Congratulations!!!! Let me be the first to congratulate you and Laura on the new baby, on the way. I am so glad that you will be back home and able to be with her for the last few months of the pregnancy. You are certainly correct when you say you have an awesome wife. A wife who loves the Lord, her children and loves and respects her husband. That is truly awesome and not easy to find in this day and age. We will continue to pray for you and your family. I love you and thank you for protecting my freedoms. God bless you.
Grandma
You are awesome and so is your DAD!!! Dear Tony,
I was so excited when I was reading you blog today on my last break at work. I would be so happy to meet with you and you family before you go back. I am off on Sundays and Mondays. I also understand if you do not have the time.
On the last letter I mailed out to you I wish I could have put my hand in and took it back out! It was not the most inspiring letter. I was just being honest. I was having a hard day reading the News Paper and receiving some letters. I did go to your blog today. Why? Because it is important to know that you are still alive. That is my fear of one day seeing something bad. It is bad enough when I see the beautiful faces of or Hero’s. It is not that I am afraid of death. I am not!! My heartache and tears are for you and your soldiers as well as for all the family’s members. I feel it. What I like most about your blogs is the complete honesty that you write. Yes, we do sin everyday and thank goodness feeling come and go. I have believed in God almost my whole life. I had a period when thing were very wrong, but I caused that pain. I felt God had left me, so I would leave him too!!! Thank goodness it only lasted a few years. I am ashamed to say that I do not know my bible and wouldn’t know where to find quotes. That my friend has changed since reading your blog. I have picked up my battered Student bible and began to start learning it. The past 7 years I have been a firm believer of our God and I am grateful beyond words. Believing as showing action are two different things though. How can I be of service if I do not know what our Bible says!!!! Hmmm In the past 10 months of mailing packages to our Soldiers my life has changed in a way that I am unable to verbally express in words. I only know I feel in my heart sooooo deeply. Just as you write how you feel resentful about the easier life these FOOBITs have. I also have a huge challenge when I hear people bad mouth all of our Military. I too would just like to choke them and kick their butts just like a schoolgirl LOL. When people tell me I’m nuts for being so involved I want to just slap them and say wake up. Stop it do you understand. But they don’t and besides it is not my place to tell them how they should feel. I turn it around and thank GOD for putting this into my life for I will NEVER be the same because of it J the sad part of this is 1 year ago I too was just like other people. I never watched the news or read the paper. It was easier for me to pretend that people were not dieing everyday for MY FREEDOM. I have to remind myself everyday for what I have and to not be ungrateful and to always ask God to forgive me for my sins. I also try to keep my ears open and listen to his answers. It is amazing how life gets when we just listen and follow direction! Just like what you wrote about Bruce Horner. I too feel enormous anger towards other greedy people who only think about their self and what they are going to buy next. I have to learn to let in all go (I do try everyday) It’s amazing how good you feel when you do not harbor resentments and anger towards people, situations and most of all yourself. I know the more I follow the direction of what God wants for me I will be more than ok. I am so happy that you had knee surgery and able to be home longer with your beautiful wife and children. Yet sad that you must return. I am overwhelmed by you spirit and generosity that you have to help others. I have met a pen pal of mine just this past June J aahhhh what a gift it was to me!! Let me just say thank you so much for what you are doing. No matter what happens God has a plan for us all. Keep up your great words of wisdom. They lift my heart and bring me closer to God everyday. Again thank you and I will continue to pray for you and you soldiers everyday. Be safe and God bless you. Know that you are loved and NOT FORGOTTEN. Hugs, Your Friend Yvette Nissen
Don't ask yourself what the world needs, ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.....
I love you son. ----------------------------------------------------------
BIAP and the Parable of the Vineyard Workers
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That is a hard one. In the end we will all be humbled. He is perfecting in me that which he would have me become. If I have given him the right to control my destiny, then I must expect him to do that and accept that destiny which he brings me. Shall the pot say to the potter, "Why hast thou made me thus?"
There is no way to quantify my worry.
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More Airports - DFW
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Texas! Hell yeah!
Imagine what Jim felt like when he came back from Viet-Nam, in his dress greens and some puke spat upon him in the airport. They arrested Jim after they got him off the guy, but they didn't charge him.
When I was in Monterey at the language school I was kicked out of a bar before I could even order. "We don't serve soldiers here!" I was but a REMF.
Sadly many of those misinformed people from the 60's and 70's managed to get elected to congress, but they "support" the troops, so don't worry, son they are going to take care of you. ;P Ayup...
Both of your grandfathers were political pawns when they served. This is truth and the truth is shameful, isn't it? There are a lot of people in congress and elsewhere in this country who should be ashamed...
This is why I didn't want you to go to West Point in spite of your appointment. This country may deserve men like you, but this people does not. Fortunately, your enemy does! Remember that.
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Bitter Sweet
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Sadly we can not tell by looking a person that they "get it". Some get it, others never will and of course those are certain that it is we who do not "get it".
I'm sorry that you felt that way but I am proud that you are man enough to speak it. This is the kind of information that the public needs to understand about combat veterans. Son, these people love you and the *reason* that you do what you do is so that they don't have to know why they love you. The sacrifice that you guys make is made so that these people don't have to understand the sacrifice that you guys make. That is why you are all men of honor. Sadly you will never be able to explain it to them either.
Why else would a perfectly sane man run 11 miles through the desert barefooted? I find myself so angry some times. It is as if I was cheated some how. I did not get paid for the work I did and I know I did a great job. I took the beating and they took my future. That is the feeling. How can they possibly know what you feel without being in a similar situation? They can't and that is why you do it, so they don't have to understand you. The temptation to *make* them understand; it is just that, a temptation which can never be satisfied. They can never understand. Your enemy can understand, make him.
Become an old man, but not a bitter old man. I don't think the planet can handle me being any more bitter than I am... We have been soldiers too long in this line come home safely.
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Surprise in the Terminal
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Thank God for Laura and the girls. We will stay in touch with them again after you have gone back. If there is *ANYTHING* you want to take back with you, you need to let me know by E-Mail so I can get it and have it shipped.
yay! We are glad you have been enjoying your time back in the USA. We appreciate you helping to keep our country free and safe. Love from the Gaitonde Family
Thanks Tony I'm one of your anysoldier gals and I can't thank you enough for all you are doing. I really appreciate your Christian outlook on your experiences and your comments continue to inspire my faith in God.
Thanks so much - and I'm praying for you and all your family!
Thank you Son. Son,
There ain't no easy horses but you gotta learn to ride. Once you learn to ride, you need to teach someone else how to ride. I guess I didn't ever say that exactly that way but you got it, didn't you?
Proud is too small a word for what I feel when I look at what you have done with your life. I was wrong, Pat was a hero. I only said he wasn't because I didn't want you to enlist. I didn't want to see you give up what a degree in Computer Science from William and Mary could give your family, so that you could go and do what your grandfathers had done.
It does your Grandpa good to watch what you are doing and it brings back the bad memories as well. He has can be there for you in a way that I could never be, because he was an Infantry man. We all know I was a spook and spooks are last in, first out. :)
No matter, blood will out. This family throws clerics and soldiers... It looks like you are both.
Well I don't have to start worrying too much about you until your knee is healed and you have to go back. So I will spend my time worrying about our fireman, Paul.
There are a lot of young men reading your blog and these thoughts of yours are good for them. These thoughts help them to put this war into perspective and help them to understand the sacrifices that men like you have to make. Ultimately these thoughts of yours help them to decide for themselves if the life of an Infantry man, is a life they want. Thank you for these thoughts.
I love you son.
Dad
Forever Proud.. May today there be peace within. (when you are in the midst or war). May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. (so other soldiers who do not know Him and the bad guys too, are exposed to His Light ) May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. (God can and does work miracles everyday, even in times of war) May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. (even if that means knocking down metal doors with bum legs :-) or comforting a soldier who just lost his buddy) May you be content knowing you are a child of God. (and so is your lovely wife and your beautiful children, God will care for all of you no matter what) Let his presence settle into your bones, (especially your bum knee :-) ) and allow your soul the freedom to praise and love. (espcially when you least likely feel like it)
I will always be proud and blessed to call you friend. You're bravery and selflessness and commitment puts me in my place daily. I pray for you continually and think of you often.
Okay, this is getting long. Love and Prayers and God's peace. Enjoy your well deserved rest. Amy-Beth
Hang in there, soldier Dear Tony, this is one of your supporters from AnySoldiers.com..Cathy Rice.
I read your new blog entry. I am glad you were able to 'talk about' your new feelings and fears. In facing your feelings, your fears will be controlled . AnySoldier.com LOVES YOU...we love you UNCONDITIONALLY..whether or not you are strong or scared. and if you are wounded just remember all the love everyone has is there for you. Do not worry of that. We will love you , however you are. however you come home..and so will your family! YOur special being is within your spirit, not your physical body. The person you are will never be changed, by broken bones or damaged body. Our hearts and thoughts are only of good things about you. Just as you think the best of your fallen co-workers, you are only thought of that way. Just remember our respect for you, is always the same. Keep your chin up, and let those missions stay in your thought along with how much everyone supports YOU. cathy rice
April News I've been sending packages to Any Soldier/Marine for over two years now, and I value the insight and friendship I have gained through my contacts honest and personal comments. You have a beautiful spirit, and nothing that happens there can change that unless you let it. My husband went through Nam, and I have a son who is a First Sgt in the Army, so I understand in some small measure what this sacrifice means to your family and to you. Godspeed, keep letting yourself feel whatever it needs to! Linda
good luck hey, i was on this site reading my sisters blog, she is touring south east asia, and upon reading her account about vietnam and the war there, i decided to have a look to see if any soldiers in Iraq had blogs and yours came up. I'm really sorry to hear about the loss of your friends and commerades, but i found your entry fascinating, and i didn't know the policy about generals having to attend memorial services. Anyway, i wish you all the best for the future, and hope your not out there for much longer so you can get back home. i hope May brings better luck for you, your commerades and the Iraqi people. take care. James.
Thank You You are a wonderful person. The love and appreciation that you express about your wife is so wonderful. My husband is over in Iraq at the moment, he works as a private security person. I am thankful everyday that he calls and everyday that he emails. We pray for all families and soldiers serving there. This period of time is most trying and testing for soldiers, civilians, and families. Thank you for the opportunity to comment here, you are a wonderful person.
Thank you Tony,
Thank you so much for adding my nephew to your prayers. SFC Brevard is my nephew and he is missed by so many people. He was a great dad to his own little girls. Be safe over there and come home to your children. You are a hero to all of us.
Janice-St. Louis, MO
Thank you I appreciate your honesty even in bad news -- it makes prayer more specific and allows the reality to come through. Know you are in my daily and thoughts and prayers for you, your men, and your family. A friend of mine is going to be deployed this summer and I am already praying the Lord begins preparing her spiritually, physically and emotionally. Thank you for your service and for being the warrior who preserves for me/us the freedom we have -- thank your men for me too.
Prayers to you I will add you to my prayer list. My son is in Iraq also on his second tour (which was extended). He has two small boys here at home. Let yourself cry every now and again, it helps release all the bad "stuff" inside. I have sent you packages via Anysoldier, you will see more. God bless you and keep you safe.
Well wishes from Australia I sincerely would like to thank you for you contribution to the never ending war effort. I think it's stupid for our governments to extend the length of time you guys have to stay out there. It is unfair and inhumane.
I've been watching Band of Brothers on DVD, just seeing the stories from them makes me sit and be amazed that war can inhumanly mame and scar someone's life. There are success stories, but we can't forget what else happens.
I hope the families of the dead solidiers find peace and not more anguish, and I pray too for you and your family, that you make it safely back. I had my brother and sister in law in the navy and they made it back safely, but that doesn't compare to the work you do.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart. God bless.
Thank you for sharing We are praying for you and your troops here in Cheyenne, WY. I cannot thank you enough for the sacrifice that you are making. May God bless you.
I find myself getting mad much more these days Son, Anger is a learned trait. It is a weakness that is used as a defense against dealing with things which we would rather avoid. DO NOT LEARN ANGER. When you feel anger, pray with your whole heart for the source of that anger. It is the only escape. There are only two things which can change this world, they are forgiveness and love. This is a hard lesson. Remember Christ was angry only once. Remember you get to choose how you fee.
My heart goes out to you I just don't know what to say. I have always said that a person that has never been in a war cannot possibly understand what it is like to have to go through what you are going through right now. I know I cannot. My heart goes out to you. We are all proud of you and also of Laura. She is one in a billion and so are you. Frank and Great-Grandmother also send their love and prayers. We will also pray for the healing of your knee and for the soldier with the wayward wife. We love you and are so very proud of you and what you are doing for our country. Grandma
... the dog and pony show ... Son,
Tell your CO. Explain this to him so that he can pass it up the line. The General has to go to a lot of memorials and I expect his heart is bleeding. He just wants to get out of there and doesn't realize the noise and disturbance, or maybe he is a hard hearted bastard. In any case, he should not have to go to a memorial. The Company CO or maybe battalion commander is certainly enough.
Tell them. You are an NCO and that is what NCO's do. They teach management what leadership means. Any good West Pointer can tell you that.
Dad
the thought of her pain and loss is frightening. So it is. She knows this. It is hard.
Son, do not think such thoughts, except to give you strength at the moments when you cry out to God for his grace and protection. Only then will it help you.
Grit your teeth. There is one choice, come home. No other.
Dad
I hope that everything's will turn out well with you and with all the people torned between this war. The best things that this war have is the people who were in it and trying to make the best outcome in every given day.
Welcome Everyone!
For those of you I have not yet met, my name is Tony. I am the proud father of several wonderful kids, and the lucky husband of my beautiful, caring wife, Laura. Biologically we have two lovely daughters and one rowdy son, Jaeden (7), Selah (5) and Elijah (1). We are or have been the foster parents of four beautiful young ladies: Summer (17), Tiffany (17), Nikki (16), and Jenai (15). These girls have been such a wonderful blessing in our lives.
I am currently a computer programmer for Liberty University, but in the past I have work as a paratrooper in the Army in Ir... full info
Grandma
non-member comment
Congratulations!!!!
Let me be the first to congratulate you and Laura on the new baby, on the way. I am so glad that you will be back home and able to be with her for the last few months of the pregnancy. You are certainly correct when you say you have an awesome wife. A wife who loves the Lord, her children and loves and respects her husband. That is truly awesome and not easy to find in this day and age. We will continue to pray for you and your family. I love you and thank you for protecting my freedoms. God bless you. Grandma