was spent reflecting on you and all soldiers, Marines, airman, and sailors who have fought before you. We have a 7-year-old son, who watched the old movie "Shores of Tripoli." My 5-year-old remembered our vets in her prayers. We did go hiking (very rare since my husband started his master's degree a year ago). We did BBQ. But, we always spend Memorial Day hanging the colors from my son's balcony and reflecting on our Veterans. It is how our kids will be raised and how they will raise their children some day.
My daddy was a career Marine, with two tours in Vietnam under his belt. He spent his first tour as an artillery F.O. My husband's cousin, Ricky Taylor is in Iraq now and my brother-in-law just got home. My grandpa and three of his brothers were Army Air Corps. In fact, my great uncle flew in a glider to Burma to clear a space for Allied Forces in April 1944 and the glider crashed. They survived, cleared the landing, and were captured by the Japanese. He died at the Rangoon prison in Burma. In 1946, they dug his body and placed it on a plane to send home. That plane crashed and was never recovered. We are trying to get Congress to help us work with the Bangladesh Government to search for the remains. I have the POW/MIA sticker on my car.
Please note, we remembered the Veterans here in the states. Many MANY MANY flags were flying around San Diego. My kids want you to know that they pray for you guys daily. We do thank you for your service. I see the "Support Our Troops" ribbons on cars every day on the freeway. Keep the faith and the journal entries coming! God Speed! —Cindy and John Taylor (and Travis and Allie and two boxer pups)
Hi,
My name is Cindy and I am a member of Soldier's Angels. I just wanted to say thank you, for all you are doing and the strength you have inside, and on the outside for the men and women, I read you diary about Memorial Day, it made me want to cry. You are right, we are so happy to be celebrating, long weekends and such, and you get none of that over there. I pray every day, for the soldier's safety and for everyone to come home soon. I thank you from the bottom of my heart, for you giving the ultimate sacrifices for all Americans to be free. —Cindy
Captain Sukman,
Thank you for several things. Thank you for the service you provide to our country. Thank you for taking your job seriously. And thank you for providing the people back home with a small window into what a soldier's life is like there in Iraq, in harm's way. I thoroughly enjoy reading your columns and eagerly await each new report you provide through FOX News.
I have never been in the military but have always been a strong proponent of the military, their efforts, their duty and the families behind those who serve. My dad was a Marine in the early sixties by the way and I have a long line of relatives who served in the military during wars and in peaceful times. Living in North Carolina and serving customers who work on and near military bases in my job I feel I have a good understanding of the true support that you have here back home.
My wife and I and our three children try to remember our military men and women who serve our great country in our prayers and thoughts each day. I try to keep in mind that many of the rights, privileges and opportunities that I realize each day were earned and continue to be earned by our military personnel serving our country. Thanks again and keep up the good work. —Dean
Sir,
First off I would like to thank you for serving and protecting our country and our freedoms that very few people get to enjoy. I know you are an extremely busy person so I will keep this as short as possible. I am sure you are all too aware of the kinds of news we get regarding Iraq and Afghanistan in the states: 90 percent of it is negative and usually involves US military casualties or soldiers killing civilians. The other 10 percent is statistics composed by the agencies delivering the news that are conveniently twisted or distorted to the agency's political views (need I mention the Communist News Network). We are in desperate need of GOOD news and information. As a contractor for the government and a product of an Army family, I am very familiar with OPSEC and COMSEC and I would never ask you to breach security protocol. I just ask that you give a few general (or as specific as possible) examples of what we are accomplishing over there.
My cousin (CPT Shawn Fitzgerald) was deployed with the 173rd and has since retired. But during his three or four rotations through both Iraq and Afghanistan has come back extremely proud of the accomplishments his troops and the U.S. have done for the peoples of these war-torn nations. He cited new schools and hospitals and employment rates. But none of this means a thing from someone who isn't wearing a uniform. The news agencies have made the people here angry about the "destruction and chaos" we have caused and they are at best complacent. I implore you to give us an honest-to-God assessment. Take care, keep your head down and stay proud. Take great comfort in knowing that you and your soldiers are appreciated and highly respected. I envy you. Not because I want to fight, but because I want to know how it feels to be one of our nation's protectors. Have a HOOAH Army day! Thank you sir. —Matt Dodson
Captain,
My name is Cadet 3rd Class Dane Skousen. I'm a junior in college at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colo. I'm a Air Force ROTC Cadet. I've been reading your blog/posts for some time now, and finally wanted to add my piece. Your leadership and dedication to your troops have been astounding and shown me many clear examples of what a good officer does. I know our branches are different, but I am trying to soak in every leadership idea I can grasp. Thank you for your service over there, and I know your troops are behind you, even with your new position. (Congrats on that by the way.) Your morale is outstanding, which seems near impossible out there. I'm hoping to get into intelligence or logistics so I can get over there and try and help out. Anyway, keep your head down, stay safe, and thanks for the updates. You are an inspiration to me, and what kind of officer I would like to become. I've got a tough month ahead at my officer training, but I know that I will be able to make it through based on some of the stuff you have said. Have a good one. Come back soon. —C/3C Dane Skousen
Dear Captain Dan,
Thank you for writing your May 28 diary entry that I read in the Boston Globe. When reading stories like yours, it helps to remind everyday civilians like myself just how lucky we are to have our "freedom." Your story helps to put everything into perspective — that we should be thankful each and everyday for our men and women in the U.S. armed forces all across the globe. May God keep you safe and out of harm's way. If I could lend a helping hand in any way, I would be happy to support our military (by sending an e-mail or care package to someone who needs the moral support — please let me know). Many members of my family have been in the Navy and currently my brother-in-law is on the U.S.S Abraham Lincoln west pac. —Holly Suzanne Hoak
Capt. Dan,
I appreciate your column on FOX News. My brothers were both in the Marine Corps, my oldest is a Gulf War vet. He served at the time as a CWO2 in charge of repair and diagnostics during the Gulf War. He retired as a Captain in 1994. My father served in the US Army as well. I am very proud of my family.
It is so difficult at times to live in the People's Republic of Massachusetts and see the lack of support for the good work you all are doing. It is grievous to see how little the liberals here in Massachusetts, in the media and Hollywood demean what is being done in Iraq and Afghanistan. I remember so well hearing an interview with a Special Forces operative who said, "we accept that we may die for our mission; please don't expect anything less." Obviously he understood the principle of sacrifice. When one becomes a soldier he understands that he may make the ultimate sacrifice for the mission.
My heart breaks whenever I hear of another of our men dying in combat but when I see the Iraqi people voting and forming their new government; or when I see Afghani children in school or women working it makes me proud of the sacrifices that have been made. Not only those who have given the ultimate sacrifice but people like you who are giving of themselves every day in the interests of others.
I wonder if those who say we should cut and run understand sacrifice? My prayers are with you, may the Lord protect you and make you sharp in all you do. Most of all, may He bring you home safely and bless you richly. Blessings and thanks. —Pastor Eric Peloquin, Holyoke, Mass.
Capt. Dan,
Tell us how you prosecute soldiers for not having turned in all their gear prior to being medically evacuated from Iraq. Tell us more about how soldiers are being dogged by the military to pay back travel and or other types of advanced pay; even while they recover from wounds. Tell everyone how military officers (specifically JAG) have brought more U.S. military up on legal charges/convictions than they have Jihadists. Please remind those who feel we should have sent in more troops that we have 2x the level we need. 1 soldier to do the work and another to keep the 1st from screwing up. What will you be working on next? Filing charges against the soldiers who escorted the CBS news team? Keep up the good work. Defend the Muslims and screw the soldiers. —Dave Deady
Captain Sukman,
I have been reading your diaries as posted on FOX News. You are describing your experiences just like may other previous military men have experienced in previous wars throughout the 200 plus years of this nation. Obviously with a unique set of circumstances.
The best job that you can do is attempt to show the rest of the American public what the typical daily news does not show. All we see and hear in the news is the number of KIA [killed in action], etc.
I served in the U.S. military for 24 years and retire last year after serving in Desert Storm in 1991 and Iraq in 2003. I was amazed to find out that the news only concentrated on the bad news (the GIs killed, the road side bombings, etc). The news never reported all of the reconstruction work that Navy Seabees and Army Corps of Engineers provided throughout southern Iraq or any of the medical work that the medical units have and continue to provide. If the news could show a portion of the good work that the coalition is doing perhaps the current American opinion could be different. Why isn't anybody showing the news media the positive side? Thanks for reading this message. —Julio Palacio, Ret. U.S. Navy Civil Engineer Corps
Hi Captain Dan,
My name is Lilli Meier and I live on Lake Lanier. I want you to know how much I admire what you and your soldiers are doing in Iraq. This past weekend reminded me that it isn't about a BBQ or going to the beach. It was all about our soldiers who are active duty in Iraq and all over the world. I want you to know that I pray for you and your soldiers. Also, please know that we know how dangerous your work is everyday. Your courage is amazing and I want to thank you for serving our country. What an honorable profession! I support this war and I think that our president is doing the right thing. Thank you kindly and may God guide and protect you everyday. —Lilli Meier
My 8-year-old son reads your e-mails all the time. It's good discussion for the family and allows me to teach him my way about war and our world. We are not pro/or/anti war. We believe everything has a purpose. We have never sent you mail because we figure you are over run with mail daily. However, today my son came outside and stopped me from my work. He said it was real important and asked if I would send you a message. He wanted you to know he appreciated you today and prayed God would keep you safe so you could continue to tell your stories to the world. He goes on to say it is Memorial Day and he should be respectful to you. God bless you for making an impact on his life by risking yours for FREEDOM. Thank you and God bless you. —Gayla Willis
Hi Captain Dan,
I totally agree with your column. My son, Andrew, is stationed at Camp Navistar with the 2-127 In Bn 3rd Platoon Company A. One of the reasons Andrew joined the National Guard was because as a three-sport high school athlete it gave him the opportunity to continue to experience a lot of the things he liked about organized sports.
This week Andrew is playing in Operation Hardwood II and having the time of his life. He knew that athletics had a positive effect on his military experience — now he says that he thinks the military has helped him to be a better athlete.
Andrew has had a very positive attitude throughout his deployment. The opportunity to interact with Division I basketball coaches and to again compete on the court has been a dream come true for him and will likely make the last couple of months of his deployment fly by. The USO, NIKE, FOX, and ESPN along with the twelve coaches have provided an experience for our soldiers that they will never forget. I enjoy your column. God bless. —Jolene M. Johnson-Van Den Elzen, Wis.
Capt. Dan,
I just read your diary and I wanted to write and say THANK YOU. Thank you from me, from my 4-year-old daughter that cant quite appreciate what you are all doing to protect her, from my stepfather (Nam vet who knows all too well the sacrifice you are all making) and especially from my friend, Pat, whose son and brother both parished on 9/11 as New York firefighters inside the towers when they fell. Neither one knew the other went in on their "off" day that day to lend a hand. THANK YOU.
I am from Ocala, Florida. I'm 35 and the mother to a beautiful little girl that is 4-1/2. It is so easy to get caught up in my daily life as a paralegal by day and "super mom" by night that I fail to stop to appreciate what is happening so far away and what is being given and done on a daily basis for the safety of my family and friends and for the future happiness of my daughter and her children. I had to stop for a few minutes and if nothing else to acknowledge all that you are all doing.
Back in 1999 and 2000 I was a penpal to a Sgt. McCabe through Operation Dear Abby, he was killed during a training exercise (of all things) and I haven't been able to bring myself to write to anyone over in Iraq not wanting to "jinx" anyone. But I would love to be able to keep in contact and send a few words of hello from home to anyone who may not have someone to keep in touch with. If you have anyone in your company that you think might want someone to keep in touch with, feel free to give them my e-mail address.
If I could thank each and everyone of you I would, but in lieu of that I would like to just say "Thank you "to you, your company and to each and every one of you, there are many of us back home who do care, remember and appreciate all that you do. Be well, be safe. —Amy Puckett, Ocala, Fla.
Capt. Dan,
I really like reading your column. It's nice to get an actual soldier's point of view (how many times do you read that one in an email, huh?!) Actually, it gives my dad and I something to talk about ... he's retired colonel in the Army and was in Vietnam. We rarely have things to talk about or in common, so I have him reading your column and he explains the details to me or tells me past experiences that he can remember. I'm addicted to current events so this helps to bridge the gap. Thanks! —Stephanie Milner
CPT Dan,
Congratulations on your promotion to company CO. Bravo Zulu. Today's fighting Army and Marines are the best warriors history has ever seen, and the best educated. Superb troops. Your articles from Iraq are a FOX must read for me. I spent 2004 based in the Red Zone, Al Monsur, you're making me home sick and I hope to be back soon. I was the only foreigner working for a major Iraqi conglomerate, +2500 employees. The pain and suffering these people are going through cannot be understood by most westerners.
Your comments about foreigners severing in Marine and Army line combat units is on target. I served with 1 NL and two MEX that were outstanding Marines. They joined to get American citizenship. Give it to them, I would have been honored to go into battle with all of these guys. Hope to meet you down range. God Bless America and all our superb troops. Watch 6. —Don Hedgpeth, Former U.S. Marine Corps, Alta Loma, Calif.
Captain Sukman,
Everyday I read your entries… everyday I have wanted to write and thank you. It seems an impossible task … one I have prayed nightly for the grace to do. I have finally summoned that courage and grace. Thank you, a million times over! You have done the impossible, made something that is so hard to understand a little more understandable.
My son is stationed in Gardez, Afghanistan. He is not a great writer, he is a wonderful soldier and a phenomenal son. He cannot tell us a lot about what he is doing but he manages a call when things are bad to let us know he is fine. You have cleared up some of the questions for my husband and me. Thank you. May the grace and peace of God be with you as you travel and find your way safely home. God bless you. —Lisa Bastic-Penardo
Dear Captain Sukman:
Thank you for your service and thank you for sharing your experience by giving us insight into what is happening in that distant land. Personally, I feel our involvement there protects us longterm here in the USA. The contributions of you and your men are vital to keeping the homeland safe and providing the Iraqi people the opportunity to learn to govern themselves. It is not an easy task for you or for them, still it is important to all of us if we are to live in a free society and hopefully a peaceful world eventually.
Please do not get discouraged by the political bickering that is taking place here in the USA. It is normal in a free society for people to disagree. Unfortunately, too many Americans are ignorant of the geopolitical implications of events occurring in an ever- shrinking world. We are so fortunate and sheltered in the USA and have such a poor understanding of world history to grasp the importance of the sacrifice men and women like you are making on our behalf. All of us would like to have you all safely home today, but that is not possible because for us to quit now would only encourage the foe. They would think they won and would redouble their efforts to strike us again and punish us more severely than on 9/11.
I will continue to keep abreast of developments through your diary entries. Good luck and God bless you, your company, and all our troops where ever they are serving. —Edmund Bak, Minnetonka, Minn.
Hello Capt. Dan,
Thanks for the review of what "team," "squad," etc. are comprised of. I have two West Pointer brothers and should know those things but never learned them. So now I’ve written them down and will make an effort to do that.
Please don't ever apologize for your writing, it's just fine and very interesting. More people need to connect on a personal level with our soldiers in Iraq and you are doing your part to help with that. Thanks for taking the time and thank you very much for your service to all of us. I sure appreciate my freedom and appreciate all of you sacrificing to protect it. —Gail Maurice, Warren, Ohio
Dear Captain Dan,
God Bless you and all of those brave, professionals in Iraq and in other dangerous posts around the world. God bless your families, loved ones and supporters as being left behind, I know how they worry for you and many are put at a distinct disadvantage having you so far from them but are also so proud to call you their own.
America's patriot volunteers have always been willing to step up to that dangerous line do defend our freedoms and security and loved ones have been willing to let them go.
I, for one, have had many such patriots in my family in the past, my father in WWII, my grandfather in WWI, all 4 great grandfathers in the Civil War, and one male relative in every war fought since America's birth July 4, 1775.
Americans everywhere love, respect and defend our fighting men and women on the home front. We will care for the wounded, tend to the widows and children, shore up the wives, mothers, fathers, parents and children while you are away protecting our precious freedom with nothing less than your lives, if need be.
Please extend a copy of this letter to anyone that you would like to share it with and if I can do anything at all, besides pray continuously for your safety, do not hesitate to let me know. Respectfully I remain. —Arlene Krings, Fairway, Kans.
Capt. Dan,
I agree with your philosophy regarding naturalization for immigrants who serve in the military. What a wonderful way for these young people to see the cost of freedom. I'm a retired Navy Corpsman with some really conflicted feelings about our immigration policy and it's lack of any real enforcement. I served with many Filipino, Puerto Rican and Hispanic immigrants and was proud to go to war with them. You're doing a great thing, sir and I thank you and your troops for your service. —Michael Robinson, Largo, Fla.
Capt. Dan,
Man, I'm so fed up with all the lies from Washington, D.C to your laptop. The reality is you shouldn't be there bottom line, I hope to see one of the many so-called hero's like yourself and many more of your follow service man and women, and of course the U.S. president and his cabinet be brought up on war crimes. Stop the killing of innocent people, and let's bring the military back from Iraq. It's not about honor, it's about what is right. While the president and his cronies sit in the comfort of the White House, our men and women are dying everyday, for what! Let's cut the chase. You and I know that this so-called war is a scam. —Mike Kilpatrick
Capt. Dan,
Way to go. I am 70 years old. Earning citizenship this way would also get illegals a job with a legal employer; love to all our service men and women. —Patricia Drake
Capt. Dan,
I just wanted you to know that even though I don't personally know you, I appreciate your sacrifice!
The reason why I even found this diary site is because I was goofing around at work looking for articles on Dave Zabriskie. Sort of random to see you mention him in your diary. You must be a cycling fan-few and far between sometimes. I guess that I just want to say thank you for all that you are doing. I live in northern California and am sick to death of the folks that stand on the corners waving their flags and holding their horrible anti-America posters (with children in tow) encouraging passers-by to honk in support for their "cause." It makes me ill to see them but I do not have the heart to remind them of those fighting for their right to protest. Please take care! —Sophia Lunceford
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