That 1%
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11 November 2011
It has been an honor these seven years to cover American and British troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, Philippines and elsewhere. It is said that only about 1% of Americans serve in the armed forces. Many of our troops are not even American citizens. I see them in combat regularly. Many veterans are in hospitals or have fresh scars and are recovering from recent wounds. A message just arrived from the military in Kabul that we just lost another service member in Southern Afghanistan.
Many of our finest will be in combat as you read these words. They will cope with their losses and continue to fight. Mostly they are very young. It is common to meet a young combat trooper who has fought for several years overseas. He doesn’t make much money. A heartfelt “thank you” goes a long way.
They have lost friends. Many of our young veterans have been wounded more than once, and yet they are out there right now. Some have more Purple Hearts than stripes. Their strength and dedication is inspirational. Their courage seems bottomless.
Tonight, many will sleep on the ground, their ears ringing from the nearby bullets and blasts that they have experienced so many times. They have killed the enemy, and watched their buddies die in their arms. They have seen and smelled and heard things that most of us rather would not. They will carry these things forever as Veterans. Tonight they will fight. We’ve already lost at least one today, yet most Americans seem to have forgotten that many of our men and women are still out there.
This is the longest war in the history of the United States. It’s far from over. I have not forgotten. I never will forget.
Thank you, Veterans.
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Michael Yon
P O Box 5553
Winter Haven, FL 33880-5553
I will continue to do my part in telling the stories that are not being told. Readers must also do their part by keeping the cash flowing. Cash is essential .
Thank you!
Michael
Comments
I am Italian and I read all your dispatches with great interest.
You are doing an incredible job and I do hope that your efforts in order to solve the problem of Medevac will be successful.
By the way I would like to know if you have ever had the opportunity to stay with Italian soldiers in Afghanistan.
God bless America and its soldiers.
Fabio
Thank You,
Pastor David Aune
Thanks again for all you do. As an eternal brother veteran, I wish all veterans a happy veterans day. To our troops in the fight in Afghanistan, keep your heads down, thank you for carrying the torch and may God protect you.
As parents and grandparents it is extremely difficult to have our loved ones in harm's way. We all know this. At the same time the pride factor is unbelievable. Therefore, to those of you who have family members serving, thank you for your contribution. Make it a point to say thank you to them from another Mom! Blessings to all who serve and their families who wait.
Thanks for your service to our country as well as your continuing service to our men and women in harms way. At the end of their lives, many people wonder if they've made a difference in the world. Neither you nor any or our Veterans will have to wonder.
I've heard, from reliable sources, that just saying "Thank You" to someone who has experienced combat reduces PSTD by 17%. Even if it's only 12%, or 10%, we owe them the gift of a heart at peace.
Vaya con Dios!
I would like to say a heart felt thank you to all our service men and women for their years of sacrifice to our country and their selflessness. I was at my daughters school where they honored the veterans today with a ceremony that was conducted by the 3 year olds to the 8th graders. it was a very moving day honoring our fallen heroes and those that still serve. WE had veterans there to speak and i couldnt contain the tears for these men and women who feel the call to defend this great nation and thank you and bless you seems so small a thing but that is all i have. May god continue to bless our men and women and you as well Michael and please do share this letter, i want our soldiers to know that they are in my daily prayers and that of my 5 year old!!!!
Thank you Veterans and god bless you and your families.
sincerely,
Claudia
Thank you and God bless you for all that you and your families sacrifice for us!
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