Hey Guys,
I am sure the weather at home is starting to heat up, but I have never experienced anything like the heat here in Iraq. The last four days have consistently been hoovering around 112 and the guys who have been here before keep telling me it isn't hot yet. What? You have to be kidding me. You don't think 112 is hot? It literally feels like you are walking outside on a very hot day with a blow dryer in your face. Your skin feels as if it is burning and at times the hot wind makes you lose your breath and it isn't hot here yet.
They tell me the temperature will get up around the 140 mark. I can't even imagine, but I will let you know what it is like when we get there. Now for all of you complaining about the heat at home, when it barely gets in the 90"s, stop and consider the guys keeping you free who are carrying an extra 80 lbs of gear when on patrol in the 140 degree heat. These guys bear so much burden for the things we take for granted. Remember them when you want to complain about the heat, remember them when you go outside in shorts, flip flops and a t-shirt, remember them when you sit in the comfort of your air conditioned home, remember them when you take a dip in the Atlantic Ocean or a pool to cool off.
My point is obvious, remember them always, not just on Memorial Day when you enjoy hot dogs, hamburgers and a ballgame, but everyday.
Please stop for one moment daily and give thanks for the awesome price paid for your freedom so that you may enjoy time with family and friends. This is not to make you feel guilty, but rather motivate you to action. My wife often tells me she feels guilty when she and the kids are enjoying themselves at home. I tell you what I tell her, don't feel guilty. If you don't live your lives to the fullest you will not honor the sacrifice being made. The men & women of the US Military want you to live, enjoy and take full advantage of your freedom. We just don't want you to forget. Simple as that, remember others always. Celebrate the men & women of the Armed Forces, those currently serving and those who are home now. Don't let this day go by without Thanking someone you know or meet who has served so courageously for the blessings we have.
I am sure the weather at home is starting to heat up, but I have never experienced anything like the heat here in Iraq. The last four days have consistently been hoovering around 112 and the guys who have been here before keep telling me it isn't hot yet. What? You have to be kidding me. You don't think 112 is hot? It literally feels like you are walking outside on a very hot day with a blow dryer in your face. Your skin feels as if it is burning and at times the hot wind makes you lose your breath and it isn't hot here yet.
They tell me the temperature will get up around the 140 mark. I can't even imagine, but I will let you know what it is like when we get there. Now for all of you complaining about the heat at home, when it barely gets in the 90"s, stop and consider the guys keeping you free who are carrying an extra 80 lbs of gear when on patrol in the 140 degree heat. These guys bear so much burden for the things we take for granted. Remember them when you want to complain about the heat, remember them when you go outside in shorts, flip flops and a t-shirt, remember them when you sit in the comfort of your air conditioned home, remember them when you take a dip in the Atlantic Ocean or a pool to cool off.
My point is obvious, remember them always, not just on Memorial Day when you enjoy hot dogs, hamburgers and a ballgame, but everyday.
Please stop for one moment daily and give thanks for the awesome price paid for your freedom so that you may enjoy time with family and friends. This is not to make you feel guilty, but rather motivate you to action. My wife often tells me she feels guilty when she and the kids are enjoying themselves at home. I tell you what I tell her, don't feel guilty. If you don't live your lives to the fullest you will not honor the sacrifice being made. The men & women of the US Military want you to live, enjoy and take full advantage of your freedom. We just don't want you to forget. Simple as that, remember others always. Celebrate the men & women of the Armed Forces, those currently serving and those who are home now. Don't let this day go by without Thanking someone you know or meet who has served so courageously for the blessings we have.
Be thankful also for living in the greatest Country in the world.
One more thing, a special shout out to Juan & Pam & the Johnson family & too Maria Fargione for sharing your love across the world. The Johnson's with their adoption of kids who long for love and who desperately need to know the love of Jesus and Maria for sharing the love of Jesus with the many Military Units she supports across both Iraq & Afghanistan. God bless you all & Thank You!
One more thing, a special shout out to Juan & Pam & the Johnson family & too Maria Fargione for sharing your love across the world. The Johnson's with their adoption of kids who long for love and who desperately need to know the love of Jesus and Maria for sharing the love of Jesus with the many Military Units she supports across both Iraq & Afghanistan. God bless you all & Thank You!
5 comments:
Wow Dale! Another excellent post. You brought a tear to my eye this morning with this post. Today when we go out and about our day I will make a point of thanking the Diasbled American Vet who is selling poppies to help support the DAV's at Walmart this weekend. We will make a huge effort to thank all of those who served our country to provide freedom for us. And, just for today, when the temperature reaches 75 or 80 degrees I will not complain once about the heat because we all know it is the HUMIDITY!
Love you so much Dale. Thank you for what you do. My heart is just overflowing w/ PRIDE.
Dale, thanks for the reminder to treasure all the things we take for granted. On this Memorial Day weekend, I will try NOT to complain about the traffic and the crowds, and WILL try to focus on the many blessings we enjoy. Thanks to our military for making this great country safe. God bless you, and the troops who are sweltering there with you. Drink lots of Gatorade:)
Dale, that was fantastic. Thank you so much for the reminder to all of us that we should never take for granted the freedom we enjoy at the expense of our military who actually afford us that very freedom. They are truly dedicated and self-sacrificing individuals. They are also kind, humorous and tough..all rolled into one. Over time I think alot of people forget what Memorial Day is all about. That is a BIG mistake. We should all make a point of thanking our service members and letting them know just how much we appreciate their sacrifices. I'm told by my units that they never really get used to the heat, they just endure and drink lots of flavored water to stay hydrated. Sometimes I send the guys "Water Guns" to play with on the off time for some "cool" fun. We are all proud of you and pray for your safety. Keep up the good work. God sees everything, and his blessings are abundant.
Dear Dale- Thank you so much for all that you are doing for us all as Americans-- I am so proud of you- the post was great-- made me remember and say an extra pray for you as you are in all of that heat.-- Thank you for your shout out for us!!-- we are adjusting- and really well ;)-- the kids are great-- love you you and your whole family- I miss you Dale-- We pray for you often. Blessings, Pam
Thanks for the reminders Dale.
We should be thankful every day, not just Veterans Day, for those who wore and are wearing our country's uniform.
And we should be grateful every day, not just Memorial Day for those who died on our behalf.
Each year I participate in both Memorial and Veterans Days ceremonies. Mostly old folks there. Too bad our kids and grandkids aren't being educated.
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