As I sit here this Veteran's day I wondered what I could do to help you.  I am just one person, but a letter to the Senator of our state is the only thing I could think of at the moment.  Maybe it will help to get the word out.  I pray for you and your family, and all the families of those that have lost loved ones.  They have made the ultimate sacrifice and please know that you are in our prayers and we applaud what you are doing.  Your son is very proud I am sure.

Below is a copy of the letter I wrote to Senator McCain.  Arizona's Senator.

Senator McCain,

As the wife of an 11th Signal Brigade soldier deployed in support of Iraqi Freedom, and HHC 11th Signal Brigade's FRG Leader, I would like to say Thank You for your continued support of our troops.  You of all people are aware of how important it is for our Nation's leaders to support our troops while our troops are in foreign countries defending not just our freedom, but other's freedom as well.  Other's who are not as fortunate as us.  Other's who do not have the means to defend their rights and freedom.
 
I pray every day that my husband and his fellow soldiers do not have to make the ultimate sacrifice for that freedom.  The following website honoring one of the nations fallen heroes was sent to me by my husband just this morning.  I am sending it on to you because I thought you would like to see what one father is doing to try and bring this message to each and every one of us.  He is attempting to do a near impossible thing and build a memorial in every town that has lost a soldier.  I applauded his efforts and pray that he is able to accomplish his dream.  Maybe, just maybe if enough people hear about this then he will be able to accomplish this  huge task.  And then maybe the people trying to get elected by bashing our President and asking why we are in Iraq and why are we not out yet, will get the message.  We are there......we will stay until the Iraqi people will be able to live without the fear of terror just as we the American people do.  We will stay in Afghanistan until they too can live without the terror of the Taliban or anyone else that might want to do them harm. 

Senator McCain, I miss my husband terribly.  In the past 25 months, my husband has been gone 19 1/2 months.  More than half of two years.  But you will not hear me whine and complain about what we are doing in Iraq.  Our president has decided that we need to help the people of Iraq, and he has chosen my husband and his fellow soldiers to help in that effort.  What an honor! I will not whine that he is gone, I will be proud of my husband and his soldiers, and all of the soldiers that are called upon to do this duty.  I wish no soldier had to die for his/her country or that of a Nation needing our help.  I pray for them and their families every night.   But I know they are doing important duty and we as a Nation are very proud of them.

Below is the address of the website I spoke about earlier.  I hope this father is able to accomplish his goal.  I know I will be rooting for him.  None of our soldiers should be forgotten and this is a good way to make sure they are not. 

Sincerely,

                                                Tracie West
                                                wife of 1SG William H. West

I just want to say THANK YOU to you all for what you are doing.  It is a great thing!  My heart goes out to every person who has lost a loved one in any service to their country, and I am so very Proud of all that choose to serve this great Nation and the world in the fight for freedom and safety for all.  It will be a great day when Peace is the norm!  God Bless you all and our Nation, it's leaders and every military member and their families and allies!  A Proud Navy Mom since 1992.
 

Mr.Garvey,  I just looked at your website and read your story. We are the parents of a Marine Infantry Officer and have organized a patriotic group in our small community north of Tampa, Florida to send encouraging letters and care packages to those service members in Iraq who receive little mail. It has become a full time job for me..not a paying one ... but does pay HUGE benefits in the letters we receive from soldiers.  THANK YOU for your son's service. Your idea is wonderful. We believe he was a hero and should continue to be honored. You are a hero also and we will keep you in our prayers. You raised a wonderful son -- America's finest.

                                                           Barbara Mueller