I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to Ben Stein for taking a stand for those who have taken a stand for our freedom. I found your book to be one of the most profound I have ever read. My husband is currently overseas fighting for Operation Iraqi Freedom and I couldn't be more proud of him. While this book gives me a great sense of pride for our men and women in uniform, it also saddens me to acknowledge that many Americans do not support the soldiers who have sacrificed so much. I only hope that this book reaches all American citizens and begins to change how we think about that which is most important in this great country, our freedom. Thank you again, Mr. Stein for showing my hero, my husband, your gratitude through your most insightful words of your book.
I am currently in Iraq, a soldier in the Active Army from home base Ft. Huachuca. I enlisted due to the horrific act against our great country, 9/11. The second reason was losing a fellow soldier, the first soldier to die from California, in the war against terrorism. His name is SSG Brian Jr. and he died on 12-05-01, he is buried at Green Hills cemetery. He was part of 5th Special Forces, and I just want people to remember our soldiers who give so much and in return ask for so little. I leave flowers for my Grandfather and other loved ones, and where this true American hero's resting place is. I was saddened that every time I came and left him flowers there was no flowers left by others. I would visit almost twice a month and still rarely, if any, flowers would be in front of his resting place. Since deployed to theater, Jan 07, I am a firm believer who the first heroes are, the soldiers and their loved ones. Then men like you, Mr. Stein for using the gift that GOD has given you, the ability to learn, then teach, then speak and write of that which you learned. Thank you for sharing your gift and basically thank you for being just the way you are, Mr. Stein. When I enlisted I was around 34, and I saw young hearts in their late teens, some young enough to be my kid, and such heart and dedication they have. Sure some say it's for the college fund, but that is so little to get in return for what they are doing and what they are risking to give up once deployed. And like Mr. Stein indicates in this awesome and heart moving book 'The Real Stars' they get paid so little in return. I left a very comfortable life to enlist and the amount soldiers make to give me that comfort is such a shame. After 9/11 I was so scared and worried, but having enlisted and met so many wonderful fellow Americans, I have regained my strength and overcome that fear, for I see first-hand that this great country of ours, the U.S. of A. is in great hands so long as we HAVE these great warriors.
I am 60 years old and received an email from a friend I spent 19 months in Vietnam with, and Mr. Stein is right. When we came back we were treated like dirt from everybody but friends, I think it is great that the boys coming back now are coming in with welcome and open arms.
My husband and I are both active duty in the Air Force, and this book was like a breath of fresh air. So often, we hear about things on the news that don't matter to the welfare of this country, but when one of our brothers or sisters at arms falls to the mercy of a terrorist in Iraq, there is hardly a word mentioned, if at all. I know a lot of wonderful, bright, shining people in the military who really believe in what they do, and every time I see one of them deploy, (especially family), I pray and worry about their wellbeing and safety. We might have volunteered for this, but it's still not anywhere close to easy. I really wish that more people saw things the way that Mr. Stein does. So, thank you sir. You will never know how much it means for a soldier, sailor, airman, or marine to get a thanks like that.
On January 5, 2006 my older brother, Lt Col. Michael, was killed by a suicide bomber during a police recruiting drive in Ramadi, Iraq. Since then, there have been lots of tributes, some sincere, some less so, from all kinds of people. Hundreds of people came to his funeral; old men in ill-fitting uniforms from previous wars saluted as his coffin passed by; his name is engraved on a wall; the President wrote my parents a letter of condolence; the men he commanded came in groups and alone to comfort my sister-in-law; my daughter spoke at her middle school Veterans Day program; our old high-school built a memorial . . . The gratitude and support of the people around us has been overwhelming. All of these kindnesses and the countless others I've failed to mention, help ease my family's grief. Although, the fact that people around one respect and understand the sacrifice a soldier makes cannot shield us from the pain of loss, it does help to make it more bearable.
I tell you this because I want you to know that none of these things made me feel as grateful as your recent book. It touched my heart. It is comforting to know that someone "gets it." Thank you for using your fame and talent to honor men like my big brother. Words fail me—just know that I truly appreciate your talent and your sincere respect for the real heroes in this world.
