My driver and friend sends me an email from Iraq
I was so touched this past week to receive an email and photos from my very dear driver, Rock. He has been in Iraq serving our country admirably. He wrote me that he is now stationed at a base outside of Baghdad. He says the food isn't bad and that he is comfortable and even gets to watch CNN from time to time. He misses his family greatly. I hope for a speedy homecoming for Rock and all of our comrades. Recently, I was at a conference in Aspen, Colorado, where I had the honor of meeting General Petraeus and Colin Powell. I thought Rock would like to see the photo I took with them.
Oh Martha scare the heck out of the man by asking him if he would like you to ask Top brass a question for him? You are so funny.
I met your driver when I was at your show he gave us directions to the ferry so we could go and find The Statue of Liberty he and Joey A were so nice to us with helping us find our way around the studio , they helped us find The Shake Shack.
Good to hear that he is keeping in touch with him and that you are writing him back and haven't forgotten him.
My nephew James is serving in Iraq in army special forces, they taught him fluent Russian and Arab languages. He is also a medic and paratrooper. He will be 26 next month and spending his birthday in Iraq far from home.
I hope he and Rock return home to their families safe and healthy.
Thank you for sharing your emails with us.
Have a good week ahead.
Looking forward to At Martha's Table tomorrow Sirius 112.
Pam from California
Posted by: Pam from California | September 28th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
Hi Martha and Rock, This is the first email I have seen from a Marine in Iraq. It almost makes me cry, because I worry every day about their safety and pray they will all return safely ASAP. Rock, I'm sure you are anxious to return to your family, as well as your fantastic job driving for our Martha. Thank you, Martha, for sharing this poignant, very special email with all of us. God Bless. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | September 28th, 2008 at 5:28 pm
My heart goes out to all the wonderful and dedicated people that are fighting in Iraq...
I pray that everyone stays safe and that they are re-united with their family and friends soon....
It is refreshing to see how you touch people's lives Martha....thanks for sharing this...
Hugs
Diana
Posted by: Diana Evans | September 28th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
Dear Rock
Thank you so much for your service to our great country. Although many are opposed to the war, I am grateful for all you have done to make our country safer. Since we did not go down that path, we will never know how many more terrorist attacks you prevented on the United States soil. We will never know how many lives the brave men and women of uniform saved. I think of this every day and am truly grateful for all of your sacrifices. God bless America.
Posted by: Margaret | September 28th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
Lots of love to ((all)) the troops!
)
Posted by: Isle Dance | September 28th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
What an admirable young man. I wish him the best and a safe journey.
Posted by: Jennifer Love | September 28th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
I served 20 yrs in the Army Reseves, so I know where Rock is coming from. God bless him.
Posted by: gilda | September 29th, 2008 at 12:20 am
Thank you Rock, and all the fellow troops serving with you far away from home. I pray our leaders can figure out the what needs to be done so you can all come home soon.
Posted by: Sheri | September 29th, 2008 at 1:44 am
My husband returned in 2007 from a 15 month tour in Iraq with the National Guard. It is a scary thing to have someone you care about deployed, and I wish the best to Rock and all our troops that are in harm's way. I noticed that you were wondering how much all the uniform and gear weighs. My husband's uniform (with protective gear - all kevlar) weighed a bit over 50 lbs. The guns and ammo he had to carry are not included in that amount. Imagine having to trek around in that heat all day long in hostile territory with over 50 lbs of gear strapped to you! Our troops are very admirable, indeed. May they return quickly and safely to their homes and families!
Posted by: Jessa | September 29th, 2008 at 1:53 am
Thank you for sharing this Martha. He'll be in our thoughts and so will all the other amazing men and women who serve us proudly. Come home soon!!!!!!
Posted by: matt | September 29th, 2008 at 2:01 am
Rock,
Sending to you and to all your comrades a mental blanket of hope and strength for a safe journey home. May the thought of all of us and your family and friends circling you with love find you comfort. We are all so proud of your courage and dedication to your country. God speed.
Posted by: Julie | September 29th, 2008 at 2:24 am
Lovely post Martha and a great BIG thank you to Rock for serving our country. Wouldn't it be nice if we could find a way to rid civilization of terrorists...then Rock and everyone else would be safe and sound in their own homes. Just call me Pollyanna I guess
God Bless our troops,
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy :) | September 29th, 2008 at 3:12 am
My grand nephew has been in Iraq for almost 2 years and would have been coming home after October 1st but he reenlisted for 4 more years. They will have some kind of ceremony for the reenlistments but they won't leave Bagdad until January. Then it's off to his old base in Kentucky for 6 months before he travels to his new base in Alaska. We all wish he would write longer emails but we're grateful for any news at all. May God keep all of our troops safe! Trish
Posted by: Trish | September 29th, 2008 at 4:41 am
When you said that you were meeting with Gen Petraeus and General Powell, I thought you had lost your mind. Then, I checked back on your blog and there's a picture of you with the generals. I'm impressed. Yes, I am. JO
Posted by: grandmajo | September 29th, 2008 at 5:40 am
Thank you so much for sharing the message from Rock, he sounds like a wonderful man. My husband served in Viet Nam and I remember missing him and worrying about him every day. Our prayers are with you, hurry home to your family real soon and thank you for the life I have. It is because of men like you that my life is in tact.
Sincerely,
Marion
Posted by: Maron Rogers | September 29th, 2008 at 5:44 am
I see my girl Martha still has her beauty. I really like this nice still picture with Colin Powell & General Petraeus!
Posted by: "www.ShawnDrewry.com" | September 29th, 2008 at 6:08 am
Blessings to all the servicemen and women serving overseas.
Posted by: Laura Ingalls Gunn | September 29th, 2008 at 7:45 am
Perhaps with the right kind of change in November, Rock and the rest of the troops can return home soon!
Posted by: Linda Crispell | September 29th, 2008 at 8:01 am
Hi, Martha,
Best wishes to Rock and a huge thank you, too, for serving your country.
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | September 29th, 2008 at 8:15 am
Hi, Martha,
Best wishes to Rock and a huge thank you to him, too, for serving our country.
Thanks, Martha, for posting the photos from the conference in Aspen.
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | September 29th, 2008 at 8:18 am
I thank God for such brave men and women. I pray for a quick and safe homecoming for all of them. Thanks for sharing the info.
Posted by: Anita | September 29th, 2008 at 9:45 am
that was a nice of him to send you a message. i continue to pray for the safety of him and everyone else day for a speedy return as well.
Posted by: maritessb | September 29th, 2008 at 10:18 am
Thank you so much for sharing this Martha, Rock is thrilled you keep him in your thoughts. I can't wait for Rock to be back.
God Bless Our Troops!
Posted by: Marisol Pereira | September 29th, 2008 at 10:29 am
My heart and prayers go out to all the brave people that are fighting for freedom all over the world.
Thanks to them we are able to live in the best country in the world. I hope they all come back home to their loved ones.
Posted by: Jeanie Curry | September 29th, 2008 at 10:42 am
Dear Rock,
Thank you for believing in the American dream. You stand there as a soldier for hope and goodwill for all the world, a dream we share as a nation.
Best wishes, and I hope to hear more about your time there, and see your reunion with Martha when you return.
Martha is also a 'soldier' of the same cause. She continues to extend the idea of 'good living', a reminder that our world is okay. Martha is a beacon of hope and an inpsiration to me.
Thanks,
Michael Anthamatten
Muskogee, OK.
Posted by: michael anthamatten | September 29th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
Thanx to Rock and I'm so glad he's still keeping in touch!
Posted by: Lisa's Chaos | September 29th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
Thanks for putting the information on of Rock. I think all of us know someone or have family that has been in Iraq. I think it is so cool we can email now-a-days to our love ones and friends. My daughter did a special Senior Project of our family from the time of the Mayflower down to all the wars to present time. It really makes all of us appreicate this land of America we live in. Love, peace, and God's blessings.
Posted by: Glenda Staples | September 29th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
Thank you to him for doing a courageous thing!
Posted by: Jen R | September 29th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
Hi Rock,
THANK YOU FOR BEING THERE FOR US ROCK.
My son did a tour of duty in Iraq. It was the hardest year of my life. This past year he was deployed to the Sinai Peninsula. I wish he would get out of the military but I know he won't. He is doing what he wants to do. He said he grew up in a safe country and he wants to do his part so his children can do the same.
I have so much respect and admiration for all of the servicemen and woman who have served and are presently serving our country. Rock, stay strong and come home safe and sound. Again, thank you!!!!!!
Posted by: Karen Tracy | September 29th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
Thank you for posting this message, and I too wanted to thank Rock for his service.
My husband and brother have both served in the military, and I know how difficult deployments can be. I greatly appreciate the sacrifices our military men and women and their families make for the rest of us.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Stay safe!
Posted by: Courtney | September 29th, 2008 at 10:43 pm
Hi everyone, I am Rock's sister and not only are we so proud of him for all the services he has provided and continues to serve our country, but I am especially amazed at how great of a husband and dedicated father he is, a great son and wounderful brother and uncle. Thank you everyone for your prayers for him and all our troops,
Adriana
Posted by: Adriana Rovetto | September 30th, 2008 at 3:27 am
Stay safe Rock!!! You're doing an awesome job.
If we can only have Martha teach our enemies crafting - the world would be a much peaceful place.
PS I have an idea. I will be sending some of your craft products together with a care package. It'll help bring inspiration and cheer to the hearts of those that neeed it the most.
Norbie K.
Posted by: Norbie K. of Las vegas | September 30th, 2008 at 4:03 am
My heart goes out to our military as they serve in Iraq. I know a couple of people who are over there and I can't imagine how hard it is to be away from their families. tabitha
Posted by: From Single to Married | September 30th, 2008 at 6:30 am
I think of all who serve often. Cant wait till they come home and this war is ended.
Posted by: Lori | September 30th, 2008 at 8:47 am
Thank you Martha for posting this about your friend and driver Rock. I wish him every good thing and that he comes home to his family very soon.
Sincerely
Linda
Phila., PA
Posted by: Linda | September 30th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
Thank you Rock for helping keep us free, and thank you Martha for being a friend to Rock. My daughter in law's sister Cindy is preparing for her 3rd 12 month tour to Iraq. She leaves behind a husband, a daughter (12), and a son (8). Oh the sacrifices these brave ones make for us.
Posted by: Marsha Bristol | October 1st, 2008 at 9:07 am
All that gear is heavy. I don't miss being in the Army when I see pics of the gear we had to wear. I didn't go to Iraq thankfully, but we still had training all the time. There is a statigic way of positioning your kevlar on the M16 while in the prone postion, that you can take a nap. Without being noticed, in the early moring. (Only in training!!) LOL
Posted by: Ashley | October 2nd, 2008 at 7:23 am
DEAR MARTHA I LOVE YOUR SHOW . I HAVE THE HONER OF VOLINTEERING AT A VETERANS HOME WITH WORLD WAR 2& KOREN & VITENAM VET'S. I FIND IT A HONER TO SERVE THESE MEN, THEY ARE THE MOST WONDERFUL MEN YOU COULD EVER WANT TO MEET. THEY ARE SO RESPECTABLE, AND THEY ARE THE MOST HUMORES GUYS. THEY KEEP US UPLIFTED, WE ARE THERE TO UPLIFTTHEM BUT HERE IT WORKS BOTH WAYS. I JUST LOVE AND RESPECT THESE GUYS SO MUCH. I CAN'T EXPRESS ENOUGH GRATITUDE TO THESE MILITARY MEN. I DO HOPE I HAVE THE HONER TO TAKE CARE OF THESE SOILDERS AND LADY SOLDIERS ALSOWHEN THEY COME HOME FROM THIS WAR. THEY HAVE SO MANY STORIES TO TELL. I CAN'T WATE TO GO TO WORK EVERY DAY TO SERVE THESE HONORABLE MEN.
Posted by: LOUISE | October 3rd, 2008 at 8:34 pm
Thank you Rock for serving our country...it shows you are a great man and citizen. God Bless you and all our Troops.
Please come home safe. We'll all pray for your safe return. God Bless!!!!
Posted by: Mari M | October 4th, 2008 at 11:14 am
Bless our troops and a quick plea to the Heavens that Iraq soon stand on its own so that our troops (including my nephew) may come home.
Posted by: Rucy | October 5th, 2008 at 3:48 am
Thank you so much for sharing this! For anyone that would like to do their part in supporting our troops, please visits Treats for Troops (www.treatsfortroops.com) - they are in dire need of sponsors!
Posted by: Shelly Gale | October 5th, 2008 at 10:51 am
..was just passing by.. good work
Posted by: want to be in love | December 2nd, 2008 at 10:55 pm
Rock we love you....
Junior miss you...
Can't wait to meet you........
Beijaoo
Alyne,Ticiane,Junior e Rodrigo
Posted by: Alyne Novaez | January 31st, 2009 at 6:58 pm