Sending Friends to War

Last night, the people in my fantasy football league had a little get together because one of our group, a reservist, is leaving for an 18 month tour of duty in Iraq in a couple of days. His unit will be stationed around Fallujah, one of the most dangerous areas of the country. He is leaving behind a wife and two sons, 8 and 11, and he knows that he may not be back to see them, so it's a tough situation. We all signed our names and best wishes on two yellow ribbons, one that will go around a tree at the local watering hole that we always meet at, and one that will go around a tree at their house. Before we left, I proposed a toast (a little odd to do with iced tea, but it seemed appropriate). I said:

To your service; to your sacrifice; and to your safe return

Good luck over there, Brian. You'll be missed, but you'll be in our thoughts and prayers every day. And don't worry, we'll all make sure your family is taken care of.

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