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Be proud of servicemen and women
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Posted by lklinger Tue Nov 30, 1999 00:00:00 PST
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Nov. 30, I got a call that I think surprised me and my Dad. My Dad was calling me to let us know he had received an activation letter earlier that day. He was ordered to report to Camp Pendelton by Dec. 4.

I really never thought I would get another call like this, since he had been activated in January of 2003 and returned May 31 of 2003. That was his tour of duty, so we thought. 

He made contact with the Marine Corp and respectfully requested one week stay before reporting, which was given. So now he needed to report Dec. 12.

As I listened to my Dad that night on the phone as he was explaining the activation with such enthusiasm, I almost began to get angry. My father, CWO5 Thomas Michael Cierley, 57, is one of the most amazing people I know and will be probably ever meet.  Thoughts of our family being separated again, thinking of my mother and the current activity in Iraq, I began to cry (without him knowing). 

Listening to him talk about what he needs to do to get ready –– basically turning his everyday life of work, bowling, riding his new Harley and family off –– was of no consequence to him. This is what he has to do, he is a true and genuine Marine.  Regardless of what people think, he has been trained to serve his country, and he does it with every ounce of pride he has, just as every other service man serving our country right now.     

With this letter, I hope those who are against the war pay attention. During our season of happiness, family gatherings, giving and freedom, please think about the troops who are in other parts of the world because they have been ordered to serve.  They are our servicemen and women, who we should all be proud of. They, too, have family and loved ones here somewhere in the United States who are thinking of them and hoping for a safe and quick return. Our family –– my mom, brother and sister, six grandchildren, and all other family members –– are also hoping for a safe and quick return home.  

 I know there are many people in this community who know my Dad. Please keep him and all servicemen and women in your thoughts and prayers during this time of war. Thank you to all military who serve our country, I hope you all have a Merry Chrismas!

Support the troops!

 

 

 

 

    

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