Freedom's Tears

Tears are swift to come, but slow to leave when my soldier is away
Every day, apart from you, all I can do is pray

Even the little things make my world seem so lonely
But Freedom is worth a sacrifice of time with my one and only

I know this time will pass. We will see each other again
Until then I wait and understand Freedom has demands

Freedom is not soft and comforting as resting in your arms
Her price is oh so high and puts you near to countless harms

But when I feel like losing faith and crying endlessly
I know that true Freedom is for so many more than me

So please, Dear Soldier, stay safe and free from fret.
Know I will carry on each day, but I will never forget

Each night as I lay me down, my tired head to sleep
I miss you more than words can say, and sadly, still I weep

God dries my tears while I dream and each day I start anew
Praying, hoping, knowing, I'm one day closer to holding you.

Happy Veteran's Day! Thank you to all who serve or have served to protect our freedom.  Thank you to all the families that sacrifice so much to support those who keep us free!

Letter to your Congressperson about NOT cutting Military benefits

We are military family.  Last week, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel released the Department of Defense's part of the 2015 budget.  Those cuts mean that military families will now be shouldering much more of the cost of healthcare and living expenses, while also limiting cost of living raises.  With so many other areas of waste in our system, I am having a hard time with the idea that military families are considered (by the government)  an appropriate place to make up those costs.  In response, I have drafted a letter below to my congressperson.  If you are military or former military,encourage you to use this letter to contact your congressperson as well.  at the end of the letter, there is also a link where you can find the names and contact information for your representatives.  



Dear Congressman NAME HERE:

I am a military spouse.  Like many other military families, we face long separations from our loved one, frequent relocations, and living a life of complete service to the country we love.  I am very proud of not just my husband's service, but my family's service as well. I am writing to you because I am greatly concerned about the changes to military healthcare, basic allowance for housing, and pay raise limitations proposed by Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel in the 2015 Budget.  

I understand that budget reform is desperately overdue.  I support the idea of reform, but not on the backs of our soldiers.  There are many areas where costs can be cut that don't take away from military families benefits.  

I ask that you do not approve these cuts when the 2015 budget comes to the floor for debate and vote "No" on any cuts directly affecting military members healthcare, basic allowance for housing, and pay raise limitations.  I encourage you and your colleagues to work with the Military Officers Association of America, as well as the Office of Veteran's Affairs to work together to make budget cuts in areas that will not risk the financial stability of our soldiers and their families.  

"Service Before Self" is not just a pledge my husband has made to his country, but one that our entire family holds close with every move, separation, and time of uncertainty-which are quite frequent in our service.  I ask that you serve us as diligently as military families have served our country.  Do not allow these cuts to military benefits to pass. It is up to you, our elected officials, to make sure military service can continue to be our focus, rather than concerns about rising healthcare and living costs.  

I thank you for your time, consideration, and service to the American people.  

Sincerely,

Kimberly Rodriguez

Wife of Captain Matthew Rodriguez USAF

Find the name, email, and mailing address of your local Congressperson on this site.  

http://usgovinfo.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=usgovinfo&cdn=newsissues&tm=2258&f=20&su=p284.13.342.ip_&tt=2&bt=4&bts=4&zu=https%3A//www.senate.gov/general/contact%255Finformation/senators%255Fcfm.cfm