Sal 23

I'm sitting in my office in a dining facility in Kuwait thinking a
couple of things

1) I'm blessed to be wearing a uniform with the United States Army on
it's sleeve and

2) I'm blessed that there are so many AMAZING people back home who,
regardless of whether or not they support the war, support the
SOLDIER.

Let me ellaborate.

I joined the National Guard at the age of 26. For almost three years
now I've seen time and time again the respect people have for the
soldiers. I can't count on my hand the number of times I've been
coming home from my drill weekend and someone has stopped me and shook
my hand and thanked me. One time I was in a grocery store and an
older woman came up to me and shook my hand and said god bless and
thank you. But it hasn't stopped there.

Last week I received a care package from a family in Los Angeles who
I've never met. They too thanked me for being a HERO. I'm sure I'm
not one of those but still the thought that someone I don't even know
sending me a phone card, and deodorant, and other goodies and thanking
me is one of the BEST feelings in the WORLD. I mean this isn't the
easiest jobs in the world but when you see things like that it makes
it all worthwhile.

Then you consider CORPORATE support of the troops. My friends at
Cincinnati based company Alpine Valley Water just sent me and the
soldiers I've deployed with a single cup coffee brewing machine and
dozens of kinds of coffee to go with it. Bosch Power tools heard
about our vigorous training in 100+ degreee heat and they sent our
unit 3 Bosch Powerboxes (really sweet sound systems). My family and
friends have also answered the call throwing going away parties,
sending cards, e-mails and lately some great care packages. And they
are all thanking me and telling me they are proud of our Soldiers.

WELL I'm the one who's proud. Proud to live in a country where even
if we don't agree with something we still take care of each other.
Proud of companies that offer discounts to soldiers, proud od people
who send care packages, and letters and phone cards and proud to be an
American.

HOOAH
SPC Michael Salvi