A Letter I did send

** I sent the following letter to Sgt's old Platoon Leader in Iraq. Enjoy.**

Dear CPT.

Well, I must say, this letter feels long overdue. If I've heard about anyone Sgt. has served with or under, it has been you. I was thinking earlier today about his deployment and about the past year he's been gone. As you know, he's on his way home now, still in Germany with TA-50 strewn around his room, but one step closer. Maybe by the time you receive this letter he will be back home (a girl can hope!). He's coming home. I say that to myself and it still doesn't feel quite real. It is nothing short of a blessing that he's not only coming home early, and for this wonderful opportunity, but that he is coming home safe and unharmed. I've already thanked God for that as I'm sure I will continue to do every time I see him walk into a room, but I haven't been able to thank the next person on my list, which is you.

One of my favorite quotes on leadership includes the line "Fail to honor people, and they fail to honor you." If that's true, then based on the way Sgt. talks about you, you have never been anything short of an amazing mentor, leader, and friend. (I might also take this second to apologize in the event that I cross some "Army" line. Of all the things I am well versed in, Army protocol and rules is not one of them, but I'm learning! Trying anyway.) For those of us back at home, to know that the man leading your soldier is someone they look up to and someone they trust, is a big weight lifted off our shoulders. For me, it meant that even though I couldn't be there to take care of him and look out for him, someone was. There are things I'm sure he didn't want to talk about with me, but knowing there WAS someone he could discuss those things with is comforting.

You encouraged him in so many things CPT. Not only with Green to Gold, but in his faith and with me; As a soldier and as a person. I know more than once you have told him to keep me around. I'm not sure how many times I've heard "next to me, CPT. is probably your biggest fan!" but it's nice to know someone I've never even met is rooting for me, and for us. However, above all else, If I could pick out something I believe you did better than everything else ( and you did fantastic at all that) it is just being who you are. Being a good example. Being a leader and a man of good character and integrity. I believe that by the way Sgt. talks about you, serving under you has given him an indication of the kind of officer he wants to be one day.

Thank you for everything you did and continue to do. I wish your wife was getting to prepare for your return as I am with Sgt. but you will be home soon! In the mean time, keep yourself SAFE and come say hello next time we're all in the same time zone. Thank you for looking out for the man I love. Those two words can never express my gratitude enough. May God Bless you and your family.

Best Wishes,