National Military Appreciation Month posted by JAA USA/Philippines Collection

[CSJournals-migration]

Congress designated May as National Military Appreciation Month in 1999 to ensure the nation was given the opportunity to publically demonstrate their appreciation for the sacrifices and successes made by our service members - past and present. Each year the president makes a proclamation, reminding Americans of the important role the U.S. Armed Forces have played in the history and development of our country. http://www.military.com/military-appreciation-month

 

Armed Forces Appreciation Month has a special significance for our family. For the past twenty-two years our oldest son has served as a Combat Engineer officer in the Army Reserve. In 2003 - 2004 he commanded an Army Engineer Firefighting Detachment in Iraq. He is currently on active duty for his second war-time deployment this time to Afghanistan where he is serving as the Engineer Officer of a Security Force Assistance Advisory Team (SFAAT) http://www.afghanwarnews.info/units/sfaat.htm that is advising and mentoring the Afghan Border Police (ABP) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afghan_Border_Police.

 

In the attached photo my son is seen with a Talon IV Combat Engineer Route Clearance Robot http://www.wired.com/images_blogs/dangerroom/files/DS08-126-TalonIVEngineer.pdf and two examples of commonly encounter Improvised Explosive Devices (IED). As the SFAAT Team's Engineer subject matter expert my son works closely with the ABP units charged with locating and disposing of IEDs.

 

See more journals by JAA USA/Philippines Collection

[hunter's gold]

From a former soldier I thank your son for his service and sacrifices

[rons]

As a veteran I salute your son for his dedication and thank him for his service. Well done Dad

 

[wdrob]

JAA, I was in Washington D.C. for memorial day weekend and what is known as Rolling Thunder (a huge gathering of vets, supporters, and one of the largest groups of motorcycles in one place).

 

It was very tedious getting staged in the Pentagon parking lot and then having to wait 5- 7 hours before we could make the demonstration ride. The time spent waiting in the hot sun was well worth it, despite that the ride through town was brief.

 

The amount of support shown was spectacular and the time spent at 'The Wall' was a first for me.

 

Thanks to all the veterans that have ever donned a uniform and were willing to stand the wall. Thank you to your son. God Speed!