I have a short story for you now that I'd like for you to read when you get a moment.  

Last Thursday afternoon, on my way home from a "Welcome Home" ceremony for our troops, I stopped by a local monument I hadn't been to for a while.  I had promised myself to do this once the winter was over, and since the ceremony let out early, I went to the memorial park.
 
I spent nearly 2 hours there (at the Iwo Jima National Monument in Newington, CT) by myself, contemplating and reading all the inscriptions on the monument and bricks. It was a sunny afternoon and tears flowed down my cheeks as I read the names of so many lost at that battle.
 
The monument is right below a highway - you can see the enormous statue from the highway and I pass it every day on my way to work (and also our volunteer center).
 
As I sat there and walked around, I saw cars speeding by above me - on their way to "somewhere important."  They were going to work, coming home, joining a friend for lunch, or just doing their errands.  In my mind, the cars were full of people who were "doing their own thing" oblivious to the statue.
 
The park has several trees and a few songbirds above me chirped happily as if to thank me for visiting.  I was the only one in those 2 hours who took time that beautiful afternoon to come to that park.  It was all mine and I was able to say thank you - alone - by myself. If anyone saw me, they didn't stop. And at first it bothered me.  But then I got to thinking that our troops want our lives to go on and our country to keep on ticking.  The people racing by in their cars were doing just what was expected - living their lives.  So why be upset? It was a sobering moment for me. I didn't go to the park because there was a ceremony or because I wanted people to see me.  I wanted to stop my daily routine and remember who sacrified their lives for me.  I guess I wanted to see more people there with me. 
 
I read on the monument that the statue contains real sand from the island of Iwo Jima, which was mixed into the cement of its base and that real rocks from Iwo Jima were also used where the 4 Marines and Navy Corpsman held the flag (or the re-enactment for the photographer, anyway.)
 
I felt like I was at a very sacred park, and that I was priviledged to be there, in the sun, with the birds chirping over me. 
 
I was all dressed up in a skirt, high heels and stockings which I had worn to the welcome home ceremony and briefing for our 1/102nd Infantry (CT ARNG who were in Afghanistan for 16 months.)

If a driver in one of those cars did see me, they might have thought I was at a gravesite - I must have looked out of place, but I didn't mind. The cars kept whizzing by me - oblivious to me and the monument.  It gave me time to reflect on what these troops back in 1945 gave up for me - for you - and for all of us, and to remember what is truly important in life.
 
As I was leaving the memorial park, I saw a small metal lock box next to a glass display case containing brochures and post cards of the monument.  The sign asked for a $1.00 donation for 3 postcards.  I took a post card and left a check (for a larger amount than one dollar) from my family.  Places like that should be ALL over America, serving as constant reminders.  I am aware that they need money to maintain such sites, so in my eyes, $1.00 is simply not enough.
 
I consider part of my role at Give2TheTroops (and my job with ESGR) to encompass educating civilians about our military and sending our appreciation to our troops.  My son has learned this from me as I am encouraging him to join the military so he can get into a JAG unit.  He wants to be a lawyer and hell, what better way than to do it through the military?
 
By helping our troops and organizations which support our troops, I carry on with my mission. 
 
I am sure my little story may have bored you.  I don't have combat stories or military buddy stories to tell. I only can share with you my reflections as a very grateful citizen of this wonderful country.
 
Therefore, I feel compelled to say this to our troops (both active and retired), our veterans, our POWs and our KIAs: THANK YOU for your service to the USA and thank you to your families who support what you do and make their own sacrifices while you are away doing what you love and answering the call to duty.

Love,
Andi 

What a wonderful way to spend some time and reflect on what really matters. Sometimes when things get too hectic and stressful, it is nice to go to a peaceful place and privately thanks those who have helped to keep us free.

You truly amaze me in more ways than one. I feel so fortunate to have crossed your path, you have been an inspiration to me and so many others. You've touched the lives of countless service members around the world and there is no way for us to show you the gratitude which you truly deserve. I sat here today and read your story and right now I feel as if I was standing right there with you listening to the birds singing and watching the cars go by.

While in Iraq I saw the world through your eyes and you kept me grounded on a daily basis so that I knew that there was someone who really and truly cared about all of us on the front lines willing to give their lives in the name of freedom.

If I could I would make you the President and give you the keys to the world because I don't think there is another person alive who cares as much as you. You sacrifice on a daily basis so that the lives of our troops can be made better. I hold you and your organization in the highest regards because you are not looking for publicity or recognition, you only want to take care of our men and women in uniform and be there for them in their time of need. There are so many service members overseas who have families that won't even spend a couple of minutes each week to send a kind word or a note of encouragement yet they will show up when the service member returns and greet him with a smile on their faces spouting how much they missed him and love him. If they really loved him and missed him then they would have taken time out of their busy schedule to show a little support in the service member's time of need.

I watched your organization support a number of units and numerous Marines without fail, being there for them when they had no one else. The love and support that you and your organization showed these service members will never be forgotten. This will be the legacy that you will leave behind and will never be forgotten.

It is hard for me to articulate just how much you have meant to me and countless other service members around the world. You should be raised up and put on a pedestal because when God made you he truly made someone special. I don't think I will see anyone of your caliber again within my lifetime but if that be the case I am fine with that because I have had the opportunity to know you. For all that you and your organization does for me and all the troops both at home and abroad I would like to truly thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I write this letter with a very heavy heart because I have seen first hand what you and your organization does and I was one of the service members on the front lines who probably wouldn't have made it without your love and support.

There is a special place in my heart for you and Give 2 The Troops. I will never forget you and I am sure there are millions of people out there who feel the same way but unfortunately haven't taken the time to say Thank You.

I have to close now because my eyes are filling with water and my heart is getting heavy. I know that you are on a mission and you won't stop until every service member has returned safely to their home and their loved ones.

I only wish that the large companies and organizations out there could see how much you do with so little. It was the little things that you did that meant so much to me and all of the other service members. My prayer is that one day you are blessed to received the thanks and recognition which you so richly deserve and I would love to see you receive an all expense paid vacation for you and your family so that you will have time to recharge your batteries and take a moment to enjoy life. That would be just a small token of our appreciation but we all know that you deserve so much more. Have a wonderful day and please keep in contact. I miss you and your family, I feel a special connection which will never be broken. Take care of yourself and I hope to see you soon.

MSgt. DB
U.S. Marine Corps
Camp Lejeune

Andi,

Your words never cease to amaze me!!! What an incredible reflection on what occurs "outside" of our sheltered world everyday. It is because of the brave men and women on the front line that we are able to enjoy the freedoms that we do and live our lives in the "shelter" of not realizing what is occurring in other parts of this not so kind world.

Thank you for taking the time to "ground" us all and causing us to do something we don't do enough...reflect on why we are so fortunate to live in a society where men and women step forward to defend our way of life.

Take care, we send our love, and Semper Fi!!!

I loved your story...you really should have this published in a national magazine.
Love,
Sally
:)

I really liked reading this and knowing that the good people back at home care about us. Thank you for getting the word out and keeping the torch burning for us soldiers.

Your story was beautiful. Just reading it and the comments left has humbled me as well. I am so grateful and so thankful for all of our troops. While I will never know them in the sense of knowing their favorite color or favorite food, I am connected to them all. I am here typing this message in the safety of my own home because they have and will continue to fight for my freedom. I will always be thankful and remember those who have fought for this great country and those who have helped keep the message of our troops alive.

As we head into this Memorial Day weekend, I cannot help but join with Andi Grant, President of Give 2 the Troops to reflect on the great men and women who have given their lives for us to enjoy freedom every day. I would also like to add something to her thoughts, that amaze me and make me proud to be an American and part of the Give 2 the Troops Organization.




Last weekend the “Washington State Branch” of Give 2 The Troops held a fund raiser at Wal Mart, we asked for donations to help us buy items that the troops request and to pay for postage. We were there talking with people about our great young men and women and the joy it is for us to be able to send them things they need or might enjoy. Two young men came up to our table like long lost friends, and started sharing with our Grandmother volunteers and the Director, Pete Cassell about the great packages they received from the Washington State Branch of Give 2 the Troops, they said “We know all about you”, they spoke of the packages they had received from our Branch and how much it had meant to them while far from home. By this time the two Grandmother's were wiping away the tears. The Grandmothers are sisters and last year one had a Grandson in Iraq, and the other one was his Aunt. They were so impressed with how polite these young kids were and how grateful they were for the packages they had received. They seemed surprised to see us there fund raising. They immediately started digging in their pockets and stuffing all the bills they had into our donation cans. (WOW) they wanted to help their fellow troops still in Iraq have a little something from home. It amazes me every time this happens to us, and this experience has happened to us before.




These kids are so great, the men and women of the past who defended this great nation have given so much, some their lives, but they would be so proud of our fantastic young men and women that have and do serve in our Armed Forces.




T

Hey, Im still supporting the cause & loved your blog on the Iwo Jima
site. God Bless you! Please keep in touch.
thks for all you do,Ang

The one thing more precious than time off or mail for troops is knowing that there are folks back home supporting the Armed Forced deployed and the veterans back home. A moment of reflection is good for the soul as some would say. Here in Afghanistan, we have lots of moments. One comment was that the world was seen through Andi's eye's. This is true for all the Soldiers who Give2TheTroops and Andi supports. Andi is probably one of the most thoughtful persons I have met. My Soldiers and myself just want to say thanks Andi. My only wish is that I had more to give you!

Your story was tearful but with happiness! I sometimes find my self going by the Veteran Memorials and think where would we be without them? I had a chance to visit Pearl Harbor a couple years ago. It hurt to hear some of the people talking and carry on inside the monument. When the Military Personnel had to come in several times asking them to quite down! From a family with several members of all branches of the military, deceased and living, it is hard to see some of the now generation not seeing or taking in those areas with PRIDE! They are SACRED grounds and should be cared for and treated with the upmost respect! I didn't know about your G2TT organization until last night, when my daughter asked if I could help her get items together this week for her to go to Greenville, NC to help with. She is very head strong about supporting the military, NO MATTER how you feel - you support those men and women who are givng up their lives for our freedom! I remember once while she was in school during the Gulf War, helping me package care boxes for my brother. She made me very proud of her last night, and I know that when she sets her mind to something, she gives it her all.

THANKS! and Thanks to Barbara in Greenville for responding back to her. God Bless you all!

Yes, THANK YOU to all our military, and thank YOU for this site. May God Bless you and our troops and keep you safe and secure from the evil that is in this world.

WE all really appreciate everything you've done for us here in Iraq. So fromall of us to you - THANK YOU!

I started packing with Andi when I learned my own son was going to be deployed to Afghanistan. It was at G2TT that I learned there was never enough that can be done for our soldiers. I am now a trained military counselor seeing veterans and families. I knit afghans to send to military hospitals for our wounded soldiers to know that people care in their darkest hours. I pray for Andi and her family for being beacons in a world that has lost their way. Her son is a tribute to Brian and Andi's dedication since most teen guy's would not spend so much of their time playing assistant CEO of a volunteer organization.
o:)o:)o:)