March 20, 2008
Three Years Later
I miss my son and best friend very much. I sometimes wonder what would people think if they knew all of the things I do to try to get close to him -- even after his departure from this earth.
I figure it would be a nice memorial to share a letter I received earlier this month.
Dear Sir:
My name is Stacy Walters. I work for the Transportation Security Administration in a small airport in Mississippi. A few months ago, after screening a flight, we found a bracelet with the name Spc Francisco G. Martinez inscribed on it. We put it up for save keeping thinking someone would claim it. No one ever called and so be honest, it was forgotten.
I was cleaning out our office a few days ago and ran across the bracelet once again. I decided to try to find the owner. I got on the computer and did a Google search for the name. That is when I became aware of the significance of this item. I read a couple of articles pertaining to the death of Spc Martinez and my heart was touched. I have a son that is a member of the Army National Guard who will soon be deployed. I am extremely proud of him, but at the same time, I am fearful for his safety. I'm sure you can understand.
There is little chance I will be able to find the actual owner of this bracelet, so I decided to send it to you along with this letter. I wanted you to know that at least one person was incredibly grateful for the sacrifices you, your son, and your entire family have given to fight for the freedom of our country. Thank you and may God bless you once and all.
Sincerely,
Stacy Walters
I know that I have been very quiet this past 9 months or so. However, I am alive and well, training, studying and exercising to make sure I am at my best for my upcoming deployment to northern Iraq later this summer.
As a civilian citizen of the United States of America, I can't wait for all of our troops to come home. Later in November, I will vote to try to make that wish happen.
As a military member, I promise to do EVERYTHING in my power to make sure that I protect the lives of our sons, daughters, husbands, wifes and neighbors so that all will come home to their loved ones.
Lets us have all Americans present during the rebuilding efforts or our own nation.
God Bless you Mr. Walters and your son.
Thank you Mari, Monica, Mami, Tita, Christian, Ryan, Titi, Kevin, Jay, Monche, Garth, Gina, Chris, Matt (Gut), Dan G., Gonzalo, Paolo, Jackson, Miguel, Sebastien, Niel, Joseph, C.J., SMSgt Carreon, Mirella, Adam Farmer, Harry B., PFC Johnson, Pedro, Angel and so many others that over the years support me and keep me strong and motivated.
Posted by martinf at March 20, 2008 10:22 AMPaco,
I said a prayer yesterday for you and your family. I have been thinking about 20 March 2005 all week long.
I made sure to tell everyone I talked to here in the last few days about that day. Please just know that we are thinking about you. I have to say spending that couple of weeks training with you at PD made a world of difference in my life. I look forward to seeing you here soon. Take care.
Your friend,
Tony
I am glad that not everyone in our consummerist society is thinking about their own behind and how to just make more money to buy more things at Wal-Mart. I read the posts on Mono's Monologue from time to time, and yours always stand out. I am deeply sorry about your son. Thank you for trying to do something about it. May the Lord Jesus Christ protect you during your deployment.
Posted by: Al at March 24, 2008 01:02 PMThree years. Wow! It seems like only yesterday, but yet it seems like it was in another lifetime.
I won't ever forget. I never could.
God bless.
Posted by: Dan G at March 24, 2008 04:46 PMPaco,
I see that you continue to touch the lives of people in your endeavors. I know that Paquito would have followed his father's footsteps in that respect. Please take care in Iraq and return safely so that you may continue to teach others.
Bueno Suerte!
Matt
P.S. Say hi to Maria and Monica.
Posted by: Matt at April 8, 2008 01:00 PMSSgt Martinez,
I just wanted to wish you a safe tour of duty in Iraq. I've been recently relocated to Misawa AB, Japan and am now the Unit Deployment Manager. I didn't volunteer for this job and already dread having to select individuals for deployment. There are several Airmen out here that I trained and a few that were on your team. Once I had them on a Training Team Roster and now they are on Bundle and UTC Roster. Watch over our young troopers!
TSgt Saavedra
Posted by: TSgt Saavedra at April 14, 2008 02:35 AMThank you for your service, sacrifice and all the people that you have touched the lives of.
Posted by: Jennilyn at April 20, 2008 04:04 PM