Thank you to our troops!

UPDATE: Here's one from the Swift Vets! (God bless tham, too!)

Dear US military person -

I apologize for being so anonymous to you. It is sad that I do not know your name or your circumstances - whether you're a man or a woman, married or single, whether you have children, what faith you hold, what your rank is.... But even though I don't know any of that, there are several things I do know.

I know you are the best of the best. You are an American who believes in duty and service, and in getting the job done. I daresay that you would far rather be at home with your family and friends. But now, you are far from home, and doing a very difficult job under extremely stressful circumstances because it is the right thing to do.

Thank you. Thank you so very much!

Because of you, America sleeps well at night. Because of you, we have open elections, freedom of speech, and the right to worship as we choose.

There is no way to fully repay the debt we owe to you and your comrades.

I realize you may not share my faith, and so I hope you will accept my prayers in the spirit they are given. I want you to know that I continually ask God's blessing on you. I pray for your safety, and that of your comrades. I pray that you will get rest and food, and that God will grant you calm and wisdom in combat. I pray that the Iraqi people will see your honor and kindness and honesty, and will be grateful for your service.

But most of all, I pray you come home to your family and friends, safe and sound.

May God richly bless you and your service. I pray that you have a quiet Christmas, and that next Christmas you are home and surrounded by your family, while you watch the peaceful, free, and prosperous society that Iraq has become because of your bravery and honor.

Thank you.

UPDATE(-ING as I find more links): There are other letters from Emperor Misha, a whole bunch in the comments at Slaglerock's, SmallTown Veteran, the Delftsman, Politics Unplugged, Sworn Enemy, Moo's Meanderings, In the Bullpen, Mamamontezz's blog, Memento Moron, the Middle Ground, Six Meat Buffet, Something... and Half of Something, MY Vast Right Wing Conspiracy, Who Tends the Fires. If you come across one I haven't listed here, let me know so I can post it for anyone who drops by. I would like to make it easy for people to link out to as many letters as possible from here.