Dear Soldier,

Thank you. Without you, I might not have been given the chance to write this now.

Whether you're a soldier of the past, the present or plan to be one in the future, I would like to say thank you on behalf of us here in America. The daughter of a sailor, I have learned a thing or two about the strength and perseverance it takes to serve our country.

You have given up opportunities and left behind family members to make sure I can fall asleep soundly in my bed each night. I have watched friends suffer the loss of their beloved soldiers and have visited cemeteries time and time again to pray for all of those who sacrificed everything they had.

Soldier, you are somebody's child, somebody's sibling, somebody's aunt or uncle, somebody's wife or husband. They are all proud of what you have done and so am I.

I know it's hard to do what you do, but I couldn't imagine the strength it must take to push through what you see or have seen.

Every breath you have taken while being under the leadership of the military has shown true heroism. You deserve more than a pat on the back. You deserve honor, respect, and love. You deserve a letter reminding you just how important you are to our country. Serving our country is no easy task. It is a big commitment.

I want you to know that I acknowledge what you have been put through to keep me safe. The numerous moving dates, the goodbyes, the PTSD, the loss of a good friend or maybe just a farewell to your pet.

To the soldiers we have lost, thank you for your service.

I can not compare the saddest moments of my life to the amount of grief your family has been through. To the 1.1 million people lost to war, we love you and we will never forget about you. Without you, we would not be standing here enjoying vacations, family gatherings and most important, our freedom.

You are a hero.

I can remember standing at the different monuments in Washington, D.C. as a child honoring all of those who have fallen. My classmates and I gathered around and prayed. This was the one time where people understood and even prayed with you no matter their race, background, or religion.

We grieve for you, soldier. You risked everything you had knowing the consequences. Once again I thank you.

You are a hero. A "hero" is defined as "a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities." Heroes are so much more.

They are those who sign that contract to the military knowing the risk and commitment. I understand depending on your field, your commands and the war you are fighting, you might not even see a day in battle. But we do not define hero based upon the amount of war seen. Once you have signed over your life to keep me safe you are a hero in my book. You are my hero and everyone else's.

Thank you, soldier, for all that you have done. It will never be forgotten.