Any Female Service Member
Operation Desert Shield
APO New York 09848-0006
Hello to you in far off Arabia! I hope this finds you well, and I hope that the fact you are reading this, does not mean you are terminally bored. Yesterday (November 30th) the United Nations authorized the use of force to remove Saddam Hussein from Kuwait. That is an amazing event, in this day and time. Just think about what a great thing it really is. Solidarity!
I am 50, and I must tell you, when I was in Vietnam, the world could never have agreed to even something as necessary as outlawing graffiti in men's rooms. (grin) It was just a year ago, that events in Europe took such a powerfully positive turn for the good. I could not believe that the wall was coming down and that small countries like Rumania were shrugging off their loathsome yokes of oppression (sorry if I sound like a recruiting poster).
But then, to have Saddam Hussein, with the world rejoicing, and celebrating the end of the cold war, invade and despoil the beauty and serene happiness that existed there. More amazing even, than the actions of the United Nations, have been the actions of the United States of America. I was beginning to believe we had lost our ability and desire to stand-up for the little guy, as we had done in Vietnam.
I am so proud that you are there. I am proud to almost bursting my buttons! We have not shrugged off our duties, and I think it has been because of our strong leadership and prompt action, that the world has been capable of being galvanized into taking a united stand against aggression.
When I think that, in our lifetime, we have lived to see the United Nations doing what it was designed to do. To array the might and power of all the countries of the world (well except Libya, North Korea, and Albania), against those that would use force to accomplish their aims against a weaker opponent. I will tell you, it is pretty heady stuff.
I am sorry this is so heavy, so let me lighten it up. I told you I am old, I am also fat, and bearded. So, now approaches the one time during the entire year that I am not perceived as an overweight, hirsute, doddering old codger, but with my twinkling eye, I can bring some magic into the hearts of children and adults alike. So Santa sends you a Christmas kiss.
I wrote you a poem, and it is intended to hold you, and hug you, and thank you for being out there in all that strangeness and heat and endless sand, so that America, strong because of its Union of States, also can demonstrate to the world, our strength of our freedom loving daughters and sons.
She Shines like the Dawn,
I don't know her name, but she shines like the dawn,
She stood to be counted, when that was not necessarily the
Thing that was popular among her friends and peers.
She is placed, in these times of
enlightenment, into a setting
Where she can see how fortunate it is that her forbearers suffered
The trials and tribulations entailed in moving to America.
I love her, for her love of our
land and our precious liberty,
I enfold her in the protection of my strong arms, and hug
Her to my breast, offering a safe haven, whilst far from home.
You are unknown to me, but you mean more to me than I can express. Daughter of Freedom, I salute you, and wish you God's speed,
And hurry back to us from your far away land, I love you and I have tied a ribbon to demonstrate that love, and to protect you and hasten your return.
Merry Christmas, and here is that hug: Uhmmmmmm! Oh, that felt wonderful.
Dale Malone
Sent 12-01-90 to "Any Female Member of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, National Guard, and Any Female Servicemember" via SAUDI (BBS direct line to Saudi Arabia, Operation Desert Shield).
Written by Dale E. Malone, Should
Women be in Combat?
The Great & Wonderful Kahuna wants to know!
Last
modified: April 26, 2009