I just received an email from my friend and retired 82nd Airborne Ranger, Jim "Jim Bob" Roth. Jim manages everything that goes in and out of Fort Bragg/Pope Air Base. I was asking him how the morale of our awesome Troops was these days. I was very worried about our Troops over the past week, especially after entertaining a group of Wounded Warriors in the Quad Cities this past Monday. Jim Bob's response brightened my morning so much, that I thought I'd share it with you.

Jim Bob writes ....
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Joe....

Some observations here at Fort Bragg/Pope Air Base; Home of America's Strategic Response Force, America's Guard of Honor, The 82d Airborne Division....

.... as a Manager of the busiest Army deployment facility in the United States, and a Retired Paratrooper, I wanted to pass on some observations of the young men and women who are currently taking the fight to Iraq and Afghanistan. I have talked with many of these soldiers and with some on their fourth or fifth rotation, you would think their enthusiasm would be waning... NOT SO...

What I have witnessed are Soldiers and Airmen who walk with their head held high... not down... who talk about what they need to do to take care of the soldier next to them, regardless of what unit they are in... they are all brothers..

Anyone in America who is disillusioned with the youth of today needs to come down to Fort Bragg and see the caliber of individuals that are leading Americas charge for freedom and taking the fight to those who oppress others on their soil so we remain FREE here to enjoy the freedoms in our constitution....
FREEDOM IS NOT FREE.....

The next time you see a soldier, Airman, or Marine, thank them for their service... they do what they do not for money, but for love of Country....

And my personal thanks to you Joe.... you are a TRUE Citizen Soldier and I am privileged to call you my friend... Thanks for all you do for our men and women in uniform....!!

Jim Bob

James B. Roth
Program Manager
Eagle Systems and Services Inc.

You can shoot Jim Bob and email at james.roth1@us.army.mil  - and tell him "thanks" for all he does to keep the caissons rolling along!