You know, the more threads I read and signatures I look at, the more Navy and other armed forces folks I run into. Just wanted to say THANKS TO ALL YOU ARMED FORCES GUYS AND GALS for all you do, past, present, and future. Being an DOD contractor and all, I can appreciate all you go through. Visiting DDG's a few days at a time, I can't imagine just having to live on the ship for months on end. That would drive me !!!

THANKS AGAIN FOR ALL YOU DO! GOD BLESS AMERICA AND THE FOLKS THAT KEEP IT FREE!

 

proud to serve!

 

Gotta second that motion.

God Speed, Be Safe.

 

I agree 4x4. Our military is the best in the world, yet most Americans still don't give enough appreciation for the soldiers. I served in the first Gulf war, so I like to think that I appreciate what they do more than most. I really need to show it more with my wallet though (i.e. donations and such).

Anyhow, their is an old email floating around about how much the members of Congress make and their pensions compared to how little our soldiers get and the measily amount that their families get if they are killed in service. The jist of the email was comparing what the families of the 9/11 families got compared to what the families of a soldier that is killed gets, but that is better left to a political forum.

Even if you are not a Harley fan, this is pretty cool:

HARLEY-DAVIDSON FOUNDATION GIVES $1 MILLION TO SUPPORT DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS

CHICAGO (August 15, 2006) - Today at the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) national convention in Chicago, Harley-Davidson (NYSE:HOG) announced a $1 million gift from the Harley-Davidson Foundation, Inc. to the DAV in support of the services DAV provides to America’s veterans.
The gift extends the Company’s long-standing relationship with the military which goes as far back as World War I when the company produced more than 20,000 motorcycles for the war effort. During World War II, Harley-Davidson shifted its entire production to military support and the Motor Company received five coveted Army-Navy “E” Awards for excellence in wartime production.

“We’re honored by the opportunity to show our continued support and deep appreciation for the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much to protect our freedom,” said Harley-Davidson Chief Executive Officer Jim Ziemer, “Veterans have always been important members of the Harley-Davidson family and we’re proud to establish this relationship with DAV as a way to give something back.”

Founded in 1920 when a group of injured veterans from World War I banded together for strength and support to make sure that all disabled veterans got the health care and benefits they had earned in the trenches of Europe, the DAV continues that mission today. Through their network of 88 offices, 10 mobile offices and operations at more than 80 military installations, the 1.3 million member DAV builds better lives for all America’s disabled veterans and their families, working with them to secure the benefits and services to which they are entitled. The DAV also provides benefits counseling services to men and women making the transition from active military service back to civilian life.

“All too often we don’t pay enough attention to those who return home with injuries that will affect them for the rest of their lives,” said Arthur H. Wilson, national adjutant and CEO of the DAV. “To fulfill our mission of service to these disabled men and women we need the continued support of the people of America, which is why we are so excited about our new relationship with Harley-Davidson and grateful for their donation.”

To learn more about Harley-Davidson’s support of veterans, visit, www.harley-davidson.com, including the “Salute to Veterans” page.

Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company for the group of companies doing business as Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Buell Motorcycle Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Harley-Davidson Motor Company produces heavyweight street, custom and touring motorcycles and offers a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories, apparel and general merchandise. Buell Motorcycle Company produces sport motorcycles in addition to motorcycle parts, accessories and apparel. Harley-Davidson Financial Services, Inc. provides wholesale and retail financing and insurance programs to Harley-Davidson/Buell dealers and customers. The Harley-Davidson Foundation, Inc. is a non-stock, non-profit organization, supporting the communities in which the Company has facilities and selected national causes including veteran’s initiatives.

 

I'm glad I support our military and RIDE A HARLEY! I bet those Jap bikes makers don't do things like that!

 

What gets me is that most, if not all, of the free world sleeps peacefully at night because of our military. If not for our guys (and gals), the rest of the world would be a big fat mess.

Four Warthogs flew over the house the other day. My boys pointed at the sky and asked what they were. "America, boys, America."

Thanks to everyone who has served and is serving. You are on the top of my prayer list and the center of my gratitude.

 

I, like Magnum Fatboy served in the first gulf war and it is great to see this thread. I worked on the catapults of an aircraft carrier and I can tell you from experience that the emails (although we did'nt have access then ) and letters, care packages from home are LIKE GOLD When you are over there. Any little note that lets you know people are still thinking about you and America is behind you 100% really means the world.
Here is a website that lets us tell them how much we stand behind todays fighting men ( and women) Rather you like or dislike the whole Iraq war thing you HAVE TO BACK OUR TROOPS !!! maybe not the politicians ,but our troops for sure. SO please send a quick note to our guys today.

www.americasupportsyou.mil

 

when I was in the desert last year I got a few letters from some kids in school, it was the best, they painted sloppy american flags and pictures of soldiers and jets, you know little kids draw messy. and they asked all kinds of questions. the 3 letters I got were from a teacher and 2 kids in her class and she said they were so excited to get letters back from me. I had an american flag flown over Iraq in an F-16 and dedicated it to their class, it came with a nice certificate and stuff, it now hangs proudly in her classroom in michigan.

 

It is so great to see the support of this site for our military. My husband is active duty (Navy Seabee), and was in Iraq last year at this time.

It's amazing though how so many people just don't appreciate the military. More than a couple times I've heard people bagging on our soldiers (not realizing I was married to one) and it just burns me up inside. I'll usually tell them to think about their freedom to say that crap, and think about who has given them that freedom. Some of them actually think about it, others are just to hard headed to get through it.

Thank you to all the current and former soldiers and thank you for the support you give our soldiers.

 

Dude. That was really nice of you to respond to the class of kids.

You are DA MAN!