Thanks from a warrior
Capt. Jeremy Latchaw
Saturday, November 3, 2007
HAVE YOU EVER stopped to think for just a minute about what it means to live in this great nation of ours? Some may think little about the fact that you live in the greatest nation in the world, one where you are free to pursue your dreams, one with individuals of character, strength and determination. You might not think about it often, but I have it constantly on my mind. Ever since I was called back to active duty to do another tour of Operation Iraqi Freedom, I have seen the image of the waving American flag outside my house in Emporia. The image of being home has burned onto the back of my eyelids.
It was a year and a half ago when I stood in front of an Emporia crowd in my dress blues and talked about the remembrance of those who have given their lives for our country. Today I sit on my cot in the middle of the desert addressing my fellow veterans in the form of a thank-you note.
Though I have only lived for 29 years now, I have learned through death and destruction two times over that you individuals are the strongest and most determined warriors America has to offer. Your standards have been high and continue to hold high. You have fought to defend this nation against all enemies. You are my heroes and I will continue to carry the torch of freedom forward as will the soldiers here with me.
Without the sacrifices you have made, the country that I love would not exist. Emporia’s leaders had the foresight to push for a day to recognize you for your sacrifices to our nation, and rightly so. You have spent numerous nights in the mud far away from home. You have left everything behind except a duffle bag and your boots.
Many people may never understand what it is like to take a shower for the first time after months of being in the mud, but you do. Thank you for all that you have done and continue to do.
As I sit here tonight, thinking about what the next 200 days will bring for me as I continue my deployment, I truly wish I was there to celebrate another great Veteran’s Day with my hometown and friends. Nov.11th means so much to the Emporia community.
Last year, I took part in most of the Veterans week festivities. One that I remember the most was being the master of ceremonies for the Veterans Day essay contest. As I sat up front and listened to many of the area’s youth reading their essays about how they looked up to a veteran, I imagined my children saying those things about me.
Thank you for those memories, Emporia, and for giving honor to a day for all of our veterans.
Capt. Jeremy M. Latchaw, an Emporia resident, is currently deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
marebear14 (anonymous) says...
From one veteran to another thank you very much. Thank you for all you are doing and all you have done to protect me and my family. You are appreciated.
November 3, 2007 at 4:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Thank you for what you go through every day to keep us free. I think I'll drive down to Soden's Grove right now and say a little prayer for you, Captain Latchaw. God Bless, may time pass swiftly for you until Emporia holds you in its bosom again.
November 3, 2007 at 4:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
I can't find the words to express the gratitude I feel with every breath I take for the men and women that serve this country. The least I can do is this public THANKS!!!!
November 3, 2007 at 11:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Renegade (anonymous) says...
Thank you Capt. Latchaw, and all the men and women serving our country.
Such beautiful words Capt. Latchaw.
November 4, 2007 at 3:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
proverbs18_21 (anonymous) says...
Captain Latchaw,
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your service to this country and for all you are doing to defend it and all of us. May God bless and keep you and bring you home safely!
November 4, 2007 at 7:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hottopics (anonymous) says...
There is nothing greater in the USA than a soldier out there keeping us safe and protecting our freedom. THANK YOU!!!
November 5, 2007 at 1:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )