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Recent Letters from Families & Troops | |
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Dear Freeport Flag Ladies Please accept my heartfelt thanks for "being there" to greet the troops departing for or returning from combat stations over seas. And also more thanks for the picture taking. My grandson, a Marine, was there in Maine on or about 19 January and some good soul got a great shot of him for his family. He was on his way to Iraq and so far is doing OK. I can tell you without fear of contradiction that what is happening in your state and elsewhere in the US with regard to how our service men and women are being treated is a far cry from the way things were 40 years ago. But I'm guessing many of you are old enough to remember that. And I suspect those memories are a motivating factor for what you do. I was a career soldier and had two tours in Vietnam. I returned to the states from the second tour in December 1970. We landed at McChord AFB near Seattle and heard rumors of war protesters at the Seattle-Tacoma airport (SeaTac) where we had to go to get home. I was an Army major at the time and I conferred with another major and a couple of captains about sharing a taxi to SeaTac and covering one another in case of aggressive protestors at the airport. Here were four "salty" combat veterans making plans to defend themselves in their home country. As it turned out, we didn't have to fight our way into the airport. It was early morning and about the only people in the terminal were airline employees, members of the custodial crew, and folks with tickets for the so-called "red-eye specials." The four of us got a laugh out of our slight case of paranoia, but I have often reflected on how sad it was that we had to even consider defending ourselves in the country we had sworn to serve. As a history professor in a second career, I appreciate the fact that at least some of the lessons learned in the 20th Century have not been forgotten by some of the people who made the transition to the 21st Century. Thanks, many thanks for your dedication to meeting and greeting the troops. Please keep those "home fires" of good will burning. D.F. Lt. Col., USA (Ret)
Dear Carmen, Elaine, JoAnn, and friends, It is with much gratitude that I write this thank you note to you for coming out on a cold February morning to meet my husband and his soldiers. On February 4th at 2 AM they arrived at the Bangor Airport and were greeted by your group. My husband just sent me the link to all of the photos, and your website, and I shared them with the families in our Family Readiness Group. They are as thrilled as I am to see their family members in the photos. It is a very comforting feeling to know that our loved ones were with people who care just before they were sent off to foreign lands. Sometimes I feel like patriotism is lost on some folks...and then I hear of acts like what you are doing and my faith is renewed again. I've already been apart from my husband for 3 months, with another year slated ahead of us. I will look back on these photos and smile, knowing kind people like you greeted him on that cold February evening. On behalf of my family and of the 726th Finance Battalion Family Readiness Group I send you our deepest thanks. L.D.
I have received your pictures. Thanks you so much for the second photo. You are right seeing them smiling as they deploy is a great help. I have looked at your site often and it brings me to tears for the patriotism your group displays. Please keep up with the great work you all do. I will be sure to tell my son that you send your best regards and thanks to him. Thanks again, you're in my thoughts and prayers V.M.
My hat is off to the Freeport Flag Ladies. I want to express my sincere appreciation for the warm welcome you gave mySoldiers of Battery C, 2nd , 142nd Field Artillery, Arkansas National Guard, as they were deploying to Iraq. As you well know, it is a tough, emotional event leaving family and friends to go overseas to do your duty to your country. Thanking you for making these troops feel welcome and appreciated as they departed American soil. You make a difference ever day in the lives of other great Americans. God bless all of you for the terrific work that you do. Major General The Adjutant General Joint Force Headquarters - Arkansas
I just NEEDED to tell you all thank you, for all that you do. You make a huge difference in the lives of our soldiers and their families. My husband (SSG Mickelson) called me from Maine and said, "Hey babe, I had my picture taken by one of the Flag Ladies while I was eating my chips! She gave me a link to give to you, so you can see my picture!" Of course I asked, "What's a Flag Lady?!" Then, I visited the link he gave me, and was touched by your story. What you ladies do is just amazing. I could write page after page about how your story and your love and support touched my heart. You gave me hope that there are still people out there who care about our troops and their families, and people who stand UNITED in such a troubled time, when everyone else seems to be giving up hope. Thank you so much for all that you do, and for that one single picture of my sweet husband. It made me cry to see my love and best friend, without me by his side, on his way to war. But, I was comfort ed by the fact that even though he was far from home, far from his wife and kids, he still had people around him that care for him and are thankful for what he does for our country. Thank you for capturing such a precious moment and memory for me. I will forever cherish that picture. R. M. - Ft Bragg, NC
Good Morning Ladies! I received another box of goodies from you today and immediately gave them to some new soldiers that arrived within the past few days. Its hard to look into their young faces and know that they have a very long year ahead of them. In that time they will experience a wide range of things never imagined. Some things will be bad and hopefully with time and the grace of God the pain will ease. My hope is that their good experiences will over-shadow the bad and in the end, make them proud to have been a part of this country's history. May God watch and keep them in His loving care as they embark upon the journey of a lifetime..... Again, thank you for opening your hearts and your pocket books to these wonderful American service members. America can truly be proud of its sons and daughters for in my mind there are no equals. Take care and God bless....... With Love and Prayers for Peace, D.D.
Hi, Words could never express how wonderful you ladies are!! Thank you so very much for what you are doing! How I wish I could have been there to see my daughter off. Knowing that ya'll were there gives me great comfort. I found her picture. Buy the way it was GREAT! It made me laugh and cry. She was holding a stuffed dog with pink feathers. {she still is my little girl!} It was great seeing that! God Bless you ladies for all the long hours and hard work ya'll have done to bring this to the families! Truely GREAT IS YOUR REWARD!!!! Thanks & God Bless You J.J.
This is the second deploment for our family it is always hard to be apart for such a long time.It makes my husband sad to miss all the things we do together ,to see our daughters grow but the most he miss are the normal things. wish the girls a good day at school,drink to much coffee with me,when we all eat dinner together and goodnight kisses. We miss him so bad he makes us smile and make me feel good[special on a bad day] . it is very hard for me this time I am from Germany.And I miss my family and their support and love,my mom passed away 3 months ago and this was a big big lost in my life.When so many things come together it is hard to stay strong.But I am going it day by day pray that my husband stay save and be there for my children. And thank you again for what you doing C.G.
Wow, you ladies are an inspiration! The love and support you show was felt greatly the day of Feb. 8th. My husband Sgt First Class Kiley Moore was overwhelmed and shocked to see the patronage when he departed the plane. My children and I cannot begin to thank you enough. I can only begin to image the work and dedication you put into this project but the look on my children's face when they seen their father has to be worth all that time and effort. You ladies are incredible, from the bottom of my heart THANK YOU! M.M.
My favorite is the lady with the t shirt that says Home of the Free BECAUSE of the Brave. You greeted my son on Feb 9 from Ft. Riley, Ks. His photo has not yet reached the web site but that is OK. I can see what a wonderful job you are doing form the expressions of all the other soldiers and marines. Mike said it was an awesome experience being greeted so warmly and THEN being given an opportunity to call home. Mike was in Operation Desert Storm and this is his second tour for Operation Iraqi Freedom. Keep up the good work and know that not only the soldiers welcome your effort , it is also deeply appreciated by their families. Never tire of this wonderful mission. Our country needs a big dose of FLAG LADIES. P.G.
Dear Flag Ladies, Just wanted to let you all know how nice it was to see this website available to people who have family members in the service. My son Chris left for Iraq on Feb.8. He called from the airport in Maine to let me know that these great ladies were taking pictures of the troops to post on the site. I have tried to for a couple of days and finally found him with his troop. I know that it took a couple of days to get the pictures into the site and I am forever grateful to see him. I do not know when we will see him again. I have enjoyed looking at all the pictures and reading about you all. God Bless you for making this a commitment to all the families that have loved ones in the service. Thank you again. C.R.
you are all amazing, caring people. It is so cold where you are yet you will still be going to honour the troops. Make no mistake, they DO remember and they will need to remember when they get to where they're going. The Freeport Flag ladies and the message you bring makes my heart rest easy for now. Im so far away, but I know you are there to see these brave heroes and let them know we care. I love that you keep me in your thoughts and send along your message each week. I save them all. All the poems, all the wonderful messages, and all the love, D.F. Proud Army Medic Mom
I know that you must get a million thank you emails but I wanted to say thank you too. My brother passed through Bangor Feb 8th on his way to Iraq. What a neat thing you do.He was very excited to be able to use the cell phones but mostly glad that someone took the time to be there for them-especially so late at night. Thank you thank you thank you! With things being so negative these days it was hard for him to leave. But because of you the last thing he will remember about America(until he gets back!) will be the warm hospitality you showed them. Thank you! K.Z.
Dearest Elaine, & all, Thank You! Thank You all for being there for our Soldiers of peace, our protectors of freedom! May You be Blessed! I especially want you to know Elaine, how touching what you wrote today was to me. Tears welted in my eyes and the sobs came, I could not control myself, then my husband came running to my side with a Kleenex & his support knowing just what was wrong with me. For you see I also left early this morning for work, about the same time you sent out this email. I had to travel out of town a little ways, which took me to the town of Killeen, Texas. You see this is where my son was stationed out of, & is now in Taji, Iraq. Everywhere you go there, soldiers abound. I feel so safe there, protected & in a way Near to my son, who is so far away now. Wouldn't you know he called from Iraq while I was there. Coincidence, maybe, maybe not! I only got home a short time ago, & came To check on my emails. Well, when I read this from you, you can now understand why I was so emotional. I just wanted to hug & thank every soldier I saw today, and it was all I could do to restrain myself. They are indeed God's angels in my heart. FOR ALL YOU DO, THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!! A SOLDIER'S MOM G.G.
Hi, My husband just deployed on Thursday Feb. 8. My husband told me about your website and said to look at in in a few days to see if maybe his picture was there. Well I just looked and there he was!!! Thank You so much. I can't tell you how that brought happiness to my heart. This is his 3rd deployment in the last 4 years and I am finding it harder to adjust this time. Everytime is hard but he was only home for 5 months between deployments this time. Anyway I'm not trying to be whinny. I just wanted to tell you how much that picture meant to me and our kids. I thank you so much for what you ladies do to support our troops. Everything you do for them you do for there families as well. Once again thank you so much!!!! God Bless You All, Li. McC.
my husband came through bangor on february 3rd on his way to afghanistan for a one year deployment. my two daughters and i have really been down about him leaving. then i get an email telling about these ladies in bangor that take pictures of the troops. i would just like to say thank you for all that you do. getting to see my husband was just the most wonderful gift in the world. i'm just glad the troops get to meet wonderful people like you on their way to wherever they are headed. thank you for the wonderful pictures and god bless!!! sincerely, the mcd's Fort Bragg, NC
Dear Ladies, First, I would like to thank you all for being there to greet the soldiers at a time when their families could not be with them. Just to see a smiling and welcome face and hug or a hand shake could make all the difference in the world. Also I would like to thank you very much for the pictures you took and posted on the net. It was a nice surprise for my children and myself. We did get to see him on a few of them. It gave a sense of what they did on there flight over , while they were on delay in Maine. This is very much appreciated it may be the last picture we see for a while of them and will be great in scrape books. So I would like to thank you very much. I am going to try and print all of them off if not I might ask you to email the original ones. Very much appreciated D.E.
Dear Carmen, Elaine and JoAnn: I wanted to let you know that the three of you are so wonderful. You care so much for our military men and women by greeting them at the airport. They must be proud to see all of the caring veterans that come out with you before they are deployed to foreign lands. My son, a Naval Corpsman with the Marines went through your airport for his first deployment to Iraq in August 0f 2005. I had found a picture of him then on your website. I was thrilled to see him. I was very glad to see that other people were concerned for him and his battalion. Well, again, my son was deployed to Iraq for his second tour. I told him that if they should go through your airport, that he should make sure that he speaks with your group so that I may get to see him again on your website. He was deployed on January 19th, 2007 and I found two pictures on your website!! When I saw him, it felt so good. I was so proud. But it also made me sad to know he was really on his way to Iraq again and I said a prayer for him and his battalion and for all the good things you all do for them. All of you are in my prayers ....J.D.
My husband just came through the airport in Maine on February 8 on his way to Iraq for a year long deployment. The first thing he told me when he called was how all of these people were there to greet them and shake their hand. It was a wonderful surprise. I just appreciate so much the time that you all take to do this for these soldiers. As a wife of a soldier I am so glad that you were there to see him off when I couldn't be. God bless you for your time and generosity to these soldiers. J.A.
TO THE THREE SPECIAL, LOVELY, WONDERFUL LADIES, Greetings. I would like to take this moment to THANK each one of you, for all the things you have done for all of US Troops.. Thank you VERY MUCH for keeping all of us going.. Thanks for all your prayers and gifts and all the long hours you have put in, ever since you all started this program. Me and my fellow Soldiers will be heading back to the States in,around 30 days. I will not forget all 3 of you. I will do my best to keep in contact with all of you.. I hope you'll do the same. Again THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING(S).. May God Bless You All... Sgt B., M. H. Arizona Army National Guard..
Thank you so much for all you do for our troops. I can't tell you how thrilled I was to get the call from my son on Sat evening. We had talked on Friday and I did not expect to hear from him for a long while. I had been very blue all day and just hearing his voice cheered me up. You are angels. If you could email me the photos you took I would appreciate it very much. ... He is on the phone and speaking with one of you. I remember the conversation well, I was so proud because he was thanking whoever he was talking to. We Moms are always proud when we hear our kids remembering their manners! Thank you again. C.L.
Dearest Elaine, & all, Thank You! Thank You all for being there for our Soldiers of peace, our protectors of freedom! May You be Blessed! I especially want you to know Elaine, how touching what you wrote today was to me. Tears welted in my eyes and the sobs came, I could not control myself, then my husband came Running to my side with a Kleenex & his support knowing just what was wrong with me. For you see I also left early this morning for work, about the same time you sent out this email. I had to travel out of town a little ways, which took me to the town of Killeen, Texas. You see this is where my son was stationed out of, & is now in Taji, Iraq. Everywhere you go there, soldiers abound. I feel so safe there, protected & in a way near to my son, who is so far away now. Wouldn't you know he called from Iraq while I was there. Coincidence, maybe, maybe not! I only got home a short time ago, & came to check on my emails. Well, when I read this from you, you can now understand why I was so emotional. I just wanted to hug & thank every soldier I saw today, and it was all I could do to restrain myself. They are indeed God's angels in my heart. FOR ALL YOU DO, THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!! A SOLDIER'S MOM G.G.
My daughter called last night from Kuwait, just to let us know she'd gotten that far on her journey to Afghanistan. She didn't have long to talk, but mentioned some "flag ladies" from Maine who were so kind to her and her company while they waited to ship out to Germany. She wanted to give me your website, but didn't have your card with her right then. I told her I'd "google" you, and sure enough, I found the "Flag Ladies" from Maine. I just wanted to tell you that you made my daughter's last night in the U.S.A. (for awhile!) a memorable one. You made a POSITIVE impression on her and I'm sure all of the troops you come in contact with. It's so important that these young people know they are being supported and thought of back home. As a mother of just one of those soldiers, I applaud you and give you my deepest gratitude. THANK YOU!! M.N.
I just wanted to say thank you for everything you do. My husband is a Marine and is going to Iraq. Today he went through Maine on his way to Iraq and loved the amount of people that were there. I just want to say thank you for all of this. This is his first deployment and he has always wanted to serve his country and be a Marine and what you ladies do made it that much better. Thank you form the bottom of my heart. By the way, my husband was on a cell phone leaning up against a wall and he said that someone took a picture of him and it's going to be on the site. I just thought you would like to know that that is my husband, LCpl Dolmer. Thank you very much again. S.D. USMC Wife, Mother to our 9 month old son
Thank you so much for all that you do. When my husband called me that night and told me that you had taken his picture and had been there to greet all of them and let them use cell phones to call loved ones. I was really touched that someone would take time and go to all that trouble to take such good care of our soldiers. I know that my husband was very touched by all of you. Thanks so much. I would like to get his picture from you. He was there on January the 24th with the ArmyThanks again. Your doing a wonderful thing for the soldiers and their families. J.N.
Ladies, I'm most proud of the work that you are doing for our Troops. Our Daughter told us about you when she passed through there bound for Iraq January 19th. ..We received her call about 2:00 am pst and talked what seemed like hours. Seeing her, what you all are doing and the patriotism that fills all of your photo brings tears to my eyes. I'm very happy to see people like you treating our troops so well. I didn't return home from Viet Nam to a reception as gracious as this but rather of hatred and vile people throwing dog droppings and spitting. I swore that I wouldn't stand by and see that happen again. Our Son is also a Marine and I know he'll go in harms way too as his big sister is doing now. Thank you, God Bless you all and may he keep you all safe. If there is anything we can do please don't hesitate to ask. R.&L. D
My daughter-in-law informed me about your website. Thank you so much for being there for our boys and girls. My son returned from Iraq last February and told me what a great inspiration it was to be met in Bangor and to be handed a phone to call home. My son will be retiring from the Marine Corps in May after 29 plus years. I was thanking God for his safe return and now I am thanking you for making his return so special. I had no idea of your website. Thank you so much for your care and concern. S.K.
dear friends, on behalf of my family, my daughter, my husband ,my grandchildren I would like to take this oppertunity to thank each and every one of you for your kindness and love you share with each and every one that comes by.I know that it is not a job but a dedication on your part to do every thing you are doing. Our grandson is over there now and we got the pictures and they were just what we needed to keep in touch with our grandson.We will be working to keep that connection with him,he is so young but he truly is a fine man. All of this is not new to us my husband was in V.Nam. but yet it is different, we wish we could know what the things we need to do to keep him ever so close to us other than prayer.We would like to count on you to help us in that subject.My grand-daughters are in collage and I think that one of the things we could do is get the soroities involved if nothing else to write and not only to my grandson but to all the guys that are in his co. BUT WE ARE IN NEED OF SUGGESTIONS.
Dear Freeport Flag Ladies, I have a nephew, he is a young Marine. He joined about 3 years ago and we are so proud we almost burst when we talk about him. He was sent to Iraq this month. His picture appears on your website on January 19th of this year. I cried when I saw it. We are a military family and totally understand the patriotism and the sacrifice. We always appreciate when others are so generous in spirit and time. It means more than I can express to know that my nephew ( who I always think of as "baby" and "just a little boy") was treated with such respect when he was deployed. Our family is very grateful. My sister, Adam's mother, is so scared for him, but I know that he will be fine. I know that with such great Americans as you all, and as the miltary men and women that all will be well in the end. We will keep you in our prayers. Yours truly, A.K.
My son, from the brewer national guard armory in Maine, is in Baghdad right now...he just emailed and said he had a great valentine package from you ladies...oh my god, i am crying because i am so happy that you would do that for him...and the others...he has been there since last March...came home for 2 weeks in November, and i went to Maine (I'm in Massachusetts), I am so proud of him, he's my hero...he will be home in march, please god...and I will be up there, and will want to meet you all...I am moving up there when he comes home (God willing) i take nothing for granted...I have a younger son, who's an officer in the navy, and has been away also, he got home in Dec. to San Diego and I went to see him, but he's been deployed and off again, so I am pretty lonesome, I have only my 2 sons...so, ladies, from the bottom of my heart, I thank you so much...I wish you were close to me, I would be part of your group for sure...sincerely, B.M.
Greetings from Baghdad! The guys in my Squad just tore into a BIG box of Valentine's goodies from your great organization. THANK YOU! Thanks for thinking of us, and thanks for all that you do. I just visited your site & found out a lot more about the wonderful things you've been doing to support America's & Maine's men & women in uniform. When I return from this deployment I would like to join you out there some Tuesday morning in support of all our troops who remain overseas. Thanks again!!! SSG B. McC. Camp Victory, Baghdad
Hello My husband was on the Jan 18th Army Flight. I can't begin to tell you how special that picture you took of him while he was on the phone with me. I look at that picture every night. I know you understand and realize what you are doing is so much appreciated and how grateful we all are to you! Thank you , thank you, thank you...there are words to that can express my gratitude:) Happy New Year and thank you for giving him your hugs and smiles and most of all your kindness on that day, I know he will carry that in his heart as I will in mine. God Bless America! Love from a grateful wife and proud American C. L. D.
Dearest Flag Ladies, Mere words cannot describe the emotions that flowed through our home, when we received a call from my husband on a phone you supplied. We thought it would be at least 10 days until we heard from him. This is my husband's second deployment to Iraq. He has proudly served in the US Air Force for 19 years. Our children Lauren 17 yrs old and Christopher 14 yrs old know no other way of life. They accept that it is his turn to go again and are not in the least resentful. We do however worry for his safety as the last time he was there the convoy in front of him was blown up by a road side bomb. If they had left 1 minute early it would have been his convoy. We pray daily for their safety. We visited your web site today to see the photos. You young women are more precious to us than we can ever begin to express. My husband said that never in his entire military career has he met any group of people who have made him feel so welcome and appreciated. God Bless You!!! For all you do and the life you touch. You will forever be in our hearts and prayers. Thank you, R.S.M.
My husband and I have been married for two months now. He just recently got deployed to Iraq. I knew that he would be flying into Maine, but was not expecting any phone calls for quite a while. I received a phone call in the morning of the 19th of January. I can't tell you how happy I was to have heard his voice in such a short period of time. He told me that the freeport flag ladies greeted them in the airport and gave them hugs and shook their hands and expressed true gratitude for their service. He said the there were cell phones available for use there, and he couldn't wait to call me. He then went on to give me this website and said that the ladies took pictures of them and to look for him on here. I found the picture of my husband and i can't tell you how wonderful that made me feel. To see him smile and just to see him after we said goodbye, I probably looked at his picture for a good five minutes but the tears blurred the screen. Before i write a novel now, i want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you ladies do for the men and women in the service, and realize how much you do for their families and friends. I hope that one day i might be able to meet you all and thank you in person. again thank you sincerely, M.B.
First of all I just want to thank all you from the bottom of my heart for being there for our guys. Last year I just stumbled upon a picture of my son on your website and it totally took me by surprise. It was on a day that I was down and really needed to see a picture of him. Matter of fact that is one of the few pictures I got of him on last deployment...so thanks. Thank you for all you do and the sacrifice you make. It is deeply appreciated. Sincerely, T.P.
HELLO. I AM A TECHNICAL SERGEANT IN THE UNITED AIR FORCE AND I WAS THROUGH BANGOR ON THE NIGHT OF 11 JANUARY. IT WAS MY FIRST TIME EVER GOING THROUGH MAINE AND I WAS DEFINITELY VERY PLEASANTLY SURPRISED BY THE GREETING WE RECEIVED. THE PEOPLE OF BANGOR, MAINE HAVE TO BE SOME OF THE FRIENDLIEST PEOPLE I HAVE EVER ENCOUNTERED IN ALL OF MY TRAVELS. I CAN'T SPEAK FOR EVERYONE, BUT THE TIME EACH YOU TOOK OUT OF YOUR OWN BUSY LIVES TO SHOW US YOUR SUPPORT MEANT A LOT TO ME. THAT'S WHY I MADE SURE I TOOK THE TIME TO PERSONALLY SHAKE EACH AND EVERY PERSON'S HAND WHEN WE CAME OFF THE PLANE AND AGAIN WE RETURNED TO THE PLANE. I ONLY HOPE THAT WHEN I ROTATE BACK TO THE STATES I HAVE THE PLEASURE OF ONCE AGAIN STOPPING THROUGH BANGOR, MAINE. ALTHOUGH I REALIZE THAT NOT VERYONE MAY AGREE WITH WHAT WE'RE DOING, IT MADE ME FEEL GOOD THAT SOMEONE APPRECIATES THE SACRIFICES EACH OF US SERVICEMEBERS MAKE AND WILL CONTINUE TO MAKE IN THE NAME OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. I WANTED TO SAY THANK YOU AND I ASK THAT YOU PLEASE PASS MY THANKS ON TO EVERYONE THAT PARTICIPATED. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK AND I HOPE TO SEE YOU IN MAY! SINCERELY, _R. S.
Dear Flag Ladies, I just wanted to thank you for what you do. My brother in law left for Afghanistan on January 18th. My sister was so excited to tell me about your website so that I could see his picture. It was so comforting for her and one of the first times I had heard her smile since he left. I was also able to share the picture with my students. I am a Kindergarten teacher and my students are making Valentines for my brother in law and the other men in his unit. I have shown them pictures of him before, but they thought it was really neat to see him in his uniform. We are also joining with a local radio station to make Valentines for other men and women serving over seas. This project is so very close to my heart, not only because of my brother in law, but my husband is also in the Army. He hasn't been activated yet, but we know it is inevitable. If you ever had projects you're doing and there is something my students and/or I can do please don't hesitate to ask. Yes, we're in Kansas, but we want to support those men and women who are fighting for our freedom. Thank you again for all your hard work and dedication. God Bless you! T.R.
Oh my goodness... your website is amazing! My son called me on Saturday night 1/13 near midnight - he said that he was so moved by all of the people there taking pictures of them as they left - he was so scared, going to a place so full of hate. He had left his base alone, he was traveling with no one that he knew - had even told me earlier in the day during his travels that what he would miss the most was a familar face, a face filled with love. YOU MADE HIM FEEL LOVED! I searched the bangor papers the next day for pictures, but found none. I emailed the picture editor, not really to ask for pictures.. just to send kudos to them for taking pictures and making our children feel loved on their last leg of American soil. She emailed me back and told me to look up YOUR website that YOU were the amazing people. I did not see any pictures of my son - but when looking at them, Ifelt what he must have felt; proud. Thank you. T.P.
That was beautiful. Thank you for always sending your messages to me. D.'s been out of Iraq for 3 months now. We worried that he'd have to go back with the new troops getting sent out but he said no, it's too soon. They did one of the most dangerous missions, actually 3000 of them and so they need a break for at least a year. He has 3 more years with the Iowa National Guard so he still does drill each month. He's going back to college to finish getting his degree in teaching like he wanted. Although he is an excellent medic and was awarded medal of valor, he said he'd seen enough and wants to teach kids. He had almost one year in school when he got deployed, so it's good to know he's back in school. He's also joined a gym to keep in shape and he managed to get a job with the army signing up veterans for benefits. When he was training to go to Iraq he injured his hand and has limited mobility, not too bad though, but they want to give him disability. Maybe they won't send him again. Anyway that's David's news and Im happy for him, last month he went through a deep depression, now he told me he's just sad that we are at over 30000 soldiers deaths and he feels so bad for their families and the soldiers buddies, like himself when they lost Sgt Sesker and had to come home without him. He believes Sgt Sesker got them through the rest of their deployment there, in spirit. He was their inspiration. You might have met him when they stopped in Maine and you ladies were there. He was a sweetheart. His wife just gave birth to their baby boy. David said, that baby will have lots of fathers cause we aren't going to let him grow up without at least one of us around to tell him about his father. Well I guess I better let you go welcome back or say so long and thank you to the new troops you'll be seeing go there. God bless you for what you do. Thank you, D. F.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Thank you. If none of the soldiers expressed their thanks to you, that is a shame. My husband is one of the soldiers you greeted. ... He called me and told me how surprised and happy he was that y'all greeted them. They don't here "good job" enough from the American population in general. You might be surprised at how poorly military personnel are treated in areas where their are no military bases around. Even in military towns, it's hard to get respect. It is nice for them to hear people other than their families are proud of them. S.D.
Dear Freeport Flag Ladies, I just want to express my appreciation to all of you who greet our troops and make them feel honored and appreciated as they embark on a life journey that most of us can not even imagine. I was there on Thursday, January 11, to see my nephew off to Qatar. We hope and pray that there will not be a secondary assignment to Iraq while they are in the region. The soldiers know what their duties are, but family only waits and worries. For the three of you who make the trip from Freeport for every outgoing flight and the photos and memories that you create the deployment is a little less impersonal and more memorable for both the soldiers and their families at home. I was able to be there while others at least can get a mental image of their family member or good friend as they made their last departure on American soil. Thank you, M.C.
Hi, I've heard of what your doing and I would just like to applaud you and say thank your for supporting our troops! I think what you and the rest of the ladies are doing is an awesome idea! I'm writing to you because today January 19th my boyfriend is being deployed to Iraq, however they took a stop in Maine and as I was on the phone with him he said that one of you came up and took a picture of him. I thought that was sooo cool! If there is anyway whatsoever that you can get me that picture i would really appreciate it (and any more of that battalion that was being shipped out if you can).. Even if you can't send the pictures directly just write me back with the link to the site that your going to post it on, and when it will be up. (because I know it might be hard finding what Marine is my Marine haha!) Again thank you for supporting out troops, keep up the awesome work ladies! -Julie
Dear Flag Ladies, A friend of mine from Maine recently told me about your web site....although we relocated to Maryland to be closer to our "kids" about ten years ago (two sons who also were career--one Navy, and one Marine), my heart will always be in New England (having been from Nantucket Island originally). My husband is also a retired Navy man, and we applaud your web site and efforts from our distance of about 16 miles south of Washington, D.C. Needless to say, 911 was a shock. Besides having lived and worked in Newport, RI, the home of the Naval War College, I had lived in Belle Harbor, N.Y. prior to our marriage, and had New York memories. I was truly devastated for a long period of time....we saw the tragedy televised early that morning just as a second aircraft hit the remaining tower, and then the Pentagon. We could hardly believe our eyes and ears... I wrote the tribute below with much feeling for the terrible losses so many suffered, and the bravery displayed by so many Americans...I think it really was therapy for me. I'd like to invite you to link to my page, and would be very honored if you do. But I'd mostly like to share how much I and the rest of my family continue to support the young and mature troops of men and women who are serving so loyally every day until this conflict ends, and hope that if they read it they will know that we will never forget how they're spending some of the most important time of their lives so that we can be safe here at home, and how proud they make us to be Americans.
I Am An American
I am an American. I come in many colors, including white, black, yellow, and brown, but deep beneath my skin I am red...white....and blue. I am over 200 years old, but I am reborn each day, and I am ageless. My roots may be traced from Plymouth, or from Ellis Island. My ancestors may have come from almost any country in the world, and I may have become an American as early as yesterday.... You may find me everywhere. I may be on a farm, at a factory or mill, a courthouse or large corporation, working at a computer, or running a family and household, for the scope of my skills is limitless. I love my family, my friends and fellow Americans, my country, and my flag. I have given my life to defend them many times in or out of uniform. I have dedicated my life to help or defend the lives of citizens of other countries in the cause of freedom... I was at Valley Forge and the Alamo; I was at Gettysburg and Appomatox; Flanders Fields, Pearl Harbor, Iwo Jima, Korea, Vietnam and the Persian Gulf/Desert Storm. I was at Oklahoma City, the World Trade Center, and the Pentagon. I perished on American Airlines Flights 11 and 77, and United Airlines #175 and #93, but not without a fight! I and my fellow Americans disrupted the mission of the evil terrorists and saved many, many innocent lives... You will find me me everywhere freedom and human rights are represented. I may be wearing a uniform, or I may be in civilian clothing; I may be a careerist or a volunteer, and I will be An American. I am memorialized at many places--the U.S. Marine Memorial, the National Cemetery, and in your own home town... I believe in many religions and the freedom to choose. I respect and celebrate life, and I mourn death. I respect the law although I may not always agree with it. I understand that a civilized democratic society must operate under laws for the benefit of all. I rejoice in a baby's first steps; a home run or a touchdown; a graduation and a wedding; a Fourth of July parade ; and an election. I weep over injustice, poverty, and drugs and guns on a school campus, and wasted youth. I'm awed by a sunrise, wildflowers, the scent of sweetness that lingers in a spring rain; the first snow of the season, and the Northern Lights. I love chocolate, a sandy beach, the ocean, old movies, and a good book. My heart beats faster when I hear the music of a marching band in a parade. My blood may be spilled and my body turned to ashes, but my spirit will never be destroyed. This is my legacy. I may have nothing left to bequeath but my spirit: The eternal flame of American freedom that will never be extinguished, but passed on to generations of Americans forever. Written by Sheila Cox, Copyrighted Sept. 13, 2001. | ||
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