Fort Bliss Monitor

Troop Talk

There are 130,000 service men and women still serving our country, helping to keep the peace in Iraq – a number of them in more than 120 countries around the globe. They need to know that they and their families are appreciated for their service and sacrifice in the defense of freedom.

Deployments from Fort Bliss continue and each week approximately 200 - 300 Soldiers leave to support Operation Iraqi Freedom. Fort Bliss just received an additional 3,000 Soldiers to train up for deployment. We are still an “Army at War” against terrorism and tyranny.

This letter was recently forwarded to me and with the writer’s permission, I want to share this heartwarming letter with all of our men and women who are now serving in harm’s way and also with those preparing to deploy. This patriotic citizen has a message that will make everyone proud of the uniform they wear and the country they serve. The letter written July 4th reads:

Dear Armed Forces,

There are no written words that can explain one’s heart at a time like this. The sacrifices you are making are not only for the Iraqi people but also for all humanity. I believe what you are doing will continue to allow my family and myself to enjoy the freedoms of the United States. No matter the job, you are laying the foundation for the future of the world to build upon.

There may be differing opinions on this war, there always will be. However there is no division of the significance of your mission. You, the American Soldier, are providing hope, strength and a vision for the young and old. I am in awe of each of you.

Only a few are allowed the opportunity to make a global difference. Only a few can command the respect and presence with the mere sight of a uniform. Only a few can be called heroes.

One Thanksgiving I was talking with my immigrant father-in law. He is a faithful religious man so I asked him on this special day “What you are thankful for.” I did not expect his response. He said, “ This country, my God and my family.” I had anticipated that God would be first. He is very wise and gives me the following answer when questioned about the order. “If it was not for this country I could not worship my God or enjoy my family as free as I do now.”

Thank you for yesterday, thank you for today and thank you for the hope of tomorrow. The American Soldier is on the front line tonight and I do sleep in peace. May God protect and guide you.

Signed/PD

This letter really says it all and my message to all of you is, “Be fit, disciplined and live the Warrior Ethos every day. Thanks for being a Soldier, civilian or family member in support of this great nation.”

Maj. Gen. Michael A. Vane
Fort Bliss Commanding General



www.bliss.army.mil	Published for the Fort Bliss/El Paso, Texas Community	July 15, 2004

	Troop Talk There are 130,000 service men and women still serving our country, helping to keep the peace in Iraq – a number of them in more than 120 countries around the globe. They need to know that they and their families are appreciated for their service and sacrifice in the defense of freedom. Deployments from Fort Bliss continue and each week approximately 200 - 300 Soldiers leave to support Operation Iraqi Freedom. Fort Bliss just received an additional 3,000 Soldiers to train up for deployment. We are still an “Army at War” against terrorism and tyranny. This letter was recently forwarded to me and with the writer’s permission, I want to share this heartwarming letter with all of our men and women who are now serving in harm’s way and also with those preparing to deploy. This patriotic citizen has a message that will make everyone proud of the uniform they wear and the country they serve. The letter written July 4th reads: Dear Armed Forces, There are no written words that can explain one’s heart at a time like this. The sacrifices you are making are not only for the Iraqi people but also for all humanity. I believe what you are doing will continue to allow my family and myself to enjoy the freedoms of the United States. No matter the job, you are laying the foundation for the future of the world to build upon. There may be differing opinions on this war, there always will be. However there is no division of the significance of your mission. You, the American Soldier, are providing hope, strength and a vision for the young and old. I am in awe of each of you. Only a few are allowed the opportunity to make a global difference. Only a few can command the respect and presence with the mere sight of a uniform. Only a few can be called heroes. One Thanksgiving I was talking with my immigrant father-in law. He is a faithful religious man so I asked him on this special day “What you are thankful for.” I did not expect his response. He said, “ This country, my God and my family.” I had anticipated that God would be first. He is very wise and gives me the following answer when questioned about the order. “If it was not for this country I could not worship my God or enjoy my family as free as I do now.” Thank you for yesterday, thank you for today and thank you for the hope of tomorrow. The American Soldier is on the front line tonight and I do sleep in peace. May God protect and guide you. Signed/PD This letter really says it all and my message to all of you is, “Be fit, disciplined and live the Warrior Ethos every day. Thanks for being a Soldier, civilian or family member in support of this great nation.” Maj. Gen. Michael A. Vane Fort Bliss Commanding General