Mary P. Greeley
In America, we have so many freedoms that we daily take for granted. We go about our days, never thinking of those men and women who serve in our military. We never think of the sacrifices they make for us or that their families make for us. Unless you are familiar with a member of the military, you may not understand just how much they give.
After a war, or even during one, military personnel and their families do their best to make sure that those freedoms stay in place. Time together is often sacrificed for training missions or when orders come through, for their services away from family. Bravely, they step forward and follow orders they receive. They do their duty, with honor and with the courage they each have, to make sure that we who live here and the generations to come, may have the same freedoms they grew up with and enjoyed. It is simply their daily gift to us.
This book not only shares what life is like in many ways for those who have ever served, but it is also a way to say thank you. We owe them all so much, and hopefully this book will lovingly explain why their simple gift to all of us is given so freely.
While growing up, Mary Greeley was always teased of being what people refered to as an "Army Brat", every time it was said she would always correct them saying, "No, I am an Air Force Brat." She wore that label with a lot of pride and honor, and to this day still does.
Being military connected as a child was one thing, but it did not end there. Her connections to military life would stay with her, for as her brothers grew up, they enlisted and a few years after she was married, her husband would end up returning to the military after being out for 7 years.
Mary's father and brothers all retired after serving many years in the military branches they were in. Her former husband, was retired from the service early due to being diagnosed with severe PTSD four years after the ship he had served on, the USS COLE was bombed. Yet even now she still keeps connected to people she knows who are serving this nation, for it is the emotions she picks up on and the stories she hears that inspire her.
When the attack took place upon our nation, Mary began to write out in poetry what military life is like for many. When the first ships returned home after the war on terrorism began, she worked hard to capture the emotions of the moments. She shared her work with friends in the military and every one asked her if she was doing a book. Her reply was always the same, "I am not doing a book" To which they all responded,"I think you should!" It took a while to convince her and now all these years later, her work has been compiled into a book of poetry for everyone to read.
She resides in Virginia, with her 7 year old daughter Angelina and their kitty cat Smokey. She continues to write about military life and is not afraid to share just what the military members really often feel in their hearts through her writing or her simple chats.
I HEARD YOU ARE BEING SHIPPED OVER
I heard you are being shipped over
to serve our country in this thing called a war,
I am sure you are really wondering
just what all of you are really in for.
Remember that back home we are all praying,
and asking God to watch over you;
I am sure He will keep you protected
until your mission over there is through.
And when your tour of duty has ended,
when the war has come to an end;
remember you have a country that is grateful
On that you can truly depend.
But if per chance there are some that despise you
for being a soldier in a “crazy” war;
Just look them in the eye, smile and say
“I guess you forgot what we are fighting for.
.
For I served my country with honor
I fought for the freedom too often we forget,
and I shall continue to serve this nation proudly
because this war on terrorism is not over yet.
And tonight when your head hits that pillow
remember the freedoms you have everyday;
and say a prayer of thanks to God in heaven
because my fighting helped keep you free today.
