A Tennessee Volunteer Tells Her Story of Support

A story that must be told, from a fellow Tennessean and online contact:

isupportourtroops

The following is an e-mail I sent out to the troops I have e-mail addresses for. It's so important for us to let our troops know that we are behind them; it doesn't matter if we personally agree that America should be in Iraq or not. I have a lot of trouble getting folks to get behind my efforts to show our troops we love and appreciate them; so many just don't care. They think just slapping a sticker on their car that says "I support our troops" is enough, but I don't agree with that. Sure, put a sticker on your car; that's a start. But there are so many things you can do to show your support that may take a little more effort but are well worth it. I adopt troops from http://www.anysoldier.com, and send care packages, letters, cards, e-mails - I have four 3-ring binders full of letters and e-mails I've gotten back from our heroes, and have started a fifth one. That's the only thanks I need. Now, on to the e-mail.....you'll be surprised to find where my biggest co-supporter is from. (Since August '07, this kind-hearted soul has contributed a total of $600 toward care packages and postage for America's kids in the sandbox.) Read on:

I have a dear friend in Nova Scotia, Canada, named Glenn T. Banks, who is an ardent supporter of the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, both Canadian and American troops. He donates funds in support of the Canadian forces serving in Afghanistan on a regular basis, and he also donates funds to help me with my efforts to support American forces all over the Middle East AO. He's a wonderful person, a genuine hero to me, with a heart as big as the whole outdoors, and generous almost to a fault. This gentleman has written a message that he asked me to send to my adopted troops, and the easiest way for me to share this message with the most troops possible is to e-mail it to those of you I have e-mail addresses for. Glenn is a man who keeps his promises, and the very least I can do is to return the favor and keep my promise to him that I would share his message. I have copied and pasted the message exactly as written by Glenn, and the message follows:

"I am a Canadian from Nova Scotia, Canada. I am a former member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and 25 year firefighter. I know the risks one takes to serve his fellow citizen and I have the highest respect and admiration for all of you who are now engaged in your battles to defend what we all take for granite, freedom. War is not popular with anyone but sometimes it has to be and will remain with us as long as there are dictators and fanatics who oppress and murder the innocent. I can't imagine your stress but admire your courage to the N th degree. May God be with you all and I pray you will all come home safe. From one warrior to another Maintaine Le Droit" RCMP motto for "Maintain the right." I leave you with a Nova Scotia saying which is a maritime saying of highest respect. "May the wind always be to your back." meaning, may all your journeys be safe ones and "long may your big jib draw." Meaning long life and happiness."

Respectfully forwarded to all my US troops

Glenn T. Banks - Nova Scotia , Canada. Ex-member of the RCMP and Ex-Captain, fire fighter.

Now, y'all, if a Canadian citizen can support our troops in such an admirable manner, there's no excuse for anyone in the good ol' U.S. of A not to do the same. Can I get an "Amen!" ?

And in response, the PitBull Glenn showed up there:

redserge wrote on 18 May 2008 at 1:56 PM Hello everyone I'm "the" Glenn from Nova Scotia Tracy mentioned. Just wanted to say thank you for all your kind words. Tracy is an inspiration to all for what she has done and continues to do. I personally am from a military community, Canadian Armed Forces Base 14 Wing, Greenwood, NS, my Dad was a WWII bomber pilot from 1939 to 1945 and I know what war can do. I admire each and every soldier for what they do and thank them daily for my freedom. Tracy is one unique individual who supports the troops as I do. She's spends her own "allowance" from payday to payday to send "care packages" to her troops, what else can I say. I sincerely hope everyone gets home safe and this conflict will end as it has in past wars with good triumphing over the evil. Go get 'em, you've got the bravery, the want and the guts to do it. I will continue to support the US and Canada, my nickname is "Pitbull" and I keep my promises and you can take that to the bank!. I support our US and Canadian troops, God speed and stay safe.