A question for our military members...

[NCangler]

I've been thinking alot the past couple months about the men and women of the US military and their families back home, wanting to do something to tangibly say thank you. I believe there is a great deal of positive work being done in Iraq and Afghanistan that we never hear about back home. I've been thinking about starting a website where American service personnel can tell their stories and record them for history. I thought about compiling stories from all the wars Americans have served in from the Revolution to Iraq. Soldiers from previous wars still living or their family members could tell their stories and wars with no living participants could be told through letters and documents that are found. What do you service folk think of the idea? I've already secured the website http://www.soldierstories.net and would appreciate your input before I do anything else. I'm not looking for more work but if this would indeed be a worthwhile venture that our military folk would appreciate having an outlet to tell their stories of the challenges and difficulties of war, then I'd love to do it. Thanks.

[special K]

I think thats a great idea.
),
when i was younger.

[McSpadden]

NCAngler,

Anything that shows the appreciation of those of us who enjoy our freedom, and realize the sacrifices made by those who serve are what allow us to enjoy them is a great idea. There is so much negative press about our current conflict, I often worry that our kids who are growing up and being taught by liberal teachers will not have any appreciation of what it takes for our country to be free.

I will retire in May of this year after serving 20 years in the Air Force. I served in Desert Shield/Storm but have not been deployed for our current conflict.

Dave

[cagrove]

NCAngler,
As a retired AF member serving 24 years, 3 months, and 10 days on active duty, I would like to personally thank you for your genuine caring for our military members. I've noted in several posts thoughout this site that you've mentioned thanking a military person in some form or another. It does not fall on deaf ears. I guarantee every person in uniform that reads your posts takes it to heart. Again, thank you!
I think a web site would be a wonderful idea and great place to share stories and even catch up with old friends. I still have a lot of contacts in the Air Force and can get the word out if you decide to go ahead with this project. I think it would be very worthwhile.

Chuck

[NCangler]

Thanks for the the note Chuck. That was all I needed to hear. If one soldier likes it it will be worth any time and effort I put into it. I'll keep you posted on the progress.

[Island_Diver]

I believe that is a great idea...please let me know if you need anything for the site. I'd be glad to send you some material that you might enjoy reading. I just finished my five years as an active duty Marine. I spent a year in Iraq to include Fallujah and their first ever free elections and several trips to the Philippines for the Global War on Terrorism there. It was probably the most meaningful thing that I ever participated in. Giving individuals freedom that they have never known is an unbelievable feeling. I'm now off of active duty and start the reserves here in a couple of weeks. I wouldn't have changed my last five years for anything in the world.

Thanks for all your support and Semper Fi,
Mike
aka Sgt Corner

[NCangler]

Wow! Awesome testimonial Mike. I very much appreciate your service and your attitude in doing so. I will try to get this moving as quickly as I can. It may take a few weeks to get it going because of work schedule. Congratuations on the next phase of your life. I'm sure your time of service will be something you will remember and be proud of for the rest of your life.

[fridaysoff]

Semper Fi Mike,
Thanks for your service. It will surely make your time spent in your "new" Triumph much more pleasurable. Every minute I spend on the ocean feels like I'm in the largest church in the world!! A former Marine.
John D.