Family, friends, and sometimes even troops themselves send I-Report salutes nearly every day to U.S. military serving their country away from home. Take a look below as family and friends share stories of the troops they love.
Friday, August 31, 2007
'Job well done'


SSgt Parks, Airman Wright, and Airman Zigler- the women of the nInth Air Force Commanders Support Staff at Shaw AFB, SC.

Please salute the women of the Ninth Air Force Commanders Support Staff at Shaw AFB, SC. They selflessley provide support to over 1200 members of the Ninth Air Force daily and deserve recognition for a job well done.

-- Jonnie Parks of Sumter, South Carolina
'The day before she deployed'


A picture of SSgt Lola Howard (center) on the day before she deployed to Baghdad, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. She is with the staff of the Kirtland NCO Academy, Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico where she works as an executive assistant to the Commandant.

-- Larry Gonzales of Albuquerque, New Mexico
'We love you daddy'


Hello, this is my husband Sgt. David Moore with our daughter Jasmine when he left for his 2nd tour in Iraq on 3rd Jan.2007. He's in Ramadi with 1-41 FA from Ft. Stewart, GA. He's currently deployed and he'll be back home if everything will be fine between April and June 2008.

We miss him a lot and can't wait to see him in October on his R&R in Italy where me and the kids (I'm Italian) are going... we love you daddy.. be safe! Your wife Daniela and kids Jasmine and Samuel

-- Daniela Moore of Hinesville, Georgia
On patrol in Taji, Iraq


This picture is of my brother in law Gary Rangel and his platoon in Iraq. Please feel free to post what you feel is appropriate. Sincerely, Jose Medeiros.

-- Jose Medeiros of San Jose, California
'My baby brother'


This is my brother, Sgt. William Crawford with the 10th Mountain Division, stationed at Fort Drum, NY. He has 2 tours to Iraq, one of which he just returned in April 07. He will be returning to Iraq for the 3rd time in Nov.07. He was stationed in Schweinfurt, Germany for 3 years before returning to the states.

When he returned home in April, we surprised our Mom and his Mother in law on Mother's Day. I also surprised him with a Welcome Home Party that weekend. He is my baby brother, and he is also my HERO.

-- Robin Coker of Bay Minette, Alabama
'We are praying for your peace'


Attached is a picture of my sister, Nancy Hinostroza, who has been serving in the Air Force for the past 12 years as a MP (K-9) this is a picture of her and her Service Dog (Dena) on a mission in Al Asad, Iraq.

Of course we can't wait until you are home, but in the meantime we are praying for your peace amidst all of the violence you're having to face. I love you! Your sister, Nik

-- Nikki Daggett of Spokane, Washington
'I am very proud of him'


Here is a picture of my son, Sargeant Joe Simpson in Iraq. He is with the 318th Psychological Operations Company there. He's been in the Army Reserve since he was 18 and is a junior at the U.of Mo., Columbia Mo. He is also a resident advisor there. He is into his 7th month of his tour. He can't tell me where he is in Iraq because of his job there. I am VERY proud of him!!!

-- Joe Simpson Sr, of Saint Louis, Missouri
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Off to a running start


Our son 1st Lt. Curt Driver served in Iraq and is now stationed in Korea. His new bride Capt Erin Driver was sent to Iraq only one week after they were married. They took a five day honeymoon, ran in the Nashville Marathon, and then she flew off to Iraq.

-- Curtis & Betty Driver of Albany, Georgia
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Lizard King


This is a photo of Sgt Travis Flowers USMC with an Iraqi lizard caught by he & his buddies. (They let the lizard go.) Travis loves the outdoors. Travis is with Marine Wing Support Squadron 271 out of Cherry Point, N.C. currently in Al-Asad Iraq. His Mom Maurean, Stepdad & Sister Veronica miss him & can't wait to see him come home soon.

-- Dennis Fortenbaugh of Binghamton, New York
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
'Such a brave man'


My husband Shawn Efaw is currently serving in Iraq. He is a Cavalry Scout with the 1st and 40th CAV out of Ft. Richardson, Alaska. He has been serving in Iraq since last October. We have a son, Gunner, who will be turning a year old next month. He left when he was a week old. I am so fortunate to have such a brave man in my life. We cant wait until he comes home to us!! I also want to honor all the other men and women serving out country no matter where they are! Thank you to all of them!

-- Nicole Efaw of Waterford, Ohio
Monday, August 27, 2007
'Simply proud to be his wife'


My husband is the Anti Submarine Warfare Officer aboard the USS Princeton, CG-59. This is a picture of him posing with several of the ships in his battlegroup. The two closest are aircraft carriers. He was standing onboard the USS Nimitz when this picture was taken. He is currently deployed somewhere in the Persian Gulf.

I simply want to let my husband know that I am proud to be his wife and support him in all he does.

-- Cary Jenkins of Pensacola, Florida
Friday, August 24, 2007
Puppy love


On the left -- our son, SGT Brian Ruggiero and his canine partner, Iras. They are currently assigned to Camp Salerno, in the Khost province of Afghanistan. They have been there for 2 months. Brian has been in the Army since 2003. He chose MP's so he could follow in his dad's footsteps. His fiance', SGT Jessica Boehning, is also an MP dog handler currently in Iraq.

Right -- our future daughter-in-law, SGT Jessica Boehning and her canine partner, Ben. She is currently in Q West Iraq and has been there since April. She and our son, SGT Brian Ruggiero met in Germany and became engaged on Valentine's Day of this year. We have never met Jess in person, but she is definitely one of the family. She and Brian are both MP dog handlers.

-- Aleta and Joseph Ruggiero of Houston, Texas
Thursday, August 23, 2007
'Doing what he believes in'


This is PFC Marcus Valdez of League City TX. He is currently serving in Iraq with his fellow "battle buds" of the 82nd Airborne Division and his wife, PFC Carmen Valdez. We are so proud of him for doing what he believes in. We pray for their safe return. Please continue to support these heroes.

-- Gil Valdez of League City, Texas
Me and my Marine


Hello my name is Natalia and I am the proud wife of a U.S. Marine -- CPL. Aldo Olortegui! He has served Two tours in Iraq and is currently stationed at Paris Island.M

-- Natalia Olortegui of Port Royal, South Carolina
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Hoping he will be home soon


My husband Cpl. Barnes is a Marine and he is currently serving in Iraq for his 2nd tour. While he has been gone in the past 8 months we have had a beautiful son. He did get to come home after I had him for 2 weeks. We dont know when he will be home, but we are hoping that it will be soon!

-- Brandi Barnes of Winfield, Alabama
Thursday, August 16, 2007
'Doing what he was meant to do'


SPC Patrick Hollenbeck. 571 MP Company, 504 Military Police Battalion-nickname DRAGONFIGHTERS

Our son Patrick is currently serving as an MP with the U.S. Army in Iraq. Whenever we hear from him, he tells us he's doing what he was meant to do. His brothers and sisters in arms are the most important thing on his mind at all times. He is truly a hero.

-- Carol Hollenbeck of Endicott, New York
'Wish he would hurry up and come home'


Robin, I am sending you a picture of my husband (PFC Akeem J. Fuentes) who is deployed in Iraq. He has been gone since October 2006. He is part of the 615th (first cav division)out of Fort Hood. We are very proud of him. I always tell him that he is "My hero!!"

I will always be here waiting just for him. I love him and miss him dearly. He does have three step daughters who also miss him very much. I do carry these pictures in my purse and every chance I get to show them off I do. I just wish he would hurry up and come home. He is a great mechanic and is deployed in Taji. His personality is just as wonderful as his smile. He is a wonderful person to be around and to be with.

-- Juania Fuentes of Kileen, Texas
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
'Son, father, husband and brother'


The Wells family from Sturgis Michigan would like to pay salute to our son, father, husband and brother Corporal Justin W. Wells. Corporal Wells is currently serving with the United States Army in Iskandariyah, Iraq. He is a mortar man and drives the Humvee on missions. We also salute all of the troops overseas. They all deserve our support. We love you and miss you.

-- Billie Wells of Sturgis, Michigan
Snow in Iraq


This is a picture of my brother, SSG Russell McGillivray (without the hat) and a fellow serviceman, SPC Richard Cowen. This picture was taken when they were stationed in Mosul in Feb. 07. They were surprised to see it snow in Iraq. They are now in Baghdad and are coming home in October. Russell and Richard are with the 399th Combat Support Hospital. Russell is also a Captain of the West Warwick Fire Department in Rhode Island. Besides his mother, brothers and sister waiting his return, he has a wife and 2 children. His son Aaron is 11 and his daughter Meagan is 8, while his son Justin, 20 is at Lewis and Clarke State College in Idaho working toward a degree in Education. We are all so proud of him and all the service men and women and can't wait to see him.

-- Christine Rathbun of Exeter, Rhode Island
'Can't wait for you to come home'


This is for Tracy Schotta. He's in the 329th Chemical Platoon serving in Baghdad, Iraq right now. Tracy we love you very much here at home and can't wait for you to come home. Your loving wife-to-be, Tina.

-- Tina Korreck of Wyoming, Michigan
Monday, August 13, 2007
'Absolutely moved to tears'


This is my nephew, Senior Airman Brett Randolph. He is in the United States Air Force and he is our HERO. He has been in Japan, and in Iraq twice. We miss him terribly and we are hoping he is safe and knows how proud and much we love him. This picture was taken in July in Iraq. His mother, Ann Randoph, turned 50. He was not able to be with us so he sent this picture to her. She found it as she opened her menu at her party and was absolutely moved to tears. He is a very strong individual in body and mind. We are so so very proud of him and wish him home soon and safely. He is our hero and is a hero to so many others he has never met before. We love him so much.

-- Meghan Beaton of Griffin, Georgia
Friday, August 10, 2007
'A die-hard Browns fan'


I wanted to recognize my hero, my nephew, Specialist Steve Pobuda who is currently serving with the 3rd Infantry Division in a Casualty and Mortuary Affairs unit in Baghdad. This is a very challenging job both mentally and emotionally but one he is proud to be part of - taking care of soldiers and their families when most needed. Steve is married to the lovely Bridget and a proud father of a young son who just turned a year old this week. He has been previously deployed in Bosnia and has presently been in Baghdad about 3 months.

Steve is a die-hard Cleveland Browns fan. This photo is of him in Baghdad, standing next to a bust of the 3rd Infantry Division's mascot, holding a Brown's pennant.

Steve is a good example of why I feel good about my country and its future. He is a compassionate, caring and dedicated young man who wanted to serve his country and make a difference.

-- Joseph Clay of Alexandria, Virginia
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Brothers in arms


These boys are our beloved grandsons, whom we adore. We pray daily for all those who serve our country. God bless America.

Enclosed is a photo of two brothers serving in the U.S. Army in Iraq after not seeing each other for over a year. It was a surprise visit after Nathanael was able to visit little brother Joshua's camp. They are the only sons of Chaplain Jeffery Slosson (U.S.A. Retired) and wife Kim of Colorado Springs, CO. Spc. Joshua (left) is a forward observer. He received a Purple Heart when injured by an enemy grenade. He is 19 years old and is airborne. PV2 Nathanael (right) is 22 years old. He is an Infantry Master Gunner and is qualified in special weapons.

-- Patricia & John Greb of Omaha, Nebraska
Can you say Chege?


Ssgt. John Chege ( if u can say reggae you can say Chege) relaxing after a convoy route.He was deployed in 2004 Operation Iraq Freedom from the 1LRS Langley Air Force Base. Ssgt Chege received a purple heart in 2004 .We pray for all our troops in Iraq and at home. We have not forgotten the fallen. In God we trust. Thanks

-- Ngina Chege of Hampton, Virginia
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
'Ready for take off'


My husband CW2 Scott Durrer is currently serving his second tour of duty in Iraq. Scott is an Apache longbow pilot. His birthday is August 19th.

This photo was taken sometime in 2005 while he was on his 1st tour to Iraq. Scott has been in Iraq for 3 months with 12 months left before this 2nd tour is over. He will be turning 27 on the 19th of this month. We are stationed in Savannah, Georgia at Hunter Army Airfield. He is with the 3rd Infantry Division. He has a daughter, Madison and a son, Warren, who also send their wishes for a happy birthday as well.

-- Kelly Durrer of Rincon, Georgia
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
'Our hero'


This is Petty Officer Third Class Clarence Mosley. He is in the U.S. Navy and stationed at NAS JRB New Orleans. This picture was taken at Oschner Medical Center. He is sitting beside his daughter Alyssa when she was in the NICU.

He is our hero. We salute him every day for what he does.

-- Heather Mosley of Belle Chase, Louisiana
Man's best friend


Sgt. Andrew Reid is a dog handler for the Marine Corps. He is pictured here with his dog, Cchyna, after a mission. Cchyna is around seven years old. Andrew is talking about adopting the dog when he returns. This picture was taken in June of 2007 at Camp Ramadi.

Sgt. Reid is currently serving his third tour in Iraq at Camp Ramadi. His home base is Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. I wish that he could be here to celebrate my 24th birthday, which is today, Aug. 2 I just wanted to tell him that the countdown is almost over (66 days left) and that I love him and can't wait to see him again soon.

-- Heather Gordon of Baltimore, Maryland
'My daughter, my hero'


My daughter, my hero. Sgt Rachael Hulst is a wheeled vehicle mechanic with the 758th Maintenance Co. They've been gone 14 months. 11 more days and a wake-up call!! You're on your way home hon!!

Rachael was a parts delivery person before going into the military in 2004. She wants to work for the department of natural resources when she returns. She is very weary in Iraq and ready to get home.

-- Dawn Hulst of Zeeland, Michigan
'My husband'


Sgt. Warrick, sitting on gun, served in Iraq from December 2005 to November 2006 and will return to Iraq in December 2007 with the 4th Infantry Division. His unit is 4-42 field artillery.

Photo was taken in Kuwait in November 2005.

-- Emily Warrick of Fort Hood, Texas
Monday, August 6, 2007
From a proud army wife


This is my husband getting a photo op with his hurt leg and busted truck that he was blown up in just days before. The front is gone but My hubby still stands...Thank God.

My husband Sgt. Keith Tisdale is a Cav. Scout with the US Army. He is in Afghanistan and has so far survived 2 different IED attacks on his Humvee in the last 3 weeks. I salute him and all the people who fight for this country.

The photo was taken in Sharana, Afghanistan right after his Humvee was hit by a IED the first time. He will be receiving a purple heart as well as the men who were with him. Sgt. Tisdale turned 28 in Nov of 06 and he has been over there since Jan '07. One of his fellow soldiers took the pic.

I love and miss him every second of the day. I pray for his safe return and the return of all our military. Sgt. Tisdale is a great soldier and an even greater man..The US Army is lucky to have him. Thanks to you at CNN as well for giving us at home a voice.

-- Michelle Tisdale of Fort Bragg, North Carolina
'A wonderful man'


I wanted to share this picture of my husband A1C Terrence West. He is in the Air Force, 97th Logistics Readiness out of Altus AFB, Oklahoma, but is currently in Balad, Iraq. He has only been there for 2 weeks and this is his 1st deployment. He is expected to be back in Jaunuary of '08. I just wanted to let him know how proud I am to be married to such a wonderful man and his kids Jayden and Katelynn miss their daddy very much. All of his family and friends are praying for a fast and safe return to us! We love you!

-- Marissa West of Altus, Oklahoma
A legacy of service


My son's a photojournalist, former Bradley driver, in the US Army. He's currently in Baghdad. His name is Sean Riley. He's a Staff Sergeant. He just returned from a 15-day leave to see the family. The photo was taken in June 2007.

Both grandfathers were vets (WW II, Korea), I'm a vet (Vietnam), and the saga continues.

Photo was taken by photojournalist Dr. Barry Goldstein.

-- Gary Riley of Boise, Idaho
'Keeping everybody safe'


This picture (of my son and me) was taken this past Jan 2007 in Muskegon, Michigan, before my son Alexander left for Iraq. He has been there since March 18, 2007. This was at a good-bye party for him.

Alexander means protector of mankind. That's exactly what he's doing. He's infantry, keeping everybody safe. He's just an incredible man. He is the cutest Marine in the whole world, and he's going to be a dad soon.

He is my oldest of two sons. He is doing exactly what he wants to do, and that is to preserve the work our for fathers did. Keep evil at bay, and stand for the truth. I am very proud to be a mother of a US Marine. Sleep tight, America. My Marine has your back!

-- Deborah Bartoli of Norton Shores, Michigan
On CNN TV
Every weekday morning on Headline News' Morning Express, anchor Robin Meade and her team do a shout-out to U.S. troops by showing off photos and videos sent in by their loved ones. Tune in every hour between 6 and 10 a.m. to see the salutes on air, or click through the archives on this page.
Send your own salute
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