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| Fort Myers Mayor Jim Humphrey presents Sgt. Steve Tubbs with a proclamation and keys to the city (2003) |
The community rallying behind our troops, brings back
memories of when my brother-in-law Steve Tubbs served two tours in Iraq starting
in 2003. As I was thinking about it, I remembered how the community was
supportive of our military and how Steve was treated when he came home. My wish
is all the men and women serving in our military experience some type of
welcome home like my brother-in-law experienced.
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| Cody Anderson walked 45 miles in honor of the troops in 2003 |
What a joy and blessing it was for my 23 year-old
brother-in-law at the time to know there were people who truly appreciated what
he did and the sacrifice he made for them. We lived in Fort Myers at the time
and the community truly rallied behind Steve. One man, Cody Anderson, even
walked 45 miles carrying a US flag for Steve and the troops serving in Iraq and
Afghanistan at the time.
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| A celebration with family and friends. Even the local television stations came out for the event. |
When Steve did come home from serving one of the tours, we
had a huge celebration for him. Not only was there family there, the media was
there and the Mayor of Fort Myers Jim Humphrey presented a proclamation to my
brother-in-law declaring it Steve Tubbs Day.
Steve was also given the key to the city. To this day, my brother-in-law
celebrates Steve Tubbs day and it is a reminder of appreciation for what he did
for our country.
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| Steve Tubbs talking to students at Fort Myers schools. |
When Steve came home, some of my friends who were teachers
wanted to have Steve come talk to their schools. Steve had no problem putting
on his uniform to talk to kids about what he did and Operation Iraqi Freedom. I
also fortunate to go with Steve to several schools where he spoke to rooms full
of students. The kids asked great questions and he was able to give them a
perspective they couldn't get anywhere else and they heard it from a soldier.
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| Steve Tubbs signing autographs for the students. |
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| Students wanted photographs and autographs of a real soldier. |
What was really neat was the kids treated Steve like he was a "rock star."
I remember the kids all crowding around him asking him for his autograph and
photo. It was truly a day I will never forget. I was so happy for him because
he felt appreciated by those back home and they were thankful.
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| Steve Tubbs with a school official and Cody Anderson who walked 45 miles in honor of the troops. |
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| Steve Tubbs talking to students at a Fort Myers school. |
He was in his Army fatigues and when we stopped for lunch
after going to the schools someone even
bought his lunch to thank him for his
service. It couldn't have been a better day of gratitude. Something I think all
our service men and women deserve, but I know never expect. They do what they
do because they love our country!
These men and women are giving their lives for us and those
who have families are giving time away from their families for the betterment
of our America. Next time you see a service member out in public remember to
thank them for their service. If you can do something more, do it! Let them know
they are appreciated!
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