I received and read Mr. Ben Stein book today, and as a NCO on his third tour to Iraq, gratitude beyond describable measure to Mr. Stein. I am glad he focused on the families of my brothers and sister in arms as much as on the serving force, for they sacrifice as much, if not more. But beyond that he included the importance of family, solid work ethic, an insight to Hollywood's dark side, as well as to include the other real stars (teachers, social workers, police, fireman, and medical personnel). It is with all that Mr. Stein establishes himself as a real star, right along with those he wrote of. So with much respect and thanks I will continue with the fight and look forward to returning stateside. And if by chance I get to meet you, may I shake your hand Mr. Ben Stein.
I loved my Uncle Sonny, my mother's brother, who served in the US Marines and took part in the landings at Iwo Jima. He was wounded by shrapnel and removed to a hospital ship off-shore until he recovered; just in time to take part in the Occupation of Japan. He really never talked about his experiences and in response to my childish question about how many "japs" he killed, he said he couldn't tell because he was shooting his rifle with his head below the rim of the beach keeping unexposed until a shell landed close to him. That was it. Nothing more than being a Gyrene doing his duty. He enlisted with a furious pregnant wife and brought honor to us all (along with Uncle George and First Cousin Bob on Iwo as well).
Rick F. is a Vietnam Veteran that has been helping other Vets for over 25 years. He has funded everything from his own pocket and has given up things for himself and his family so that other families in need could have food, clothing, Christmas gifts...etc. Recently he has had a law firm donate time to get him a 501C-3 non-profit status for his organization the Black Dog Foundation. This man will pick up the phone for anyone that is having problems, and I have gone to him when the nightmares of war come late at night. He calms down Vets with PTSD and helps them to cope with the pain. This man has helped hundreds of people and never once asked for a thing in return. Rick F. and Black Dog Foundation are heroes to many and should be counted among those on your page.
My dad emailed me the video of the Fox News conference about "The Real Stars," and as one of those people "back home" I just wanted to say thank you to Ben Stein. My fiancé is a U.S. Marine on his second tour of Iraq in less than a year, and third over the past two years. His first tour lasted nine months, two extensions due to the troop surge. This second tour could be anywhere from 12-15 months. We have been together for two years, and spent less than a year of that in each others physical presence. This relationship isn't easy, and even though in quiet moments my heart aches for him so badly I can barely breathe, I have a fierce sense of pride that I wouldn't trade for anything. Thank you for supporting the troops, Mr. Stein. It means everything.
As a soldier, US Army Infantry just finishing up a second deployment, I just wanted to comment about how inspiring and motivated Ben's book made me feel. We put up with a lot being over here, away from our loved ones, and knowing that there are still people out there that think about us that way helps lifts everyone's spirits. My father sent a copy of Ben's book to us in Iraq, I read it, and passed it among my fellow troops and everyone gives high praises to Ben. Of course everyone knows Ben, either from certain movies or his game show. I just wish when I got back to the states that I could find a book signing somewhere so I could thank him for his support in person. From myself and my fellow soldiers, thanks.
—SPC Joshua D., US Army, Infantry (April 14, 2008)
My Real Star is my husband, Mark. He has selflessly worked with Developmentally Delayed and multiply handicapped children and adults since he graduated from College in 1982. He is now completing his Teach Now degree to teach Special Education in the primary grades. His heart is for those who can't speak for themselves but have wondrous things to say. His kids adore him and he challenges them to reach for their dreams, no matter how lofty they may seem to others. He has been sacrificing so much to do what he knows is right and good. I admire him above all men. He is a man of integrity. He is a Real Star.
I cannot tell you how much I respect you and appreciate your voice for the American soldier. We are the parents of two Iraqi Freedom Fighter soldiers and it saddens me to find that the number of daily losses is almost impossible to find. How can this be? These young men and women are giving their lives for a country that hardly knows that there is a war going on. Thank you for being a thorn in the side of this country to call awareness to these wonderful young people and their families. My sons are in the Wisconsin National Guard and we are so very proud of them. One is due to go back to Iraq in January and the other is getting out in September. We hope they will let him out. It was a year and a half of pure hell. There were 5 young men in my son's unit who were killed. There have been several more in our area alone who also have been killed. I am sure the worry has taken years off our lives and ruined many relationships and marriages of the young people who are sent over there for such a long period of time. I don't know how we are going to live through this again. I know many more families are on their 3rd or 4th tours and we pray for them also. Now we have a new grandson who will not see his Dad for a year. This is very hard on his family, but he is an upstanding young man who believes in God and Country and duty. Please don't confuse this with him believing in what they are fighting and dying for. It definitely is the men next to him which he is there to support. Anyway, thank you so very much and please don't give up or let up. You are the voice for many many families and one bright and hopefully not dimming light for our future. A Proud Wisconsin Military Family.
When I first heard about Mr. Stein's book I thought it was almost too good to be true. I'm active duty Air Force and all you ever seem to hear about is the fact that what the military is doing in Iraq, Afghanistan and in other parts of the world is wrong. There are never stories about the hospitals and schools that we build, or really anything positive about what's going on "over there." I'm not sure Mr. Stein can ever fully understand how great it is to have someone stand up and defend the men and women who serve. Merely having a yellow ribbon on the back of your car does not constitute supporting the troops. Until the public speaks up and starts backing those who serve, our troops will continue to come home feeling alienated and out of place. So the next time you're in the airport or wherever and you see someone in uniform, don't ignore his/her presence. Thank that person for defending your freedom and this country. It may seem simple, but it's important for our troops to hear. Mr. Stein, thank you again for this wonderful book.
