Thanks . . .

[Capt. Morgan]

Thanks to all those here that support our men and women in uniform, regardless of political beliefs on the current conflict. It means a lot to me, personally, and I just wanted to thank you all... it means a lot to us knowing Americans like you guys are behind us...

THE SANDS OF CHRISTMAS

>by Michael Marks

>

>

>I had no Christmas spirit when I breathed a weary sigh,

>And looked across the table where the bills were piled too high.

>

>The laundry wasn't finished and the car I had to fix,

>My stocks were down another point, the Cowboys lost by six.

>

>And so with only minutes till my son got home from school

>I gave up on the drudgery and grabbed a wooden stool.

>

>The burdens that I carried were about all I could take,

>And so I flipped the TV on to catch a little break.

>

>I came upon a desert scene in shades of tan and rust,

>No snowflakes hung upon the wind, just clouds of swirling dust.

>

>And where the reindeer should have stood before a laden sleigh,

>Eight Humvees ran a column right behind an M1A.

>

>A group of boys walked past the tank, not one was past his teens

>Their eyes were hard as polished flint, their faces drawn and lean.

>

>They walked the street in armor with their rifles shouldered tight,

>Their dearest wish for Christmas, just to have a silent night.

>

>Other Marines gathered, hunkered down against the wind,

>To share a scrap of mail and dreams of going home again

>.

>There wasn't much at all to put their lonely hearts at ease,

>They had no Christmas turkey, just a pack of MREs.

>

>They didn't have a garland or a stocking I could see,

>They didn't need an ornament--they lacked a Christmas tree.

>

>They didn't have a present even though it was tradition,

>The only boxes I could see were labeled "ammunition."

>

>I felt a little tug and found my son now by my side,

>He asked me what it was I feared, and why it was I cried.

>

>I swept him up into my arms and held him oh so near

>And kissed him on the forehead as I whispered in his ear.

>

>"There's nothing wrong, my little son, for safe we sleep tonight

>Our heroes stand on foreign land to give us all the right,

>

>To worry on the things in life that mean nothing at all,

>Instead of wondering if we will be the next to fall."

>

>He looked at me as children do and said, "it's always right,

>To thank the ones who help us and perhaps that we should write."

>

>And so we pushed aside the bills and sat to draft a note,

>To thank the many far from home, and this is what we wrote:

>

>"God bless you all and keep you safe, and speed your way back home.

>Remember that we love you so, and that you're not alone.

>

>The gift you give you share with all, a present every day,

>You give the gift of liberty and that we can't repay."

Merry Christmas to those still out there, in harm's way... May you return safely...

[Mad Matt]

And I, as well. Even though I'm no longer active duty and am protecting the homeland on our soil, all our military deserves a big HUZZAH!

Marine Corps Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,

in a one bedroom house made of plaster and stone.

I had come down the chimney with presents to give,

and to see just who in this house did live.

I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,

no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.

No stocking by mantle, just boots filled with sand,

on the walls hung pictures of far-distant lands.

With medals and badges, awards of all kinds,

a sober thought came through my mind.

For this house was different, it was dark and dreary,

I had found the home of a Marine, once I could see clearly.

The Marine lay sleeping; silent, alone,

curled up on the floor in this one bedroom home.

The face was so gentle, the room in such disorder,

not how I pictured a United States soldier.

Was this the hero of whom I'd just read?

Curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed?

I realized the families that I saw this night,

owed their lives to these soldiers who were willing to fight.

Soon 'round the world the children would play,

and grownups would celebrate a bright Christmas day.

They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year,

because of the soldiers, like the one lying here.

I couldn't help wonder how many lay alone,

on a cold Christmas Eve in a land far from home.

The very thought brought a tear to my eye,

I dropped to my knees and started to cry.

The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice,

"Santa, don't cry, this life is my choice;

I fight for freedom, I don't ask for more,

my life is my God, my Country, my Corps."

The soldier rolled over and drifted to sleep,

I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.

I kept watch for hours, so silent and still

and we both shivered from the cold night's chill.

I didn't want to leave on that cold, dark night,

this guardian of honor, so willing to fight.

Then the soldier rolled over and with a voice soft and pure,

whispered "Carry on Santa; it's Christmas Day, all is secure."

One look at my watch and I knew he was right,

Merry Christmas, my friend, and to all a very good night.

Semper Fidelis to all my brothers and to the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. We love you all!

[Capt Grey]

If it helps, Star Wars clubs from around Southern California sent over 100 packed Christmas stockings to our servicemen and servicewomen in Iraq. We included travel games, sports/movie trivia games, small nerf footballs and other easily carried items. We also filled them with candy - and lots of love.

[Mad Matt]

Absolutely, it helps! Tell yer group Thank You from me. It can get lonely in the dirt, what with only camel spiders fer ye nearest acquaintance.

[Scarlet McBayne]

The gift I have to give comes straight from my heart..tis a prayer for each and ever soldier to return home soon and safely. I can never express the gratitude and admiration I hold for you, you the hero's of yesterday, today and tomorrow.

So with head bowed and eyes closed I'll send my prayer heaven-ward on wings of love and hope. God bless you everyone.

[Red Maria]

You're welcome Capt. Morgan you salty dog you! Thank you for being a good and honorable Marine. Even though you know I disagree about the war I'm glad there are people like you over there. I been wondering how you and your family are doing. :)

[Capt Grey]

Well-said, Red Maria.

Americans today support our troops and what they do for us here at home. Fighting for our country is a noble cause; but it is still possible to support the troops and not support the war they are in.

Bring them home safely and soon.

[BLACK JACK SHALAQ]

Well done Marine! Well done! Carry on!

[Pirate Petee]

The soldier stood and faced his God, Which must always come to pass;

He hoped his shoes were shining bright, just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, soldier, how shall I deal with you? Have you turned the other cheek? To my church have you been true?"

The soldier squared his shoulders and said, "No, Lord, I guess I ain't; because those of us who carry guns, Can't always be a saint. I've had to work most Sundays, and at times my talk was rough; I've had to break your rules, my Lord, because the world is awfully tough. But, I never took a thing that wasn't mine to keep; though I worked a lot of overtime, When the bills got just too steep. And I never passed a cry for help, though at times I shook with fear; And sometimes ... God forgive me, I've wept unmanly tears. I know I don't deserve a place among the people here; they never wanted me around, Except to calm their fears. If you've a place for me here, Lord, It needn't be so grand; I never expected or had too much, but if you don't, I'll understand."

There was a silence all around the throne, Where the saints often trod;

As the soldier waited quietly, For the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, soldier, you've borne your burdens well; Come walk peacefully on Heaven's streets, You've done your time in HELL!"

[Diego Santana de la Vega]

Bring em home safely, please.

[Capt. Morgan]

You're welcome Capt. Morgan you salty dog you! Thank you for being a good and honorable Marine. Even though you know I disagree about the war I'm glad there are people like you over there. I been wondering how you and your family are doing.

Again, thanks, Maria... we're just doin' our jobs...

And, everyone here is doing well! Thanks for asking!

Well done Marine! Well done! Carry on! 

Aye, Gunny... tell your son Semper Fi' and to keep his head down...

[BLACK JACK SHALAQ]

You're welcome Capt. Morgan you salty dog you! Thank you for being a good and honorable Marine. Even though you know I disagree about the war I'm glad there are people like you over there. I been wondering how you and your family are doing.

Again, thanks, Maria... we're just doin' our jobs...

And, everyone here is doing well! Thanks for asking!

Well done Marine! Well done! Carry on! 

Aye, Gunny... tell your son Semper Fi' and to keep his head down...

.....Aye Morgan I will. My marine has his sh** wound tight and is good to go!

[Capt. Morgan]

Ooh rah, Gunny... it definately sounds like it!