Then mail arrives from someone you don't even know. Getting those presents and letters was amazing. It was like Christmas morning. My soldiers immediately searched for the return addresses to see who the gifts and letters were from, even before they opened them. They loved the letters, notes from children, brochures and information on Old Bridge Village, absolutely everything that was in those boxes, especially the candy. And they shared everything."

"I wish I could adequately explain what those boxes mean," he said. "Knowing that people appreciate what you're doing there enough to send those gifts really raises the soldiers spirits and boosts their self esteem and has a very positive effect on the mission."

"My soldiers, some of whom had been there a lot longer than I, were always pumping me up. "You ready, Sir?" they'd say. "We're ready, and we've got your back," they'd say to me and to each other. On our first mission, I told them: "All right everyone, listen up. It's my first time going. I want your heads on a swivel, eyes on everybody. Stay safe."

Immediately we experienced a loud explosion. We really got rocked. I looked over at the driver and he was covered in purple dust. We all were. The gas that had escaped, had the opposite effect of helium which makes you sound like a chipmunk, making us all sound like Darth Vader. So all the commands I was giving sound like they were coming from another world." 

"Our Military All Terrain Vehicle (MATV) had a fire suspension system malfunction, my first, but they happen all the time. We couldn't lick our lips because of the purple dust. It was really strange. I just told them not to touch anything. It happened another three times," he added, chuckling.

"My commitment is to God, country, family, friends and the soldier sitting next to me," he asserted. "Any day I can wake up and see all 83 of my guys, that's what made it all right for me.

"We were on the road 80-90 percent of the time," he explained. "There was no time to write letters to say thank you. That's why I'm so happy to be able to thank you in person." The young lieutenant did admit to one small breach of etiquette. "We shared everything, my solders and I, even when the packages were from our own families. Mine knows I crave brownies," he smiled. "When they arrived, I'm afraid no one else got those brownies from home."

"It's a good feeling to come home, wearing your uniform proudly," he said, "and to receive the thanks and support of virtually everyone you see. I know it wasn't always like that, especially after Viet Nam and Korea. I just want to thank you, for my soldiers and myself, for everything you have done and are still doing for our troops."

The Old Bridge audience was on its feet applauding, and the young lieutenant warmly received hugs, handshakes and best wishes from people who are very glad to see him home.