I have a friend whose fiancé was deploying to somewhere near Syria. Then his orders were put on hold. Then they told him he was leaving in a few weeks. The other day that got changed to 24 hours and now he’s gone. I am trying to imagine putting my heart through the emotional gymnastics my friend just had to. Uncertainty is part of life for our military families.
Two months ago I told you about my “snail-tweeting” project for my very first soldier, Sergeant K, who was deploying again. I planned to mail him one tweet a day on a postcard, every single day for the duration of his deployment. His expected departure date has changed a few times. Luckily, his uncertainty led to more time at home. However, the latest update looks firm and I am ramping up now so I’m ready.
Sgt. K’s wife told me that mail delivery is supposed to be terrible where he is headed. I replied, “Challenge accepted!” I think one of the upsides to the snail-tweet project is the quantity. I figure the more mail I send, the more chances I have of getting through.
Your chance
If there’s anything you wish you could say to one of our troops, here’s your chance to tell my soldier. Leave your “snail-tweet” in the comments or email me and I’ll write it on a postcard with your name and mail it to him. It should be:
1. Short. Think one sentence or two short ones. Or even just a few words.
2. No politics please. I’d add, “be nice” but, if you’re doing this, you’re already pretty nice.
3. Include how I should sign your name. Something like, “Linda from California.” Or whatever fabulous alias you have.
If you’d rather email me, the address is: gina@ginaleftthemall.com
Meet Sgt. K
It’s not always easy to write to a stranger. So here are a few things about Sgt. K to help you get to know him.
-His favorite sport is hockey. His favorite team is the Phoenix Coyotes. Any attempt to make him a New York Ranger fan is futile (trust me on this.)
-He loves dogs.
-He missed the birth of his first child by two weeks because he was deployed. He was there when his second child was born. He and his wife are expecting again and he hopes to come home on leave for this birth.
-He’s funny.
-His wife is awesome.
-They’re one of those couples that are great to be around because they love and like one another. They were high school sweethearts and have been together ever since.
-After reading this blog, his mother-in-law was inspired to adopt a soldier.
-He loves cigars and canned ravioli. Not necessarily together.
-This soldier and his wife are the reason I was inspired to do more after I adopted him. Doing more led to everything I learned in the Ways To Make A Difference page and eventually starting this blog.
Beyond me
Below are the postcards I’ve picked up so far to send. I originally planned to do this myself and maybe ask for help once in a while. But then I thought about what it would feel like for him. What if he could see that the care went beyond me? I think that would be very special. In fact, I’m certain of it.
Ready to “snail-tweet.”
© Gina left the mall, 2013
Hey, I’ve been there too. Really hope you get home in time for #3.
Scott
USAF
Howdy from Texas, Sgt. K! Any chance I can convince you to root for the Dallas Stars?!? Thank you for your service, it’s deeply appreciate by people you’ve never even met. –Sarah B
Hi, Thank you so much for your service, we all appreciate what you do to keep us safe.
I heard you and your wife were high school sweethearts, that’s wonderful. My husband and I have been together since I was 15, we will be married 46 yrs Dec. Love like your is one in a million bless you both.
Sue Pellegrini
Soldiers Angels
Thank you for your service Sgt.K! We will keep you and your family in our prayers!
Lali
Florida
Thank you so much for your selfless service to our country! May God bless you and your growing family!! -Jessy from South Carolina
We pray for each and every one to come home safe when their job is done!
From
Anne-Marie in England x
Thank You for all you sacrifice and endure everyday for us here at home…God Bless You! Kim Wagner-Soldiers’ Angel in Fall River, MA
Sent to me on FB from Debi:
“Outside of a dog, a book is a man’s best friend. Inside of a dog, it’s too dark to read.” ~ Groucho Marx Thanks for all you do! …. Debi Beall from Minnesota
ha!
Hey Sgt.K!
Guessing I can’t get you to pull for the Carolina ‘canes huh? 🙂 Saying ‘thank you’ seems like a terribly inadequate way to tell you how much I appreciate you & what you’re doing but it’s all I have so, thank you so very much. Prayers & best wishes are with you for a safe and speedy deployment. Stacey S. from NC
Sent to me on FB from Theresa:
No words can express how blessed I feel that we have men and women like you doing what you do for us. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!! God Bless and Keep Safe.. Theresa from Long Island, NY
Sent to me on FB from Diane:
Thank you for all you are and all you do. You are thought of often cared for always and prayed for daily. Stay safe! Diane CA
You are in my prayers.
Alice from LA
You are a true Hero Sgt. K! You are loved & I am praying for you & your growing family!!
Blessings from Sequim, WA
~Jen~
Here’s hoping that your next cigar and Coyotes game will be enjoyed at home, in the company of your family, following the birth of your newest addition. Kris from Atlanta, GA
Hi Sgt. K,
“Danke” from Germany! Brigitte Soldiers Angel from Munich
SGT K,
There aren’t enough words to express how grateful I am to you and your family for your service and sacrifice. Thank you! God Bless.
Thank you for making the world a safer place for my 19 month old grandson Mason to grow up in. Praying for your safe return home to your family. GOD BLESS YOU
Sgt K,
Thank you for all you do! Be safe out there!!
Sarah from Texas
Dear SGT K,
I’m glad I stopped by Gina’s blog today. I shall include you in my thoughts and prayers as I go about my days. I will send you, your family and all of our troops blessings. We appreciate your service … more than you would ever guess. It is with the best wishes for you return home safe and sound, quickly and in peace.
Theresa & Joe Hall
Maryland
Sargent K, Thank you so very much for your dedication, sacrifice and service to our country and the world. Thank you for keeping us at home safe while you are in harms way. You are appreciated, God bless you and bring you safe to the arms of your family!
THANK YOU!
Karen fro La Mirada California
Sent to me on FB from Bonnie:
I am so grateful and thankful for the sacrifice and bravery from both you and your family for my families safety. God bless you all!
Thank you for your service! You and your family are in my prayers!
Robin from Ohio
We are the land of the free because of the brave – like you, Sgt. K!
Sent to me on FB from David:
Thank you SGT K for all that you do for us back home. You are one true hero.Praying for you from Cajun Country.
-David From Louisiana
Hey Sgt. K! People across our country appreciate your efforts and we think about you every single day! Love and prayers… Elizabeth from the Jersey Shore
“America without her Soldiers would be like God without His angels.”
― Claudia Pemberton
I am one of the faceless Americans you serve to protect. You, Sgt.K, are one of the heroes I pray for each night.
Sandy from Ohio
Thank you Sgt. K, for everything you do everyday. You make this world a safer and a better place. I hope you make it back to see your baby born. God bless you.
Melissa from Rochester, NY
Sgt. K,
You may just think you are doing your job, but you are such a hero to us. Please know that we are praying for you and your comrades every day!!!!!!! Stay safe!!!!!
Delores in Mississippi
Sent to me on FB from Barbara:
Thank you for your continued dedication to our country. May God bless and keep you safe!
-Barbara
From one military family to another thank you for all that you ALL sacrifice. Together we stand strong until you return safely home again.
Leslie S. Pennsylvania
Since it’s coming up on Halloween, I thought I’d tell yo a joke. What kind of dog does Dracula have?
A Bloodhound!
Hope this brought a smile to your face. 🙂
Mrs. P from Florida
Thank you for protecting the freedom we take forgranted! Prayers for your safety! Amy from SC
“It was only a sunny smile, and little it cost in the giving, but like morning light it scattered the night and made the day worth living.” ― F. Scott Fitzgerald
(hope you get many today, Ally from TN
You’re a soldier, a devoted husband and daddy, and a dog-lover. That’s the best combo on earth! Thanks, SGT K, from SCT from NOLA.
Hey Sgt. K
My name is Raye
For you and every other soldier each day I pray
May your life be blessed and your family okay
My attempt at rapping 🙂
Sent to me on FB from Edward:
Thank you for putting everything on the line, day after day. Thank you for showing up, when so few do. May life bless you in many ways for your kind heart and willing soul.
If I had to make a choice, and all things are equal, I would take the conception over the birth. You chose well, give them hell and keep smiling!
rob from West Virginia
“These things, I warmly wish for you – Someone to love, some work to do, A bit of o’ sun, a bit o’ cheer. And a guardian angel always near.” (Irish Quote) ~ Shannon from WI
A few for Mrs. K
Deployments make you realize that you are strong enough to do anything on your own, but smart enough to know you don’t want to.
When you become afraid, I promise you that you are never alone. There are those of us on a different ship, but we are supporting the same mission together.
Distance has no correlation to love. Nothing can stand in between two people who’s hearts are completely in love. Not a continent. Not a war. Here is praying that they come home soon.
Ollie
(G… you can sign my real name on her snail tweets- and one more thing. Thank you for the support.)
Sent to me on FB from Michelle:
Hi Sgt. K., A safe and healthy deployment are wished for you. Sounds like you have a great family and loved hearing that you and your family were part of the reason Gina writes her blog (which I love reading). We’ll look forward to hearing you have arrived home and welcomed that new baby. Michelle from Minnesota
Wishing you courage and safe passage, Sgt. K, and a speedy return to your loved ones at home.
Sent to me on FB from Jamie:
Thank you for your service. Stay safe and I hope you and your fellow comrades return home soon. ~ Jamie in Va
It is just wonderful that you do this for our men. If you wish to send my thoughts to them – “We love and respect you all!
“Why is a puck called a puck? Because dirty little bastard was taken.” -Devils goalie Martin Brodeur
Take care over there!
Lou in Dallas
Hi Sgt. K!, my name is Kyndal. I am a big fan and a big supporter and prayer warrior of the troops!! I would just like to tell you from the bottom of my heart “Thank You” for your wonderful service to our country, your service to our country is very much appreciated. It’s because of a brave soldier like you that I can lay my head down in peace knowing that I don’t have to be afraid cause I know that there is someone in uniform fighting to keep me safe. You are a great and wonderful Hero!!! Oh I saw that you and your wife are expecting another baby, I would just like to tell you and your wife congratulations. Support and prayers from back here at home here in Alabama