Our Members in the Reserves...

[Jenna]

More and more I am getting emails about various members being called to active duty...oddly, most of them are aware that they will be heading to the middle east. A few others are being disbursed elsewhere in the country...I used to get an email here and there about a member being called to active duty. Many police departments as a whole are being affected a great deal by this, and overtime is becoming a daily thing for our members who are still here due to the shortage of manpower.

In the last week alone I have gotten at least one...sometimes up to three emails in a day...like today...reporting that one of our members has been activated. It's mixed emotions for me personally, as I have known many of them for years...some less. I even know some of their families and they know mine. Even my own brother, Shane, that some of you know is already in Kuwait. I am sure they all will do us proud I pray for their safe return and keep their families in mind as they are without their loved ones.

So as activity may dwindle on here, keep in mind some of our regular posters are leaving or have already left...some only having as little as 3 days to prepare and are spending time with their families. I have contact information for these members and will be setting up a webpage, etc for them. I have emails from 16 members so far confirming their call to duty. I started getting them in early January...i am sure there are those we don't know about either.

No matter who they are...they are very special to us and will be missed. Some will be able to check email, some will not. Once I get the site set up I will give updates there...until then...say a tiny prayer for them.

[elisa8002]

I just have to say a few things about this, and thanks Jenna for posting it.
Some of you may know me and some dont but I just want to take the time to thank those in the Armed Forces and let you know that what your doing for us is apprecated. I personally lost a very close family member in 9-11 and this hit my heart. I pray for all those serving our counrty and I know its not much comming from me but Thank You. Come back home safe to your families and friends at home and here in Real Police.

[tommygenewoolworth]

I would like to take a moments to echo the words of Elisa and Jenna concerning our RP family members being called into service. Like Jenna I would ask you reserve a small place in your daily lives to say a paryer for their safety and the safety of loved ones left at home.

I know all too well about the families being left behind. In 1967, I watched as my father, a T/Sgt in the Air Force depart from Oklahoma City to his duty station in Saigon, South Vietnam. My mother, brother and I spent the next year in Yukon, Ok. We watched as the war was televised every evening on CBS. I became so we could watch the news to see what was going on in Vietnam. Seeing GI's, secretly wishing your Dad would be TV, to know he is OK.

Waiting by the mailbox for letters, tapes from Vietnam. Going to grocery store and packing a box of Kool-Aid and Fizzies, twinkies, cupcakes, etc for your DAD. Sending a note to tell him everyting is OK and that you LOVE HIM.

Listening as CBS NEWS reports the North Viet Cong have over run Saigon and attacking the US Air Base. Staying awake for days watching the news hopeing to hear word about the war.

Taking a phone call at 2:00 AM from Vietnam for three mintues and hearing your Dads voice.

Waiting for the day your Dad returns from Vietnam, watching him get off the airplane, pause, kneel and kiss the ground and then run to his family.

I do not wish a war anyone, and my heart tonight goes out to all of the ten years old boys and girls who will see their fathers leave for war. To those tne years olds, I know what you are feeling, and your fathers will miss you very much. Pray for your fathers safe return and keep him in your thoughts.

[Jynkxxie]

Originally posted by Jenna
I pray for their safe return and keep their families in mind as they are without their loved ones.

My thoughts exactly, for I too have a loved one, a friend, currently serving.

To all the men and women that keep us, and fight for our freedom. My Graditute. Thank You.

[jeepingino]

God Bless America and all the heros protecting it, here at home and abroad. Stay healthy and for those abroad, come home safely. We appreciate your sacrifices. Well make sure to hold the fort down here at home till you come back. You're in our prayers.

USA

[vbgecko]

Two hours, TWO HOURS!! Before they filed the papers for my brother to be shipped to the sandbox, the ROTC filed their papers for my brother to begin his training ... He was told because he was enrolled in the ROTC program before they filed him to go ... HE GETS TO STAY HOME!! HURRAY!! (my sister-in-law couldn't be more happy)