Thank you…NO, thank you!

Today as I was leaving post (Ft. Carson, CO) after an extremely frustrating test on European History, I saw a man sitting alone with a sign that simply said “Thank You.” Now coming from a former resident of Leftwingville, WA (Tacoma, Olympia, Wasington) this is a huge deal. I used to see massive numbers of war protesters on every overpass between Olympia, through Ft. Lewis and into Tacoma. They had their signs held high and their outside voices turned up twice the legal limit. Many times there were support the soldier rallies, but the anti-war people were ALWAYS there.

Back to today…This man had on a t-shirt that simply said, “Thank You” and held his sign. He sat all alone so everyone leaving post from that gate could see him. I wanted to stop and say thank you, but had already passed and I was still pondering the whole situation. I wondered what motivates a man to sit out in the hot sun at 1:30 in the afternoon saying thank you? I immediately called my photographer friend, Angie, (www.davisfamilylife.blogspot.com) and “suggested” she go take some pics and see what his story was. I am photo challenged, but know a good picture when I see one. So she did, Hooray for her! These are just two of her captivating photos. She said his son was a chaplain and his daughter was a contractor currently in Iraq. This man deserves OUR thanks for raising at least two unselfish children who are trying to help right wrongs. I appreciate chaplains for their devotion to the soldier. Rarely are they there to gain training or experience, but they minister to the needs of soldiers and their families. Contractors are making great money, but at such great cost. They are helping reestablish an infrastructure that could help the people of Iraq become self-sustaining, hopefully sooner than later. I can’t wait to see the picture she took and hopefully she’ll let me post it here.

To that man, the lone sentinel, I say thank you, thank you for understanding soldiers and their families need to know someone supports us. I do not agree with every aspect of this war, actually I do not agree with most aspects of this war. However, I am married to a soldier who has been there and done that multiple times and I understand those people need our help right now. So to all of our military, their families and the supporters, “Thank you!”

**Photo Credit to Angie Davis of www.angiedavisphotography.com