A Final Note from the Al Anbar Province

Safe travels Lt. Thanks again go to you and your buds for everything you have endured and sacrificed while serving our country. Let me be one of the first to say Welcome Home, with love from America.

May clear skies and fair winds wisk you safely home...God's speed.

Can there be any sweeter words than these, "A Final Note from the Al Anbar Province"? You saw the nation's need, heard the call and you followed the demands of duty. I have always appreciated the quotes you have allied with your own words at the end of many posts. Let me offer you one now, "I therefore believe it is my duty to my Country to love it; to support its Constitution; to obey its laws; to respect its flag, and to defend it against all enemies." -Willian Tyler Page. This you have done and done well.

What I most admire about you is that honor and duty are intrinsic to your nature. In "Why I Am Here", you said, "I’m in Iraq because I raised my hand and swore to defend my country against all enemies foreign and domestic. I’m here because I believe, odd as it may sound to those who have never served in the military or fought in a combat zone, that service to one’s country is an important part of being a citizen of that country. I ask you what nobler way to serve than to join the military and agree to go wherever they send you to defend against those who would harm your family and your neighbor?" You use the word, "honor" in other posts and you have lived it. Would that all America's sons and daughters were imbued with all that this ancient word entails.

Now you are coming home. Thank-you for your service on behalf of the greatest nation on earth.

May God bless your path: shed light and opportunity and fulfillment of the desires of your heart on the days, weeks and years ahead.

Safe journey Lieutenant K. I pray that your wife and children will soon be with you, arms wide open. Life changes each day and it's how we decide to approach that change that determines whether we will be happy. I will pray for you, your marriage and your children. God speed.

So glad to hear you're coming home. Get here safely. Best of everything to you, LT. Can't wait to read more.

Capt., your inspiring sense of duty, honor, and courage have intrigued me from the first time I read your posts. I place you next to Michael Yon for your writing abilities and your strict adherence to the truth. You both have given the American Soldier a "soul" in the eyes of many Americans who were unable to see it before. That has been no easy feat!

May God grant you peace and contentment. May you be allowed to hold onto that soul you have presented as you now continue your journey in the private sector where too often the soul is bought or completely ignored.

Don't let anyone take that away from you. Continue to be true to yourself and the truths you see.