long, but great story?

Question

The daughter of a Soldier Last week I was in Atlanta, Georgia attending a conference. While I was in the airport, returning home, I heard several people behind me beginning to clap and cheer. I immediately turned around and witnessed one of the greatest act's of patriotism I have ever seen. Moving thru the terminal was a group of soldiers in their camo's, as they began heading to their gate everyone (well almost everyone) was abruptly to their feet with their hands waving and cheering. When I saw the soldiers, probably 30-40 of them, being applauded and cheered for it hit me. I'm not alone. I'm not the only red blooded American who still loves this country and supports our troops and their families. Of course I immediately stopped and began clapping for these young unsung heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for us so we can go to school,

work and home without fear or reprisal. Just when I thought I could not be more proud of my country or of our service men and women a young girl, not more than 6 years old, ran up to one of the male soldiers. He kneeled down and said "hi," the little girl then she asked him if he would give something to her daddy for her. The young soldier, he didn't look any older than maybe 22 himself, said he would try and what did she want to give to her daddy. Then suddenly the little girl grabbed the neck of this soldier, gave him the biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek. The mother of the little girl, who said her daughters name was Courtney, told the young soldier that her husband was a Marine and had been in Iraq for 11 months now. As the mom was explaining how much her daughter, Courtney, missed her father, the young soldier began to tear up. When this temporarily single mom was done explaining her situation, all of the soldiers huddled together for a brief second

Then one of the other servicemen pulled out a military looking walkie-talkie. They started playing with the device and talking back and forth on it. After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked back over to Courtney, bent down and said this to her, "I spoke to your daddy and he told me to give this to you." He then hugged this little girl that he had just met and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He finished by saying "your daddy told me to tell you that he loves you more than anything and he is coming home very soon." The mom at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as the young soldier stood to his feet he saluted Courtney and her mom. I was standing no more than 6 feet away from this entire event unfolded. As the soldiers began to leave, heading towards their gate, people resumed their applause. As I stood there applauding and looked around, their were very few dry eyes, including my own. That young soldier in one last act of selflessness, turned around and blew

a kiss to Courtney with a tear rolling down his cheek.

I am in the Air Force and I deploy soon. I hope to get hte chance to do something as meaningful too.

Where can I find more stories like this?

What did you think of the story?
Don't forget to check out www.anysoldier.com and www.letssaythanks.com

Since I'm in the Air Force we don't travel in our BDUs (camo uniform) the way the army and marines do, especially in airports. But I still carry extra AF coins to give to someone in case I get a chance to do something like this story

Answer 1

Does anyone else need a tissue? That was precious...

Answer 2

We were recently assigned to an Air Force Base. The local High School was full of children of those that have been deployed.
With all of the Bush bashing and anti-war protesting going on I saw the hundreds of faces that just wanted their mom,dad,sister,brother...to come home safely. A few actually lost parents and were brave enough to say that if our country stopped fighting then their fathers died for nothing.
Children can support our troops wholeheartedly. It would be nice if the entire country did. Thanks for the upbuilding story.

Answer 3

That was an Outstanding Story, Good Luck to all of Women and Men that are Serving Today In Our Armed Forces, also for the Men and Women that have Served In Our Armed Forces
Good luck to courtney and her mom as well.

Answer 4

That was such a wonderful story. Even if we don't all agree with the war, the fact is our people are over there and I appreciate them. My son just got home. It was a scary and rough year. I don't know of any stories like that one, but I have one of my own. My son told me that the day after they left, their camp was destroyed by a bomb. He would have been killed. Instead of welcoming him home we would have been greeting a pine box. I pray that you make it home safely and appreciate you for serving this country that I love so much (even though it sucks sometimes!)

Answer 5

That was a wonderful story, and one I am sure you will carry with you forever. It just goes to show how we pull together even when something may seem so small to do something so big. Many of us do forget that our lives as crazy as they are at times are free because of these men and women who serve this country.

I was raised a military brat i spent 18 years watching my father serve this country and to this day still feel for the children who have parents overseas........................

Answer 6

its a great story, and thank you for serving us as well. But please dont be so naive, we live our lives regardless of war. It has its meaning but freedom isn't one of them. The problem with most soldiers is that they no nothing of politics, therefore losing the facts as to what they are fighting for. War is a game(metaphorical speaking) that somebody has to play, and that is why i respect our troops. Ask any marine why he does what he does and he will most likely tell you that its not the honor, but the fact that somebody has to go out there and fight. They dont wanna be honored, its the soldier that died to soon that should get the appraise, and claps and tears. That widow should be honored, her child should be honored. These men fight cause its there job and they chose to fight, they want to be respected not honored.

Answer 7

Great story,that's why they are there and we still have a peaceful life here at home.Maybe a few people don't understand what it truly means to live in America ,half my family are Soldiers and I love and respect them,and my warmest wishes to all the Soldiers who choose to make our Country and it's people's safety and way of life their top priority.

May God Bless you All.

Answer 8

Oh my, a very touching story. I love to read things like that... I want to thank you and all of the men and women and their families for serving in the military, for protecting my freedom. For being brave enough to die for me and our country. For fighting for the right for each of us to be proud of who we are and where we came from. If it were not for you brave soldiers and the families I can only imagine where we would be. I am just a proud American citizen and grateful to you all.
GOD BLESS YOU

Answer 9

definite, my cousin's lady friend's neighbor's cousin dated a guy once that knew the aunt of a buddy of someone that knew someone that had a severe college boyfriend who's sister lives next door to three wierd asss guy that announces he knew the authentic Spiderman. So definite, it is in accordance with a authentic man or woman.

Answer 10

I loved this story, It brought tears too my eyes. My step-son is in Iraq and I pray for his safe return home everyday. Stay safe and thank you.

Answer 11

Great story,,,

We all need to support our guys in the service that way,,,to let them know that we appreciate what they are doing for their country.... and for us.here at home