Jason,

We want you to know that we are very proud of all that you have accomplished thus far. Your service in the Air Force is greatly appreciated. You should be proud of yourself for actively taking part in what so many others would not dare to do. Always remember, whether you’re in Afghanistan, Japan, or Florida, we are all thinking of you and wish you the very best.



Please check out the video of
Jay surprising Grandma & Papa

“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.” – Mahatma Gandhi

“It’s easier to go down a hill than up it but the view is much better at the top.” – Henry Ward Beecher

“The man who can drive himself further once the effort gets painful is the man who will win.” -Roger Bannister

“More powerful than the will to win is the courage to begin.”

“Fall seven times; stand up eight.” – Japanese Proverb

“Fear is only as deep as the mind allows.” – Japanese Proverb

“You can measure a man by the opposition it takes to discourage him.” – Robert C. Savage

“You don’t drown by falling in the water. You drown by staying there.”

“Courage is doing what you are afraid to do. There can be no courage unless you are scared.” -Eddie Rickenbacker

“Indestructible. Determination that is incorruptible.” -Disturbed

“Courage is the willingness to accept fear and act anyway.”

25 Responses to “To Jason”

  1. Ben said

    Mr. Jason, Good luck, have fun, i heard the hardest thing over there is getting used to the weather. Let us know if we can do or send anything. Keep in touch.

  2. Uncle Rich & Auntie Judy said

    Jason:
    We’ve watched you grow over the years into the fine young man that you are today.
    Your mom is so proud of you and rightly so.
    Please know as you travel off to your next journey in life that our thoughts and prayers go with you.
    Your courage and strength along with the many other men and women serving our country today is making our world a much better place.
    Come home safe to your family and friends who love you very much.
    Love Uncle Richie & Auntie Judy

  3. Uncle John said

    Hey Jason!

    You’ve certainly grown into a fine young man and I’m very proud of you. Japan is far enough away from us but Afghanistan is by far the farthest we will feel apart. Take care of yourself and have a safe trip. I know you’ll do great! Please be sure to write or email, if you can, to let us know how you are doing. Don’t hesitate to ask for anything you may need. Take a true heading with the compass and keep yourself safe!

    Uncle John

  4. Jason, all the best to you when you go out to serve our country, best wishes,Cindy(sister of tina ricard)

  5. Jeff, Kate and Jake said

    Agent Skidmarks,

    You continue to make us proud and we’re thinking of you. The saying Bryan had “You are the Mold” is true, because saying you were like “Jello” would be too funny. Mold is well formed and stable, Jello just wiggles and jiggles. (unless thats you on the dance floors?)

    Love, Jeff, Kate and Jake.

  6. Karlyca said

    Hey Jason,
    I will miss hearing from you on myspace and being able to joke with you. When you get back come play wii and we will let you win… haha… seriously tho, good luck over there, stay safe and like ben said let us know if there is ANYTHING we can do… ANYTHING… we will miss you! come home safe!

    Love, Karlyca

  7. Dad and Tina Ricard said

    Hi Jay, Remember when:
    you were working at Little Ceasar’s and you cooked a grilled cheese without the bread?

    you asked your mother and I if you could go to the bathroom while we were at K-Mart, and I said hold it, you literally held it.

    Just wanted to try to make you smile.

    I have always mentioned to you and your brother to be a leader, not a follower. And, both of you are doing a hell of a great job in that field.

    As your dad, I am lost for words as to tell you my feelings of how much I love you and your brother. I am so proud of you and your brothers accomplishments so far on this journey of life. Serving your country is the highest honor that anyone can do and, I want to thank you for that. I know you and your brother will continue to do well and make big strides in being successful in your journeys. Please be as safe and smart as can be, you have been trained, use your training properly with your brothers and remain a team. Never ever let your guard down. Continue to be proud to be an american and GO PATRIOTS. We miss you, please keep in touch, we will see you soon.

    GOT YOUR BACK
    I am a dad, my son’s been sent to fight.
    The only place I’ll see his face is in my dreams at night.
    He will be gone too many days for my mind to keep track.
    I may be sad, but I am proud.

    I am a caring dad, my son has gone to war.
    My mind is filled with worries that I have never known before.
    Everyday I try to keep my thoughts from turning black.
    I may be scared, but I am proud.

    I am a strong and loving dad, with a son soon to go.
    There are times I’m terrified in a way most never know.
    I bite my lip, and force a smile as I wait for my son to relocate.
    My heart may break, but I am proud.

    You are a Soldier, serving proudly… standing tall.
    You fight for freedom, yours and mine, by answering this call.
    You do your job while knowing, the thanks it sometimes lacks.
    Say a prayer that you will come home,
    IT’S YOU WHO’S GOT OUR BACK!!!

    WE SALUTE YOU!!!!!

    Our hearts and thoughts go out to you,
    Love,
    DAD and TINA

  8. Grammy & Papa said

    Well Jason, your “journey” is moving along and as it takes you to new places and to new challenges, may you always find the strength to do your best and to continue on, reaching all your goals and destinations. You have worked hard along the way, growing into the fine young man that you are now and should be proud of what you have already accomplished and take pride in looking forward to what you still hope to do.

    Keep in touch with your Mom whenever you are able. She can pass your messages on to everyone. Know that we all love you, are very proud of you and thank you for being you.

    We all look forward to your next visit. (Green jello mold will be ready and waiting.) I look forward to when you have a working telephone again so that I can call you :).

    Love, Grammy and Papa

  9. Aunt Irene & Uncle Jack said

    Hi Jason,

    Above is a picture of you with a big smile that brings back fond memories of the Thanksgiving weekend you shared with us. I couldn’t believe that between you and Tom, we ran out of turkey and had to go out for lunch the next day. The problem was quickly resolved with the cooking of another turkey, so we did end up with plenty of leftovers. We wish you nothing but the best as you travel to a far and distant land. We all enjoy hearing from you and about you, so please keep in touch. We send you our love and pray that a guardian angel will be with you always.

    Love, Aunt Irene and Uncle Jack

  10. Jason said

    Hey everyone

    First off, I would like to thank Bryan for putting this together. Next, I would like to thank everyone who’s posted. I miss you all tremendously, and that feeling will only be intensified as I serve my country in Afghanistan. You are all in my thoughts everyday, although I should’ve done better with emailing or calling. Well, I honestly don’t know when I’ll be able to email once I’m in the AOR, but as soon as I’m able to, I’ll be sure to send one out. Thank you once again for all the love and support, as I’m going to need it more than ever now. My orders have me there until mid to late November, but with the military, anything can happen. Again, thank you, I love you all, and I’ll catch up with you sometime.

    Jason

  11. Mom & Tony said

    Dear Jason

    We want you to know that you make us very proud and

    that we love you very much.

    You are always in our thoughts.

    Take care of yourself and stay safe. I love you and

    miss you.

    Maybe you will think about coming home for another

    visit and maybe I will go on that rollercoaster

    with you at six flags. Deal?

    Love you

    Mom & Tony

  12. Elaino said

    We’ve not met u~~~ Norm being Tina’s step brother & I Tina & Marks friend we wanted u to know our prayers & thoughts are w/ u.
    U know courage has many meanings b/ myself I always said “One man w/ courage makes a majority”.
    Anyway u take care of yourself & know your in our thoughts & prayers.
    Peace,
    Norm&Elaine

  13. Lisa said

    Hi Jason

    I am honored to have been able to watch you grow into such a wonderful young man. I am so proud of you for all you have accomplished and wish you all the best as you take this next “path”. I’m sure you will handle it with the same courage and maturity you have always displayed. You are always in my thoughts and prayers. Take care of yourself and stay safe.

  14. Tina Ricard said

    Jason:

    By now, you are surely in transit to Afghanistan to proudly serve our country. I purposely waited to write this message for a couple of reasons…First, I wanted your Dad & your Mom to express their feelings of incredible pride & love for you before I wrote anything…I personally felt that was only appropriate. Second, I thought it would be nice to be part of the “next” group of well-wishing messages you would receive, at a point, hopefully not too far in the future, once you are there. Third, I am just plain UNIQUE! I always state that & I am just kinda’ proud of being & doing things a bit different!! šŸ˜‰ (LoL)!! :p
    Seriously though, I want you & your brother to know that I feel so incredibly blessed to have the honor to be able to call myself your “step-mother”, but more/most importantly your friend…You are both truly outstanding young men & I could not be more proud if I tried! Your Mom & Dad did an awesome job raising the both of you into two very smart, compassionate, intelligent & fine human beings of great character all around.
    I don’t know if you know or not, but I praise the both of you, each & every time I get the chance, whether it be with other family members, friends, or even just during a friendly chat with customers where I work! I am always sure to also give credit to your Mom & Dad for raising you both so well! You are both awesome and I love you both very much! I always say that I am most fortunate to have you all in my life & I truly mean that from the bottom of my heart…
    Jason, I know you are serving our country with great pride & determination as well as with great risk in doing so…I want to Thank You for that. Please stay safe, be strong & stay sharp…We worry about you being in such a volatile environment & situation, but we know you have the proper military training, you are intelligent & capable & you will continue to be & give your best as you carry out your duties there. We support you & your fellow service men & women, in your efforts, 100%.
    We are missing you so much & look forward to any communications you can with us make along the way. We pray for your safety while there & we anxiously await your safe return home. Please take care of yourself & let us know if there is anything you need…Remember, Prayers, Love, Hugs & Misses are always FREE!! God Bless…
    Always,
    Tina
    xoxo

  15. Mom & Tony said

    Hi Jay

    It was so good to hear from you, I think about you

    21- 7 (I do sleep some). Take care of yourself and

    always remember everyone here is thinking of you.

    Til next time, stay safe!

    Love MOM

  16. Grammy & Papa said

    Hi Jason,

    My, but your journey is taking you to some unexpected places. I bet the scenery around that mountain range was spectacular. Our world can be such a beautiful place if only there was peace so that all could enjoy it.

    Take care. Know that you are always in our thoughts and prayers. Thanks for keeping in touch when you can.

    Love, Grammy and Papa

  17. Mom & Tony said

    Son
    A beautiful child was given to me,
    A son to guide and then let free.
    His journey in life is a challenging one,
    the joys and sorrows of my beautiful son
    will shape his life and character too;
    my precious son, Oh How I Love You!

    Son, I pray … be safe and smart,
    and know that I love you with all of my heart.
    Remember to pray as you start each day,
    ask God for protection to guide your way.

    I pray for your unit and others, too;
    but this is my prayer that I pray for you:
    “Lord, I ask that Your arms keep him warm,
    For Your embrace will protect him from harm.
    I know his safety is assured from above
    for I ask for this with a mother’s love
    and a faith that knows that You will care
    for my beautiful son who is over there.”

    Ask God for protection at the start of each day
    and He’ll help you through another day.
    My beautiful son, be safe and smart,
    because mom loves you with all her heart.

  18. Jeff, Kate and Jake said

    Hey Jay,

    Can you ask some of the pilots this question for me?

    If you’re in a airplane traveling @ the Speed of Light and you turn your lights on, what happens?

    Jeff

  19. Jeff, Kate and Jake said

    Old joke coming your way!

    A Monkey and a Giraffe walk into a bar; the monkey points to the Giraffe and says ” Hey everybody, the highballs are on him”……

    Jeff

  20. Jeff, Kate and Jake said

    Old joke part 2:

    A Ham sandwhich walks into a bar, hops onto the bar stool and asked the bartender for a drink, the bartender replied “sorry, we don’t serve food here”

    jeff

  21. Jeff, Kate, Jakob and the baby on the way said

    Hey Jay,

    Keep up the good work!

  22. Mom & Tony said

    Hi Jay

    We miss you alot! We are so proud of you and I can’t

    wait to talk to you on the phone again.

    Stay safe

    Love MOM

  23. Jeff, Kate, Jakob and the baby on the way said

    Jay,
    If you ever find yourself and a friend out in the woods being chased by a Bear, remember this, you don’t need to out run the bear, just out run your friend..

    hope to see you soon..

  24. Grammy & Papa said

    Hi Jason,

    We are counting down the days till we can bug you by telephone once again. It will be so great to get to actually speak with you and hear you say you are doing well.

    Take care love. Stay safe. Our very best to you and all those with you.

    Love,

    Grammy & Papa

  25. sheryl singh said

    Welcome Home Jason!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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