Pictured over on the right here is Master Sergeant of Marines William "Spanky" Gibson, saluting the Stars and Stripes on Board (he's a Marine folks) Camp Fallujah in Iraq. The picture was taken on October 20 of this year.

Before I get to the rest of this, it is important you know who my friend Spanky is.

You can read all about him by clicking here, but suffice to say he is the first serving member of any branch of the United States military to return to a combat zone having had an above the knee amputation. You can see Spanky's prosthetic leg in the picture.

For those who don't know, the then Gunnery Sergeant lost a leg to a sniper while on foot patrol in Ramadi. He was a guest on my radio show. He and I have never met. We have only spoken two times - both on the air - and we have exchanged some e-mail.

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 Spanky what he wanted to do and without hesitation, he said "send me back to Iraq".

Since then he has been promoted to Master Sergeant of Marines and is still on deployment.

A couple of e-mails ago Spanky said in passing "can I have your address - I want to send you something". Without hesitation I of course gave him my address. And yesterday a box arrived through the mail. I opened it and to say I was floored would be an understatement. You see Spanky had sent me the flag you see him saluting in this picture. And along with the flag came a certificate. I simply cannot believe this national hero chose to honor me in this way. Every single day he risks his life for OUR FREEDOM and the freedom of the Iraqi people. Every day. And he chose to honor me. All I have done is run my mouth.

Spanky understands his mission way better than any of his detractors. Just read these words.

"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 responsibilities 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.  I often allow my injury to guide me closer to the media to voice some opinion of what truly happens here in Iraq. Its interesting how falsehoods can outway truth so easily in the public eye and I vow to do my part in getting the truth up front. Semper Fidelis"

SPANKY - FROM ME TO YOU. You chose to honor me and I am incredibly proud of the gift you sent me. You and your brothers and sisters are in my thoughts every single day. What you are doing for the people of Iraq is something that they will never forget. Although we have never met I am extremely proud to be able to call you my friend and I look forward to shaking your hand and thanking you for your service face to face in the not too distant future. Stay safe.

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(Copyright © 2008 By Simon L Conway All Rights Reserved.)

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