Jan. 31: Adopting Soldiers

Six journals filled with hand-written praise and thanks from everyday Americans are among Sgt. Timothy Gallagher’s most prized possessions. Deployed in Afghanistan, Gallagher is one of the soldiers “adopted” by Delta flight attendant Robin Schmidt, who regularly passes journals around domestic flights for passengers to write notes to members of the U.S. military.

Messages are wide-ranging, including jokes, thank-you letters, condolences, and surprising confessions. Afghan and Iraqi passengers have sent thanks for helping their countrymen.

“I thought it was amazing,” says Army Specialist Jonathan Pacheco, who Schmidt also adopted. “I didn’t think there were that many people that supported the cause.” Soldiers say they keep every journal, though they often share them with others.

The journals have turned into a passion inspiring Schmidt, the soldiers, and those writing them.

All the brethren send greetings.  Greet one another with a holy kiss.  (1 Corinthians 16:20)

Lord, thank You for the gift of community—and for the gift of our selfless servicemen and women.