Hi, I'm Kayla currently living in San Francisco, Ca.

I know that I'm not your family, you don't know me, and I know that strangers can never replace the words and sentiments of loved ones.  I hope, however, that I can express to you how much your courage and strength means to me and how much I feel privileged  to know you in even this limited sense.  I come from a military family, both my parents are retired Air Force,  I spent the first part of my life on a military base, and I have friends that have joined various branches of our military.  Still, I don't think I could every truly get a sense of the boots you're walking in unless I one day do it myself which I definitely lack the courage or dedication for.  I don't mean to bore you or express flattery in an embarrassing/uncomfortable/over-the-top manner, but the men and women who fight to protect our country in any sense have always been my heroes.  I honestly thank you for your service.

I know that my words can't replace those that you care about, and I can't tell you how Bobby's doing or how big Sue's gotten since you left.  I just hope you know that whoever they are, they love you.  Sometimes we become so self-involved we forget to tell those around us how much they mean to us, but that doesn't mean that we don't think it every single day.  We lose track of things or we forget that sometimes all someone needs is to know that they're loved.  It sucks, but to error is to be human.  Its not excusable, but I believe in my heart that if they knew how much you needed to hear from them, they would be stricken  with guilt and regret.

I hope you are successful in boot-camp and that you get to see your loved ones soon.  Above all I hope they realize how special you are and how lucky they are to have you in their life.  I pray for a long and successful military career (or well at least until the contract runs out).  Thanks for sharing yourself with all of us.