The other night I went to a small party for a soldier who is back in Coeur d'Alene for a 10-day leave. He's been in Iraq since January, and other than a quick trip home for the birth of his son in February, this was the first time he's been home. His parents came up from Boise and few neighbors dropped in to say hello. Two of his neighbors, both retired military, brought a card that had been signed by all the other neighbors (maybe about 100), thanking him for his service. They'd also taken up a collection so the soldier and his wife could have a nice evening out while one of the other neighbors volunteered to babysit the two kids. It was a very heartwarming and sincere gesture and it really brought home to me what it truly means to "support our troops".

Ryan Hill

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