I’ve been a Soldier in the Massachusetts Army National Guard for a little over six years now. I’m currently on my second tour of Iraq with some of the same faces from last time, but mostly a new crew. I would like to first and foremost thank these Soldiers I have served with daily. Their sacrifice and service is remarkable and I couldn’t be prouder of the job, the missions we have completed and services provided to this country. My words today though are not about these Soldiers.

My thoughts today go out to the past warriors I have met since my return from Iraq in 2005. I have had the opportunity to share stories with Veterans of the Gulf, Vietnam, Korea and World War II. I have had conversations with Grandparents and Parents who would never tell these tales to their own kids or grandchildren. Two weeks ago I had the chance to talk with a WWII ex-POW who was liberated in Germany by Patton’s Army. His stories are remarkable and edge of the seat. Its amazing that this man is still alive today with all that he went through. These American Veterans are true heroes as are the men and women today who still stand up and volunteer to answer the call to duty. I’m proud to call myself a Soldier knowing that my path has been paved by the service of these Veterans who came before. So as we remember the loss of over 4,000 servicemen and women in the war in Iraq, let us not forget those who paid the sacrifice long before we even had a chance to walk around our Free American soil. A purple heart Vietnam Veteran who still has the scrap metal in his body gave me a hug at his son’s graduation party, handed me a drink and insisted I enjoy it and every moment from here on. He talked of his homecoming and how he was treated. After he gave me a hug he pulled me aside and told me some things he explained his sons would never understand. To be able to just sit and listen to these Veterans service stories is a honor in itself. So thank you to those who have taken the burden of battle on their shoulders both past and present. And thank you to a grateful nation now that supports its Soldiers, Marines, Airmen, and Sailors so much in a time when support is crucial. Keep up the Support and we will keep up our Spirits.

Proudly Serving,
SGT Geary, Michael
Baghdad, Iraq

(Picture is of me and 3 other Soldiers of the 42nd MP CO in Tikrit, Iraq 2005)