[K Karver]

I am glad for this off topic thread. It will let me, a proud and happy father, pour out to you good people my heart filled with joy and gratitude, first of all to my savior Jesus and then to the world for the safe return of our son, Daniel, who has just completed his second tour of duty in Iraq. I am grateful in many ways. First to have my son back at my table. His laughter and health does this old man good. Second, because the nights of wakefulness and concern, especially for his mother are now over. Third, and in a sad way, that he came home in one piece. On his first tour he was reassigned away from convoy patrol at the last minute and another took his place. I know not why. But the young man who took his seat behind the 50 caliber was at the homecoming Friday. I pray for him, he has no face- ears, nose, lips all burned away. I am humbled and saddened. Fourth, our son has grown up. He carries himself differently, he speaks differently - the sir is a nice touch, all who have had tough teenage sons will understand. And I could go on. Thanks for sharing in our joy.

And may I add - thanks to all of you on this forum who have served. We are grateful for all you have done in peacetime and in war.



A proud and humbled father

John Klompmaker

[Lynn O. Doughty]

We know just how you feel John. Our youngest is set for his second deployment in June. God bless them all!

[AlArchie]

John, Please extend to your son my profound thanks for his service to our country. And God Bless him!

Lynn, I'll include your son specifically in my prayers for all our service men and women.


Al

[Doug Ridley]

Our thanks to Daniel for his service. It is good to know we have young men like him and his buddies.

[Iowa Carver]

Congrats to you John and thank God he came home ok. Thank you to him for serving our country.

Corey

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I mimic all the gratitude and respect offered above, I also offer a prayer on behalf of your son and all the others....My prayer is for their safety on earth and may they find the Lord in all this!

[Just Carving]

With Memorial Day just around the corner, and still fresh memories of the stories my Dad told me when he landed at Normandy many years ago, I just want to say thank you to you and all the others who have "loaned" their precious loved ones to our country. And most definitely to all those who have served, I say thank you and wish you all the best that life and love can offer you.

Bob L

[Ron Davidson]

Congraulations on his safe return. And above all Thanks Daniel for your service to our country. Lynn thanks for your son service also and anyone else that has a loved one serving their country.
Ron

[Mottles]

Welcome home John Klompmaker's son, and thank you, for your service to our country.
Best,
Kathy

[torpidhummer]

A Great Big Semper Fi to you as a proud father of Heroric Warrior Son, My son being a carreer Marine, has also been to Iraq and Afganistan twice. I know how proud you must be and myself being a former Marine & Navy Gunner of the Korean War salute your son and all the brave men and women warriors serving our Great Country.
Semper Fi
Oscar