America Salutes the Military

A big thanks to CJ for emailing me about this -- this is awesome!

In the latest Edition of the Army Times, there was an insert called "America Salutes the Military". In this section, were a bunch of quotes that American celebrities and other notables have shared their thoughts about our military men and women. After going to the site and reading all of the incredible things there - I wanted to share some of them with you.

"Throughout my adult life, I have always tried to acknowledge the debt I owe to my military experience, for allowing me to serve my country and for instilling within me strong moral fiber and self-discipline. These qualities have served me well in a film and television career where I have played many heroic characters. Today, more than ever, the inspiration for the parts I play is found in you - our nation's men and women in uniform - and the selfless contributions you make on a daily basis to keep our country safe and free. I salute you. I thank you. And I wish you Godspeed and a safe return home."
- Chuck Norris, Actor

"I just want to tell the troops that I'm with them 110 percent, and I know that they're doing a good thing. Don't listen to the skeptics; continue to do what you do. We need these brave soldiers to fight for our way of life. And the fact that they have the nuts to do that is just unbelievable to me. Tell everyone I said "Git-R-Done.""- --Larry the Cable Guy, Blue-collar comedian

"As the driver of the Team Marines NASCAR Busch Series team, I have had the honor to meet many Marines. I want to take this time to thank every one of them for their service to our country. The sacrifices they make allow us to spend our time racing these cars and entertaining the folks back at home. On behalf of the entire NASCAR community, I want to thank not only the Marines but all the other members of our armed services for their hard work and service to the United States."
- Ashton Lewis Jr., Driver, No. 25 Team Marines; NASCAR Busch Series

"I want to thank you for serving our country. What you're doing is a noble cause; we are fighting the terrorism in the world wherever you are. I've traveled this country coast to coast just about every year, and the support for the military is out there and it's very strong."
- Charlie Daniels, Country music artist

"I have a deep admiration for the military troops. These are brave individuals who leave their families to protect our country and the future of America. It takes an incredible personal commitment and true selflessness to face the dangers and challenges our troops face every day. While a lot of athletes talk about going to war, the soldiers know firsthand the true meaning of this."
- Oscar De La Hoya, Professional boxer

"I've worked with the military through my field of entertainment for almost 50 years. I recognized early on that these men and women possessed a quality that few Americans would ever know - the pride in knowing they wore the uniform of the greatest nation on earth. Regardless of the mission, they execute their duties with dignity and precision. We have come to expect no less from our men and women in uniform and they have risen to the challenge. ... For every young man and woman who has stepped up to fill the shoes of those before them, and for every family who has given their support to their son and daughter who have become part of our military, a grateful nation says thank you."
- Lee Greenwood, Country music singer

"It's not an understatement to say that the visit we had with our wounded troops was one of the most emotional experiences we have ever had, and one that we will never forget. "Inspirational" is a word that springs to mind, but it really doesn't do justice to the feelings we experienced that day hanging out with those brave guys. Of course, we would do it again in a heartbeat."
- Dusty Hill, ZZ Top bassist

"For all you do ... this Bud's for you! Stay strong, God bless and thank you for allowing me to "keep on kid rockin' in the free world!""
- Kid Rock, Rock/rap musician

"While we were in Torino. I got a lot of good e-mails of support from people who were deployed and it was really motivating to hear those words from them over there and how proud they were of us. It's really hard to explain to people how proud we are of them. We're representing them, trying to do our best, and their job is much more difficult and a lot harder than people can imagine. I was real proud to represent them and really happy to be able to show what the U.S. Army is about in the Olympic Games and around the world."
- Spc. Steve Holcomb, Driver, U.S. Olympic Men's Bobsled team; Utah National Guardsman

"We can't tell [the troops] - and we try to - what they mean to us and what they mean to our country. ... We're proud of you no matter where you are. We're proud that you're serving your country. It really is a great duty to serve your country ... we don't want [you] to feel overlooked. [You] signed up and are serving our country. What an honor it is for me to be around you and your service. The one thing that I never heard was a complaint from any soldier. We've met thousands. They never said, "I wish we weren't here." They all know their goal, [and] they accept it with a lot of pride and honor."
- Neal McCoy, Country music singer

You guys make us proud. You have our eternal thanks, love and respect. Stay safe."
- John Mellencamp, Rock musician

"I went to Afghanistan. It was probably one of the best experiences of my life just to go there. It was just a wonderful opportunity to give back. For me personally, I don't have any [family] in the war. I didn't how much hard work they're doing over there. I got an up-close and personal view of what they're dong every day, facing attack and changing the lives of the Afghani people. [The troops] all believe they are doing the right thing. It makes me feel better here that they're there. We had, like, three of the troops that were personal escorts. We bonded and got along so well. It was such an emotional experience. I remember all the awards and medals and patches they gave us for being over there. They were just excited for us to be over there. When I got back on the plane I was crying. First and foremost, [you're] so brave ... thank you. Just know that we really do appreciate what you do over there. I could see firsthand the hard work they do over there ... I'm just so thankful for the bravery of the men and women serving."
- Candace Michelle, WWE Raw star; 'Playboy' model

"My visit to the J. Walter Reed hospital was powerful, inspiring and life-altering. ... I have a deep respect and great concern for them, not just while they bravely put themselves in harm's way, but also when they come home, that whenever and however needed, they have appropriate support systems for themselves and their families. ... We owe them this. We owe them our gratitude and more."
- Michael Bolton, Pop singer

"I would like to salute all U.S. service men and women who risk their lives every day to protect and serve our country. You are an inspiration to every American - regardless of race, class or profession. Having been raised in a military family, I can greatly appreciate the dedication, strength and courage it takes to do your jobs. Many sports fans look up to me because of how well I play basketball. But I look up to all armed service men and women for their sacrifice and unselfish characteristics. You are the true heroes and heroines, and Officer O'Neal salutes you."
- Shaquille O'Neal, NBA player, Miami Heat; special U.S. deputy marshal

"It was a very humbling experience visiting the wounded troops. I was very nervous about meeting them. Usually it's the other way around and people sometimes get nervous about meeting me. I didn't know what to expect, but I was really struck by their incredible spirit and pride. We should treat these kids bigger than rock stars for what they've done for us."
- Ozzy Osbourne, Lead singer, Black Sabbath, solo heavy-metal star

"Without the military and the people who serve this country, we would not play and enjoy the games we love. We hear the words "role model" used often in professional sports, but this is just a game - a form of entertainment. Our military risk their lives to ensure our freedom and way of life. To me, there are no greater role models to follow. I am grateful for their service and for the sacrifices they make for this country."
- Mariano Rivera, MLB pitcher, New York Yankees

"To the men and women who have answered the call to serve this country by joining the military, I salute you. My hat is raised in honor of you and my heart is open for you. Defending all our freedom from places both near and foreign is the ultimate civic duty, and I applaud you. You are the ones we think about and praise when we sing, "I need a soldier." You and your families are constantly in our prayers and we continue to thank God for each and every one of you. Stay blessed."
- Kelly Rowland, R&B singer, Destiny's Child

"I can honestly say that the work I have done with the USO has been some of the best work of my life. But to say it is work would be doing it a disservice. It is not work. It is a rewarding pleasure to support our service members and I am honored to be able to do it. ... When visiting Landstuhl Medical Center, Bethesda Naval Hospital and Walter Reed, I met many our brave wounded soldiers and Marines and saw first hand how dedicated our doctors and nurses are to these service members and their families."
- Gary Sinise, Actor, 'CSI: New York'

"We want to salute all the members of the armed services for their dedication to the protection of our country. Often we take for granted that the protection they provide allows us to work and play at home without fear ... Every race, I get to meet men and women from the Marine Corps and thank them for all they do for our country."
- Regan Smith, Driver, No. 35 Team (McDonald's), NASCAR Busch Series

"The whole country is behind you! We thank you for your service!"
- Mort Walker, Cartoonist, creator of Beetle Bailey

"I am just a country boy and I really love this land, from the mountains of Montana to the Alabama sand. You are the men and women who have fought for the freedom that we all take for granted. I am proud to be an American and proud of all of you. Just remember, America will survive!"
- Hank Williams Jr., Country music singer

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