A Veteran Sends Christmas Greetings to his Son in Iraq

A Veteran Sends Christmas Greetings to his Son in Iraq

by Donna Teresa Homefront Journal

Sending Christmas cards to family and friends has been a tradition for many years. Our country is going through some very difficult times and with our military men and women far away at war, the cards somehow mean something more.

The holiday sentiments may be just a piece of paper to others, but for those who are miles away from their families, this card is the hug, the kiss, and handshake that takes the place of being home and giving the gesture in person.

Roberto Rullan, a Vietnam combat veteran from Marina, has a son serving in the Air Force in Iraq and like many others currently deployed to the Middle East and other locations all over the world, will not be home for Christmas. I’d like to give this father a chance to share his special message for his son:

Dear Albert,

On behalf of my family, I wish to Albert Rullan, stationed in Iraq, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Our family is indeed proud of your service to our nation and for those who need us abroad. Our country’s protection is what takes priority; and you are, a true example of protecting our liberty and freedom. From an Army dad who is a Vietnam veteran to a son, who is serving his country with the Air Force in Iraq, God bless you and enjoy, if possible, these holidays, and again, thank you for your service.

Roberto Rullan

Vietnam combat veteran

The American Red Cross has established a special program called "Holiday Mail for Heroes." Although the deadline to send Christmas cards has passed, you can go to www.redcross.org/EMAIL/SAF/ and sign an eCard that will be sent to military men and women and their families all over the world this holiday season.

So, take a moment and sign this card and let our troops know that we remember them and we care for their safety. Please let our troops know that we have not forgotten them.

Christmas is a season of forgiveness and renewal and remembering those who are no longer with us. Let us appreciate what we have. The times we live in are difficult, but my heart remains full of hope because we have so many men and women who continue to serve and sacrifice on our behalf everyday.

My faith in humanity is restored because of their unselfish service. They answer a call that many would not choose to do and in answering that call, many have given the ultimate sacrifice. Their families will miss them forever. Many come home with injured bodies and souls.

There are no guarantees on what their future will bring to them. I hope that we will welcome each and every one home and show them the compassion and care for them as they have bravely stepped forward in place of us when danger came.

If I had Santa’s magic, I’d bring each and every one home to be with their families, but sadly, I’m not Santa, and I don’t have that magic. All I can do is offer this message to all of our military serving all over the world — Merry Christmas to each and every one of you. I wish you a safe return home to your families. May the New Year bring you back to a special welcome home you deserve.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Donna Teresa can be reached at [email protected] Journal Donna Teresa writes about a veteran sending Christmas greetings to his son in Iraq.