How is it that our brave soldiers, living in brutal conditions can see what so many sitting in their easy chairs in America fail to see? As I read your post and got to the part about how Capt. Arnwine sensed a strong presence of God in their make shift church, I wept. I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit so intensely reading his words. I am grateful God is holding them up even though our media and some Americans blinded with hate for Pres.Bush have refused to see what we are up against and have let them down. When God says he will put scales over their eyes so that they cannot see the truth He wasn't joking!!
Like so many other Americans,I have prayed for strength and encouragement for our soldiers and leaders that are all doing the heavy lifting without the praise they deserve. It is obvious in letters I have read that our soldiers know their hard work and sacrifice is making a difference. It seems any discouragement is lifted when they get a smile,hug,or word of thanks from Iraqis.
When I get my dart gun with suction cups this Christmas that I have requested I will do my part by aiming at the naysayer's mouths on tv and getting a bullseye. I believe it will be good mental therapy and help me release toxic chemicals that build up in me when I hear them running down Pres.Bush and saying they support the troops in the same sentence they declare the war in Iraq unnecessary and a disasterous failure.
Whenever George Bush is around a group of soldiers it is so obvious he cares deeply for them and I think they sense he feels their purpose is noble and to be honored. I was telling my husband last night after we watched the documentary 'Confronting Iraq' that it is beyond my comprehension that 50 million people have been set free from tyrants. What an awesome gift of hope our soldiers with the help of the Lord have given so many! All in 3 yrs!
The fact our president and decision makers pray before making a move gives me so much peace of mind. John Kerry as president would take away the peace I have now because it would be flawed men making policy absent God's guidance. I have had fear during this election cycle, then I would pray and feel God was in control and that means greater things than I can even dream are possible.
This soldier has lifted my spirits and I wish it could be the other way around. For those of us that understand the road ahead must be met head on and with strong purpose, I believe the Lord has given us an almost painful sense of pride in and desire to encourage and support our warriors that are also tirelessly serving thousands that need their help. Captain Arnwine, you are my hero along with all those serving along side you and those who have given their life serving the United States. I loved this post, the letter home, and also the tribute to Marine Sgt. Shane Folmar. . . your willingness to share this blessed me greatly. P.S. I love Texas and Texans!
This young man, Shane Folmar was unique. When I served in the Army (Ranger Class 13-87, thank you) I met several young men just like him. He came from a hard background, a broken home and for a while drifted from living with his father to living with friends. Through it all, he stayed in school, worked hard in the oil field on weekends and the summer, and you could not help but like the kid if you met him.
Young men like him find a home in the military and I have no doubt that had he lived, he would have served our country for a couple of decades at least.
News of his death was recieved here in Sonora (pop. 2300) on a Friday about an hour before the homecoming football game. The next day was the annual high school rodeo and Shane's old paint horse was saddled up and draped in an American flag and lead riderless around the arena by one of his best friends. It was a touching and heartwrenching tribute.
In Sonora we have the Homecoming Tree. An old oak tree in front of the courthuse where a yellow ribbon is put up for every soldier serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. When a soldier comes home, he removes his ribbon. If one of these soldiers is killed, his ribbon is replaced with a white one.
This tradition was started in 1990 during Desert Shield/Desert Storm. I, myself have had a ribbon up there. Shane's ribbon was the first one to ever be replaced with a white one. There are 25 yellow ribbons up on that tree right now. I pray to God that another white ribbon never graces that tree.