Hey, I am good friends with Clif Koon who grew up with this particular soldier. I am a Sgt. in the Marine Corp and spent six months in the sand box myself. I couldn´t agree more with what he said. If you get a chance, tell him thanks for me! My family is eternally greatful as well. What an honour it has been to serve this great country in it´s time of need. Ooorah

For me, I have deep feeling about the war in Iraq. I grew up with this particular soldier, and not because he is one of my best friends, but from my own personal conscience. I AGREE FULLY. Though the politicians agendas may have put this country there, I feel that it is a good war, as far as wars are concerned. Those people needed help.
I am greatful for all the soldiers who put their lives on the line to not only protect our freedoms, but the freedoms of others.

This is a great website. I´m going to pass it along to all those I know. Thanks!! I miss Shayne so much and it helps me to cope with him being over there to see the pictures of him doing what he´s doing. I´ve always considered myself a patriotic person, and I cried when I saw these pictures. Thanks for posting them!

I am not a supporter of the political agendas that sent my dear friend Shayne over to Afganistan and Iraq. However I know that the work he and his men are doing, along with the rest of the men and women in our armed forces, is important. They are paving the way for much needed humanitarian work. Shayne, I support you and hope you know that there are many americans that don´t support the politics that put you and you men there, but are pulling for you, and pray for your safe return.
take care buddy

AWESOME!!! I have been in the Marine Corps for 8 years and couldn´t have said it better. Shayne, you are awesome. Although I must say it´s quite obvious that Shayne has changed alot from the guy I went to school with but I guess war will do that to you. My hat goes off to every soldier, sailor and Marine who spend time in the sand box. You guys truly are American heros, whether some Americans want to accept it or not, we are what makes America Free.

Thanks Adam this is really nice and I hope all of the people out there will remember my soldiers who are in the first pic in their prayers forever, your bro shayne

I´m Shayne Charlesworth´s cousin and LOVE him so much. I´m grateful knowing that good, brave men (and women) like Shayne and his guys are out there protecting freedom and humanity. Their bravery and dedication humbles me. I know that the media and politicians have their own spin on what is going on over there.but I know that Shayne and those with whom he serves are true patriots and deserve our gratitude, respect, and prayers. They have left their families and homes to protect ALL OUR families and homes.

It is eye opening to see how the soldiers feel about the war. They are the ones fighting it. I just wish the media would portray it the way the soldiers do. According to the media we are wasting our time and soldiers on an unnecessary fight. I believe in the war. I believe in our soldiers. I am so proud of Shayne and all he is accomplishing. He has grown into a great man. I have always liked him, but now I find myself respecting him, and all the soliders out there a great deal, they are fighting for my freedom and the freedom of my children and everyone I love! They deserve the highest respect. I appreciate this site and the truth it shows. I am proud of our soldiers and the stand they take on this war, that they are willing to sacrifice their lives for everyone who wants to be free!

I received word of adams site this a.m. Thank you Adam for bringing a little peice of Shayne home to me! I am PROUD of my son and all his men, I am also PROUD of the 5 dear friends that have stood by his decisions since high school, I miss Shayne every waking hour, it hurts me to know his wife and 2 children are in another country without him to protect them. But, he is Protecting us all!! I personally know how much Shayne has hurt losing the great men who have been leaders, family and brothers to him for the last few years fighting on those deserts. He also has a younger brother in portland that feels the same. every time Shayne asks for anything it is for the people, the children, or his soldiers. When was the last time YOU hugged a soldier and just said thank you? They need to know, even if you´ve never met them, let them know, show them what their fighting for! Americans! Think to of our veterans, They know what these boys are going through and are re-living their own military experiences! Wave your flags high let the world know we are united. Yea, I miss Shayne,But I know he is a great American and I will stand alittle taller because of his example. God Bless our soldiers far and wide!!! Love Mom

I have contemplated over the images on this page for Three days trying to figure out my feelings. I spent the first holding back tears. I have deep sorrow for the families of these fallen soldiers. I respect and love life. I consider myself a Patriotic man, I get a lump in my throat whenever I see the Flag. The lump is harder to swallow when the flag lies horizontal over the bodies of those who died defending what it stands for.
I spent some time feeling very proud of the young soldier saying good-bye to his friends. Knowing he felt and feels the pain of the loss of these four friends, men he loved. Making sure that their families could have some closure.
Now I spend my time praying, that the peoples of Iraq and Afghanistan come to know that these young men and women are in their countries because of love.
These young men and women may not fully understand why they are in foreign lands, but they serve where and when ordered to do so, because of love. These troops, in whatever uniform they serve, serve because they love freedom and the possibilities it has to offer others, so much so that they cannot stand idly by and see others suffer without knowing freedom.
I hope that the American people come to understnd that we have an obligation to help others enjoy the freedoms we take for granted. We can hate the war, because wars destroy, but we must love the troops because they defend our freedoms and offer those same freedoms to those oppressed peoples of the world.
Our government may have it´s secret agenda, oil and political control in cultures we little understand. We can change our government at the polls. The people our troops serve deserve the opportunity to do the same in their own lands.
To all who serve in foreign lands; Keep your head low, your eyes up, your mind alert. Protect your brother´s back as he protects yours. Serve with love and honor. Return with integrity and pride.

Our brothers alone, standing in the doorway of an airplane, waiting . ready to make a leap of faith. Throwing there souls into our fathers hands. Floating miles above thee unknown. They prepare for a ruff and uncertain landing.
New boots hit the old ground and life is changed. The war surounds them forever.
The home fires are burning for our troops. we must welcome them home as heros. For there long walks in the sun.

Remember the lush green fields, the endless miles of dirt roads, and a homade meals.

Every night while my little family says our good night prayers, my 4 1/2 year old son asks God to protect our Shayne. He never forgets. It´s been difficult trying to explain to him why we are at war, especially when we are trying to teach him that violence is not the preferred means for conflict resolution. But Shayne´s words said it better than I have in my attempts. It´s unfortunate that there are those in the world who seek chaos and fear versus cooperation and peace. And I am so very proud of Shayne and all his fellow men and women soldiers who are willing to stand up and say "this stops here, with me, right now". There are things worth fighting and dying for. Freedom is one of them. So thank you Shayne and thank you to all those who have gone before him and who will follow in the name of a better tomorrow for not just the US, but for a dignified, free world.

Isn´t it amazing how well our children remember our soldiers? My 3 year old never forgets Shayne in her prayers and always reminds us, "You forgot Shayne", if we don´t ask God to protect him in every prayer. If we remembered those who fight for our freedom as often as our children remember, this country would be a much better place. For more information on Shayne visit www.battlehard.com.

Hey everyone, Im still here and kickin harder than ever before. This is a time of year when it means so much to most of us who are christians and it is a great time for our enemies to try and catch us when we are letting our guard down for the holidays. They do not accept our Christmass or anything to do with Christ and use it as a time to hit us hard, I for one will not let that happen I will cook my bread and MRE Turkey breast in an old tin pot we found and we will have a great Christmass here and Celebrate the new year with our heads held high. We are Amearicans and we are Christians who love our country and love our God. I just wanted to ask all of you out there if you would remember in your prayers and in your hearts the men and women that made it possable for you to sit in your home and partake of your Christmass dinner with all of those who you love and hold dear in safety and peace. because even on that holiest of days we will be out there hunting and tracking down our enemies to ensure that they cannot attempt another horrible attack on our beloved country. Thank you all for all of your support and may our heavenly father bless you all, and GOD bless Amearica. peace be with you

Shayne now has his own page on myspace.com. Go to http://www.myspace.com/chuck503d to read more.

I find myself reading Shaynes articles and letters over over again just to remind me why he is still there. I am anxiously waiting to hear that he has finally been sent home to Italy to his little family, then I know it won´t be long before I can put my arms around him. As the war goes on it seems we forget to fly our flags as often, It is still as important as it was on 9/11 and we should remember this every day,My father never forgets to rise his flag at sunrise and take it down at sunset. What more can we do?
As Shayne and the troops leave their posts and come HOME, more soldiers are replacing them, someone elses son or daughter is showing up, so it hasn´t stopped yet! The violence of the land is still there and strong! They hate us and will take great measures to hit us hard if we become weak. Our country is strong with stong beliefs and a love for humanity that no other country has. Remember to love each day, in words and actions. And that prayer is a powerful thing!
Thank You to ALL the troops, We love you and keep you in our prayers

thank you for this opportunity to see my nephew in action. i haven´t seen this article before thanks

I’ve always looked at the war in Iraq with pity. I feel sorry for both the Iraqis and the soldiers there fighting for us. I even in some weird way feel sorry for the insurgents fight our men, for they too are fighting for their country, for their beliefs and their way of life, even if that way of life doesn´t coensist with ours. Sure the terrorist attacks against innocent civilians like 9/11 was terrible but do you really think invading the nation will help the issue? If the Muslims fell oppressed and that the U.S. is a violent aggressor surly attacking their homeland will simply help the Islamic fundamentalist recruit more soldiers as well as help spread their message. There are more diplomatic ways of approaching such issues then blowing upon a country, which in the process kills innocents. Babies, mums, dads being no better then what they did to us. American government must start looking at the issue like a man or women; since I was young I was taught to not use violence but to talk things through, not to punch them but to say something. The U.S. should maybe look at this lesson they were thought as kids and try to in some way communicate with the fundamentalists, try to sort out at least some of the issues, that way the world could truly be a safer place for all, for us and the Iraqis. I know that this will send the wrong message to other could be terrorist groups but what options does the U.S. have left? They are bogged down in two wars that don’t seem to have any end in sight. As well as this brave young men and women are dying, on both sides both for a cause that they feel so passionately is right.

I have read your article and agree fully on what you have to say. Do you agree with what president George W. Bush has to say with the war on Iraq? Do you believe that we should still have soldiers in Iraq, by which could be the reason that there have not been any terorist attacks since we have put them there?

im torn on how i feel about the war in iraq but i will say this. i have much love and respect for the american fighting men.but i think the u.s. should fix its own problems before saving 3rd world countries.more than 30,000 americans have died after 9/11 on u.s. soil by illegal aliens rape murder steal and the u.s. cant police a border here!!PERIOD

Soldiers don´t usually fight for lofty goals. They´re trained in units, buddy systems, no one left behind. Even if policy is wrong, wrong, they fight and die for the man to the left and to the right of them and no greater honor than this can be bestowed on these fine fellows than that they stood their ground in a fight at the cost of their own lives, safety, or later mental wellbeing. Luv ya, always.

I don´t usually have alot to say and the reason is because those before me tacked down an unusual breathing space that has lasted 63 years I helped maintain this and you are maintaining the freedom that I and you grew up in. Those WWI and WWII fighters wanted you and I to live in unbridled liberty. It cost some of them and latter generations their lives. God bless them and you for your hard work and sacrifice. I know you come back to your hometowns and see people just "la la la-ing" and you think, ´What a waste !´. Yes, you and your
comrades in arms put out monumental efforts for people who could care less,but when you get older and look back you will think different about it, as I have. It is the natural order of things that those who are protected, those who are far from the conflict, should never be touched by the madness of war and military service. These people are incapable of action, or reaction while the Sun still shines and the grass is green around the ole´ family homestead. It is good that there are people who are oblivious to the goings on in the greater world. Other than this, what good would there be left to fight for.

I don´t see why people don´t understand that we are all brothers and sisters no matter what some imaginary line says about borders. we all want deep down the same things. FREEDOM. Not all of my family is military but some are. I hope the majority of us doesn´t lose sight of what we fight for. GOD bless the troops every last one of you.

I think things are worth the fight most my family has been in some type of millitary branch. My brother is at basic training and is leavin out in September for iraq. I, myself as soon as im out of highschool in two years, will also be joining the army. its a big part of my family and im not gonna be sad if my brother or anybody else in my family gets killed in battle just because i know me and my future children and husband God willing wil be safe, with that i sleep better at night knowing. I just wish people would understand that things are worth fighting for and they should be proud that we as a nation have people that would take a stand for us

I have been stuck as a US ARMY recruiter for the last three years and I have had the opertunity to see how most of the civilians treat and how they feel about the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines, that have been busting their butts to ensure they have the freedom to express their dissagreement for what is going on in the world. There are so many disrespectfull people that I just want to slap. Then I see my son and daughter stand up straight and put their hands over their harts when the Flag goes by and my heart swells and I feel good to know that mine and other children are being raised as Patriots True Patriots.
I know that the president has little to do with what I do as a Soldier, He has to answer to commities and congress and his military advisors and I have faith that even though I dissagree with almost everything our current president has to say, his advisors are good men and women that have the countris best interest at heart. And that may not be the most PC Choise all the time. Im almost done as a Recruiter in Idaho Falls and will be heading back to the Real Army verry soon. I am looking forward to being around my brothers in arms once again and kickin in doors yet again. Thanks for the site AHFX much love to you and yours. miss ya