Published: December 06, 2008 12:55 pm      

EXTRA MILER: A round of applause for Hoosier Heroes

Southern Indiana, we did it again! We contributed more than 2,000 cards to be distributed to the men and women serving in our military overseas via Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman’s Hoosier Cheer for our Heroes campaign.

Most of the cards were collected from our schools. As I waited for the pickup from the lieutenant governor’s office staff — Molly Fausset and Angela Coats — I began reading several of those cards. By the time Molly and Angela came to the door, I was holding a handful of brightly decorated cards — smiling and wiping away tears.

Enjoy the words from of our children’s hearts.

• • •

• “Merry Christmas to you soldier! Did you already read my sister Lindsey’s letter? She sent it to you last week. From, Choe”

• “I wish you could come home soon. Thank you for protected me. I wish you would not get hurt. When I am hurt, I try not to cry. Grace”

• “Thank you for serving our country. You are doing a great job. Come home to your family soon. People are missing you in Indiana and America so we are sending letters and cards to help. Austyn”

• “Thank you for serving our country and being strong. I hope you stay safe and come home careful. You are doing an awesome job! Write me back. Devon”

• “Thank you for fighting for our country to save our country every day. Please come back to your family to have a Merry Christmas. You are very nice to save us and you got a big job and people miss you every day. Kim A.”

• “Dear Soldier, This is your second card. We missed you last year and miss you this year even more. Merry Christmas. Abby”

•••

Abby is right, we continue to miss our family members and friends who are serving in the military overseas.

The United States has been the primary force in the fight against terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan since March 2003.

I have not been an avid supporter of the war. Much of my opinion has been based upon limited newspaper knowledge of the invasion details. However, I do not mince words when I describe my absolute support for the military men and women who offer their lives every day to accomplish the goals of our country.

My older brother, Army Col. Allen Baker, recently retired at 54 years old and was put back into regular duty the next day. He then volunteered for a one-year tour of duty in Afghanistan.

Allen has much more than newspaper knowledge of this war and I asked him to share his thoughts with Southern Indiana. Not unlike his younger sister, Allen expresses himself in a rather lengthy manner. This is an excerpt from Allen’s response to our military mission in Iraq and Afghanistan. Part II of the response will be found in the Sunday editions of The Evening News and The Tribune.

•••

“God knows I love wearing this uniform and serving with the courageous men and women of this great nation.

I have two cards written by students from an unknown school on my wall to remind me how special it is to be from a nation of people who care not only for their own good but for the greater good of others less fortunate. These two young people summed up why I continue to wear the uniform of a United States Soldier:

‘Dear Soldier, may God give you great courage ... thank you for your sacrifice and may God so bless you ... love from Home — Angela’

... and another wrote ‘What it means: 1. Pride 2. Strength 3. Love 4. Freedom ... thank you ... let freedom ring ... last command —COME HOME SAFE ... Love, Jennifer W.’

Can’t help but get a little misty-eyed when I think about these enlightened young people.

My hope is that we will stay the course in Afghanistan — that we will continue to have the courage to see this through to the end. That someday, when our grandchildren visit Afghanistan as tourists, they might visit a school where the children are told stories about the brave men and women from America who years ago had the wisdom and courage to sacrifice all to give them an opportunity at a better life.

I thank God every day for my life, my daughters and family, and for being born an American — warts and all.

I had breakfast with a gentleman the other day. I asked him where he was from and he said he was born in Afghanistan but immigrated to the United States when he was a boy. What struck me most was what he proudly said next: ‘I am an American CITIZEN,’ he said.

He didn’t say he was an American, he didn’t say he was an Afghan American; he said he was an American citizen. He said it with all the pride and commitment he has for a country he believes in.

For many years, we have been the envy of the world and I believe we are the last best hope of this world. We are now called upon to earn such titles.”

•••

This Extra Miler column (and Part II found in the newspaper tomorrow), is dedicated to Allen, along with my younger brother, Col. Thomas Baker — who continues to make trips to the Iraq and Afghanistan — the Extra Milers who have served and are serving in the military, and the families who faithfully support them. Be sure to look for Allen’s remaining comments about the conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan tomorrow.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, Southern Indiana — you continue to make me proud.

Carol A. Dawson is a resident of Jeffersonville and owner of EEO Guidance Inc. If you have seen or been a part of an act of kindness or know an Extra Miler, let her know about it. To submit a story or act of kindness, contact Carol via e-mail: Extra.Milers@newsandtribune.com or mail: THE EXTRA MILERS, The Evening News, 221 Spring St., Jeffersonville, IN, 47130-3340.