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This salute is from Sharisse Hinds to her Fiance Larry Walker Johnson, E02, U.S. Navy.

I want to salute E02 Larry Walker Johnson has been in the US Navy for 10 years. He started off active and then went reservist. He felt called to serve his country and decided to go active for this mission.

We got pregnant in July 2008 and he had to leave in August 2008 to Norfolk, VA to train for his mobilization in October 2008. Although he knew I was pregnant he still felt called to follow through on his commitment which showed such loyalty and courage. He was stationed in Kuwait/Iraq for 9 months and in charge of transportation.

Larry left behind his 3 sons, Tyler (19), Joshua (11) and Alex (7), a soon to be step daughter Isabella (5), a 4 month pregnant fiancé and his loving family.

It was very hard on the both of us during this time but we both knew that God had a purpose and Larry was determined to follow it through. It was especially difficult for him because I was pregnant with his first daughter. There were many sleepless nights and lots of tears shed throughout this process. I was hormonal and alone and he was thousands of miles away and could not comfort me. We were able to skype and at times speak on the phone but that could never replace the empty bed, the doctor’s visits alone and then of course the absence of the man I love at the birth of his baby girl.

I went into labor on February 27, 2009 and gave birth to a 7lb and 3 oz baby girl. Gabrielle Margaree Johnson was 4 weeks early probably due to the stress of Larry’s absence throughout my pregnancy. My best friend was able to email him and he was able to call my cell phone during the birth. I was amazed that I was able to speak to him because getting through to him was very difficult and the 8 hour time difference did not help.

I have pictures of me and the baby immediately after delivery with the phone to my ear listening to her daddy tell me how much he wish he could have been there to see his baby girl born. We were able to skype and he was able to see his baby girl but I could see the joy and sadness in his eyes. It was that way for another 5 months until he returned back to the states at the end of July.

The emotions that filled the air when he met his baby girl for the first time were priceless. She just looked at him as if she knew him and put her head on his chest as if she was where she knew she should be, in Daddy’s arms.

It has been an adjustment for all of us having him home. He has had to get used to our schedule, changing diapers and learning to care for a baby girl. We have 5 children between the 2 of us and that is a balancing act but we are blessed that God has shown favor on our family. God has kept us and protects us while we were in the states alone and while he was away and now God has brought our family back together and we are just so happy.

I am so proud of Larry and his accomplishments. He is our hero and our protector and we love him beyond words. He is known to the military as E02 Johnson but to us he is daddy, son, brother, friend and husband.

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Every day we send out a Salute to Troop – our heartfelt bit of thanks to American service men and women giving so much for our country.

In honor of Veterans Day, we'd like to offer a very special thank you to our troops.

Check out our special edition of the podcast. It's all about you, troops!

Thanks, again, for all you do for us.

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This salute is from Robin Gregory to her son PFC Aaron William Oxenford who is with the Army Infantry and deployed to Al-Nasiriyah, Iraq.

Aaron has been in Iraq since May, and was unable to celebrate his first anniversary with his new wife Danielle Oxenford. They were married a year on 8/20/2009 (which was also his Grandmother Carol Smale's birthday).

Aaron has one sister (Kelly Gregory) and two brothers (Kyle Gregory and Jonathan Oxenford).

Aaron is a 2004 graduate of Southern Lehigh High School. Aaron is an avid musician, and plays many different instruments. Aaron is an animal lover and is being missed by his beloved dog Curtis. Aaron will be celebrating his 24th birthday this Halloween.

Be safe, know that we love you, we're all proud of you, and our best wishes for a happy birthday!

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This salute is from Angela Gaffner to her son Specialist Cory Gaffner, Army Reserves.

"Cory is an Army Reservist out of Phoenix, AZ 348th transportation unit 365 day tour in Afghanistan stationed at Camp Leatherneck, He is a Driver and a 50 cal gunner.

He has been there for 2 months so far and he is keeping his spirits up, He enjoys representing his country and feels very proud about what he is doing, he is a wonderful young man with a lot of love in his heart. He is planning on having a huge wedding on September 18th, 2010 to his fiancée Brittany."

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A new poll shows Romney up front in Iowa.

Just wanted to update you all on my son,s status, here are a couple of pics as well as a letter that was just written to me

It states as follows:

"Mom I am well do not worry about me, I love my friends here and I love my missions which I finally started. I am very proud to be doing what Im doing. Sorry I have not got a chance to write, things have been crazy here. I'm a 50 cal gunner and a driver now.

When you roll out on a convoy all the other soldiers and marines look at you like you are some kind of HERO. 90% of the people on the post will never even go out of the front gate like I do on a DAILY basis. I miss my home, I miss my family and my dogs, Arizona in general and yes, I miss my wife. This place is not that bad, time is going by fast. This is the stuff I want to tell my grandkids about, disgruntled old veteran suits me just fine. Thank you for sending packages, I really could use some more wet wipes and I loved those white grape juice drinks.

Love,
Cory
(Camp Leatherneck)"

- Angela Gaffner

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A new poll shows Romney up front in Iowa.

My wife, Sargent Eboni Johnson, is a very strong, loving and caring woman. She is not only a great soldier but a great mother. As well she is a Christian who loves to serve God and have fun with family and friends, and she always has a smile on her face.

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Rute Belanger and her husband Army Major John Belanger.

Major John Belanger is on his 4rd deployment. He also has a birthday next month. John joined the military when he was 18 and he is turning 41.

John is my best friend; he is a Transportation Offices assigned to 82nd Division from FT Bragg, NC. John works hard and loves to have fun, especially in sports. He is a great athlete; he has run numerous triathlons and marathons, he plays and coaches hockey. He is very energetic and committed to live a healthy well balanced life.

Happy Birthday sweetheart! We love and miss you and can't wait to see you soon. We are so proud of you!

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Navy Senior Airman Benjamin Frank and his children.

We want to salute our Soldier, Sr A Benjamin Frank with the 151st CES, EOD team serving in OEF Afghanistan. He is a Dad, a wrestling buddy, a husband, and a best friend. He has been gone over a month and we miss him like crazy!

Ben has left behind 3 little boys and his princess who writes him daily and are trying to be as strong as they can to help out Mom while Dad is gone. We can't wait for his return home in April.

We love him so much and we are very proud of what he is doing for our family and for the country. Stay strong and keep safe, Love you babe!

- Tera Frank

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Sarah Walker and her husband Army Specialist Wesley Walker.

Specialist Wesley Walker is not only the love of my life, but the most amazing person that I've ever met.

After enlisting in the military straight out of high school, he left his friends and family and moved to Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He is constantly giving 100%, regardless of whether or not he feels up to it.

After us only being married for 6 months, he left for Iraq in January of 2009. I never thought I could be so proud of someone as I am of him.

After meeting him once, you will remember him forever. He always can put a smile on your face, even when you're having the worst day. I love Wesley more than anything in the entire world, and am incredibly proud to call such a thoughtful, caring, intelligent, and all around unbelievable person my husband. Every day I'm amazed at how lucky I am.

I never thought at 20 years old that I'd be married, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Wesley makes me proud to call myself an Army wife.

- Sarah Walker

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Michelle Doyen salutes her husband SGT Steven Doyen of the Army Reserves.

Steven and I met almost 4 years ago, we started dating and he never thought twice about sharing a life with myself an my three children from another marriage ... it was all or nothing and it was never a problem.

In 2007 He proposed and was ready to take on a ready made family, also in that year he reenlisted in the Army Reserves, he was due to be done in February but it was something he believed in and I told him he was in the Army when he met me so it was not my decision to make and that whatever he decided I would be there standing beside him! He enlisted for 6 more years.

In Sept. of 2008 we got married which was the most incredible day of our lives, we went on a wonderful honeymoon cruise and everything was amazing. Then we got the news that his unit the 445th TC out of Sac City & Waterloo Iowa were being deployed to Iraq in May/June, it was like a knife went into my heart, it took so many years to find the man of my dreams and now he was leaving me.

In June we had the send off which was one of the saddest, yet most humbling days of my life, I have never been more proud to be an Army wife and an American. Words cannot describe the emotions of that day. Now we sit and wait missing him everyday, our one year wedding anniversary was a very emotional day spending it apart, but I keep telling myself he will come home and we will have 100 more anniversaries together!

Technology is great and has been a life saver we get to Skype and see each other in conversation and I can see for myself that he is alright, it helps a little but sometimes makes it worse because then I miss him even more!

Hopefully he will be back with us safe an sound next June or so, but being an Army wife there will always be the possibility he will leave again, but I will be strong, take care of things at home so he can do his job and come back to us! God bless all our soldiers and their families for all your sacrifices!!!! We love you Sgt. Steven Doyen!!

- Michelle Doyen

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