The inspiration for this website...

Dear Abby: A loving father's thanks to a stranger (as published on June 7th, 2008)

DEAR ABBY: I am one of your many male readers. I have been up all night and need to put my thoughts down and thank someone for his act of kindness to my son.

My son, a U.S. infantry soldier, left yesterday for a 12-month deployment. After a tearful goodbye to me and to his young wife at the airport, he flew to Atlanta to join the other members of his unit for their flights overseas. He called me the evening he reached Atlanta and related this story:

He was eating a late dinner at a restaurant in the Atlanta airport. A man who appeared to be about 60 years old saw him show his military ID to the waitress when he ordered a drink with his meal. The man took my son's dinner check when he got up to leave, saying, "Let me buy a soldier a meal." When my son tried to politely refuse, the man insisted and said it was his way to thank him for what he was doing. Because Army privates don't make much money, my son was grateful. This act of kindness made a strong impression.

To that kind gentleman, I want you to know that this father is grateful, too. I sent my son into harm's way yesterday, and you, sir, a stranger, took care of him on his journey. You bought him a meal when I could not. Thank you, and God bless you. -- A SOLDIER'S GRATEFUL DAD

A retired soldier's response to a loving father's thanks to a stranger...

Dear Abby,

As a former soldier who was greeted with insult upon return from Vietnam, the story told by A Soldier's Grateful Dad about a stranger buying a meal for his son, an American soldier on his way to an overseas combat assignment, touched me deeply. Such anonymous acts of kindness indicate a growing public awareness of the gratitude and appreciation that we all owe these volunteer soldiers who give so much of themselves so that we may live in peace and safety.

The burden on military families in some cases is even more stressful than upon the soldiers themselves, for the families can usually do little more than wait and worry. That much was clear from the deep sense of appreciation that Grateful Dad expressed for a complete stranger who helped his son. If we the American public can ease a family's concerns while at the same time tangibly helping individual soldiers, that would be something for which we could all be proud.

Because of this father's story - that I'm sure is shared by so many parents and relatives of soldiers - I've been moved to take action.  On their behalf, I've started an Internet site to commemorate that father's loving thanks to a stranger while encouraging others to support soldiers through voluntary, spontaneous acts of kindness such as purchasing a meal for a traveling soldier, or offering assistance through one of several extraordinary organizations already working on soldiers' behalf.

This new site is called Support American Soldiers and is set us as a tribute from one old soldier (me) to the thousands of young soldiers who are now sacrificing so much for all of us.

Thanks, Abby, from soldiers young and old alike, for your continual support for those on the front lines of freedom!

Gordon Cucullu
Lieutenant Colonel (ret), US Army

About This Support American Soldiers Website

Not many Americans are going to have the opportunity to visit with soldiers in Iraq. I was able to see them in action. As a result of my May 2008 trip, and after seeing the June 7th Dear Abby letter from a Grateful Dad (reprinted on the left), I decided to launch this web site devoted to thanking them for their service to our country and to encourage all of us to find ways to express our appreciate to them for their sacrifices. This site belongs as much to them - and to you - as to me, so I ask for your participation and support, not for me but for our soldiers.

How can you participate and help spread the word? Sign the guestbook, write an article (see guidelines below), or place our Support American Soldiers banner (bottom of this page) on your website.

Guidelines for Submitting Articles

Support American Soldiers is looking for stories and articles from readers that relate to the following topics:

* How ordinary citizens can support our soldiers, and can help improve their morale.

* Personal stories from family members and from soldiers who have witnessed or experienced random acts of kindness that made an impression on them.

* Notes from the war zones providing personal insights or stories that will help the public understand the world of soldiers today.

* Material from professionals - mental health specialists, sociologists, physicians, and others - that discuss soldier morale.

All submitted material is subject to review and editing. All submissions must include a name and valid e-mail address.

Caution: U.S. soldiers come from across the political spectrum and include all races, religions, sexes, and diversity of political outlook. We request that articles submitted respect these guidelines.

Email your article, commentary, or other material to:

Support American Soldiers Photo Credits

During my embed with the Military Police in Iraq I had the opportunity to take pictures - lots of them. You'll see a few of them posted on this site. They are all copyrighted and I would appreciate your respect for that restriction. If you would like to copy or use them somewhere please contact me first for standard release procedures. Also note that if you have a need for higher quality photos I can supply them.

Help Spread the Word Using This Banner

Right-click this banner and select "Save this image as..." option to place a copy on your hard drive:

You can then help spread the word by including this banner in email messages or, better yet, adding it to your own website, blog, myspace.com page or other internet site.  

The contents, images, and all features of this website. are copyright 2008-2009 by Gordon Cucullu, all rights reserved.
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