Hello All,
Well, we've finally found a plane to take us to our destination (nope, still not gonna tell you) and we're leaving on Sunday. I want to send out a HUGE thank you to everyone that has sent snail mail, food, posted messages and visited the website. I appreciate every one of you, and love writing for you all.
I will try to send out a mail as soon as I put my boots on the ground, but things look kinda busy over there (you can probably figure out my destination with that one). I have contingency plans for sending my messages (see Rants) home thru other means, but I hope to find a terminal someplace in country.
Try not to worry. I'm ready. My soldiers are ready. The world may not be behind us, but I believe that God supports us, and if He be with us, who could stand against us (ok, I stole that one, but I can't remember the original writer). My weapon is ready, my body armor is ready, my protective mask (see Gas Mask) is ready.
God bless you all. I will see you all in a couple months.
Lets Roll,
Will
PS - My parents are receiving a blue star flag from the American Legion, why not show a little support and go down to your local pub and buy a Veteran a beer. You might just learn a little about what it takes to defend freedom, and make an old soldier smile.
Dear Will, Thank You for your strength, bravery, and courage. My family and friends are safe because of you and your dedicated comrades. May the angels watch over all of you and bring you back home to your friends and family soon. Congrats on the promo!!! Melissa
Posted by: Melissa on March 21, 2003 07:48 PMButters - eh? I'll make sure to pass that one around. The gang sends thoughts and prayers your way as you get ready to depart (again). I would crack on that "meeting the girlfriend's parents" line but will refrain - why kick a man who is going off to war.
Please take care of yourself and know that there is lots of love and support following you. F&*% the non-supporters - we've got you covered.
I'm off to buy a Veteran a beer (you know me, any excuse to drink).
Stay safe my friend, miss ya and love ya!
WANTED TO WRITE A NOTE TO WISH ALL OF YOU GUYS WELL. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL. YOUR SPIRITS SEEM HIGH AND THAT IS REFRESHING TO THOSE OF US WHO ARE LEFT HOME WONDERING IF YOU ALL ARE WELL. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO. THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS FROM IDAHO FALLS, IDAHO
Posted by: LINDSEY HUNTSMAN on March 22, 2003 01:32 AMWill, I've spent the last few days reading your Rants and have enjoyed them immensly. Now that you finally have your orders I would like to say Thank you for allowing me to read them. Be safe and keep your head down. You have my whole family's support and everyone else that I know. Be safe and gods bless. Thank you for everything that you have done and will do ... my husband wishes that he's was out there with you. Victory!!!
Posted by: Kacy on March 22, 2003 08:33 AMhey will be safe and careful and return home safely w/o any new holes.
:)
char
p.s. u'r still in my prayers
Hi Will..Have enjoyed your letters and I am very proud to know that young men and women like you are fighting and protecting America. Your promotion was well deserved and came at a great time. You and your troops will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Your Mom has sent me all your letters and keeps me updated. She is a special friend. God be with you. Ella Jo
Posted by: Ella Jo on March 22, 2003 11:43 AMI just want to say that I am proud of everyone out there. Make sure you take care of your selves and eachother. It makes me feel alot better at home waiting for you guys knowing that there are men and women out there like you. God Bless you all. Steph
Posted by: stephanie on March 23, 2003 07:49 PMI teach 2nd. grade My students are safe because of what you and your comrades are doing. Take care of yourself and I will say a prayer for all of you. Hope you are back here to have someone buy you a cold one soon.
Posted by: sandy on March 23, 2003 09:29 PMGod Bless You Will and all those around you! My prayers are with the soldiers and their families! I have a cousin out there, her name is Desirae, my family is primarily Army, but she decided to go by way of the Corps! We are proud of all of you and can't wait until you come home. Since you've pledged your life for my freedom, I pledge to pray for all of you daily. May God give you courage, hope and faith. I look forward to hearing of your safe return.
Stay Strong and Faithful!
Monique
Here I am again after reading this posting. I wish there was more to say than just how proud people like you make me feel to be an American. You are the true definition of one, you know! Bring your butt home safe-we all hope to see your picture "butters". (That's cute!) Kick some sandy-ass and bring home our POW's so we can have a kegger in your hometown!
Hope you can write and let us know if you need anything. Much love and respect for you...
I'm sitting here in 77 degree spring weather realizing I can because of you and others like you Will. Great name--great meaning.
I'm having a cold one (water) and want you to remember happy times and more to come. It is what it is.
Thanks for keeping me and mine safe. We are forever indebted to you and other veterans also. You make your family proud.
Love,
Marcia
Posted by: Marcia on March 25, 2003 12:27 PMWill, thanks for creating A Soldier's Tale. I was afraid I'd be stuck watching all of those insane anti-war protesters throughout this whole ordeal. Today I went out and bought spools of yellow ribbon to tie around every tree in my yard and hopefully the whole neighborhood. I'm even making little pins for everyone at my company to wear in your honor. I am proud of our armed forces and support you all from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for protecting our freedom and know that only ignorant people are protesting the war.
God be with you and your men!
Love, Teresa
Will:
I can't even begin to imagine how you must be feeling landing in a foreign place not being sure what's to come. I hope you stay safe.
Even though I have not been for the war, I think what you and the other soldiers are doing is extremely brave. I hope it ends quickly.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us back home.
Take very good care.--Stephanie
Posted by: Stephanie on March 26, 2003 04:31 PMHey man,
Wishing I was going with you! Some people and thier comments just have to make a guy have some symp. for those poor souls that always need to complain about anything and everything, (see Protester)
I understand (and most do) its not about OIL!! Its about 9/11 and stopping the mindset of some that think they can and should park a truck or a plane full explosives in front of the White house, or the Pentagon, or in front of a school, or our homes for that matter and not be punished or hunted down and pay the dues for thier actions.
Thanks from a former Army Enlisted man (11B1P) Knees' in the breeze....
Happy and fortunate landings in.. ( um yah) hoo-ah!!!!!!
I wish I was there BROTHER.
Matthew "Fiveton" Young
Your letters are refreshing - the protestors are driving me crazy over here. Thanks for your service and making this world a safer place for my children to grow up in. Congratulations on 2LT! You are in our thoughts and prayers. Thanks again from the wife of a fellow Army officer.
Posted by: Colleen on March 26, 2003 07:00 PMBless you. Go with care.
Posted by: stephanie on March 26, 2003 09:11 PMI am so proud of all of you men and women.
Don't worry about the "Left Coast" and the idiots that dwell in the land of fruit and nuts. They do NOT represent us.
Sunday, apparently while you were getting your "ride" out, 2500 good citizens of Mid-Missouri went to the Capital to support our troops, including several locals that were being deployed this week.
I am a supervisor and one of my troops just got the call, along with many of our local law enforcement officers.
You have my respect and prayers.
MsMick
Posted by: Mickie on March 26, 2003 10:35 PMHi Will!
I'm just an ordinary people - a mother of a girl living in Indonesia. I don't you & you don't know me, but I want to pray for you that God will protect you all. I pray for your safe return to your home country & to your your parents soon . God bless you!
You have my respect & prayers.
Hi Will! I'm so glad you've been posting these messages. They're very encouraging, and I hope you're able to keep posting once you get wherever you're going! -- You quoted, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" The original writer was the apostle Paul; Romans 8:31. Here's another great one, from Jesus Christ himself: "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13) A BIG THANK YOU TO YOU AND ALL THOSE WHO ARE WILLING TO LAY DOWN YOUR LIVES FOR ALL OF US! You are in my thoughts and prayers daily. -- Courtney
Posted by: Courtney Weger Cantrell on March 27, 2003 04:34 AMWill....
How about, when this is over and you're back in the states, you wander on down to Tucson and I'll make you a homecooked meal. (see YOUR CHOICE)
You think I kid, but I am not. My 7 year old son would overwhelm you with his enthusiasm for America and Freedom. My son would both amaze you and make you laugh, I guarantee! (see YOUNG AMERICAN)
In all seriousness, if you EVER even THINK about meandering down here, please consider my offer. (see TUCSON ARIZONA)
GODSPEED, HUGS, AND PRAYERS,
Judi
hay i come from belgium and i saw your site in the newspaper. i am 15 and i have to translate a storie to english. and that story have to handel about e crime or a burlary or something. and i gone take your story because it is very interesting. i wiss you good luck
sarah
I stand behind you 100%. You and all the others. I thank you for the freedom you are preparing for me and my little 15 month old daughter and husband. I think these people who are against this should be remebering 9/11. I pray for all of you daily. Good Luck, and please come home safely.
God Bless
Shannon
West Chester, PA
dear will, thank you for showing us that anything is can happen and that there are some people that will fight to keep us safe.
sincerly
katy
Thanks for keeping in touch!
So were do we send the cases of baby wipes?? Sounds like they maybe worth their weight in gold.
Again many thanks for being their for us!
Posted by: Chris Tyson on April 1, 2003 11:53 AMI am so proud of ALL the troops fighting in this war. It is amazing how life changes when we experience war firsthand. I am a woman with two sisters therefore; my parents did NOT worry about her daughters going to War. As a mother, I have two sons. When they were young I never thought about the possibility of losing them to war. Now with one son serving in the Air Force, reality has hit home, therefore, I know how important it is to participate and do whatever one can on the home front. I have seen the group force and am pleased to know that ALL military personnel are working together to safeguard each other. I truly hope this war will end soon with few or NO more casualties. However, I am delighted to know that the troops are working as an AMERICAN TEAM. Keep up the great job you are doing to keep us safe.
P.S. Reading the needs of the troops, I will do my part to get a care package out with the necessary supplies.
Will,
Hey man. Just got back from Ali Al Salem(The Rock) in Dec. I know the area your in and what it's like. I feel your pain and hope all is well. Keep your powder and socks dry, shoot straight and true and maybe we'll run into each other. I'm proud to be in the armed forces with you, and ignore the nay-sayers. We take care of our own.
God Bless
Will:
I picked up this site from a link on MSN.com. I just wanted to tell you that I really enjoy reading your entries. It's like a book, I can't wait to read the next chapter. I also jsut wanted to tell you....thanks. I am only 20 years old and I am just now figuring out how lucky we are that we live in a free country. And how lucky we are that we have men like you to help protect our freedoms. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Be safe, be tough and may God speed your return home.
Thanks again !!
Andrea Turner
Waxahachie, Texas
GOD BLESS AMERICA !!
Posted by: Andrea Turner on April 3, 2003 02:17 PMHi, i'm an italian girl.I support american soldiers in Iraq.I'm proud of them..they are heroes!I pray every day for them.I don't forget american prisoners(James Riley, Shauna, Pierce Miller, Edgar, Joseph)i pray every day for them from the deep part of my heart.
Come on Usa troops!God bless you.
Will,
After i have consumed a lot of time and energy watching and reading articles about this war, I feel so exhausted already. I told myself, no more. It's too much for me to handle.
Your letters however made it different. Reading them makes me wanting for more. You made it so light - and interesting. And funny too. :)
I hope you all be well and be safely home soon. You guys take care of each other ok. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
be safe. be good. and update us the soonest.
Godspeed.
banjovi
Dedicate to Usa and GB soldiers
Jesus be with you, when you are scared, alone,tired.
He is carryng you on his arms ..to consol .
Jesus love you.Pray everytime the HolySpirit.
God bless Usa and GB soldiers.
I pray for you.
M.GIOVANNA FROM CAGLIARI-ITALY-
dearest will,
hi i know that everything there is getting worst everyday, i'm lea from the philippines. i do feel bad about what's happening i do pray for all of you. I hope that before you start your day at WAR pls don't forget to say a prayer for gods guidance. i don't know what religion you are in but i do believe that god hear's all prayers, never give up as long as you know what's right, the good lord will never leave your side. if ever you will need my help in any way i'll be very willing to do it for you and for others there with you. God bless all of you there, you guys are everybodies hero's. Never doubt god's powers he can make impossible things happen as long as you have faith in him. Take care and i'm looking forward on seeing you guys home safe and sound!
Will,
THANK YOU, THANK, YOU, THANK YOU. My heart cries for you and all of our men and women over there. Please be safe and come back home to us!! Keep up the good spirt and remember that we all suport you!!!
(and for those of you who protest can stand in the front line between the us and iraq)
A couple of jokes to lift your sprits...
How do you play Iraqi bingo? B-52...F-16...A-10...B-1
WHAT IS IRAQ'S NATIONAL BIRD?....DUCK
what is the Iraqi motto? ...I came, I saw, Iran.
have you heard about the new Iraqi exercise program?...each morning you raise your hands above your head and leave them there.
well got to go, keep safe, come home soon and God be with you. I will send you more jokes when I get them to give you something else to think about !!
your friend, Sherri
Posted by: Sherri Miller on April 5, 2003 08:06 PMHey Will!
Write the book, I will buy it! Also, is there anyone who dont have anyone to write to them? If so give them my email addy and i will mail them--snail mail, email, whatever.:
betsybear2001@yahoo.com
Well I am glad to see you in such good spirits, and finding some humor in all this. Guess there is humor in everything if you look hard enough.
Wanted to thank you for serving your country so well, and know we apprecate you and support you!!!
I am from Mitchell Indiana (92 miles south of Indianapolis)
Do you need anything?
May you get a hot shower and an icy glass of iced tea soon.
take care,
debbie
ps----Bush to Saddam, "Can you hear me now!?"
I just wanted to thank you for serving our country and hope that you and the other military men and women make it home safely. You have a wonderful sense of humor. God bless. Karen
Posted by: Karen on April 9, 2003 01:23 PMHi... Just wanted to pass along my extreme grattitude to all the men and woman who are putting their butts on the line for all of us folks in the good ole USofA. It is appreciated beyond mere words. I am a single mom with two children and have the utmost respect for all of you guys/gals in that god-foresaken place called the Middle East trying restore some semblance of life after that idiot, Saddam Hussein, made a mess of things.
My son, who is 15, this morning asked if the war was over.... He saw that statue come crashing down in the center of Baghdad and was convinced that meant the end. I do hope the end is near and all can get back home.
Thanks for all you are doing and couldn't be more proud to be an American!
Posted by: Maryann Rinas on April 10, 2003 12:48 PMHey Will~!~
I jsut read all of your e-mails for the first time today, and i can't tell you the impact they have had on me. The fact that you are happy and lighthearted in the midst of all of this is amazing! I'm here in the United States, and yet i still feel myself becoming saddened and brokenhearted by what is going on.......like I have a reason to feel this way huh~!~ I just want you to know that i could never have more respect for anyone than i do for you and the rest of the men and women defending our country! I love you all and you are in my prayers~!~ come home safe!
Love, Leah
Posted by: Leah Cates on April 13, 2003 01:14 PM
Will is a pretty good writer and this is the collection of his writings. It'll be interesting to hear updates from a soldier's point of view, so I'll be posting them for all to read.
Take care Will