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| Iraq-Jordan |
| Minnesota Military Moms Deliver Warmth - Even In December |
| 2004-12-20 |
| Military Moms Are the "X" Factor Zach Lee, Al Johnson, and Josh Weiman are very lucky young men. It doesn't take long to figure that out. All you have to do is take the time to talk to their moms. Terri Lee, Sharon Johnson, and Joleen Wieman are doing something no government, charity or military unit can do for their sons and the members of their sons' units: sending love and support by the bucketful to the guys in harm's way. Members of the Minnesota National Guard, Josh and Al are stationed in Iraq and Zach will probably be there by the time you read this. For Terri, Joleen and Sharon, this will be their first Christmas without their sons at home. It's going to be hard, but they're not taking it lying down. Terri and her husband Dave live in Zimmerman, Minnesota. Zach, about 21, is one of seven children. He joined the National Guard two years ago (and then told his mom about it). Zach's wife, Tina, is only 19. Just before Zach deployed to Iraq a couple of days ago, Tina went by herself to see him off because Terri wanted them to have some time alone. Zach had a tough time saying goodbye to his sisters and brothers, and it was hard on them as well. Andy, age 11, idolizes Zach. When Andy found out Zach was going to Iraq, Terri overheard him asking Zach, "Why are you doing this to Mom?" Zach's answer is etched in Terri's mind: "Andy, you have to know I'm not doing this to Mom, I'm doing this for Mom, and you have to remember that." Terri told me, "Andy now says Zach is doing this for all of us," and plans to go into the military when he's old enough. (Andy: your mom told me you were thinking about going Air Force. Do it, dude. Aim high.) |
| Posted by:Capt America |