A note from my Dad, thought I'd share

[mikepmcs]

I emailed him yesterday to tell him that I'm almost done with my 20 years in the military and this was his reply.  He was Air Force, about 32 years total service.
My family and I have never been close and rarely keep in touch, but I thought this was nice.

Hi Son,

Your Mom and I are very proud of you and what you've done and the man you've become.  You have more memories of things done than most guys your age.  And you can look back and remember the really important things and the crazy things too.  Most of which you'll never be able to tell anybody, many of them you wouldn't want to.  Most of all the friends you made; those you'll keep in touch with and those you won't.  In coming years you'll wonder where they are and how they are doing.  There is no more noble effort than to serve your Country.    I have two sayings on my wall:

"For those who have served and nearly died for their Service, Freedom has a special meaning the protected will never know." 

"Those who have never had to Serve and Fight for their Country, will never know with what ease they accept their citizenship"

For those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve that Freedom we enjoy,  we can only thank them and ask God to be merciful to them.  This is a wonderful Country Mike, and with all its faults, it's still one of the best God ever put on the face of this earth and the main reason that it stays that way is that there are still young people like you who are willing to Serve to protect it.  Always be very proud of your Service.  There are always going to be factions out there who will not respect your service, but always be proud of it. 

There are always some things you look back on a wish you had done something differently, but you'll forget those quickly.  I wouldn't have done anything differently either, and yes, It was some ride.   

Between us we helped keep this country safe for over 51 years.  Ain't bad.   I'd sure like to see at least 10 years of peace in our life time.  We've never had that in our lives and it sure does get tiring.  The world is a dangerous place and it ain't getting any safer. 

Well I'm off to the puzzle palace, got a meeting at Ft. Belvoir this morning.  Seems like all I do is meetings.......getting toward that time to retire....I guess......you stay safe and keep smilin'.........as Dad use to say" Keep the Faith"......Love ya, dad

[PocketThunder]

Good Job!    I was never in the service, but my little brother is and he goes to Iraq in 4 months.....

[skip68]

  That was really cool Mike. I don't know what it is you do other than you do it for our country. My family is proud of all you guys and thank's you and everyone that serves our country. God bless, Chuck.........

[tan top]

 

[TruckDriver]

[TeeWJay426]

Thank you for your service, and the same to your Dad as well. 

[Charger_Fan]

That's pretty cool.

None of my immediate family before me had been in the service & as a dumb teenager, the last thing I wanted to do was join. However, at this stage of my life, I find myself wishing I had done things a little differently & had joined. I'll always greatly respect those of you that have served our country, you're all top notch in my book!

[pettyfan43]

Mike, THANK YOU for what you do and what you have done, Thank your dad for us as well.

God bless both you guys.

I salute both of you.

[Mean 318]

 

[mikepmcs]

Thank you all for the kind words and I will definitely pass on the sentiment to my Father as well the next time we talk.

v/r
Mike

[firefighter3931]

Mike, THANK YOU for what you do and what you have done, Thank your dad for us as well.

God bless both you guys.

I salute both of you.

Well said ! 



Ron

[4cruzin]

Nice letter and good job!!  Keep at it!   

[Wheels of Terror]

That's pretty cool.

None of my immediate family before me had been in the service & as a dumb teenager, the last thing I wanted to do was join. However, at this stage of my life, I find myself wishing I had done things a little differently & had joined. I'll always greatly respect those of you that have served our country, you're all top notch in my book!

Exactly!!!!! THANK YOU for your service and bravery!!!!!!

[bull]

You're very lucky. A lot of guys would love to have a dad like that but sadly it seems most guys don't.

[hemi68charger]

Mike,
Thanks for sharing that inspirational letter from your father......... Thank you for your service..  Your Dad's words ring ever so loudly in me. That is one of the reasons I press on with my military career inlew of all the sacrifices I've had/have and will have to make... Those quotes your Dad reflected are ever so true to a large majority of people across the world, but they know not........

Again, thanks for sharing and God Bless you and your family.......... Who knows, maybe some day, you'll be writing such a note to your child.........


Cheers,
Troy

[Heck2G14]

THANK YOU MIKE!! and all servicemen for your services.  God bless

[mikepmcs]

Thanks again to all of you.  Those kind words really mean a lot to me.
My last day will be Wednesday the 28th of Feb.  I go on leave and not to return.  Like I said it's been a great ride but now it's time to make room for others.

v/r
Mike

[hemi68charger]

Thanks again to all of you.  Those kind words really mean a lot to me.
My last day will be Wednesday the 28th of Feb.  I go on leave and not to return.  Like I said it's been a great ride but now it's time to make room for others.

v/r
Mike

Ahhhhhhhhh, the ole' terminal leave............   

Ain't that the truth........ 2 more years for me !!!!!  Come on young guns......................