[mike55]

This was posted on another site. I think it's worth sharing here as well:

I haven't posted on PP in quite awhile due to selling the 911 but now have an 86 BMW 535i and just haven't had the time to catch up with the boards. I received Mike's email concerning this year's donations and didn't think twice about donating again. I have my own personal reasons for doing this but the cause is worthy and benefits those soldiers that are a long way from home. It's hard to imagine the first timer (newbie), young soldier just out of Basic and AIT and going to Kuwait for orientation and then on to Iraq or Afghanistan for their first full tour of duty overseas as a soldier. Comfort zone is gone, new unit, new comrades to train with and develop and strengthen that trust factor that anyone in combat expects. The adrenalin has to be flowing, anticipation of what the next hour or day or week will bring. And you know what has to be a somewhat calming factor is a familiar voice from home whether it be a parent, wife, friend, the old goat down at the corner gas station that you worked for through high school....something familiar outside of what is reality that is being faced on a daily basis.
Guys, usually I don't say much about this subject due to personal nature of the subject and then again, there's times I can't say enough. I know its hard economic times (hey, I just got laid off on 11/30/08) but any amount that can be added to this fund is worthwhile. It's not seen or heard or touched by us the donors but this is something that will have a definite effect over the holidays for maybe that one soldier really needing a familiar voice to speak to.
I give Mike much respect for heading this over the past couple of years and to be honest I don't know if he has been directly effected by this war or not but whatever his reasons....he deserves a handshake and a stiff beer if I ever get to meet up with him.
Kirk Elliott
RIP son, SGT Brennan C Gibson, 12-10-79 to 12/10/06