I spent 3 hours on a plane sandwiched between two of our troops returning to the states for R&R. One is a Sgt. Major. The other is an Airborne Ranger. The Sgt is a professional soldier with 23 years experience. She is a few months away from completing her third consecutive tour in Iraq. Currently, her post is near Basrah on the Euphrates. It ain’t no picnic. She openly discussed the work that is being done to build communities in Iraq. She is brutally realistic about the prospects of those projects when we withdraw our troops.

The young Ranger seated on my right was returning to Tampa to await his next assignment. He didn’t speak much. He had a far away look. Life is never the same for the brave young soldiers that see combat. Raise a glass to these fine men and women who defend our interests and defend our freedoms every day. Say a prayer for their safety… and send them a few cigars.


Thanks, Kevin, for taking charge of this.