Jim Spiri in Iraq

Mr. Spiri,

I know I've said it quite a few times but I'm about to say it again. Thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart, for all that you have done. In one of your blogs you mentioned something to the effect of being in the middle of the families back home and the soldiers who have become your friends there. You are so right, only I believe you have done and have been much more than that. You have been, at least for me and my family, a link, a connection, a saving grace for us. You have brought my husband's world right in front of my face on the computer. You have shown me what a day in the life of my husband is like. You have captured details and written heartfelt words of encouragement, hope, and most of all peace, despite the war that you placed yourself in the middle of. You have done a great thing and there are no words that can truly articulate my gratitude and admiration for you and your family, who also makes the sacrifice of being without you. You and your family are in my prayers, my thoughts, my heart. May you always have the wind at your back to push you forward, the peace in your heart to know that you are doing a great deed, and the knowledge that you have made at least one family's deployment that much easier with your efforts, your time, and your life. Be safe in all of your journeys sir, and know that if you are ever heading to Guam, you have quite a few homes and families that will welcome you and yours with open arms. God bless.

Jim,
You have been blessed with many talents. The one that stands out is your heartfelt desire to take those talents out into the world and make a difference. You are the ultimate measure of success. And you have been a gift. As Val says above, you have shown us a world we can only imagine. Our family members who spend time on the ground have the most difficult time trying to explain what they have been through, so they often do not try. By sharing your words and photographs, we have a small taste of that experience...and can honor them even more for their sacrifices because we do have a better understanding. Not a complete understanding, but a better one. Thank you for that. Thank you to your family for sacrificing their time with you while you accomplished your goals. Be safe.

Dear Jim,

Have a safe trip out of Mosul. I have really enjoyed reading your blog and seeing your pictures. Your blog has given me a better understanding of what you are doing over there and what our soldiers are doing over there. I'm happy you had the opportunity to do this and share your writings with everyone. I'm sure the soldiers you traveled with enjoyed having you there, too!

I'm going to miss reading your blog, but at least I know this means you are heading towards home. Take care and hurry home!

Peggy

Val said perfectly what I would like to say. Thanks for the pictures of Luke and being so kind. I'm sure the boys and girls of 1st CAV would say you deserve a rousing "Hooah!" God bless you and keep you and your family safe. We will miss you.