This 4th of July was special for several reasons, I got to see Capt. Jason and will visiting with him at his brother's wedding rehearsal dinner, Jason said, "Come outside with me, I brought a souvenir for you." I figured he had picked up something out of the sand in Iraq or whatever, but nothing could have prepared me for what was to come.

Once in the parking lot, Jason opened the trunk of the car and said, "You honored me and my men, and we want to honor you!" as he presented us this:

The citation reads as follows:

"Let it be know that this flag bears witness to the destruction of Iraqi forces threatening the freedom of The Kingdom of Kuwait and The United States of America. It was flown over the enemy skies of Iraq in a combat mission on
11 April 2003 in support of
OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM
From the Marines and Sailors of
Third Marine Aircraft Wing
in honor of

Dorethy and Rob Harrison

s/ James F. Amos
MajGen USMC
CG 3DMAW

Did we cry?
Yep, choked on the tears, without apology!

Jason explained that the folded flag was placed
in the cockpit of an F-18 as it flew this combat mission.

Jason, we are so very proud of you.
Thank you not only for this treasured gift, but also for
serving to protect the freedoms we enjoy!

And "thank you" to MajGen Amos for your willingness
to attach your name to this special gift.

May God bless you all and,

God Bless America!

Posted 07/04/03