God Bless soldiers

Dear Editor,

Knowing that a few more of America's finest were called to active duty a little over a week ago, I'd like to share the experience we had.

Our son is in the Army. He has been stationed in Iraq since last April. He got a two- week leave during Christmas, so we drove to Colorado Springs to pick him up. He had said that he was going to try for the earlier flight that day if it wasn't already full so we were at the airport early, just in case.

He didn't get the earlier flight so we had the pleasure of sitting at the airport for four hours. What a neat experience. There were three military flights that came in and watching young children squeal with delight and run to their daddy's arms, the tears of joy, the lingering hugs, the signs and the balloons; Watching dads gently take a small child in their arms that they were seeing for the first time, the overall atmosphere was very heartwarming.

It was an indescribable feeling watching these men and women in their sand colored uniforms walking with such confidence, grace and pride coming off of the planes and greeting their families. When my son's flight arrived, (and this mom finally got my eyes dry enough to see) we headed down the escalator.

Beside us was a young boy about 8 to 10 years old. He was by himself with no adults and after looking at our son in his uniform, this is how the conversation went between he and Brandon, our son:

Boy: "Did you just get back from Iraq?"

Brandon: "Yes, I did." Boy: 'Were you ever a Boy Scout?"

Brandon: "No, I never was."

Boy:"I am."

Brandon: "That will be good for you someday."

We reached the bottom of the escalator and as we started to walk away, the young boy said: "Hey!!"

When my son turned around the young boy said: "Thank you for serving our country."

Then he was gone. The boy had not been coaxed by an adult, as he was alone, he had been taught and he showed respect towards a service man. He put a LOT of grown ups to shame. Brandon said their first contact with American soil was in Atlanta, Georgia.

At that airport, there had been an elderly couple there just to greet soldiers with open arms to welcome them home and to thank them for serving our country.

Brandon considered them to be military angels here on earth. I will admit that going back was not near as much fun. One young soldier looked over his left shoulder as he walked away and solemnly waved.

I turned to see who he was waving at and two young girls were sobbing as their mother, whose heart was also obviously breaking, tried to console them. The lingering hugs, but this time, no signs or balloons. Now I'll admit that I could cry over a sappy commercial on TV but I never saw a single tear in a soldier's eye that day.

I did not see it as cold and heartless, I saw it as a GREAT controlled inner strength.

My heart was breaking for myself, but I was also in awe of these young men and women and tried to comfort myself in the fact that these fine young men and women were doing something that they CHOSE to do and we needed to stand back and let them do their job and do it well then step up with open arms when they all return home safely. Watching them walk away was like watching a transformation right before my eyes.

They were somebody's son, daughter, parent or spouse till they headed towards the plane, then their shoulders squared, backs straightened, and each step was filled with pride, strength, courage, dignity and determination. They were soldiers.

May God bless these young men and women and watch over them. May God continue to bless America and the freedoms we have, the freedoms that these young men and women are fighting for.

In closing, I want to say to each and every military person; past, present, and future, thank you for serving our country.

Sincerely,

Lori Clough,

Culbertson

Mother of:

SPC. Brandon L. Leak