Dear Military Men and Women,

Boot Straps tightened, pants creased, passion filled eyes. I hope this describes some of you when you wake up around four in the morning to start your day. You don't always want to, but I know there's a price you pay when you join the military. I have four words for all of the men and women who risk their lives just so I am able to write this very story:

I'm proud of you.

You may be there because of family legacy, the second or third generation to take a stand against injustice. I would also salute you even more if you are part of this nations military by pure volunteering. You are giving up time with your friends, family and other previous obligations, to go out and fight so your family and the rest of the world can wake up knowing that their country is in good hands. You guys are heroes. At least to me you are.

I can't even imagine the amount of courage it took for you to stand in front of the general, take the oath and be drafted into the Air Force, Army, Marines, and Navy. I personally wouldn't be able to do that.

Despite everything that the press has been saying about the military, I think you guys are doing a phenomenal job. I'm sure there are days where you just want to go home, but the perseverance that is in each and every one of you is something to be proud of.

Civilians definitely take things for granted. You guys don't have a choice. You are restricted on when you're able to come home, the jobs you have to finish for the day, the hour you have to get up, even the bed you have to sleep on each day. If you get sent overseas, you have to go. You have to give up everything except for your name in order to fulfill your duties.

There are the unfortunate circumstances where you have to watch your comrade meet death in the face. It's never planned, but the feeling you have when you lose your comrade and friend is unimaginable. The amount of strength you have in order to get through that and carry on like nothing happened is unreal. You are not alone. You are strong and mighty thanks to the one ruler of the world you hasn't led you astray. trust in him and he will make the burden light. You have so many of us that love and support every decision that you made and will make in the future. We can't wait for you to be able to come home, so we can wrap our arms around you and know that you won't have to go back.

For those who lost their lives, we salute the valiant effort you made for your country. For those who are veterans, we thank you for staring death in the face and bringing freedom to our land. For those still fighting, we are your biggest fans.

Sincerely,

A Sister of a Former Air Force Airman.