12/21/2009 US Soldiers Brainerd

Fellow Minnesotan!

On Monday, December 21, at 7:00  PM, at the Central Lakes College Gymnasium in Brainerd, Operation Awaken will give people a chance to hear, first hand and unfiltered, the truth about the American Military and its mission in Iraq and Afghanistan. Two distinguished soldiers, Lt. Col. Mike Baumann, and Captain Jason Meszaros, authors of two of the most acclaimed books on the War On Terror, will present and document their years in the two countries, where they fought for our freedom and the betterment of the people who lived there.

Colonel Baumann’s Iraqi interpreter, Freddy, a new U.S. citizen, will explain to all of us how the people of his country truly feel about our soldiers, and our efforts to put Iraqis on the path to their own freedom. We will also be entertained by Josh Revak, a soldier who was badly injured in battle, but whose spirit and courage are reflected in his music, including the haunting song, Empty Boots, which he has performed on national television to rave reviews. Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General John Vessey, will be in attendance, along with hundreds of veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam and all over the world. It will be an opportunity, especially, for the people of Central Minnesota, very near to Christmas, to tell the vets that WE LOVE THEM!

Many newer troops, some soon to go over to the battles, and carry on the mission our guests have lived, will also be there with their families. We hope people from far and wide will show their support for these brave soldiers, their mission, and the great country on whose behalf they fight. Our military is a great institution, made up of the finest citizens America has to offer. They are always willing to put their lives on the line for the beliefs they hold deeply. This is a great opportunity to show them we appreciate them.

In the season that gives so much meaning to our lives, we can show them how vital they are to that meaning, how proud we are to have them doing the fearless work Americans have always done since our founding.

But, really, it is more than an opportunity. It is in many ways a duty. The event is seen as “A Citizens Call To Duty.” Battles such as we have been engaged in, (since even before September 11th, 2001), are not won merely on battlefields, and in dangerous house-to-house fighting in far away cities. They are won by united people, true to their convictions and bound by prayerful determination to see their children and grandchildren have a better life. A life even better than our brave soldiers have spent so much of their blood and sacred honor to provide for us.

Speakers have been visiting our towns and colleges, including recently in Brainerd, attempting to portray America’s efforts as sinister and profoundly misguided. Our military has been slandered as “one and the same” with the Death Squads and terrorists. We owe them the chance to tell their story. We need to recognize the truth of who they are, and rediscover who WE are.

The season calls out:

“Glory to God in the Highest, and, on Earth, peace to men of goodwill.”

You will witness men of good will. You will see the promise of peace, and the courage required to provide it. You will feel the pride, and the hope, that comes with pulling together as a nation again. You will never forget the night we awakened to our challenge. The night we told the people who most bravely accept that challenge that our love and respect was going over there with them.

ANSWER THE CALL! Join us for OPERATION AWAKEN!

Here is a link to a front page story in this Sunday’s Brainerd Dispatch about OPERATION AWAKEN

http://www.brainerddispatch.com/stories/121209/new_20091212019.shtml

If you read some of the comments, you will see that some in this country have a very twisted view of history and America. Their view seems to always find its way into the media. Your voice is needed to set the record straight, and to reawaken America! Don’t miss this event. Answer The Call!