Hey Buds,

Thank you. Thank you for being honorable and courageous. Thank you for impacting my life, while changing the lives of others. Thank you for fighting for your country. Thank you for being the selfless people that you are. Not only have you guys become inspirations for me, but you’ve grown to be my heroes.

When a person meets a new friend, it is assumed that the friend will better your life, but you didn’t just better it, you made it as best as it can be. From depressing to uplifting times, we were all there for each other, to lean on, to laugh at and especially to admire. It would be an understatement to say that you’re already missed, because in my heart, there are holes that only you guys can fill. In our lives, we only come across a few people that impact us in a great manner. I was lucky enough to come across two people that helped create who I am today. From the jokes, to the tears, and all of the things in between, you’ve shaped part of me, and that is a part I will never let go.

Thank you for being courageous. Thank you for deciding to pursue a career in the military, for pushing your limits to unimaginable places. Thank you for taking on an emotional, physical and mental stressor to make the lives of everyone in our country -- even the people’s lives that are unknown to you -- better. Your bravery is overwhelming and everything that you do is appreciated, especially your sacrifices. You motivate me to follow my dreams, and knowing that the dreams you’re accomplishing outdo mine I can find the willpower to keep on pushing myself, to pursue what I feel in my heart is right, as you do everyday.

Times get hard, and when they do you’ve taught me to never give up. I’ve seen you guys at the lowest points of your lives and even in those lows you find highs. By taking your negative energy and turning it into something positive you inspire me to do the same as well. You understand what it means to “Find the light at the end of the tunnel," and you run with that concept, being optimistic instead of being pessimistic. I know it gets hard keeping your head up, but words cannot express how incredible it is that you continue to keep your chin up, even during the hard times.

By joining the military you’ve shown me how patient and selfless you are. You’ve come to learn, that even if people have different backgrounds you respect them and that’s why you have so much success within your lives. You find the best in everyone, at times you can be wrong, but when you are wrong, you choose to look past, and to move on. You care about others more than yourself, and that to me, is your best quality.

Because of you guys, I am a better me. I don’t know where I would be if you guys were not apart of my life, especially at a time like now, where I am still discovering who I am. Thank you, for bettering yourselves and for putting your lives on the line to teach me how to be a better person as well. Thank you for paving a way to success and for showing me that life throws you obstacles, that you just have to go with.

Overall, thank you for being my heroes.

I love you guys, with all of my heart. Don't forget me while you're making our country a better place.