Dear Soldier,
Maybe I know you, but chances are I don't. Don't blame me! There are over a million members of the United States Military! Even if I don't know you, you are someone's friend, brother, sister, daughter, father, aunt, or neighbor. You are so much more than just a soldier, but the title of "soldier" is another label that sometimes is the biggest part of what makes you, you.
I personally cannot imagine what you deal with. I hear about men and women who have served, who come and suffer from homelessness, or PTSD. I watch videos about soldiers learning to walk again after a run in with a roadside bomb. Soldiers currently serving face criticism from the very people they are defending. I can't understand, but I have a few things I want you to know.
I pray for you. I pray for your safety. That you complete your mission and return home safely. I pray that when you return that the things you have seen don't haunt you. I pray for your friends and family. I pray God grants them the peace of mind while you are away. I hope God gives them brave hearts to deal with all the trials that come with loving a military member. I pray for their happiness of you coming home.
I am proud of you. The decision to serve our country is not an easy one and I admire you for committing to our nation. When I see videos of soldiers returning home, my heart swells with pride. Pride, because I can see how much serving cost you. You spent months away from your friends and your family. I am proud of how strong you are. You kept pushing forward, no matter the situation, no matter the cost.
I am extremely grateful for you. I know that the United States is the home of the free BECAUSE of the Brave. You are the brave, and I am so, so thankful for everything you have sacrificed to protect our country. Despite the political debates and unrest in the nation, we can rest assured that you are on the front-line or on a base or at basic training to make sure Americans sleep soundly at night.
You fight as a member of the United States Military to ensure the rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That alone makes me extremely proud and even more thankful for each and every one of you. I hope you are safe and well, and that you will return home soon.
Love,
An American
