I wasn't really sure what to do for review 200, but then it all became clear.
Regardless of your political viewpoint, the fact remains that our men and women are overseas serving our country. For that sacrifice, I wanted to make a small contribution to say "thanks". What started out in 2004 as a couple of care packages here and there, turned into a full-force effort. I got many folks involved. Co-workers, friends, family. We sent phone calling cards, snacks, baby wipes (that sand is brutal, man!). One guy in the unit, PFC Chris Brown, was my contact and I sent many packages for him to distribute amongst the soldiers. He wrote back to me many times and always expressed extreme gratitude. Then one day, I stopped getting emails from him.
In a way, I was so invested in this kid that I didn't want to know what happened to him. It was almost better to wonder than to know for sure. I knew so much about him and his fellow soldiers. They were from all over. They were somebody's brother, sister, son, daughter. They were just kids. When I stopped hearing from Chris, I just hoped that he went home to finish college. I couldn't bear to think that anything bad happened to him.
Today, I got this email:
"It has been several years since our last email. I do want to thank you again for your care packages while I was stationed in Iraq. I am quite surprised that you remember me still. I returned home in mid 2005 and since have graduated from college, got married and am currently starting my second year of chiropractic school. I injured my back while in Iraq and hence decided to pursue holistic medicine. My goal is to work with athletes, soldiers and veterans by producing less invasive medical treatment.
I was and am still so thankful that we have people like you that care and support the troops. You are an amazing American and it makes me proud to be a soldier serving you!!! - Chris Brown"
If your eyes are dry, then you are dead inside. And I don't care to know you. read more