June 8, 2008

Florence,

I have read your BIO above and I must say that it uplift me to know that 3yrs later have my first encounter with you, still moving strong doing the lord work and there for our troops. Everyday that we are deployed is a battle for most, people don’t understand that the enemy is sometimes within our own organization or wear the same uniform that we do. When you're fighting side by side with your fellow Soldier and can not trust the person next to you what is this world coming to? What I mean by that is this deployment is a little different for me this time around. There is some rape cases on this FOB that I’m on and it is small, so who can we trust as females? We are sent to do a job and we are fighting more than one enemy so what has this world really come too. The Soldiers will need some counseling when they get back, because most don’t trust the people they work with in reference to this case. I can’t go into any details but your work is needed and I hope that people support you in what you are trying to do for our Soldiers.

Sincerely,
Your sister in Christ,

SSG(P) Evans
AFGHANISTAN

June 9, 2009

Florence:

Please share this heart-felt message with our brave soldiers and veterans.

Thank you for your service and sacrifices for our country. May GOD grant you strength, faith, hope and endurance. It is impossible for me to comprehend the daily trial and adversities you face or have endured in the past. I want you to know both you and your efforts are appreciated by a grateful nation. It is probably safe to say that the tragedies of war can be a life-altering event. As an individual who has experienced a life-altering event of a different kind, I want to be of help to you and your loved ones by sharing some information.

I am a survivor of a nearly fatal stroke which rendered me paralyzed on my right side and nearly unable to speak. During my recovery, my family and I struggled with the mental, emotional and social challenges we face once our lives were changed forever. We did not know where to turn and found helpful information nearly non-existent. I decided that I wanted to find a way to change this reality and I wrote a book “Take Brave Steps for Stroke Survivors and Families – A Message of Motivation and Hope.” In the book, I have revealed very personal information about the adversities I faced and continue to face along with the Brave Steps process which helps readers with self-reflections, tips and other helpful tools. Because my wife and daughter were also deeply impacted, I have also invited them to share their insights and helpful tip on navigating through the difficult process of change.

At first, I was hesitant to share the information in my book with anyone other than stroke survivors. As time passed, the majority of feedback indicated that my Take Brave Steps process was helpful to nearly anyone facing trials and challenges in their lives. I became certain of this when a reviewer from the International Center for Disability Resources on the Internet said, “I give this book a strong recommendation to everyone, regardless of your situation, because whoever you are, whatever you are doing, this book can help you.” I remained hesitant to share my book but when my friend Minister Florence Duckett recommended that it could be helpful to our troops and suggested that it be available on her on-line Christian bookstore, I felt it was a calling for me. I am humbled if anyone serving in our armed forces will find this book helpful to them. I want to thank Minister Duckett for her service to our troops with her ministry.

Ron Gardner

From: Kim H

Subject: to our troops

To: ministerflorenceduckett@yahoo.com
Date: Monday, June 9, 2008, 12:57 AM

To all our soldiers,

Thank you for all you are doing for us. If it was not for your strong determination to serve we would not have the freedom that we have today. Keep your heads up. You are a blessing to me and to so many. Please know you are in my prayers daily and I can't help but think of the sacrifices you are making daily. May God be with you during your tour.

Blessings,
Kim H

Date: Monday, June 9, 2008, 9:42 AM

This [See photo] is a picture of the guys I go to bible study with. The big red headed guy in the middle is the one who started it in our squadron. The pictures are of the marine Corps Bibles that people donated/sent out here to us. I hope everyone is doing well!

GySgt Jason "CHILLY"
AIRFRAMES CHIEF
HMH-461 HOA DET

To: MINISTERFLORENCEDUCKETT@YAHOO.COM
Date: Friday, June 13, 2008, 10:06 AM

Ms. Duckett,

Thank you for serving and sharing your inspirational CDs with all of us. It means a lot to be remembered while we serve here in Iraq and Afghanistan.

This is my second tour here to Iraq. I have been in the Army for almost 18 years next month in July 2008. I am a wife and mother of three children (two boys and girl). I miss them terrible but I am truly blessed they have Our Heavenly Father to take care of them and their earthly dad. I am an Equal Opportunity Advisor for 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment out of Fort Hood, Texas. I am proud to serve the Soldiers here in Iraq and be their voice when they don't have one. I sing in the choir here in Iraq at the Transformation Chapel. I may not have the best voice or remember the tune I suppose to be singing in but I do LOVE singing and worshipping GOD. We are all "Work In Progress," striving to be as Jesus. I am not perfect and will fall at times but I will continue to keep my eyes on GOD and be about the Kingdom's business.

I'm not sure how many CD's you can send me to share with my other sisters in Christ. If I need to have them individual e-mail you please let me know and I will pass on the information to them. Thank you for the beautiful picture of you and President Bush. Is the other female in the picture your daughter?

Here are the other names of my other sisters serving here in Iraq

PFC Amber E
SPC Christine J
SPC Natasha S
SSG Latonya P

God Blessings,
MSG Gene' L. J

From: F, Darrell CPT
To: ministerflorenceduckett@yahoo.com
Date: Saturday, June 21, 2008, 2:33 PM

Hello and good afternoon Ma'am, 

I thank you so much for that nice letter you sent and your wishes for us over here. I will gladly send you a couple of pics of myself and the Soldiers here in the Human Resources section of our battalion. I hope this finds you in great health as well.

Well, we are here in lovely, HOT Baghdad trying to make a better life for those who would like change. We are facing much opposition but God is on OUR side and a lot of us know this. I play drums in our praise and worship service here as I have been a drummer for over 20 years. God has been gracious enough to allow me to see a 40th year of life this past June 2nd and for that I am thankful and I have no problem praising his name.

May God continue to bestow His blessings on you and yours.

Darrell W. F, CPT

From: C Sgt Timothy G
To: ministerflorenceduckett
Date: Sunday, June 22, 2008, 11:26 AM

Good morning. This is Sgt C you can call me Brother Tim. I want to thank you for your letter and prayers. I was called to preach at the age of 16. I have done mostly evangelism work and I love working with the youth. I'm divorced so that kind of hindered me from getting ordained through the Assemblies of God but it is amazing no matter where I go that is not a hindrance at all. God knows what He is doing and I have seen His hand at work in some awesome ways.

I leave here in Sept. and I have recruiting orders. I'm praying I get stationed in Pensacola, Fl after recruiting school. I hope someday to be in the missions field. I had a dream years ago about being in Africa preaching. I know God has great things for me not because I'm great but because I'm willing. I want to be used so bad it hurts. That fire in my belly consumes me. I just wanted to share a little about myself. Please feel free to keep in touch. I'm a part of Living Martyr Ministries. That is the ministry God put on my hear.

To live at all cost to serve Him. To die completely to myself for the cause of teaching the Gospel. Well I'm sorry I keep rambling. Please write back when you have time. I look forward in sharing what God is doing and hearing what He has done and is doing for you. Without God I'm just dust but with God I'm dust with a purpose.

May you be blessed.

Tim

Pray!!

I received this from Joe R., the key Soldier you featured in your article in February, 2007. I feel comfortable sharing this with you, not for print, but because you found him for me. I have edited out the personal parts. Finding Joe was one of the greatest "gifts" you could have given me. I know that you saw what an AWESOME young man Joe is! After you interviewed him, I remember you saying something like "that's some Soldier you've got there." Yes, God couldn't have picked a better Soldier to launch my "personalized" tape ministry. Joe is one of the most amazing young men I have met in my life! I love him like a son. He is the same age as my son, as a matter of fact. Thanks again for bringing us together!

A few months ago, Joe ended up with Homeland Security. He was a couple of blocks from the "Big Guy" in the Reagan Building. As a matter of fact, his boss works directly with "the "Big Guy." Joe was on his way up the ladder. But, being the hero that he is and having the love and commitment that he has for our Country, he is leaving for Baghdad in a couple of weeks on a "special mission." He thinks he might not return and is getting his affairs in order. The following e-mail sums things up.

My father died in March and I am still grieving for him. As you know, I come from a very close family. God allowed me to have my dad for 61 years. I am still learning to live without him. Receiving this from Joe just compounds the pain. But, God's word teaches us that "...life is full of pain and sorrow..." I feel as though Joe is saying goodbye to me and I really don't need to hear that right now. Even though we still haven't met face-to-face, we have grown very close. We talk on the phone frequently, no less than one or two hours at a time. This e-mail from him is similar to other letters and e-mails that I am receiving from my Soldiers who are re-deploying. What brave men and women they are! 

I thought ministering to the homeless, inmates in prisons and seniors in nursing homes was painful. This is another level of pain that I didn't think was possible.

 So much suffering and devastation! I live with a dull ache inside of me. The Soldiers that God has entrusted to me have become a part of my life! We never know what God will call on us to endure! I must continue to encourage my "GI Joe" (my nickname for him), and those like him. I must do what I tell all of my Soldiers to do: Man up! Lock and Load! It's spiritual warfare!

Yours in Christ,
Florence

From: Roche, Joseph A SGT RES 
Subject: Finding resolve to deploy w/ God's purpose in our lives

To: "Florence Duckett"
Date: Thursday, July 3, 2008, 1:58 AM
Mrs. Duckett,

This Fourth of July is a special one for me, and for America. Seven years ago, a terrible evil attacked us on 9/11. Out of that we could have just sought Retribution's comfort, killed and destroyed our enemies, and have felt satisfied about that. Instead, after launching the first important response in Afghanistan, America set out to do good and strive to make the world a better place out of the ashes of the terror of 9/11. I believe this is what Operation Iraqi Freedom is. It is what America did w/Germany, Japan and Italy after the war, and what our country has done worldwide after the Cold War. It is through Iraq that we bring good out of the test we were presented with. Our mission in this war would never have succeeded had we not gone into Iraq because Saddam was as much a part of the threat axis as were Tojo, Hitler and Mussolini.

Don't get me wrong. This is very hard for me because I am 40 years old, and I've been out of active duty for over 20 months. But this Sunday, I am proudly reporting back to the Army to return to duty after receiving a six-week mobilization order. I don't see this as a burden, but rather as an honor.

I take inspiration from the Book of Nehemiah. In fact, the last time I was in Baghdad w/the 1st Armored Division, I read that Book and felt that our calling would fall into the message of Nehemiah someday. How many times could he have fallen in despair and defeat as not only his enemies, but even his own people doubted him and denied the mission of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls? Specifically, please see 6:9 of Nehemiah, and you'll see what I'm talking about.

You know that over the time since I left active duty, my marriage fell apart and my father died. I can't tell you how much I felt a desire for stability now, the comfort of being able to just return to the routine life I had before this war began. In preparing to leave on such short notice, I've had to give away tons of the most personal things I had been holding on to from my marriage. I also had boxes of personal things I had kept stored away since I joined the Army in 2002. Nearly all that has been given away. Duty and responsibility, and God's Will for my life, have called. I know this, and though it is hard to deal with, I'm doing it.

I don't mean to sound like I'm a tough guy. I've had my Gethsemane moments. Sometimes, recognizing the missions we will be doing in Iraq, I've had to consider that this could be a one-way trip. I had many dark moments of grieving and despair after my wife's departure and my dad's death, added to by the death of some of the soldiers I served w/ in 2003-04 when they returned to Iraq w/ the 1st AD in '06, such as SGT Love and SPC Lucio. I wonder if God or a certain Justice has in store for me some ... consequence(s) ahead for the dark times when I was grieving. It is like watching that movie, Stranger than Fiction w/ Will Farrell, as he knows he is headed towards his death, but in the end he accepts it and just keeps going, living his life, and accepts what will come.

I know you share my admiration for President Bush. When you return to the Book of Nehemiah, I want you to see the parallels for our time. I don't believe this is a coincidence. I know that this deployment could be a one-way trip, but I also know that if this is what God's Will is for me, than I will do it w/ honor and serve as best I can the ideals that we have. I also know that if I get injured and worse, this actually isn't my concern now.  Rather, I must focus on my mission as a soldier for our country, and as a believer in the purpose of God in our lives. This is what drove Nehemiah, and I have found that there are guideposts throughout the Bible that serve as pillars now.

Specifically:

Galatians 5:13, as a call to responsibility.
Deuteronomy 12:29, as a warning for us in this time of working in the Middle
East.
1st John 5:4, as a harbinger that our sacrifices as soldiers is not in vain.
Mark 13:5-8, as a warning about these times we live in.
Baruch 4:25 & 31, as a light at the end of the tunnel.
Ezekiel 13:10 & 22, as a threat to those who seek to demoralize us in this
mission.
and Ezekiel 18:32, as the point that God does want us to return home from this deployment.
Wisdom 18:21-22, as the force of righteousness that is upon our mission.
and John 16:2.5, as a direct warning of the threat of Al Qaeda,
and John 16:21-22 & 33, as the light guiding us in this deployment.

I've not received this from anyone, but only through my own reading and thoughts. Please, when you get a chance, look through Nehemiah and all the passages I've cited just now. You may find in the future that this will help you in a sermon or something for soldiers facing deployments. These have, well to me at least, poignancy for a soldier deploying to Iraq. Nehemiah especially was poignant to me last time I was in Iraq. This time, everything feels much more intense.

I know the mission is going well, but the point of my deployment w/ the 442nd is because we are anticipating some very serious trouble meant to corner the next president and to impact the treaty negotiations. Iran intends to use Iraq as a launch pad for its aggression. Also, because Al Qaeda increasingly sees Iraq as lost, this means they are capable of doing some horrible things. For example -- just as an unlikely worst case scenario -- imagine waking up one morning and hearing that a nuclear bomb has been detonated in Baghdad. Imagine the casualties we'll have, and imagine the apocalyptic humanitarian nightmare those surviving will face w/ the Iraqis. Anyway, this is what we have to anticipate as best we can.

So you get the point. This is no ordinary deployment.

Well, I didn't mean to write to tell you about that. Rather, I wanted to share w/ you how the Bible seems to me to speak to our mission in Iraq.

Blessings,
Joe

We had a great time last night praising HIM in church. The spirit was surely there as we had more in the congregation. HE is doing great things for us over here; number one thing is people having faith and number two is HE is keeping us safe. Thanks for your emails and wonderful inspiration.

Dear Florence,

Thank you for the email and especially for pointing me in the direction of your 'almost blog'.  I am profoundly moved, Joe's letter is touching and revealing. Whatever words I can summon to describe how I feel about Joe and all the troops, still couldn't convey the depth of gratitude and respect I have for our soldiers. Please tell Joe he is ever present in my minds eye, I pray for his physical, emotional and spiritual well being often as I do for all our Troops.. I see his face and all the other soldiers faces, Edwina, Chilly and the list goes on, I see them often because working with their photos to create your card had me staring into their eyes. I was struck by their humanity. So for me they are family and they are at the heart of my prayers every day.

My prayer this moment is for God's Grace to bathe us in His Loving Mercy.
With Love and Gratitude

Yours in Christ

Below is a series of letters between Florence and Edwina Evans

From: Florence Duckett 
Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2008 11:01 
To: edwina evans 

Edwina,

People have been asking about you. Is it alright if I post your pic next to you entry on my blog? It would be nice if you would write a paragraph or so once a month so that people will know what is going on with you. You have touched a lot of peoples lives. I bet you wouldn't have dreamed that God would use you in this way.

You are our SHE-ro.

Have you heard from Abbe about the phone cards?

Stay Safe!

LOCK and LOAD

yours in Christ,

florence

On Thu, 9/18/08, 

Evans, Edwina J wrote:
To: roseofsharon1979@yahoo.com
Date: Thursday, September 18, 2008, 2:45 PM

Well, let me start out by saying this deployment is very difficult for me this time around. I lost my mother 2 months into the deployment on 14 February 2008.

I got selected for Sergeant First Class on 19 March 2008 and did not feel complete because I could not share it with my mother. My uncle who I consider my father and my mentor I lost 25 July 2008. Every time you loose someone that has truly made an impact in your life, you find apart of yourself missing as well. When you have a situation and just want to reach out and touch someone its gets harder, because for a split second you forget that they are not around anymore.

I know god is there but most of the time it is your love one that you seek for guidance first and when you realize that's not going to solve anything then you turn to god. So I guess just out of habit I reach and realize that step I'm use to taking is not to my left or right. I have seen so much wrong doing this time around, during this deployment and realize the more I voice my concerns or opinion about things I make things worst for myself. And when you look right and left there is no one there to support you or back you up, because people are worried about there careers then making a stand or what's right. So I'm leaving those things in gods hand, and waiting to see a miracle....

Remember today is your day, and no one can take that from you....

SSG(P) Evans, Edwina


From: Florence Duckett <roseofsharon1979@yahoo.com>
Date: Thursday, September 18, 2008 3:44
Subject: PHONE CARDS
To: Evans, Edwina J

I e'mailed Abbe yesterday about the cards. I am waiting to hear.

I called the US Post Office HQ yesterday. I was told by someone at the USO that they donate phone cards. It is like pulling teeth, but it is about PATIENCE and HANGING IN THERE like you are doing....:) 

I'll be in touch!

Yours in Christ,

florence


From: Evans, Edwina J
To: roseofsharon1979@yahoo.com
Date: Thursday, September 18, 2008, 4:16 AM

Hello Florence, and thanks for always keep me informed. As for the phone cards no one has contacted me at all. I will send a note later on today that you can post for me.

Remember today is your day, and no one can take that from you....

TF No Mercy S-1 FWD
HHC 1-101st AVN REGT
SSG(P) Evans, Edwina
Senior Human Resources SGT

From: Jason "Chilly" Childress
Subject: For you!
Date: Thursday, September 18, 2008, 10:23 AM


I just wanted to tell everyone that I am so grateful to have each of you in my life. I pray you all have a day filled with grace. It was difficult for me to decide who I thought would DO this because many people claim to pray, but not everyone does. I hope I chose the right twelve. Please send this back to me (You'll see why). May everyone who received this message be blessed. There are 12 months/ 12 disciples/ 12 tribes of Israel / Jesus' birth celebrated in the 12th month.

 There is nothing attached. Just send this to twelve others. Prayer is one of the best free gifts we receive. There is no cost, just a lot of reward. Make sure you pray, and pray believing God will answer. May today be all you need it to be. May the peace of God and the freshness of the Holy Spirit rest in your thoughts, rule in your dreams tonight, and conquer all your fears. May God manifest himself today in ways you have never experienced. May your joys be fulfilled, your dreams be closer, and your prayers be answered. I pray that fath enters a new height for you; I pray that your territory is enlarged. I pray for peace, healing, health, happiness, 

From: Dunlap, Benjamin C SPC MIL USA FORSCOM
Subject: RE: (UNCLASSIFIED)

Date: Monday, September 22, 2008, 8:03 AM

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED 
Caveats: NONE

HI! 

Things are going well... we're just counting the days to our return home.
Only four months left! I attached some pics. 

God bless!

V/r,
SPC Dunlap

---

To All:

My oldest brother's (Pastor Ambrose F. Duckett, Jr) first grandchild was born yesterday. He is Ambrose the IV in honor of my dad. How awsome is our God. He gave me Joshua (my fiifth grandchild three days before dad died and now his name sake). How can we not serve a God like that "...he GIVETH and he TAKETH away..." and he is ALWAYS right.........!

Yours in Christ,

florence

hi,

i just got you phone message. My machine wasn't working and it accumulated messages but I couldn't get them. It is now fixed thank God!.

I have changed positions at Amtrak and we have been VERY BUSY. I haven't worked on my store in a couple of weeks since I have been in training.

I'll be in touch!

flo

Flo,

Thanks for keeping me updated. I wish you the very best success in your new position. They couldn't find a better person anywhere!!! I look forward with faith getting my book and message of motivation and hope in your store and out to as many people in need as possible. I am excited. I have entered my book in a contest for Best Book of 2008 for self-help motivational. You can see it at http://www.usabooknews.com/ click on self-help motivational go to second page and scroll down a bit. I also would like to invite you to my blog on my site at http://www.takebravesteps.com/ go to the take brave steps menu and click on blog. This is of course when you have the time.

Many Blessings,

Ron

---

From: rgardner@gardnertraining.com rgardner@gardnertraining.com
To: roseofsharon1979@yahoo.com
Date: Friday, October 10, 2008, 11:48 AM

Flo,

My thoughts and prayers are with your friends. I also sent positive thoughts and prayers out for the stabilization of the world economy. I trust that with patience and understanding, my book will soon be in your store and we can get the message of motivation and hope in the hands of those that need it the most. I continue to trust in faith that the doors will open wide and everyone will be talking about my book and how it helps better the lives of millions of survivors and loved ones.

Good News for Tough Times!!!
New Book Helps Survivors and Families

I want to invite everyone who visits my friend Florence's almost blog to visit my web site at http://www.takebravesteps.com/ and learn more about my book about the Take Brave Steps Message of Motivation and Hope. I wrote my message of motivation and Hope from the perspective of a stroke survivor. I share how my family and I faced the trauma and adversities of a life altering event but were not overcome by it. Because a life altering event also impacts the entire family, I have invited my wife Patti and my daughter Molly to share their perspectives on how to cope with changes in the family and better prepare for the road ahead. Patti shares advice and techniques on caring for the caregiver. I also introduce my Take Brave Steps process which includes self-reflections, exercises and helpful tools that serve as a foundation for family dialog. Although my life-altering event was a stroke, I believe from the bottom of my heart that my Take Brave Steps Process will help all survivors and loved ones that have experienced a life-altering event. Because I share universal truths on spirituality, attitude, anger management and learning to focus on what you have and not what you have lost, I believe this would be helpful to anyone during these challenging and turbulent times. You can find information on how to purchase my book and audio CD on my web site at http://www.takebravesteps.com/ My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who is in some way impacted by the changes brought on by a life-altering illness or other life trauma. I want to encourage everyone to be comforted by the power of faith and hope, regardless of the circumstances. I know from personal experience that hope combined with faith can be a powerful elixir. May GOD bless everyone as they face the challenges and struggles of these turbulent times. I would like to share an article I wrote titles, "A Ray of Sunshine" for all the faithful readers of Florence's Almost Blog.

How do you respond when your life changes forever? There are times when change is positive such as getting married or the birth of a child. There are also times when change is thrust upon us with the force and fury of a lightning bolt. This is the case when we are faced with a life-altering illness of any other type of life-altering event. Your medical team will be able to help you with the best in modern medical care. The ability to maintain a positive mental attitude when combined with the elements of hope and faith will also play a significant role in your road to recovery and wellness. This is not always easy and it requires practice. I wanted to share an article that I wrote to practical insights on how we can apply attitude and hope to any situation that life brings to us. I invite you to share what you have done and how you have applied this in your life. I hope this article will be helpful to you and your loved ones. A Ray of Sunshine Power and Hope for Families and Loved Ones The Power of Positive Mental AttitudePerhaps American psychiatrist Dr. Karl Menninger summed it up best when he said, ?Attitudes are more important than facts." A positive mental attitude can serve as the cornerstone of recovery as well as provide a strong, healthy foundation for all that you do in life. The sunshine brought by a positive mental attitude can be beyond comprehension. I would not be able to make this claim if it were not for being stricken by a devastating stroke which I did not let overcome me. A positive attitude combined with unshakeable faith saved my life as well as my business. Considering the emotional and social havoc that was thrust upon me and my family with the force and fury of a lightning bolt, I experienced the essence of a true miracle. You cannot control everything that happens in life. You can control the most important factor and that is how you react to the situation. Mastering your attitude is not always easy. The best way to develop and maintain a positive mental attitude is to practice. Becoming aware of your every day self-talk will get you on the right track. Are your thoughts giving you power over a situation or taking it away from you? Focus on what you have, not what you have lost. Count your blessings not your burdens. Actress and stroke survivor Patricia Neal once said, "A strong positive attitude will create more miracles than any wonder drug."The Power of Thoughts The predecessor of everything is a thought. Thoughts are very powerful. It has been said in many ways through time that you become what you think about all day long. That is probably what Dr. Bernie Siegel was referring to when he said, "Thoughts become chemicals, and they can kill or cure." What compelling words they are. Thoughts pass through your conscious mind and are stored into the subconscious for later action or use. It is up to you to feed and nurture your thoughts. I personally do not believe in theoretical limitation, I believe I have a calling to share that attitude with as many people as possible. The Power of HopeThe element of hope is essential in any situation when the circumstances appear bleak. Without hope, all bets are off. Hope is defined as a strong desire with expectation of achievement. Hope against hope can be referred to as hope without any basis for expecting fulfillment. The key word is expectation. The two definitions can appear paradoxical in nature. We can become torn between expecting the outcome we desire and not having any basis to expect the desired outcome. Yet, we still can hold on to the power of hope. Hope combined with a strong faith is a powerful elixir. Author Norman Cousins shared his insights on hope in the following quote, "The human body experiences a powerful gravitational pull in the direction of hope. That is why patient's hopes are the physician's secret weapon. They are the hidden ingredients in any prescription?. ? 2008 Ron GardnerI am proud to announce my new book ?Take Brave Steps for Stroke Survivors and Families " A Message of Motivation and Hope" published by Infinity Publishing in May of 2008. You can visit my website at www.takebravesteps.com or e-mail ron@takebravesteps.com for additional information. 

Florence - I hope this info will find its way to your blog and your web master can adjust the format as necessary. I feel a very strong need to help and inspire everyone as much as possible. 
Ron Gardner

Thanks, Your friend,
Ron

Ron Gardner
Author, Motivational Speaker, Trainer
Customer Service - Employee Development Since 1995
(856) 935-9316
www.gardnertraining.com
www.takebravesteps.com
rgardner@gardnertraining.com 

---

Date: November 3, 2008
To: All

This is a picture of Joshua. He was born in the same hospital that my dad was in. God blessed us with him three days before my dad went home to be with our Lord. I thank God because he allowed my father to see a picture of him, on a digital camera, before he took his last breath. If it wasn't for God's amazing grace and goodness, I could never go on. Our Heavenly Father keeps giving and giving and giving. In the other picture I posted you saw how God blessed our family with Ambrose IV in honor of my dad. Now, meet Joshua, my latest "gift" from God! Hopefully, you can hear the drum roll...:) 

Yours in Christ, 

florence

---

Date: Saturday, November 1, 2008

Here are some pics of me during training and some pics from my room while we were in Budapest, Hungary. I am not in Afghanistan yet, I will keep you all posted on what's going on until then.

Take care,
Lee

---

To: All

The following is from Edwina. She has been promoted and we are proud of her. She is hanging tough and getting the job done. Continue to pray for her and her fellow soldiers!

Yours in Christ,
florence

-------------------

On Sat, 11/1/08, Evans, Edwina J SSG MIL USA FORSCOM wrote:

Subject: My Promotion

My CSM promoted to Sergeant First Class. My Soldiers made this for me. [2.5 megs]

Remember today is your day, and no one can take that from yo!

No Mercy S-1 FWD

SFC Evans, Edwina

---

To: All

As some of you know, Joe left for the Middle East a few days ago. The following will give you insight into why he redeployed and the kind of hero he is. Right or wrong, I respect anyone who will lay it on the line for his belief in his Country and its leader(s).

We must pray continually for Joe and the men serving with and under him!

Yours in Christ,
florence
---------------------

From: Roche, Joseph A SGT RES USAR USARPAC
Date: Saturday, November 8, 2008
Subject: A View

The National Center Blog

---

On Wed, 11/12/08, Abbe wrote:
Subject: Miss G is back in town
To: roseofsharon1979@yahoo.com

Dear Florence,

I just got home from auctioneering school in NC late last night and today I'm getting caught up on things. It's 12:30 at night and I thought I'd check out your web site again before turning this thing off. I saw your photos and then clicked on the blogs, that's when I saw the conversation with Edwina. I am so sorry for not being able to do the phone cards for her. I am willing to correspond with the soldiers for now and try to develop/create more plans for things that require money.

I'll be working on getting myself recorded real soon with a local pastor and his wife, so I'll have music soon on CD, if nothing else. Give Edwina my email address and tell her that I want her to contact me please.

Got to go now, be blessed, love Abbe "Miss G" Graber

---------------------

From: Florence Duckett
Subject: Re: Miss G is back in town
To: Abbe
cc: Edwina Evans
Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2008, 4:49 AM

Miss G,

Waaaaaaaaaah.......ssssss.....UP? Don't trip because you can't do anything financially at this point. The most powerful thing you can do is pray because "...the prayers of the righteous availeth much..." This is beyond the material and immaterial...:) I am in the process of planning fund raising events to get the things I need for my Soldiers. I have to get my "ducks in a row" because I am considering retiring, moving, and a few other things....on and on and on!!!

There are going to be a lot of changes since Obama will be our new President. My position will be the same. I am a God-fearing Patriot who will support him the same way I supported President Bush. He will be our new Commander in Chief and all of my Soldiers will answer to him. As a minister, I will lift him up before God and pray for wisdom and strength as he leads our Nation. It is an exciting time for our Nation. As I have heard so many others from my generation say, "I didn't think I would see it in my lifetime." As a triple minority you can imagine how I feel.

Again, there are corporations who are willing to help me, but this is a SLOW process and you must get in line. I have to do a media blitz again, because people are distracted with their immediate needs. I can't let them forget our Troops! It is like pulling teeth because there are so many WORTHY causes out there. I don't knock anyone for not giving. God's word says that He "...WILL supply ALL our needs according to his riches in glory through Christ Jesus..." I STAND on that promise, and by appropriating it I am driven to bring to completion the "vision" God has given me! I understand your situation. You do WHATEVER it is that God is leading you to do. You don't owe anyone an explanation. Our God is still God...:)

I am forwarding a copy of this e-mail to Edwina. She is an amazingly strong and God-fearing woman who has been tested in ways the average woman could not endure! On top of all of that she is a mother! WHAT A WOMAN!!!!!! That song by Whitney Houston applies to her... "I'M EVERY WOMAN"! When Almighty God returns Edwina to us, "...whole in mind, body and spirit...", it will be a time for celebration. When you read her e-mails you can see why she is one of our She-ros!

Continue to chase those dreams and may the God our our salvation protect you and his word ALWAYS light the path He has chosen for you!

I'll be in touch!

Yours in Christ,
florence...a/k/a..."O.G"...Ol Girl...lol 

---

To: All

These are pictures that Jason "Chilly" Childress sent to me while he was serving in Dijubiti,Africa in 2007. He is now doing another tour in the Middle East. What a man!!!! We will continue to pray for his precious wife and "Lil Chilly" who are waiting for his safe return.

Yours in Christ,
florence

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Subject: HELLO FROM AFGHANISTAN
To: roseofsharon1979@yahoo.com
Date: November 12, 2008

I have been super busy with getting settled into my new job here in Afghanistan.

Amtrak has been great and they were very helpful in getting me back to North Carolina from DC. It was a hard trip because I was leaving my loved ones but an employee on the train was very helpful and I couldn't have asked for better service. The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines here are more than happy to serve our country and the people of the United States. We don't ask for much, except that our country respects the veterans that come back and the service we are doing. You sound like you do a great service to our country in supporting the troops. Thank You Very Much... Being a Sailor I really didn't understand the Army and what they are about. I have learned that the job over here is to help the Afghan people rebuild there country, fight terrorism, and protect our country. There is a lot of good happening in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Afghans are very appreciative of the work we do and the things we have accomplished. I have included some pictures of what we have been doing. These pictures are of us handing our humanitarian assistance, radios, and school supplies to some Afghans.

It is great to see the kids and get to talk to them. In this village there is no school, no medical clinic, and no well for water. They learn from the local religious leader, have to travel quite a distance for medical care and use the nearby stream for water. My job is to submit projects...and one of the projects I will start with is a well for water. It's hard work but it pays off and is very gratifying... I have attached my information if you would like but you don't have to send anything. Just have us in your prayers, especially for the veterans on Memorial Day.

Thanks and Best wishes, Heath Harwood

---

Date: November 13, 2008
From: Dunham, Kevin CPT
To: "Florence Watkins" <roseofsharon1979@yahoo.com

It was very good to hear from you. Your email made a difference in my day. It was great. God is doing some wonderful things over here. Many soldiers have accepted Jesus as their personal savior. I believe that missionaries can do great things over here.

Take Care,
Kevin

---

To: Kevin Dunham
From: Florence Watkins

Kevin,

I'll will be in touch after I hear back from the corporations regarding my requests. Now, I'm going to go make some CDs.

Father, I come in the Name of Jesus asking that you PROTECT Kevin as he sleeps, since you are a God who watches while we slumber. BLESS his loved ones while he is away carrying out his duties. I ask that you give him the WISDOM and STRENGTH he needs daily to survive and return SAFELY to us. Bring people into Kevin's life who will HELP, ENCOURAGE, and above all LOVE him. GUIDE his path and show him YOUR WILL for him while he is on foreign soil. Bless Kevin with the DESIRES of his heart as he serves our Country, as long as they are in line with Your Word. Keep him WARM and COMFORTABLE at night when its cold, and COOL when it is hot. GUARD and PROTECT his mind. Don't let him have thoughts that will distract him. Help Kevin to ALWAYS keep things in their proper perspective! May YOUR WILL be done on earth as it is in Heaven regarding Kevin's life. Amen and Amen!

Head DOWN...spirit UP...Rest Easy Soldier!

I love you in Christ Kevin,
Florence

---

From: Montigo White
To: roseofsharon1979@yahoo.com
Date: November 13, 2008

Minister Duckett,

Sorry for the delay in the response. I was recently back in the states for my Grandmother's funeral. She was blessed to live 86 years and take care of 11 kids, 6 of which she outlived.

But, the Lord works in mysterious ways. She brought the family together for our family's favorite college team winning the tournament. She was buried in a Carolina Blue casket because she was big UNC fan also.

I told my father about what you are doing. He is a Deacon at my church. I will provide any support that I can to assist you.

Here is a picture of me at Al Faw Palace in Baghdad. If the quality is not enough, I can send another one. Thanks for all you are doing.

Montigo

---

From: Sgt Michael Suggs
To: roseofsharon1979@yahoo.com
Date: November 13, 2008

Please let them know not only did they make us soldiers' lives better, but they also have made these little ones lives better. 

Praise the Lord.

Sgt Michael Suggs
Chaplain Asst

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From: Sgt Michael Suggs Subject: Pictures from the Big Fight Old School VS Young School
To: roseofsharon1979@yahoo.com
Date: November 14, 2008

Saturday night was a blast.. 1st Sgt Dunaway and 1st LT Louie went toe to toe for 3 rounds at Camp Cherry Beasley. It surely was one of the highlights of this deployments. Old School was Victorious!!!!

Check out this picture.
Sgt Suggs

---

To: roseofsharon1979@yahoo.com
Date: November 14, 2008

Hello,

Now that we are just 1 day away from home, I would like to sincerely thank you for your great support for a lack of better. Yes, I can¢t find the right word to express how I feel about what you did during these 6 months I have been in the Gulf!

You have become my family writing me regularly and sending me care packages, post cards and letters. You support kept me going and I am sure it was the same for everybody else you became an angel to.

We are now at the gates of Norfolk, VA ready to pull in Saturday. I would love to see you on the pier and be able to thank you personally! I would like to make sure you know that I will never forget about what you did and that we will always stay in touch.

Tomorrow is going to be a very busy day as we are going to clean the ship one last time to make her look sharp, stage our packages and be ready for Saturday morning. I might not even be able to get on a computer again and this email will be shut down after tomorrow. When I go back to my Squadron in Jacksonville, FL we will get some time off and will be fully back to work.

Once again, it has been a pleasure getting to know you and I look forward to hearing from you always!

Thanks so much!

Sincerely,
Germain H.

---

From: SK2 Thompson
To:roseofsharon1979@yahoo.com
Date: November 14, 2008

Minister Duckett,

Thank you for your kindness and support for your troops. We appreciate that very much. Your kindness and prayers keep us going. So again, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

V/R
SK2 Travis J. Thompson
Supply Support Technician

"We sleep soundly in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm."
George Orwell

---

From: brian.v.mcgovern
To: roseofsharon1979@yahoo.com
Date: November 14, 2004

Florence,

Here's a picture of me, along with a picture of my wife & son. I don't know if they're high enough resolution, but it's what I've got. :) I hope they'll be okay. There are lots more pics at my son's website, but they're probably not as good of quality

I'll work on getting you a written permission statement... Thanks!

Brian

---

To: All
Date: 11/14/2008

The following are some of the pictures that were sent to me from Lee Hardin while he was serving on the USS Roosevelt. They were returning from a tour in the Middle East. The USS Roosevelt is the Carrier that I toured in August of 2006. The pictures of my tour can be viewed in the photo section of this site. I will be FOREVER greatful to Command Chaplain John Franklin and his staff for arranging a personal tour for me.

Enjoy!
Yours in Christ,
florence

---

From: Diana Adams
To: RoseofSharon1979@yahoo.com
Date: November 14, 2008

Hello,

Praise God! I received your card and as I was going through some care packages and I came across your card at the right time. I just finished reading A Purpose Driven Life with a partner and we were instructed to write a purpose mission statement. I realize I need to live for God's purposes. I need more insight.

I liked your mission statement and in a couple of ways it is similar to what I want to do. My partner and I want God to be the center of our lives. We are in Iraq and need to continue living His purposes now and ever after for the rest of our lives. We believe it can be done.

Please help me or maybe just reassure me.

Thank you and God bless you!

Ms. Diana

---

To: All
Date: November 14, 2008

Hillary is the daughter of Andrea, one of my co-workers who joined the Navy a couple of years ago. Her mother is very proud of her and so are we. She is another "She-ro" serving our Great Nation.

We Salute you Hillary!

Yours in Christ,
florence

To: All
Date: November 14, 2008

When God blessed me in 2004 with my Ministry to our Troops, Barry Thomas was instrumental in my ministry. This picture is one of the most powerful pictures I have seen because it confirms the fact that God is "...in the midst..." no matter where wer are and that "....the prayers of the righteous availeth much..."

Yours in Christ,
florence

---

To: All

The following e-mail and poem was written by Karen Osborne, a woman God brought into my life a couple of years ago. Even though we have never met face-to-face, the common bond is our love for Christ and our Troops.

If you are interested in her poetry, you can contact her through e-mail address.

Yours in Christ,
florence

-----------------

From: Karen Osborne
Subject: Poem - Give It To Jesus
To: RoseofSharon1979@yahoo.com
Date: November 14, 2008

Dear Florence,

I am a Christian who got saved in August 2005. God has blessed me with the gift of writing poems. Enclosed is copy of the poem : Give It To Jesus. I sent an email hoping the anysoldier website would let me put it there. I ran across your site which I feel that God has connected us together today for His plan, His purpose, and His glory. I have more I can write but it is late. I will try and email you later or even give you a call. Do you have a web site that I can look at? I have one called Karen Sue Osbone.com I am working on getting new things on it. Well here is the poem......Enjoy it and write me if you get a chance to. I have a feeling that we will be working together in the future.

GIVE IT TO JESUS

If at times you have trouble in your heart.
And things are not going your way.
Did you remember to pray to the Lord?
He is with you every second of the day.

Just give it to Jesus, for he is right by your side.
He sees all your heartaches, and he knows when you cry.
Just give it to Jesus, for he will always understand.
Let Jesus take care of it, and place everything into HIS LOVING HANDS.

Copyright 2006 by Karen Sue Osborne
svs1717@yahoo.com

---

From: joseph.roche
To: roseofsharon1979@yahoo.com
Date: November 14, 2008

The first picture is of me giving a speech to my battalion upon our return to Germany from Iraq. It was taken in 2004.

The second one is from that same night in Germany with my Captain, Sean Delaney. He was a lieutenant at the time. He just completed his second extended tour in Iraq. 

Joe

---

From: Dunham, Kevin MAJ
To: roseofsharon1979@yahoo.com
Date: November 14, 2008

Florence,

This is the mode of Transport here in Afghanistan. This is called a Jingle Truck.

Talk to you soon.

Kevin

---

To: All
Date: November 14, 2008

This is a copy of the first e-mail I received from Jason "Chilly"Childress. It touches me because he is the first and only Soldier God gave me in Dijubiti, Africa, in 2006. He is still going strong during his re-deployment to the Middle East.

Yours in Christ,
florence
____________

From: Childress SSgt Jason R
To: roseofsharon1979@yahoo.com

Dear Florence,

Thank you so much for the letter. I really appreciate it. Getting mail means a lot while you're so far away from home. It feels good to know that people still care about the troops that are deployed in defense of our nations goals. My name is Jason Childress and I am a Marine Staff Sergeant. I work on CH-53E helicopters. We deployed to Djibouti, Africa in late Sept. We will be here until May 07. We are here to support anti-terrorism operations and to humanitarian relief.. I would like one of your tapes, but we do not have a tape player. We have CD players. I have never met a female preacher before.

How long have you been preaching?

Well, I hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely,
Jason Childress

---

From: Childress, Jason R GySgt
Subject: Legionnaires
To: roseofsharon1979@yahoo.com
Date: November 14, 2008

We had an open house on the flight line and I had the chance to meet some of the guys in the French Foreign Legion. Those guys go through any justice!

GySgt Jason "CHILLY" Childress

---

From: Crook Cpl Michael J (ACE HMLA-167)
To: roseofsharon1979@yahoo.com

Hello Mr. Duckett,

My name is Cpl Michael Crook. I am currently in Iraq. We got your letter and really appreciate all the support we are getting from folks just like yourself all over the country. We are all really enjoying getting these letters and packages from so many people who, like you, don't even know us but want us to know that we are not forgotten and are in their prayers.

Well I will tell you a little about myself. I am a Avionics Technician on helicopters. I have been in for almost 6 yrs. I have a wife, one son, and a couple of cats. I enjoy going to the gym when I'm off of work (at least out here). Well I have to go do some work now. So I will talk to you later.

V/R
Cpl Crook

---

From: Dunham, Kevin CPT APVG-ZZ0-S3
Subject: Sunsets
To: roseofsharon1979@yahoo.com
Date: November 14, 2008

Hope you like this.
[Click to see wmv file]

Kevin

---

To All:

The following was written by a dear friend, one of the CRAZIEST Irishman God created...:) 

He is a "Soldier for Christ" who has travelled the world and seen many things through the "eyes of God" as we say. I am posting this on "florence's ALMOST blog" because it expresses how so many of us feel, no matter what race or gender we are. What a beautiful time to be alive and to be an American,in spite of the turmoil. We are truly a great nation and have shown the world this. We readily admit that we have to "iron out more wrinkles", but democracy does work! The wrinkles that should remain are the ones on our faces when we smile...:)

Yours in Christ,
florence

----------------------

From: ias000161
To: roseofsharon1979@yahoo.com
Date: Monday, November 17, 2008

I do freely admit that I was very proud of the country on Election Day. I secretly admit that I was afraid the election could have gone towards McCain, but was very proud the numbers, the total votes, the electoral college (which we should wipe out) all solidly for Obama. He clearly has a mandate from Blacks and from Whites, the latter of whom did make this a win for Obama. The Oprahs, the Jessies, the Sharptons... people all of us, Black and White are just sick to death of seeing and hearing from aside, we have a classic and classy First Family in the White House. This is hard to believe, but I am actually color blind to them. They are just a breath of hope the country needs and their color is meaningless to me. (Ever since I heard Sister St. Michael in 8th Grade give one of the best lessons on race; it actually shaped almost all of my thinking, race really hasn't matter since.) I think they'll cleanse the White House of the immorality of the Clinton Administration and they'll, I hope, nuke the broad based insane stupidity and border line evil of the current administration. Elections really don't move me emotionally, but I was glad to see that we are still a great nation. On the other hand, if I were Black, I think I would be overwhelmingly proud and I can understand all of the tears I saw on Election Night and the day after. Kicked in the teeth for two and a half centuries, it is truly something unique about us as a nation. Dare I say, we may even be growing? If so, maybe you and I can live long enough to see that there is no longer two Americas?

As you have been to the White House and I have as well, you may know that the White House staff, Chief of Internal Protocol, Head of Housekeeping, Chief Maintenance Engineer, etc. are all Black and have been with the White House for decades and they have all felt the sting; I know you know what I mean. I would love... LOVE... to be in that building Inauguration Day, when Obama walks in for the first time as President, Commander-in-Chief, and head of the Free World. They will of course keep professional composure, but alone, they will need a beach towel to dry their tears of pride. They also lived long enough to see it... and how sad for those who did not. But our faith says that the cause of those who have gone before us is heard by God before those who have yet to come home. Perhaps it is the very pleas of those who have gone before us that have finally made it all happen.

Emotion aside, Flo. The poor guy is screwed. No man in our history has been handed a bigger mess with the exception of maybe Franklin Roosevelt. I actually prayed for him at Mass yesterday. I don't think I have ever prayed for a President.

Red

---

Childress SSgt Jason R wrote:
Subject: CMH citations
Date: November 14, 2008

I had a chance to meet these gentlemen yesterday. It was an honor.

Here are the citations for the Congressional Medal of Honor recipients who will be on deck today. Pass this onto your Marines.

Maj A McGINTY, JOHN J. III

Rank and organization: Second Lieutenant (then S/Sgt.), U.S. Marine Corps, Company K, 3d Battalion, 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force. place and date: Republic of Vietnam, 18 July 1966. Entered service at: Laurel Bay, S.C. Born: 2 1 January 1940, Boston, Mass. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. 2d Lt. McGinty's platoon, which was providing rear security to protect the withdrawal of the battalion from a position which had been under attack for 3 days, came under heavy small arms, automatic weapons and mortar fire from an estimated enemy regiment. With each successive human wave which assaulted his 32-man platoon during the 4-hour battle, 2d Lt. McGinty rallied his men to beat off the enemy. In 1 bitter assault, 2 of the squads became separated from the remainder of the platoon. With complete disregard for his safety, 2d Lt. McGinty charged through intense automatic weapons and mortar fire to their position. Finding 20 men wounded and the medical corpsman killed, he quickly reloaded ammunition magazines and weapons for the wounded men and directed their fire upon the enemy. Although he was painfully wounded as he moved to care for the disabled men, he continued to shout encouragement to his troops and to direct their fire so effectively that the attacking hordes were beaten off. When the enemy tried to out-flank his position, he killed 5 of them at point-blank range with his pistol. When they again seemed on the verge of overrunning the small force, he skillfully adjusted artillery and air strikes within 50 yards of his position. This destructive firepower routed the enemy, who left an estimated 500 bodies on the battlefield. 2d Lt. McGinty's personal heroism, indomitable leadership, selfless devotion to duty, and bold fighting spirit inspired his men to resist the repeated attacks by a fanatical enemy, reflected great credit upon himself, and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service.

HOWARD, ROBERT L.

Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Place and date: Republic of Vietnam, 30 December 1968. Entered service at: Montgomery, Ala. Born: 11 July 1939, Opelika, Ala. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. 1st Lt. Howard (then Sfc .), distinguished himself while serving as platoon sergeant of an American-Vietnamese platoon which was on a mission to rescue a missing American soldier in enemy controlled territory in the Republic of Vietnam. The platoon had left its helicopter landing zone and was moving out on its mission when it was attacked by an estimated 2-company force. During the initial engagement, 1st Lt. Howard was wounded and his weapon destroyed by a grenade explosion. 1st Lt. Howard saw his platoon leader had been wounded seriously and was exposed to fire. Although unable to walk, and weaponless, 1st Lt. Howard unhesitatingly crawled through a hail of fire to retrieve his wounded leader. As 1st Lt. Howard was administering first aid and removing the officer's equipment, an enemy bullet struck 1 of the ammunition pouches on the lieutenant's belt, detonating several magazines of ammunition. 1st Lt. Howard momentarily sought cover and then realizing that he must rejoin the platoon, which had been disorganized by the enemy attack, he again began dragging the seriously wounded officer toward the platoon area. Through his outstanding example of indomitable courage and bravery, 1st Lt. Howard was able to rally the platoon into an organized defense force. With complete disregard for his safety, 1st Lt. Howard crawled from position to position, administering first aid to the wounded, giving encouragement to the defenders and directing their fire on the encircling enemy. For 3 1/2 hours 1st Lt. Howard's small force and supporting aircraft successfully repulsed enemy attacks and finally were in sufficient control to permit the landing of rescue helicopters. 1st Lt. Howard personally supervised the loading of his men and did not leave the bullet-swept landing zone until all were aboard safely. 1st Lt. Howard's gallantry in action, his complete devotion to the welfare of his men at the risk of his life were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

LITTRELL, GARY LEE

Rank and organization: Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, Advisory Team 21, 11 Corps Advisory Group. place and date: Kontum province, Republic of Vietnam, 4-8 April 1970. Entered service at: Los Angeles, Calif. Born: 26 October 1944, Henderson, Ky. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sfc. Littrell, U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, Advisory Team 21, distinguished himself while serving as a Light Weapons Infantry Advisor with the 23d Battalion, 2d Ranger Group, Republic of Vietnam Army, near Dak Seang. After establishing a defensive perimeter on a hill on April 4, the battalion was subjected to an intense enemy mortar attack which killed the Vietnamese commander, 1 advisor, and seriously wounded all the advisors except Sfc. Littrell. During the ensuing 4 days, Sfc Littrell exhibited near superhuman endurance as he single-handedly bolstered the besieged battalion. Repeatedly abandoning positions of relative safety, he directed artillery and air support by day and marked the unit's location by night, despite the heavy, concentrated enemy fire. His dauntless will instilled in the men of the 23d Battalion a deep desire to resist. Assault after assault was repulsed as the battalion responded to the extraordinary leadership and personal example exhibited by Sfc. Littrell as he continuously moved to those points most seriously threatened by the enemy, redistributed ammunition, strengthened faltering defenses, cared for the wounded and shouted encouragement to the Vietnamese in their own language. When the beleaguered battalion was finally ordered to withdraw, numerous ambushes were encountered. Sfc. Littrell repeatedly prevented widespread disorder by directing air strikes to within 50 meters of their position. Through his indomitable courage and complete disregard for his safety, he averted excessive loss of life and injury to the members of the battalion. The sustained extraordinary courage and selflessness displayed by Sfc. Littrell over an extended period of time were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him and the U.S. Army.

SSgt Jason "CHILLY" Childress,
Maintenance Control Chief

---

From: Minister Florence Duckett
Date: Thu, 20 Nov 2008

Gene,

These pics are awsome. I will have them posted as soon as possible. These pics confirm the fact the Spirit of God is on the move..............:) I am trusting God to continue to send anointed people into your midst to encourage you and your fellow Soldiers in the Lord.

Be Blessed, because you are!

Yours in Christ,
florence
-----------------

From: Wed, 11/19/08, Jones, Gene L MSG
To: ministerflorenceduckett@yahoo.com

Minister Florence,

It was a blessed event and the spirit has continued to move in the services since the conference. People are being set free and letting go of their burdens they should have handed over to the Lord along time ago. I pray these few pictures will be a blessing to others.

Be Blessed,
MSG Jones

---

To: All
Date: 11/25/08

The following are two e-mails which will give you insight into the life of Sarita, the mother of Joe Roche who is one of our heroes serving our Great Nation in the Middle East. For those of you who have been following Joe's tour(s), now meet his mother and share this experience with a mother who is also making a great sacrifice.

Pray CONTINUALLY for our troops!

Yours in Christ,
florence
--------------------
From: saritaroche

My Dear Florence,

The following letter "A MOTHER'S LETTER" was to be printed - not the first on "A special child" - Joe leaves very soon for Iraq. A great Captain he knew in Sarasota (Siesta Keys, Florida) died today. He was in the Pearl Harbor Bombing as a Captain of the "She Devil." A great man and a great friend to Joe. It was an honor to know him. He will be greatly missed. Every morning and every evening he would raise the Flag in full ceremony and bring it down at sunset. He was loved by all! Joe never missed his ceremony when he was here. A sad day today.

Respectfully, Sarita Roche

From: saritaroche
To: ministerflorenceduckett@yahoo.com

A MOTHER'S LETTER

Tonight I heard the Vice Presidential Debate. Both of them just sent their sons off to Iraq . Many of us share their heart felt responsibility of seeing our Sons and Daughters off for another calling to Iraq. We share in our hearts that we brought them up to value their fellowman and honor their great country America! With them goes our respect and pride and most sincere prayers. May their trip be honored with success and satisfaction of a job well done. We marvel at their pride and dedication. Wishing them well and counting the days for their safe return to their homeland and good friends. They will be in our thoughts and prayers every moment of every day.

Joe had a home full of classical music. Mom would practice singing high vocal arias every night while he was going to sleep. His older sister loved books; so it was natural to find young Joe falling asleep beneath a huge book. One night "War and Peace"! A young man who loved his dreams and adventures through many great authors/professors/Senators and Presidents!

He became a reader of notice for his great interest in History and Law and very active in Government and Politics. The word was to be his devoted focus in life. He showed very early great possibilities of being a very fine Orator. Everywhere we went; he wanted to share his knowledge. I was amazed at the presentation he showed and the constant facts he expressed in his presentations. He was outstanding! Also his love and devotion for people from all over the world. He so desired to be of service to them early in his years. His father (violinist) and I went to India to visit relatives and perform recitals throughout the country. Joe was our spokesman for the concerts. He was noticeably favored by all. The American Ambassador to India and Joe became very good friends and spent long hours talking about the world and universal problems and difficulties.

I have the greatest of respect for my Son. Life has not been easy for us. But, my respect has constantly grown through the years with tremendous pride. I am Mom, no matter how far or great the distance between us, I stand so very proud! Joe has a wonderful mind! I have always been amazed and impressed to watch him prepare and analyze; carefully studying all facts in every assignment. Therefore, I am comforted to know with complete confidence, that should in the midst of a mission - he have second thoughts he would address that and take it in confidence with his leaders. He is a leader himself, very responsible and confident with his opinion. I should be very proud of his work should he do the good work; or should he advise to differ. Sometimes all minds need to discuss in detail all the facts - Joe is not hesitant to speak with confidence. I completely respect him and have total trust in his leadership and maturity of judgment. In every way, we his dearest friends and family; trust his judgment and sincere professional Protocol. He will do what is to be done; or correctly not take that step.

Through my Son I have heard of Florence Duckett. Her loving Ministry to our Service Men and Women must fill our Heavenly Father with great joy! We must support her in every way needed. I told my son to watch down the road in Iraq someday. A Camel may be coming towards him with Florence and I riding to join him.

We are all one family in the sight of God. May we be there for each other always!

It is a great honor to have a "SOLDIER" in our family! I am so very proud to be the Mom of Sgt. Joseph Anthony Roche. He is very serious minded and sincerely devoted to this great country! I thank the ARMY for recognizing his excellence and opening the world to his dreams!

God Bless You All! and God Bless America!

With great Love and Admiration forevermore!

MOM

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From: Fair, Darrell CPT
To: ministerflorenceduckett@yahoo.com
Date: November 25, 2008

Hello and good day Florence,

Thanks for writing! I am enjoying God's gift of Life on this wonderful Baghdad day. We have church service every Sunday and it really helps as we practice throughout the week. I hope this finds you and Eboni in great health. Please say hello to her from me and for her to continue spreading her joyful music.

Darrell W. Fair, CPT, AG, Human Resources Officer
"Everyday you're allowed to wake up is a good day"
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To: ministerflorenceduckett@yahoo.com

Hello and good afternoon:

I thank you so much for that nice letter you sent and your wishes for us over here. I will gladly send you a couple of pics of myself and the Soldiers here in the Human Resources section of our battalion. I hope this finds you in great health as well. That is a nice photo of you, your daughter, the first lady, and the President. Did you hurt your arm? As I previously mentioned, I hope you are ok.

Well, we are here in lovely, HOT Baghdad trying to make a better life for those who would like change. We are facing much opposition but God is on OUR side and a lot of us know this. I play drums in our praise and worship service here as I have been a drummer for over 20 years. God has been gracious enough to allow me to see a 40th year of life this past June 2nd and for that I am thankful and I have no problem praising his name.

Feel free to keep in touch as I will do the same. May God continue to bestow His blessings on you and yours.

Darrell W. Fair, CPT, AG Human Resources Officer
"Everyday you're allowed to wake up is a good day"

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From: corey rodkey
To: ministerflorenceduckett@yahoo.com

Most needed items right now are greeting and holiday cards for all occasions for soldiers to pick up and mail from our location to loved ones. We built a greeting card display at the chapel and feel it is going to be a great way for the troops to keep in touch with their families. Also, we would ask for towels, washcloths, large shower shoes, twin sheet sets, razors and shaving cream and gels for males and females, shower gels for males and females, shampoos, drink mixes, and microwavable soups. White midcalf socks and underwear for males and females would be a blessing also.

Thank you so much for your alls support! Thank you again for the word of encouragement and the video card. You are a blessing!

In His service,
SPC Corey Rodkey

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To: All

The following poem was sent to me by Judi D, another "Soldier for Christ" who works for one of our Christian Radio Stations. Judi, like so many of us, has a deep love for our troops and this poem expresses her sentiment. I consider it an honor to post this on "Florence's ALMOST blog".

Enjoy!

Yours in Christ,
florence

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Date: Wed, 11/26/08, judi wrote:
Subject: Worth repeating.
To: roseofsharon1979@yahoo.com

Can you put this on your website? It truly is worth repeating. (I think it went around last year.) 

A Different Christmas Poem 

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.

Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.

My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the
Sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.

My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.

A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"

For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."

"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.

My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ' Nam',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.

I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... An American flag.

I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.

I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."

"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right"
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?

It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."
Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."

LCDR Jeff Giles, SC, USN
30th Naval Construction Regiment
OIC, Logistics Cell One
Al Taqqadum, Iraq
[A note: this poem is credited on various sites to both Giles and Michael Marks]

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To All:

This is the latest entry from Joe. It is thought provoking!

Yours in Christ,
florence

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To: roseofsharon1979@yahoo.com
Date: Thursday, November 27, 2008, 11:43 PM

From Operation Iraqi Freedom: "We Have Done Something Really Good Here"

Amy Ridenour's National Center Blog

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