United Methodist Church newsletter

Thomas and Natalie's Church puts out a weekly newsletter and this was in it this week, Thomas sent it to me and I thought it was only appropriate to post it here with the announcement that our family will be home in one day, together, safe and happy. Nothing can be better.

Love Requires Service
It is the Soldier,not the reporter,Who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the Soldier,not the poet,Who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the Soldier,not the political camp organizer,Who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.
It is the Soldier,Who salutes the flag,Who serves beneath the flag,and whose coffin is draped by the flag,Who allows the protester to burn the flag.It is the Soldier,Who provides freedom! ~Author Unknown

"Greater love has no man than this, than that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13

It is the soldier who loves this country and volunteers to protect our rights. It is the seaman, who volunteers to go into the raging seas to defend...it is the Marine who storms a beach to be the first one in harm's way to ensure all who follow are safer...it is the Airman who looks down upon the battlefield to point the way and also supplies others with what is needed...it is the loved ones left behind who pray for safety, but yet many do not find it. It is America that needs to thank those who have gone before...and go now...to uphold and protect the Stars and Stripes. It is Americans that need to remember that to serve in the Armed Forces is to love America and its people.
It is the soldier...who loves...who serves. They are the valorous heroes! They are the ones who are hurting, hungry, thirsty, cold, and tired. We sometimes forget as we rest, eat, drink, grab a blanket, and watch TV. They are the ones standing watch as we sleep.
For every soldier, Airman, Seaman, Marine, and Coast Guard member...for every WAC or Auxiliary group...for every member who has served or will...for every family member of one who sacrificed all on the altar of freedom...
We gratefully thank you for all you've done or are doing...for all you've given or will give...YOU ARE OUR HEROES! Thank you!
Tom Hodges