POEMS
A THANK YOU TO A SOLDIER

As I sit here with my coffee, and make calls or write letters for
donations to help my Soldiers,
I think of how,
One Soldier only asked for Beef Ramen,
One Soldier only asked for toys, and another had no special
request, but sent a "thank you for the package" that was sent.
I try so hard to make your life a little better,
If by nothing more than sending a package or a letter,
I want you to know America does care, that's why there are so
many wanting to share.
We watch the news everyday, about all of you over there,
And our heart's fill with pride for what you are doing,
Our eyes fill with tears when we  loose one of you over there.
Every picture I get,
I take a look, then print each one for my journal,
A journal that tells a story of our journey,
yours of courage, mine of learning.
So walk proudly and carry a smile and know that you are in
our hearts and minds and I will keep in touch.
You all have changed my life in so many ways,
A big "THANK YOU" is all I can say

Mary Ann Cordova       Packages of Gratitude     January 2005
I found these
two poems written
by LeMesha
on one of my
Soldier's
web-sites.
I was able to contact
her, and finally
meet her in
February 2005 when
I visited Hawaii,
where she was
stationed.
When I met her I
was impressed by
her strength of
character,the
twinkle
in her eye,
and her
commitment to her
country.
I am proud and
honored to call
her my friend.
Mary Ann
"I write using my
maiden name,
because of the
obvious puns
about my last
name,"
SSgt. LeMesha
Strange
I PROUDLY SAY THANKS

I walked into this building, but not an ordinary one.
It was filled with soldiers, all lined up one by one.
They were preparing for war, which I could see.
But, I knew they were doing this for me.
As they were gathering their gear, I was trying to
hold back my tears.
But I was thinking, Why Lord must this war go on?
Why does it seem everything is going wrong?
Each night these men lay alone, wondering if they
are gonna make it home.
In a way I couldn't explain, but I seen a little girl crying.
Because her Dad was leaving for a few minutes, but deep down
inside he was dying, because the minutes were nothing
compared to the years.
As I turned, I seen tears flowing in my best friends eyes.
And it was something I couldn't describe.
But I thought to myself, Why must people have to die?
Why do these men choose to live a dangerous life?
But I knew it was the duty of these men.
And if it weren't for them I wouldn't have freedom.
The job of a soldier isn't easy, you have to be brave.
But don't live life in sorrow, everything will turn out Okay.
So now that I take a look back, it took me a while to realize,
that if weren't for these guys, some of us wouldn't have lives.
But, everything that's happening is meant to be.
And I want to thank the soldiers for fighting for me.
I proudly say thanks for fighting for me.
And remember this NO matter where you are or what you do
everyone back at home loves you ! ! ! ! ! !

Little sister of a Soldier
Karen M. Smart
I wrote this poem
one morning in
January 2005. It
says exactly what I
was feeling then
and now.

Mary Ann October
2005
August 2005
My daughter wrote
this after she came
back from family day
at the base where
my oldest son is
stationed when we
received the news
2 1/2 years ago
about him leaving
for Iraq. I hope all
will enjoy it.

Diane Wylde
NOTE:
The picture used is
NOT of Diane's son's
group, but one of
Soldiers from the
B Co. 140th AVN

Mary Ann