June 30, 2005
A Powerful Letter
Over at HughHewitt.com
The grim reality of war hit us in our small office here in Southern California.The helicopter crash that took the lives of 17 of our finest took the life of the boyfriend of one of our co-workers. She knew yesterday that his team was on that helicopter but it was not until this morning that we finally learned that he was with his team when the aircraft went down.
Needless to say, it's been very quiet around here as our thoughts and prayers are with our friend and we continue our work. Obviously, at times like this, work seems very unimportant.
I had the opportunity to meet our coworker's boyfriend and, taking a cue from you, thanked him for his service.
I have found that those I have thanked for their service have always been very humble and almost reluctant to receive the appreciation from a fellow American. This man I met and thanked as no different than any of the others I have met and, for me, will always be a testament of the selflessness and humble professionalism of those who serve to protect our country.
This July 4th will have a different meaning for me and although I don't know how, I'm sure this event will have an effect on me for the rest of my life.
I will never hesitate now to show nothing less han the most heartfelt appreciation to the sacrifice of those who serve and their families because now the true sacrifice of those who die in defense of this country is now far more than the abstract idea it has always been for me.
Dying in defense of your county is now very tangible and very real.
Thanks as always for your continued fight...
Thanks to all who serve. Thanks.