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Appeal for letters to a US Marine

I spoke to a United States Marine on my radio show today. Gunnery Sergeant William "Spanky" Gibson was at Camp Fallujah in Iraq at nearly midnight his time but made himself available to me for an hour. This is an incredible human being, but one thing he said has lead me to writing this blog.

He wants letters - and lots of them - but if you don't have the time to e-mail me, then simply place your comments here and I will make sure that Gunny Gibson gets the link to this blog.

WARNING: DO NOT EVEN THINK ABOUT ANYTHING APPROACHING AN INSULT TO OUR TROOPS. I WILL LEAVE IT IN PLACE AND YOU CAN ANSWER TO GUNNY GIBSON AND HIS BUDDIES WHEN THEY COME OFF THIS CURRENT DEPLOYMENT

For those who don't know, Gunny Gibson lost a leg to a sniper while on foot patrol in Ramadi two years ago - almost to the day.

After his recovery, he swam in the "Escape from Alcatraz" race in San Francisco Bay. When he got out, the Marine Commander at Central Command asked Gunny Gibson what he wanted to do and without hesitation, Spanky said "send me back to Iraq".

This man is a true national hero. And he knows we are doing a fantastic job in Iraq. We are helping the Iraqis build a new society and a new country and Gunny Gibson was very clear - the people are extremely grateful.

Don't let me down. I want to see at least 100 comments on this blog. Send the link to all your friends please and do it today.

UPDATE: SPANKY GIBSON ASKED ME TO POST A COMMENT TO THIS BLOG TODAY. I HAVE DONE SO. PLEASE SHARE IT WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND LOVED ONES.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please give me a call if you have questions about the Central Florida real estate market. You can reach me on 407 876 8200. Also visit my web site at www.simonconway.net or www.move2orlando.net

Tune in to Simon on The Simon Conway Radio Experience on am1520 WHIM. The show airs in Central Florida at 4pm Eastern and is also available worldwide at http://www.1520whim.com/

Posted by Simon Conway on 05/10/2008 07:31 PM

Comments (39)

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39 Comments on Appeal for letters to a US Marine

MAY

2008

Gunnery Sergeant William "Spanky" Gibson -

THANK YOU for all you have done for our country. Because of you, my children are safe in their home. I am able to work and earn a living doing what I choose to do and live my life in peace.

THANK YOU!!!

I'm a huge supporter of our President and Troops. My husband and brother are former Marines so it is close to my heart. We have lots of USMC items in our home including the USMC tattoo on my husband's lower calf. Gunny Gibson - you are a true hero in every sense of the word. I pray for the troops every night and for all of you to come home. God Bless and Semper Fi.

Sorry I missed the radio broadcast. I can not express enough gratitude to the men and women who give so much to make this country great. As an ex Airforce enlisted, I'm not worthy to utter Semper Fi, but if I was, it's all about you guys and gals building a new nation!

Gunnery Sergeant William "Spanky" Gibson -

I have NOTHING but respect and pride for military personnel like yourself. Thank you for all have done and will do. There are a lot in this country that take for granted what you do... BUT I DO NOT!!! God bless you.

Valerie Osterhoudt

I must add my own comments Spanky. At the end of our interview today I had goosebumps. My producer said "this is the guy we want on the wall" and I replied "I think he'd run through the wall for our freedom". You are a true national hero and you make me incredibly proud of my decision to become a citizen of this great nation. As you know that takes place on May 22. And I haven't forgotten your promise to me when you get off this deployment buddy! I told my daughter about it and she can't wait to have you and four or five of your buddies sit down with her prom date a year from now (I'll leave it to you to understand what she said).

Thank you for all you do for us; for all you have done over your 19 year service to our country; for the scacrifice you have already made; and for making America proud of you. It was my honor to talk to you today and I look forward to shaking your hand on your return. Be safe and Semper Fi!

Thank You Seargent,

I pray for the troops often as does my prayer group and My Gideon Camp, I have nothing but the utmost repect and admiration for all the men and women and their families sacrificing so much for us. The Lord obviously has you picked out for great things, may his hand of protection be with You.

Hugh Krone

Simon - Gunny Gibson has my deepest respect. I thank him for his brilliant and brave service to our country.

Very nice tributes so far ladies and gentlemen... very nice.

Gunnery Sergeant William "Spanky" Gibson-

A huge heartfelt Thank you to you and those who proudly serve with you. My son will be leaving for the MCRD in San Diego on 7/7/08 & I have nothing but respect and pride for those unselfish men and women who serve and & protect our country. My prayers are with you all! Semper Fi

Gunnery Sergeant ~

Words cannot express the gratitude and heartfelt appreciation of your sacrifice for our great country. I pray for your safety and all the troops in harm's way in Iraq and Afganistan. Also for all servicemen and women serving our country with honor. You make us all proud to be Americans.

God Bless Our Troops and God Bless America

Congratulations on this Featured Post in Silent Majority

Gunnery Sergeant William "Spanky" Gibson, Thank you for keeping our country, and our families safe. I pray for each and every one of you daily. You have my utmost respect. Because of you, our families are tucked safely in their beds each night. I thank you!

God bless you all, and God bless America!

Gunnery- Thank you for serving our country and for helping those that just became free in Iraq to remain free. Thank you for your unselfish giving of your time to defend freedom and keep us safe from those that seek to destroy us. Thank you for being a patriot and to stand for the best country in the world. Thank you for being there 24/7 whereever you are led, so that my family can sleep in peace at night, so that we can walk and talk and read and worship God in the ways we choose to. God bless you and God bless all the troops and God bless this country.

Gunny Gibson- I sat with my 3 sons and watched your story on Fox News several weeks ago.

http://amyproctor.squarespace.com/blog/2008/3/2/amputee-returns-to-combat-to-help-iraq-any-way-i-can.html

You are a true insperation to all Americans as are all those who serve. Words can not express how proud and thankful we are of your sacrifice. Please forward my best wishes to your family and the brave Americans you serve with. Stay safe,

Ssgt. Larry Hultberg USAF Veteran

MAY

2008

Hey Sarge,

I just want You to know how much WE are thankful for men and women like you over there doing what we are NOT trained for.....

When you lost your leg, you came BACK "on mission"...... THAT is a testament to the kind of solider you are...... I pray you have a LONG distinguished career!!!

Semper FI !!!!

Alex Harb

Gunny - I was privileged to work with a group of Marines when I was in Turkey in '79. I can say I've never met a finer bunch of men in my life. Ya'll without a doubt have my deepest respect and admiration. You and your fellow Marines are an outstanding crew and the work you fellows are doing is appreciated more than ya'll could possibly know. You're in my prayers man. Give 'em hell, Gunny. Ooh-Rah.

Gunny - Bravo Zulu (well done!). What you and those with you (including the Navy folks) are doing a great job and is appreciated by more than you know. God bless.

Gunny

Thank you, and your fellow Marines and others over there.

People like you, with your resolve and commitment, are what make this world a better place.

God bless and be safe.

Simon, I did not get on until 4:45pm so I missed the interview.

Gunny,

I wish I could have heard your interview, it sounds like you're one special person. There are many people (myself included) who oppose the war in Iraq. It is important for you and other soldiers to understand that this is a policy issue with our government, not our military. As far as the troops go, I speak for just about our whole country when I thank you for your dedication, for your courage and for your resilience. Not everyone can put their life on the line day after day and serve unselfishly - I thank you for that. You guys are in our thoughts everyday. May every single one of you return home safely.

Regarding Escape from Alcatraz - you must be nuts!! I wouldn't do that with a wetsuit and jetskis. Iraq must be a piece of cake to you!!

Tchaka

Great response people - let's keep it going!

Seargent:

Words can't begin to state our complete admiration, love and support for the service and sacrifice you and our entire United State Military do for our awesome country!

We pray for you daily and support you fully in your mission to keep America safe and defeat our enemies.

From the bottom of our hearts from my wife and myself; we say THANK YOU & GOD BLESS!

Stay safe... Semper Fi

Thank you so much for all you have done for this great nation. Take care!

Seargent Gibson ,

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you have done for this great country. What makes it so great is individuals like yourself who care enough about the rest of us to make such bold sacrifices. I know you are just one man, but you represent so many others that we will never meet or hear about here at home. You remain in our hearts and our prayers. We will not give up on you guys!

THANKYOU, THANKYOU. THANKYOU!

Trey Thurmond,

College Station Texas

Home of the Fighten' Texas Aggies Corps of Cadets

Wonderful tributes! Thank you all so much!

Gunny Gibson,

Thanks to you and all the troops in Iraq for doing what you are doing. My mother is a Korean National, now a US citizen, and my father is US ARMY Retired after spending almost a quarter of century serving our country and her citizens. I spent the first 10 years of my life in Korea, and as I got older, I learned the great things that our soldiers did to help make South Korea what it is today. Without the dedicated men and women of the US Military, I would not be here thanking you for your service to our country and all the people that come to her shores on a daily basis. Knowing that people like you gave my mother and her countrymen an opportunity to learn the true meaning of freedom, I thank the Lord for all that you do, here and abroad. May the Lord be with you and your men always and thank you for giving the chance for others in the world experience the freedoms that we sometimes take for granted.

James Jeter

I can't imagine what it must be like in any war torn area...only how difficult it must be for everyone. I want to thank not only the Gunny, but every man and woman who are suffering not only the brutality of war, but their families as well. Bless all of you and stay safe.

MAY

2008

Thank you Gunny Gibson,

For your service and your bravery, you are in our thoughts and prayers.

God bless and Good luck.

All the best

Sergeant Gibson,

As a mother who has seen her son deploy I can't begin to tell you how proud I am of all of you. I wish we lived in a world where your sacrifices weren't necessary. Because we don't I want you to know I am so proud of the work you've done and are doing. May God keep you and bless you.

Kathy Winchester-Clifton
Proud Mother of a USAF Veteran

Seargent Gibson,

A simple thank you is not enough..there are no words to describe the sacrifice that you and your fellow military men and women give. You are the reason we're free and I'm so grateful.

I'm sure what you hear on the news is not the truth. It's just what we hear, too. I know there have been some enormous strides and victories in Iraq. The media just doesn't want us to hear it. You probably hear that the majority don't support the war or you all. That's absolutely not true, but you'll never hear that from our media.

You have America behind you and praying for you. Thank you and all the other heroes you serve with.

Linda Scanlan

Burleson, TX

Hi Simon,
I work with Marine families on a regular basis due to my proximity to Camp Lejeune Marine base in Jacksonville, N C and what these Marines tell me when they return from Iraq is: "what you hear from the media is NOT TRUE, we are making great strides. It's difficult and heartwrenching but we are making a big difference."

Gunnery Sergent Gibson is a true hero and I have so very much respect and appreciation for him and his fellow military members. They and their families sacrifice so much and we can never, ever repay them!

Gunny Gibson,

My family and I would like to personally thank you for your sevice to the US and to the people of Iraq. Your selfless attitude is one that we should all strive to attain. We are behind you and we pray for your safety and the work that you do. Please write to my email address if you or your people need anything. We will try to get it for you.

3rd generation USMC here. Semper Fi.

Gunnery Sergeant William "Spanky" Gibson,

I would like to thank you first for putting others before yourself. You are a true inspiration to all of us. I know you might not like to consider yourself a hero because there are others who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for us, but you are a great example for many! You and all of our troops are in my prayers regularly. I pray for your safety and that you may continue to make a difference to anyone you come in contact with. We need more men like you here in America! Thanks again for all you do day in and day out!

You always have a friend here in York, PA!

John Hersey

Simon,

I heard about 'Gunny' on Jesse Clifton's blog...I couldn't let this go by without personally and publicly thanking him for his courage, patriotism, and heroism...and all in the name of freedom!!! Thanks Gunny, Fran

Dear Sergeant Gunnery, Thank you very much for your sacrifice so that we, as a nation, can enjoy the freedoms that so many others do not get to enjoy. God Bless you, and all of your comrades in arms.

Sincerely, Susan C. Mangigian

Gunny -- Thank you for your service and continued dedication to stand up for freedom, protecting the men, women and children of this great country. I hope everyone in the armed forces knows they have our unending support and that they are in our prayers everyday.

May God continue to bless and keep you,

JoEllen E. Stranger-Thorsen

MAY

2008

Thank you to the latest contributors.

MAY

2008

Gunny Gibson, I can't say I agree or disagree with the war in Iraq. I feel that if Bill Clinton would have done the "right" thing to take care of Bin Laden (of which he had the opportunity to do at least twice) we would not be where we are now. I can say your bravery and dedication is truly amazing and it is an honor to be able to say this to you. I also would like to send things that you and your brothers over there need and can't get. My mother has been sending care packages over to soldiers deployed there from Fort Lewis, WA for years. Please let me know what I can do to be of service to you as you are making it safer here for me and my family. You are truly a hero!

MAY

2008

I received the following comment from GySgt Spanky Gibson today. He asked me to post it to the blog:

"To all of your comments I would like to say thank you. Its a sincere honor to serve each of you and our great country. I joined the Marine Corps 19 years ago with no other desire than to serve. I always accept the responcibilities of the job so, my injury does not cause me regret or hatred. I still have a life as a Marine and a long life to enjoy and I will live it to the fullest. I have the support of so many of you and my beautiful family. Please know that all we sacrifice here is for a higher good and we do not regret the multiple deployments to get the job done. Most of us realize when we join that life in the Corps could be a long battle. We swear on an oath to support and defend. We protect all those who can not protect themselves and provide them opportunities that might otherwise be impossible. And we do it for a thank you! We do not care of the books and journals which might hold our name. We only care of the Marine Corps tradition and not failing it or you in anyway. As you honor me and my fellow service members we also honor you. So, I say "Thank You" and "Its my honor", because this is the life I chose to live. I love each and everyday of it. Semper Fidelis, GySgt Spanky Gibson"

MAY

2008

Being raised in a military family, respect for the military, the President, the flag, and the preservation of freedom, not only in America but in other countries as well, was drilled into my siblings and me as we grew up. Even now I can't hear the national anthem without tears because as I ponder the words, I have a glimpse of millions of final sacrifices have been made on my behalf in this country and on distant shores so I can sleep safely at night free from many of the "isms" that have threatened our nation over the years. There is no way I can ever repay such a debt. I've been to some WWII battlefields in the Pacific that seem so placid and even exquisitely lovely, but know that American blood ran thick and heavy there (especially one called Bloody Beach on Peleliu) so I wouldn't be speaking Japanese or German now. My heart is stirred as I think of our soldiers overseas still working to help the Iraqis. And in that theater, I know that despite what the liberal media would have us believe, much good is being done by our troops to improve the everyday life of Iraqis. And especially I am grateful beyond words and inspired by you, sir. Your courage, dedication, and persistence makes me proud of you and proud to be an American. What an amazing and steadfast role model you are! Thank you so much for what you have done, and even more, for what you have given. God bless you and your fellow patriots abundantly.

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