I have been able to meet, in person, three of "my" soldiers, who have all been based at Fort Carson; plus my Sailor called me from Kuwait on Christmas morning!!!
The first soldier was a K-9 handler. When I moved to CO nearly three years ago, the soldiers and airman I'd been supporting had all come home. I decided that I should find someone from my new home state. Although the K-9 handlers receive tons of support, for some reason, this soldier and I "connected". We exchanged cards & letters, as well as care packages for his unit and their K-9 partners. He returned from Iraq at the end of '05, subsequently left the military and took a job elsewhere. We remained in contact and last spring, he was in Colorado again and we were able to meet in person. He brought his girlfriend to meet me. The two of them turn out to be like the kids I never knew I had! They are both so special. We get together whenever he is in the area now.
The second soldier was home on leave in May. I was able to help him arrange a couple of days at the hotel where I work, so that he and his wife could celebrate their anniversary. He is a very romantic guy! We'd been planning it for a couple of months via IMs, before he told his wife the surprise. He brought a flag that had been flown on his helicopter, along with a certificate stating the date of the mission. He is home now, in CO, and we continue to be in touch.
Most recently - Saturday evening, in fact, I had dinner with the third. She returned from Iraq in December, after 15 months. She added me to her family & friends email list, and I sent her lots of pictures of ordinary life around Colorado. She and her friend, who is also recently returned, were able to spend the weekend at my hotel. Both very lovely people, we had a wonderful visit together.
I feel like my family is expanding! I've never had any children, but suddenly, without going through any of the diaper-changing, terrible twos or teenage rebellion, I seem to have a whole flock of wonderful adult kids that any mom would be proud to claim! It has been so touching and emotional. I am so proud of them all, and honored that they would come to meet me. It brings home what a profound effect it can have on people, just letting them know you care. A very big thank you to AnySoldier for helping it all to happen!