To America's Mighty Military:
You will never know how grateful I am for each of you … how thankful I am that I have you to watch over me. Words cannot express the gratitude, admiration, and love that I feel in my heart for you. You don’t know me, but I know you. I know that you’re doing more for me than I have the right to expect of anyone. And I know that every single day of your life you make personal sacrifices for my freedom and safety. From my heart to yours ... Thank you.
"America without her soldiers would be like God without His angels" ~ Claudia Pemberton
On March 17, 2011, I had the honor of having an American flag flown just for me over the Second Battalion, Tenth Special Forces Group (Airborne) Special Operations Task Force-Central, Radwaniyah Palace Complex, Baghdad, Iraq. The soldiers of the Tenth Special Forces Group presented this American flag to me and asked that I treasure it, protect it, and never disgrace it. With a humble heart, I will gratefully honor their request.
On July 4, 2011, an American flag was flown in my honor in the face of the enemy over Camp Dwyer in the Helmand province of Afghanistan. The marines and sailors of the Regimental Combat Team 1, Afghanistan, presented this special flag to me. Their unexpected and extraordinary gift touched me beyond words.
For as long as I live, I will proudly cherish both of these American flags and the remarkable men and women who serve, or have served, this beloved country of ours. I love all of you, and I humbly thank you for my freedom.