Mission Complete

Osama bin Laden (1957-2011) was one of the most notorious terrorist leaders in the world. The purported founder of terrorist organization al-Qaeda, bin Laden was credited with–or claimed credit for–masterminding numerous attacks against the United States, including the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center, the 2000 bombing of the U.S.S. Cole and the attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon on September 11, 2001. Originally from Saudi Arabia, bin Laden fought against the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan during the 1980s. After returning from Afghanistan, he became increasingly militant and, beginning in 1996, issued a series of fatwas, or Islamic religious edicts, declaring a holy war against the United States. On May 2, 2011, after nearly a decade of eluding capture following the September 11 attacks, bin Laden was killed by U.S. forces during a firefight at a compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan.

"Will you give this to my Daddy"

Hello Ladies,
I know it has been a while since I have posted and I apologize. Spring has finally arrived though and with that comes all things new and refreshed. With that said, I felt lead to share a story and an event that was shared with me in hopes to spark our hearts and our passion to get our group in action . I challenge all of us that after you read this you will take a moment when opportunity knocks to send a note, shake a hand or even honk your horn to say "Thank You" to those serving.  Remember, while not all are overseas on the battlefield,  "ALL" are equally important in keeping America  "LAND OF THE FREE"

"Will you give this to my Daddy"

 As a company, Southwest Airlines is going to support "Red Fridays' 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 acts of patriotism I have ever seen.
     Moving through the terminal was a group of soldiers in their camos. As ... t....hey 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-bloodied 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 our Service men and women, a young girl not more than 6 or 7 years old ran up to one of the male soldiers. He kneeled down and said "hi..'
    The little girl then asked him if he would give something to her daddy for her...
    The young soldier, who 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 daughter's 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 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.
     As the soldiers began to leave, heading towards their gate, people resumed their applause. As I stood there applauding and looked around, there 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.
     We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their families and thank God for them and their sacrifices. At the end of  the day, it's good to be an American!
     RED FRIDAYS----- Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing red every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the "silent majority". We are NO longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record numbers.
     Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday  and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that Every red-bloodied American who supports our men and women afar will wear something red.
        By word of mouth, press, TV-- Let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of red much like homecoming football game in the bleachers.
     If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, co-workers,friends and family. It will not be long before the USA is covered in RED.
     The first thing a soldier says when asked "What can we do to make things better for you?" is ... We need your support and prayers.
    Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example.....
    This is not my story I am just one of the proud trying to pass it on........

Melody