2002 Soap Box Archives

Letter From A Soldier

I’m going to do something different this week in this column. I’m going
to publish a letter that I got from a soldier while we were touring the
military bases in Korea.

I am not doing this because of the wonderful things she had to say about
me, but because I believe that she has defined the reason we went to
Korea to begin with, and so succinctly describes the patriotism of the
young people who proudly wear the uniform of the United States of
America.

To The Charlie Daniels Band:

I wanted to take a moment and thank you for what you’re doing in
South Korea. I am sure you have received many thanks from the soldiers
you have entertained and those you have had the opportunity to speak
to. This is a simple note that you can read in the quiet moments from a
soldier that was proud to be reminded that America has not forgotten us.
In the era of an all volunteer Army where there were conflicts, not
wars; there were quiet deployments and not well documented battles; and
the fighting was in some remote location nowhere near threatening our
own borders the soldier was forgotten. The recent tragedies have opened
the eyes of many to a truth that many of us have known all along,
the world is full of heroes. I see them every day, I work with them
every day. The parade grounds and gymnasiums you have played were
filled with them. Everyone you have taken the time to shake hands with,
to sign an autograph for or just to say thanks to has appreciated it.
Your dedication to the troops makes you heroes also. You stand in the
spotlight, in a position to reach and influence many and support
America, support pride and support the military. For that you have my
deepest and most sincere appreciation.
I love my job. Flying is my passion. I could have flown in the
civilian world, but like many of the faces you’ve looked into this week
I wanted something more. I wanted to serve my country. We all raised
our right hands and swore to lay our lives down to protect the freedom
of those we love, those we know and even those who protest against what
we do. Standing outside the aircraft at Camp Casey, in my flight gear
saluting the flag I was once again reminded of why I joined the Army.
Every time I stand at attention and salute the flag tears still fill my
eyes, chills run down my spine and my heart swells with pride to be a
member of the Armed Forces. Your visit here, your obvious pride in what
we do has made a difference in a difficult deployment in South Korea for
many soldiers. I was proud to have the opportunity to fly you around
the South Korean peninsula, proud to be a part of what you’ve done
here. These simple words cannot begin to convey the extent of my
gratitude, but they will have to do.

Thank you,

CW2 Beth McCune

It is the soldier, not the reporter who has given us freedom of the
press.
It is the soldier, not the poet who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the soldier, not the campus organizer who has given us freedom to
demonstrate.
It is the soldier who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag and
whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the
flag.

What do you think?

God Bless America

Charlie Daniels