Title 53

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Title 53

April 2, 2008

CHUCK NORRIS STATEMENT ON BEING NAMED AN HONORY MARINE BY THE U.S. MARINE CORPS

During my November, 2006 USO “hand shake” tour of Iraq, the Marine Corps, which was then celebrating its 231th anniversary, offered to be my military sponsor. I was both pleased and grateful for the offer.

As a former Airman in the U.S. Air Force, the military has always been very close to me. It turned my life around. It helped me get on the right path. This tour was an opportunity for me to meet many of the brave young men and women who now serve our country and also get to know some of the skilled and dedicated warriors who lead them. Included in the latter category are Marine Corps Brig. Gen Robert B. Neller, Maj. Gen. Richard C. Zilmer, and General Robert Magnus, with whom I had the privilege of traveling with to Iraq and who has since then become a good friend.

When I was asked to come to Washington, D.C. to meet and have dinner with Marine Corps Commandant, General James T. Conway, that was honor enough. When he informed me I had been named an honorary member of the Maine Corps, I was speechless.

It is a great honor and I am humbled by it.

For all of those who thought of me for this recognition, I thank you. To all of our service men and women, I salute you. I support you, and I am so proud to now, in a small way, be one of you.

God bless you all.

I Love You, Mother

I love you, Mother, for being my friend,

You are one I would proudly defend;

You've always been near when I need you,

Your love has always been sweet and true.

I love you, Mother, for raising me right,

For teaching me the real values of life;

In love, you taught me what to do,

And my heart has always admired you.

I love you, Mother, for caring so much,

There was comfort in your sweet, gentle touch;

You were such a great part in moulding my life,

And your counsel and guidance was ever so wise.

I love you, Mother, for just being there,

To you, there is nothing that could compare;

But above anything you say or do,

I love you, Mother, for you just being you.

By Karen Icenhour 2008

CONSIDER YOUR ACTIONS

CONSIDER YOUR ACTIONS, THE WORDS THAT YOU SPEAK,

YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN THAT SOUL BESIDE YOU IS WEAK;

SOMETIMES THERE ARE TEARS BEHIND THE SMILES,

SO MAKE WHAT YOU SAY BLESSED AND WORTHWHILE.

CONSIDER YOU ACTIONS, BEFORE YOU START YOUR DAY,

SOMEONE MIGHT NEED YOU ALONG THE WAY;

YOU MIGHT BE THE STRENGTH THAT PERSON NEEDS,

OR A SHOULDER TO LEAN ON FOR A HEART THAT BLEEDS.

CONSIDER YOUR ACTIONS, IN ALL THAT YOU DO,

TRUST THE LORD'S GUIDANCE FOR YOUR EVERY MOVE;

FOR THERE MAY BE SOMEONE IN NEED OF CARE,

WHO DESIRES FOR YOU TO KNEEL WITH THEM IN PRAYER.

CONSIDER YOUR ACTIONS, EVERY MOVE THAT YOU MAKE,

THERE MAY BE A HEART BESIDE YOU THAT BREAKS;

OH, THAT WE ARE EVER SENSITIVE TO THE HOLY SPIRIT,

GRANT THAT HE WOULD ALWAYS HELP US TO HEAR IT.

SO CONSIDER YOUR ACTIONS, AND YOU WILL FIND,

THAT THINGS WILL BE DONE WITH OTHERS IN MIND;

AS YOU GROW IN YOUR LIFE, YOU'LL FIND MORE AND MORE,

YOUR ACTIONS WILL HONOR AND GLORIFY THE LORD.

By Karen Icenhour 2008

It's The Little Things

It's the little things that count, like a phone call from a friend,

To say, "You've been on my mind,or Just calling to check in;"

It's that thoughtfulness that can just make your day,

Especially when things aren't going your way.

It's the little things that count, like cards dropped in the mail,

To say, "I'm praying for you, and Hope you're doing well;"

Whatever the message that comes from the heart,

There's thoughtfulness and love that come from the heart.

It's the little things that count, like a friendship understood,

When there's no explanation due, when things aren't going good;

And when you're having one of those days, you just need to cry,

That friend will come along and be right by your side.

Yes, it's the little things that have a special touch,

When you add them all together, they mean so very much;

So be careful of the things you do, and the words you say,

The Lord may be waiting to use you to make someone's day!

By Karen Icenhour 2008

IT WAS OUR SINS

IT WAS OUR SINS THAT NAILED HIM TO THE CROSS,

WHERE HE LAID DOWN HIS LIFE THAT WE MIGHT NOT BE LOST;

HE TRAVELED THE LONG ROAD TO CALVARY'S HILL,

KNOWING IT WAS PART OF THE HEAVENLY FATHER'S WILL.

IT WAS OUR SINS THAT DROVE THE NAILS IN HIS HANDS,

THE REPROACH AND SHAME HE SUFFERED, WE'LL NEVER UNDERSTAND;

HE COULD HAVE CALLED ANGELS, FROM THE CROSS TO COME DOWN,

INSTEAD HE CHOSE TO WEAR A ROBE AND THORNS FOR A CROWN.

IT WAS OUR SINS THAT TORE THE FLESH FROM OUR SAVIOUR'S BONES,

THEY SCOURGED HIM OVER AND OVER, OUR EVIL TO ATONE;

HE WILLINGLY HUNG ON THE CROSS IN OUR PLACE,

WHERE HE BECAME THE PICTURE OF GOD'S GLORIOUS GRACE.

OH, BUT OUR SINS COULDN'T KEEP HIM IN THE GRAVE,

FOR HE AROSE VICTORIOUS AFTER THREE DAYS;

DEATH, HELL, AND SIN HAD BEEN DEFEATED,

PRAISE GOD, THE SAVIOUR'S WORK WAS COMPLETED!

By Karen Icenhour

Happy Easter

THE FATHER'S ROLE

THER ARE MANY SHAPES THAT FATHERS COME IN,

SOME ARE QUITE LARGE, SOME ARE QUITE THIN;

SOME DADS SPEAK LOUDLY WITH A BOOMING VOICE,

WHILE OTHERS ARE QUIET WITH HARDLY A NOISE.

SOME FATHERS ARE FILLED WITH LAUGHTER ALL THE WHILE,

WHILE OTHERS ARE SOLEMN, WITH BARELY A SMILE;

SOME OPEN THEIR MOUTH TO AGGRAVATE,

WHILE OTHERS HAVE ALMOST NOTHING TO SAY.

A FATHER HAS A GREAT RESPONSIBILITY,

TO CARE FOR AND MEET HIS FAMILY'S NEEDS;

THEY LOOK TO HIM AS THEIR LEADER AND FRIEND,

AND ON HIM, THEIR HEARTS FULLY DEPEND.

A FATHER IS A SWEETHEART TO HIS LITTLE GIRL,

SHE LOVES HIM MORE DEARLY THAN THIS WHOLE WORLD;

HE'S A HERO AND FRIEND TO HIS LITTLE BOY,

THE TIME THEY SHARE BRINGS LAUGHTER AND JOY.

A FATHER HAS MANY ROLES TO FULFILL,

PROTECTOR, ADVISOR, PAYER OF BILLS;

BUT THE MOST IMPORTANT ROLE HE CAN PLAY,

IS LEADING HIS FAMILY IN GOD'S HOLY WAY.

By Karen Icenhour 2008

A Prayer For Forgiveness

Forgive me, Lord, for how my heart has felt,

Because upon my knees I have not knelt;

My life has not been bringing you glory at all,

Because on your name, I have not called.

Forgive me, Lord, for not reading your holy word,

That instructions for my life might be heard;

I became so busy with everyday things,

That it kept you from being my Lord and King.

Forgive me, Lord, for things I've said and done;

That haven't brought glory to Thy Blessed Son;

For my heart can say and do some very mean things,

When you're not on the throne as Lord and King.

Oh Lord, I pray you'll make right every wrong,

Pour out Thy grace, that my life might become strong;

Cause other people, Thy radiant glory to see,

Because I've been in fellowship with you on my knees.

By Karen Icenhour 2008

I Came To God's House

I came to God's house to worship the Lord,

Like I had done so many times before;

I almost stayed home because of the burden I felt,

Until before my precious Saviour I knelt.

I came to God's house to sit at His feet,

Oh, that meeting was so holy and sweet;

We gathered around His table to be fed,

Where the anointed man of God broke holy bread.

I came to God's house and watched His hand move,

As only the blessed Holy Spirit can do;

For when God's presence comes down upon a place,

It will change the very expression on your face.

I came to God's house and walked away with a song,

With my cup overflowing and my spirit made strong;

But the thing I liked best every night I was there,

Was that God spoke to me when I bowed in prayer.

By Karen Icenhour

AMERICA NEEDS GOD

AMERICA NEEDS GOD NOW MORE THAN EVER BEFORE,

SHE NEEDS TO TURN HER HEART BACK TO THE LORD;

OUR FOREFATHERS FOUNDED OUR COUNTRY ON FAITH,

AND WE STILL NEED HIM IN OUR LIVES TODAY.

AMERICA NEEDS GOD TO BLESS HER AS A NATION,

SHE STILL NEEDS TO HEAR THE GOSPEL SALVATION;

WE NEED TO BATHE HER DAILY IN PRAYER,

TO TESTIFY OF HIS LOVE AND GRACE EVERYWHERE.

AMERICA NEEDS GOD TO SHINE UPON HER AGAIN,

THAT SHE MIGHT REPENT AND TURN FROM HER SINS;

FOR SHE HAS DRIFTED FROM THE NARROW WAY,

AND IT WOULD MAKE OUR FOUNDING FATHERS AMAZED.

AMERICA NEEDS CHRISTIANS TO FALL UPON THEIR KNEES,

TO PLEAD FOR HER SALVATION AND LIBERTY;

FOR THE ONLY FREEDOM THAT IS TRUE AND REAL,

IS THE FREEDOM THAT COMES FROM DOING GOD'S WILL.

By Karen Icenhour

Mother Is There

Mother is there on the day your life begins,

She holds you in her arms with a precious grin,

For you are her sweet, tender, bundle of love,

Sent from the Heavenly Father above.

Mother is there to watch your little life grow,

Those seeds of love, she constantly sows,

She teaches the difference between right and wrong,

That your spiritual life might be complete and strong.

Mother is there when you need a friend,

Someone on whom you can truly depend,

She'll be there always, with a heart full of care,

Ready to lift your name up to God in prayer.

Mother is there, so love her much,

For there is nothing quite like her tender touch.

She deserves all our admiration and care,

Because it's Mother who is always there.

Written for Mother's Day.

By Karen Icenhour

Oh, Give Thanks Unto The Lord

Oh, give thanks unto the Lord, for the wonderful gifts He gives,

For the new breath each day, you get that you might live;

Every day is a blessing, afresh, and anew,

Along with the grace to carry you through.

Oh, give thanks unto the Lord, for all that He bestows,

For walking right beside you, in every place you go;

And on days when you feel like no one else is there,

He'll love on your heart when you bow down in prayer.

Oh, give thanks unto the Lord for the watchful eye He keeps,

For His eyes are always upon you, they never slumber or sleep;

He is an awesome Lord, who deserves glory and praise,

For the wonderful things He does for you everyday!

Oh, give thanks unto the Lord, for everything that He does,

He is so very worthy of your admiration and trust;

For His thoughtful ways, He has towards you each day,

He desires thanksgiving, glory, honor, and praise.

Written for Thanksgiving, 2007

By Karen Icenhour

We wish you all a wonderful

Christmas season filled

with love and peace.

Chuck and Gena Norris

JESUS IS THE REASON

Jesus is the reason Christmas ever began,

When God sent his only son down to man.

He came by the way of a lowly, virgin birth,

When He came to be the Savior of the earth.

Jesus is the reason we rejoice and sing songs,

Unto Him, does this season truly belong.

He deserves to be exalted and praised,

To be given glory for this holy day..

Jesus is the reason we can give to one another,

And know the joy of loving our sisters and brothers.

He taught us, "It's better to give than receive",

He puts his words in our hearts to believe.

Jesus is the reason Christmas is living on,

He deserves the praise, honor and glory alone.

For when we keep Him on the throne where He belongs,

Then this Christmas season will be filled with joy and song.

Christmas 2007

By Karen Icenhour

A son asked his father, ' Dad , will you take part in a marathon with me?' The father who, despite having a heart condition, says 'Yes'. They went on to complete the marathon together. Father and son went on to join other marathons, the father always saying 'Yes' to his son's request of going through the race together. One day, the son asked his father, ' Dad , let's join the Ironman together.'

To which, his father said 'Yes' .

For those who don't know, Ironman is the toughest triathlon ever. The race encompasses three endurance ev nts of a 2.4 mile (3.86 kilometer) ocean swim, followed by a 112 mile (180.2 kilometer) bike ride, and ending with a 26.2 mile (42.195 kilometer) marathon along the coast of the Big Island .

Father and son went on to complete the race together. View this:

I will forget the mistakes of the past and press on to greater achievements.

I will always be in a positive frame of mind and convey this feeling to every person that I meet.

I will continually work at developing love, happiness and loyalty in my family and acknowledge that no other success can compensate for failure in the home.

I will look for the good in all people and make them feel worthwhile.

If I have nothing good to say about a person, I will say nothing.

I will give so much time to the improvement of myself that I will have no time to criticize others.

I will always be as enthusiastic about the success of others as I am about my own.

I will maintain an attitude of open-mindedness toward another person's viewpoint while still holding fast to that which I know to be true and honest.

I will maintain respect for those in authority and demonstrate this respect at all times.

I will always remain loyal to God, my country, family and my friends.

I will remain highly goal-oriented throughout my life because that positive attitude helps my family, my country, and myself.

I will develop myself to the maximum of my potential in all ways.

JUST WANTED TO LET CHUCK NORRIS KNOW, I APPRECIATE HIM MEETING WITH MY SON IN IRAQ. THAT MEANT A LOT TO ME. MY SON IS PULLING HIS SECOND DUTY THERE, AND MY SON HAD DRAWN A PICTURE OF CHUCK NORRIS AND HAD SHOWN IT TO CHUCK OVER THERE. MY SON'S NAME IS CORPORAL NATHAN HATCHEL. I JUST WANTED TO PERSONALLY THANK HIM. JOHN HATCHEL

Corporal Nathan Hatchel

Life in Iraq, is usually stereotyped into bombs going off, shooting and mostly violence, well that isn't always the case. In Camp Fallujah Iraq, Every now and then the MWR (Morale Welfare Recreation ) program, facilities, staff, and enlisted involved will put together something for the troops. There were several events that have happened during this deployment for me. We have had a jimmy buffet cover band, comedians from comedy central, a female rock band, female country singer and lastly Chuck Norris. The MWR program does a great job in what they do and they keep me entertained. Now I am going to get to the story, I am usually a funny guy and I try to keep everyone amused and attitudes at a good level. One day I figure I want to cheer people up and I decide I wanted to make a chuck Norris OPSEC poster, OPSEC stands for operational security and it involves watching what you say or do so the enemy doesn't get the upper hand on classified information, and be able to use it against the troops. It is a base wide operation to keep information that is sensitive kept where it is suppose to be. I take my poster request to Combat Camera, they take all the combat pictures and they also print out the OPSEC posters. I show them my drawing and they accept the request and a couple days later I get the poster back with chuck Norris on it. So I was happy with it and I got a chance to cheer up the people that I worked with. A couple months past and I started hearing rumors about chuck Norris coming to base. I had figured what would be a better time than to meet chuck Norris and personally give him a poster that he can keep in remembrance of me. So it turned out that he was coming on base and I brought my poster, gave one to him and I got interviewed on what and why I did what I did. The video will be on the AFN channel in a couple of months they told me. It turns out that I got a great opportunity to meet a legend and tell him about my story, get an interview all because I wanted to keep people happy, For me it was a great way to say thank you for serving the country from Chuck Norris and I gladly appreciated Chuck Norris for coming out.

IRAQ	2007



Chuck Norris signs an autograph for Capt. Carla Stephany-Cox with the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing in Southwest Asia. The "Walker, Texas Ranger" is visiting deployed servicemembers. Captain Cox is deployed from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Tia Schroeder)	Chuck Norris poses with security forces Airmen from the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing in Southwest Asia. The "Walker, Texas Ranger" star, who served as an Air Force security forces Airman before becoming an actor, is visiting deployed servicemembers. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Tia Schroeder)

We thank you for your

Letters from Home

Some may not be posted due to personal content.

My son is a SAW Gunner with the 2/6 Marines serving our country in Fallujah, Iraq. I just read on a post that you visited some of the Marines over there recently. I just want to say thank you for taking that risk and lifting the moral of the troops! It takes a special person to venture into a war zone and tell the troops thank you.

You are tops on my list!

David Smith

Charlotte, NC

Dear Mr. Norris:

I want to thank you for going to Iraq and visiting with the troops. My son is over there, and said you are the only person who goes where he is located, because it is dangerous. He waited three hours to have his picture taken with you and some other guys!

You have no idea what that meant to them. He said it was worth the wait! There are no words to express how you have made me and my family feel, because you went there.

I wish I could go see my son! Thank you for caring about people you don't know!

I appreciate what you have done so much! Tears are running down my cheeks as I write this letter to you, because of what you did! THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART!!!

My son always watched all your shows growing up to be able to have his picture taken with you, during this time of his life, while fighting to protect us, really makes his day special.

Thank you very much,

One soldiers Mom,

Carolyn Brown

Dear Mr. Norris,

During your recent trip to Iraq, you visited with some special Marine friends of mine. Along with many Americans, I support our deployed troops with cards and care packages. Among "my" Marines are the wonderful men and women of the 2nd Marine Air Wing at the Al Asad Airbase in Iraq. Capt James Allen emailed me the picture you graciously had taken with them. I cannot tell you how your visit helped their morale. So as an American and a Christian, I wanted to thank you for taking the time to spread some cheer where it is most sorely needed. May God continue to bless your future endeavors.

Sincerely,

Patricia Salinger

Welcome back and thank you for taking time to visit our troops. I personally want to say thanks because as you were getting ready to leave to come home, my son got to have dinner with you and he said you were a very nice person.

Again thanks a very proud mom of Corporal Burns USMC.

I just wanted to say thank you to Mr. Norris for taking the time to visit the troops stationed in Iraq, who are fighting in the war.

My brother is on his second tour in two years and has been feeling down lately. When he called this weekend he sounded so up beat and happy. He couldn't tell us fast enough about Mr. Norris' visit to his base.

It takes a special kind of person to go and visit our troops in Iraq.

Thank you again.

Sabrina

Hi Mr. Norris, I just wanted to send you a short note and Thank You for visiting our troops in Iraq. My son is on his second deployment in Iraq and had the opportunity to meet you at the chow hall at Camp Fallujah. He emailed us yesterday (9/16/07) and said he had a very exciting day. He got to talk to you briefly and said that you were "cool" . You were going to be speaking later that day at chapel but he was not able to stay. He was only at camp Fallujah to pick up some supplies for his post which is somewhere in the city of Fallujah. You made his day and mine, too . thanks for caring.

Sue (mother of Matthew of 2/6 marines)

I received an email from my son in Iraq today. He was very excited about your visit with them yesterday. He stated that he got lots of pics with you....I cannot thank you enough for your efforts with the troops.

I wish I were there...Of course I wish he were home but we are in full agreement that he has a job to do and that is where his job is currently....Again, THANK YOU.

Leslie

Very Proud Mother of A Marine--

Dear Chuck,

My son is stationed in Iraq with the U. S Marines. He just sent me a photo of you and him. Thanks so much for taking the time to visit our troops. It is an inspiration to them and to us parents back home.

God bless,

Ken

Mr. Norris,

My son Brandon, is stationed in Ramadi, Iraq. He is serving in the Marine Corps and is in the intelligence division. He is so excited that you will be on base tomorrow that he has called his wife in CA, to let her know. Brandon starting watching you when "Walker" first aired. We lived in Waxahachie, TX the whole time he was growing up and so we especially enjoyed the show, knowing you were filming right down the road in Irving.

I am sure this is taking an extreme effort on your part and just want to thank you for taking time out of your life to lift the spirits of our service men and women. There are a lot of us mom's and dad's out here who wish we could do more for our kids right now. They may be grown up, but I guess that doesn't really change how you feel about them as parents.

Anyway, I just want to thank you, I am sure that you will put many a smile on a face when you visit.

Debbie

I want to personally Thank Chuck Norris for making my sons world. He is stationed in Fallujah and was so excited to meet Mr. Norris and shake his hand. Mr. Norris has been my children's hero for a long time. They grew up without a father image. My son thinks Mr. Norris walks on water. lol

I am very impressed that Mr. Norris took time out of his schedule to visit our troops. This not only pleases the Marines but please the mothers as well. If our children are happy , we are happy. Trust me on that one.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for caring about our servicemen and women in the middle east.

God Bless you.

Peace

Lee

Mr. Norris, God bless you what you are doing for our troops over in Iraq. As a 24 year naval veteran of the submarine service I understand our mission there and the critically of success. Failure is not an option and your trips improve moral of the men and women so many miles from their loved ones.

I greatly appreciate all that you do. Stay safe and you're in my prayers.

V/R

Alan W. B

Chuck,

Our son is on his 2nd tour in Iraq and he just sent me a picture of you and him. I can't thank you enough for being there and I hope reinforcing to our troops what an awesome job they are doing. His name is SSgt Michael Martine. He comes from a family of Marines his Father (Ken Martinet- 24 Years) and I his mother (sally Martinet - 20 Years) are both retired Chief Warrant Officers and Michael has a sister Sgt Samantha Bailey in the Corps.

Thank-you again for your time spent with the Marines in Iraq!!! Semper Fi

Sally Martinet

Mr. Norris,

My son is currently with the 22nd MEU at CAMP BUEHRING.

I just wanted to say "thanks" for visiting them. While I obviously can't visit my son and his fellow Marines, I can say that I am glad and thankful that you did, and do. I can think of no better representative to go in our place.

Marv Loopstra

Dear Mr. Norris,

I don't know if you will get this e-mail or not but I wanted to express my gratitude to you on your visit to Iraq. My son who is on his second tour over there called me at 5 a.m. in the morning his time to let me know that he got to meet you and shake your hand. My son is Spc. Michael Hebert stationed at T Q. and is such a big fan of yours that he told me that when you shook his hand it really meant a lot to him as it does to me. As a mom it's really hard to know your son is over there and I spend a lot of sleepless nights praying for his safe return and to know that you gave him a day of joy and peace is more than I can express in just words. I know my son will never forget that day and neither will I. So thank you again for your care and concern for all all troops over there and hopefully my son will be able to meet you under better circumstances. Again thank you .

Ada Hebert

Dear Mr. Norris,

I just got a note from my son who is doing his second deployment in Iraq. His name is Ben and you signed his helmet. Ben is a tender hearted kid in spite of the fact that he is part of a SEAL team. He goes through some pretty emotionally dark moments when he is away from home. Ben is a strong believer in God and asked Jesus to sit on the throne of his life when he was a young boy. He said when he asked you if you would sign his helmet for "good luck" you did then you looked at him and said if your training doesn't bring you good luck this will and you wrote "God Bless".

Thank you Mr. Norris, your courage to visit our soldiers... my son is greatly appreciated. I must admit that much of what I see coming out of Hollywood these days is well.... disappointing, but your actions help redeem.

May the God of all creation bless you and your family.

Michael Pitassi

Sir,

I got an incredibly upbeat phone call from my son, LCPL Thor Holm today from Iraq. He described your visit with the troops, and support for those in uniform. As a retired Coastie and former Marine, I can't begin to tell you how much of a morale boost you gave my son, and what a pleasure it was as a father to get such a motivated phone call from a son in the war zone.

Thank you for what you do, and I just wanted to pass on that your support of the troops and inspirational visits are making a difference. Semper Fi my friend.

v/r,

Rudy Holm

I got an email from my husband who is stationed in Camp Habanyith Iraq and he was excited that Chuck Norris was coming, they all are.

I just wanted to say thank you. Everyone is so worried about the rights and wrongs, Democratic or Republican, they are forgetting about the soldiers.

Thank you again,

Melissa Oviedo

Dear Mr. Norris,

Thank you so much for your visit to US soldiers in Kuwait. My husband is serving there and had his picture taken with you recently. We have three small children and it has been so hard for him and for us to be separated. Meeting you will be the highlight of his deployment! It was really a treat for the soldiers and a great memory that they will forever cherish!

Ironically, I was just telling my third grade son about a week ago about your accomplishments in martial arts. I also told him that you could enjoy the luxuries that your success has provided you with and not work anymore but that you spend your time teaching others about a healthy lifestyle and helping kids to stay off of drugs instead! Thanks for being an awesome role model! My son will cherish the picture of you and his Dad as much as we do!

Thank you so very, very much!!!!!

Chris Knight

Hello:

My son is currently in Kuwait. He told me that you visited Camp Arifjan. I was wondering if pictures of your visit were going to be posted on your website. My son was absolutely thrilled that you were there. Thank you for making my soldier and all of the soldiers feel at home. Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Proud Army Mom

Karlin Deemer

Dear Mr.Norris,

I just wanted to say thank you so much for supporting our troops..My husband is currently deployed for the next 15 months and he told me you went there to visit the soldiers..I cant tell you enough from a soldiers spouses point of few how it is so important that celeberties like yourself take the time out of your busy scheduales to put a smile on thousands of soldiers faces....So from one soldiers spouse and im sure there are others...I thank you from the bottom of my heart for making the soldiers time away from their families a little easier...And i want you to know that im a big walker texas ranger fan....... Sincerely,

Sgt Adam Droz's Wife,

Wendy Droz

Dear Mr. Norris,

I am a Blue Star Mother in Columbus Ohio. I currently have my only two sons serving our country. SPC Scott Yavorsky is in Iraq and his brother is A1C William Yavorsky at Ramstien Air Force Base. I was so surprised to see you and MY son big as ever in his last message to me. I would personally like to THANK YOU for taking the time to visit our troops. It touched this moms heart to see such a Big smile on my Airmans face. You are totally awesome. Thank You from the bottom of my heart . He is very proud you took the time for the picture of just the two of you!!!! Your support means the world to all of us. Freedom is Not Free.

Thank You, Sincerely

Leslie Yavorsky Diamond xo

Thank you so much for visiting the troops. My son was one of those that had his picture made with you. It meant a lot to him. He is also a "Norris". He is also a black belt in karate and you are one of his heroes. So this meant a lot of him.

Thank you for helping keep up the morale of the troops.

from an extremely grateful mother of a Marine

Iona

Chuck,

Thank you very much for visiting our heroes, the men and women in the front line. Your second Iraq trip, although brief, made a lasting impact on our troops that the effects were felt all the way back home.

Our son, when he was just a boy, we made it a point each week to catch Texas Walker Ranger, he was hooked on it. Now he is one of the Marines you visited in the Al Anba during your second Iraq trip. The brief time you spent and the photo opportunities with him and the Marines, we will cherish for a life time.

Thank You and God Bless you and your continued efforts to encourage our troops.

Stanley Kowlessar

SGT USMC

1983-1987

Proud parents of Cpl Stanley Kowlessar

Dear Mr. Norris,

I just received an e-mail from my son (Michael Jones) who is currently serving in Iraq. He e-mailed us a picture of you with him and several other Marines. I can't tell you enough how much you visit means to them, and us! Thank you for caring about our kids (men) over there.

Best regards,

Penn Jones

A Proud Dad!

Dear Mr. Norris,

I wanted to thank you for your visit, not to long ago, with the Troops in Iraq. My son was on that base you went to. He is a very big fan of yours. I hate to say it but , yes since he was little. He had his 21st Birthday over there, so he was excited to learn you were coming. But as luck would have it he ended up running a mission and could not see you. And was not able to get a photo of you. Needless to say he was bumbed out. But being a Marine he understands that work has to come first. I wanted to let you know that even if he couldn't see you he felt that you coming to the Troops was amazing. And I, as a Marine Mom, wanted to thank you also. It touches my heart.

Thank you soo much,

Carol Biermann Marine Mom, and her son CPL Dustin Biermann Iraq.

Dear Chuck,

I just want to thank you for your devoted patronage and support of our men and women serving the USA today in the military. I have a son stationed at Fallujah, Iraq. He had the privilege of being able to listen to you speak, visit with you and get his picture taken with you with some of his fellow Marines in your recent visit there this month. He sent us a copy of the picture with you and he titled it, "Me and some of the guys in the midst of Greatness!" The Greatness is referring to you.

As a MOM (Mother of a Marine) I thank you for taking the time to visit our troops in Iraq. You are the first celebrity that our son Ryan had visit Fallujah during his deployment. He was thrilled. You have no idea what you do to the moral of the troops to have a celebrity actually support their efforts in Iraq, etc with what is being voiced here in the United States and to risk your life at the same time to visit them. Thank you to you and your family for your sacrifice as you visited our troops!

When you touch our son as you did, you certainly touch my heart as a MOM!

As the Marines would say, "OORAH!"

Semper Fi and thank you from the bottom of my heart.

LaNell Rice

Mother of 1st Lt Ryan Rice, USMC

Denver, Colorado

As a father of a future US Marine (he's in his 6th week of Boot camp) I would like to personally Thank You for your support of our Servicemen. I could go on a rant about why everyone should be....but you already know this and I just wanted to say Thanks.

Dan Linton

I wanted to thank you so very much for visiting our troops in Iraq!!! My son Staff Sgt. Mark Erhardt was in one of the pixs with you. We still watch your son! My youngest, Joey is 15 and your are one of his favorite actors!!

May God bless you for supporting our boys. My son is with the 1/7 baker Co.mojaves vipers!

You made a day in the sandbox better for all of them!!

Thank you again for being the kind of person who cares enough to see the reality of the situation our troops are dealing with. No politics!! Thank you!!! Just support!!

If you can spread the news about adoptasinglemarine.com. There are troops with no family and in need of support from home!!!!

God Bless you!!!

Brenda Fiandra

Mr. Norris,

I wish to thank you for your recent visit to Iraq. Your visit meant a lot to my son, Lcpl Joshua Lawson and to myself , his mother. I'm so happy that you took the time to show you care.

Thank You and God Bless,

Cynthia Lawson

My son, SPC Raymond Keesey, informed me how excited he was to have gotten to shake his hand. He couldn't wait to tell his grandmother in WV whom always watches The Texas Ranger!!

He mentioned there was a professional photographer on Al Adad on Sept 15th taking pictures. Is there a website to retrieve those pictures from?

Thanks so much! We love you Chuck!!

Rita Keesey

Courtesy of Jeff Duclos

Martial-arts star and honorary Marine Chuck Norris poses with Marines and other members of his traveling party during his recent trip to multiple bases in Iraq.