USVI-On-Line

Hi Everyone -

Please don't read if you don't want to but I attended the funeral service today for a 22 year young man who was killed in Afghanistan. After the service, I followed the church procession to the cemetary. (Mrs. Pete - I bet you were out there).

Anyway, it was such an honor to be in that processional and witness the hundreds of people along the route waving flags, standing at attention, holding signs of support and such. I'll bet it meant an incredible amount to this young man's family.

As part of our church group, we had just sent him four boxes of treats along with letters of support. Unfortunately, he died before receiving them.

Just wanted to share. Sad day here in Wisconsin.

Tracy

yes it is sad. My son is headed over it looks like in Feb. I'm taking him to STJ before he goes for some father son time.

So sad that he didn't receive his care package in a timely fashion. Military services are always so nice, makes you proud to be an American.

That is great to know that the town came out to support one of their own. Thank you for sharing.

Good for you for giving your support.
Not a bad thing for the rest of us to be reminded of the sacrifices being made by those young men and women in that part of the world.

Hey Tom -

If your son makes it overseas, be sure to get me his address and such - I would be thrilled to include him in our care package mailings.

Tracy

I'm sorry to hear about that. It is terrible to face a loss, but I am so impressed by the whole community coming together in support.

A special prayer going up for that young man and for Tom's son.

Tracy in WI wrote:Hey Tom -

If your son makes it overseas, be sure to get me his address and such - I would be thrilled to include him in our care package mailings.

Tracy

That's nice Tracy.

Tom, please let us all know. We'll be praying for him.

On the military note - my Dad was buried in Arlington and it was the proudest day of my life. My Dad was fortunate to live a good, long life though.

That is very sad Tracy.
Tom, please keep us posted.

Tracey - I am so sorry for the loss of the young man. Thank you for being there.

Tom - My best to your son and may he return home quickly.

Waterguy,
Would also like to send him cards and/or goodies from my students if you give me his address when he is there.

I'm sorry about your loss, Tracy.

Tom, I'd like to send your son greetings when he's overseas. Please share his address next year.

Cat

So sad to lose someone so young.

Tom, I'm sure you are very proud of your son. Bless him and all the others who serve our country.

For anyone who is interested, you can add this to your list for sending holiday cards (and I'm sure there are places to send cards, too):
A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20307-5001

Hi Chicagoans - I got an email about that particular address yesterday and here is what it said...

Mail to Wounded and Recovering Soldiers

In addition, the U.S. Postal Service is no longer accepting “Any Service Member” or “Any Wounded Service Member” letters or packages. Mail to “Any Service Member” that is deposited into a collection box will not be delivered.

Instead of sending an “Any Wounded Soldier” letter or package to Walter Reed, please consider making a donation to one of the more than 300 nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping our troops and their families listed on the "America Supports You" website, www.americasupportsyou.mil
___________________________________________________

I also have visited a site www.anysoldier.com where you can get specific addresses and information on what they need. It is pretty sad when a female soldier doesn't have enough tampons. Sorry guys. But it is sad.

Tracy

I really like that the Americans support their soldiers as much as they do. We have had some killed soldiers not so long time ago (presumably friendly fire from the British)one of them from the town where I live, and some people were only talking about that it's a mistake that the Danish participate. I dislike that, it's not a help for his family!! They of course want to see him as a hero who has been fighting for a better world. Not as a victim of a mistake from the government. So even if that's your opinion you shouldn't talk about it when a soldier die.

Linne