Thanks! One Last Letter from OK Coordinator

One Last OK Coordinator Letter

This letter will only serve as a feeble attempt to express my eternal gratitude for all those who made the AAmericans/United Flag Across America such an incredible success in the great state of Oklahoma! You all have proved that we really do stand united in our resolve to continue! I am honored to have been a small part of what so many have accomplished because we were striving toward a common goal for the good of all.

To All Runners: You came from all walks of life with so many hopes and dreams tied into carrying Old Glory. You carried her with pride and have hopefully gained a renewed/refreshed sense of what price has been and will be paid for freedom. You ran much longer than you ever imagined. You ran when your legs were weak and your body tired. You ran when your own legs were not enough to carry you. You ran when the darkness engulfed you and the air was cold. You ran when the wind whipped across your face and your muscles ached from the weight in your hands. You laughed. You cried. You met new folks who had their own stories to tell. Many thanks to all of you! You had a mission. You can stand proud because this part of the mission has been completed. Remember the opportunity and pass its value onto those around you.

To All Volunteers: You offered your assistance. OK coordinators took you up on your willingness! You were assigned a task and you were there to complete it. You took on something new at points along the way because there was a need. You were stretched beyond what you thought possible to complete in such a short time frame. You pulled in others to help and the flag moved on. Many thanks to all of you! You have demonstrated so well what we can do when we are all working together! To All Staging Area Coordinators: You were awesome! You took on an incredible task. You accepted the challenge and moved forward. You believed in the cause and made the details work. You allowed yourself to be put in a real position of leadership. You led many and you led them well. Many thanks to you! You will be called on again. Accept the challenge. You are ready!

To All Escort Personnel: You were spectacular! You were ready along the way to provide assistance as escorts. You drove when you had to have been tired. You made adjustments as we requested. Many thanks to all of you! Your desire to serve reminds us all of your value among us. May we never forget or take for granted the protection you all offer all of us on a daily basis.

To All Chambers of Commerce/Main Street Programs: You all worked hard to help this happen in communities along the route. You went far beyond the call of duty to make sure so many could be part of this memorable experience. You made phone calls, printed flyers, got others involved, and so much more that I may never know. Many thanks to all of you! Your determination and commitment paid off. Old Glory was carried with pride through your streets and memories for a lifetime were collected!

To All National Coordinators: You all are truly committed to the success of this run across the country. Your efforts in Oklahoma have not gone unnoticed. You ran with us when you were tired. You cleaned the RV when another task would have been much more desirable. You calmed my fears early with your optimism and humor. You chased me through the streets of a small OK community to provide “official nametags.” You brought me hot coffee when I was sure my eyes could no longer stay open. Many thanks to all of you! I am honored that OK carried Old Glory through bright days and dark nights on her way to LA. Move forward.

To Tim, Dave, and Fritz: You all provided so much along the way. You worked countless hours and took on tasks that seemed impossible. You made them work. You listened to me “give orders” and you moved ahead. You were always there in times of need. You accomplished the mission with pride. Many thanks to all of you! We moved beyond four individuals and became one team. I would work with each of you again in a heartbeat (I won’t ask if you would join forces with me again!) Rest. Enjoy your families. I consider each of you a friend. Keep in touch.

To My Family: I could never repay you for your incredible sacrifice and support during the past three weeks. That’s what makes unconditional love so powerful in this family. You were there. You didn’t complain. You just moved forward with me. You encouraged me when I was down. You listened when I was frustrated. You laughed with me. You cried with me. You made sure I got rest and food when you needed both just as much as I did. You always kept me believing that this mission really could be accomplished. Many thanks to all of you! May I always remember your support and be there to provide the same when you take on an incredible challenge! I love you all with all my heart!

To Our Mighty God: You are our source of power! We know all things are possible through YOU! Thanks for providing for us in so many ways and for the numerous blessings each of us received as the flag passed through this great state. May we all be challenged to serve you daily in a way that makes a difference! May God Bless This Country and All of Us!

Susan