Give2TheTroops Blog
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Friday, April 13th 2007
19:24 (547 days, 8h, 35min ago)
From the family of SPC Darren Howe
- Name: Greg & JoDee Klaus
- Hometown: Beatrice, NE
- Anything you want to add: Thank you so very much for your time!
Dear Give2TheTroops,
We appreciate everything you are doing for our soldiers. While our son, SPC Darren Howe, was deployed, we finally understood what support a soldier really needs. He not only has physical requirements, but he needs emotional support. To know that people believe in him, believe in what he is doing, and want him back. To know that you are missed is to know that you are valued. To know that you are thought of daily is to know you are wanted. To know that people believe in you is to know you are doing good.
There are far too many people that do not realize the severity of this war and the utmost need of it. The number of soldiers lost is recounted like dominoes that have fallen. They have names; they have faces; they have families that miss them. We can compute the number of lives lost daily to automobile accidents, heart attacks, murders, and other life taking events. But, loosing a soldier is not due to a health issue, accident, or act of domestic violence. A soldier is lost because they chose to act on the behalf of our nation; to fight for every American to ensure we wake up with freedom in our lives and go to sleep with a blanket of protection. It was an active choice of our soldiers to stand in harm's way.
Many civilians with no ties to the military just don't understand the recipe of our lives. The hope we hold, the depression we feel, the anxiety that fills our minds, and the love the unlimes everything. They have never felt the fires that we've been in.
Like your Board members and volunteers, I, too, want America to wake up and see the truth of what our soldiers are doing every day while our country sleeps, drives to work or school, plays in the back yard, and thinks the news reports are just another movie. When we stand divided in Congress or on the street regarding this war, our soldiers feel that lack of support; the worry of 'should I really be here'. Instead we should stand as one and support them through every minute of their service to our country.
The other thing our country just doesn't understand: when Darren passed away, the life insurance money went to his kids. It was meant to go there. I would not have it any other way. Some people look at Darren's wife and think she 'won the lottery' or that we 'have it made'. That couldn't be further from the truth!
You can read more about our son, SPC Darren Howe, at the website I set up in his memory: http://www.darrenhowe.com
I would be honored to receive a copy of your song, if at all possible. His mother holds all things most dear these days. If there is any cost involved, please contact me.
Thank you so very much for your time!
Greg & JoDee Klaus
Beatrice, NE
Thank you again for everything! May God continue to watch over our protectors and bring them home safe.
5 Comments.
Posted by Andi Grant:
I am heartbroken to read your email. I am so truly sorry. Please know that Darren son was one of America's finest heroes. He chose to be in the Army and that is an incredibly noble deed. Our military have our utmost respect for the selfless acts they perform and Darren's ultimate sacrfice will not be forgotten.
I am a Marine wife. I make it a point to teach others about our heroes and to explain to them that they are all real people with real families. That was why I founded this organization. To spread the word of how truly wonderful and selfless they are and that all should be thanked and appreciated.
Sometimes when I speak to a Gold Star wife of a Gold Star parent, I end up crying because after 5 years, I have met too many families affected by OIF or OEF. This is a very passionate cause for me and for all of us on my Board.
My husband is supposed to be going back to Iraq for another 1-year deployment in an extremely dangerous area. I have my faith and a wonderful Gift from God: our organization. It is G2TT who will allow me to lean on them when I feel too weak to carry on. I didn't have that the first time Brian deployed and I know that all the families out there who I have helped will be there for me, too.
I will email you my home telephone number and please feel free to call at any time. I will get the CD sent to you - just email me your home address.
Our hearts and prayers are with you and yours.
Love,
Andi
Posted by joe Garrett:
Without them there would be no America. We here at home can only imagine the horrors they endure. I do not appreciate politicians who sit on their most important part and utter ignorant words disparaging our troops efforts. Especially those who have never served in any of the forces or those who award themselves medals because they once read about a war.
Please remember that your son lives in the heart of all of us who only watch this war because of age and infirmities and who hold the solders, sailors and marines of todays military in the highest regard. Our country was never in better hands than those who serve today. We thank you for you son’s service and sacrifice and believe me the insurance is in no way compensation for the loss of a son, husband, father and patriot.
Posted by Carol Kana:
As a volunteer at Give2TheTroops, there is not a day that goes by that I do not try to tell someone about this supportive loving organization. There is a special bond between the volunteers
working together to help the troops.What a wonderful way to help others feel a little love from home. It is a privilege to work with such wonderful people in aiding the ones who are keeping us free. God bless you and your family.
Posted by Susan Dawid:
Our deepest sympathy...there truly are no words.
We are PROUD of your Son and his sacrifice for the good of others. He is a true HERO! Our son is a Marine currently deployed and we can only imagine your sadness. May your precious memories of Darren bring you comfort and those around you bring you strength! God bless you and the America Darren fought for!!!
Love,
Leigh and Susan Dawid
Posted by Resa:
What words can express the gratitude for a gift so freely given for me? My grieving heart quakes at the thought of what each soldier's family and friends must face each day of separation from their loved one. Although anything I could give in return would be as nothing, I will offer respect, honor, gratitude, and love to each of these heroes who are serving or have served this country of the free and the brave. Never will we allow a day to pass without giving thanks and praying for the safety of America's heroes.
As I pray for those who continue to battle in far off lands, I also will pray for their families whose needs at times must seem overwhelming.
Thank you for sharing your family with our country. Your lives are not taken lightly by many in our town. We are grateful to you, the families and loved ones, and especially our troops.
May God give you comfort and peace in this difficult time.
You will be in our prayers.
Resa
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