Former Staff Sergeant John Ashford sent us a letter that we found inspirational. I’ve heard from many people about how our travel shows bring a little sunshine into their lives, but this was one of the most powerful. Thanks for traveling with us, John, and thanks for your service. — Rick
Dear Rick:
I was a staff sergeant in an infantry platoon of the Oregon Army National Guard, deployed to Iraq for 12 very long and hot months.
Based upon our performance and capabilities, my platoon was selected by the commanding general of the 1st Cavalry Division to be the division’s Quick Reactionary Force while in Iraq — we were the “911” that other units called when they needed help. We were an outstanding unit and were requested by several Special Operation Forces to work with them, based upon our reputation and abilities.
Bottom line, we saw a lot of action and took the causalities that came with it. My platoon was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for actions in combat, the highest award the President of the United States can bestow upon a military unit.
There are not many things an infantryman gets to look forward to in life except for hot chow and sleep. If things get bad, he will give up food for sleep because he knows that he can go longer without food than he can go without sleep.
On those rare occasions when we were back in our hooches after our missions were complete — and it had not been another 18-hour day, I would get out my Rick Steves DVDs. I cannot tell you just how much your travel shows helped me to make it through some very dark days. It was my way of escaping for a brief time and not having to deal with all of the ugliness of war, both physically and mentally.
I am not exactly sure how many times I watched your DVDs but I can tell you that if it were not for them, I might not have been able to deal with some of the terrible situations we had to overcome while we were in country.
I just wanted to let you know that I truly appreciate you and your staff’s hard work in putting together your travel guidebooks and travel DVDs.
— John Ashford, Vancouver, WA
Wonderful letter. I never imagined that our troops would have ETBD DVDs as entertainment. One more thing that Rick can be happy and proud about.
So happy to read this comment. I have often relied on Rick`s dvds myself to get me through much less difficult days, and it`s so nice to see the good they`re doing our troops as well. Thank you, Sergeant Ashford, for sharing.
Thank you for your service, Sgt. Ashford. Rick: Classy move. You moved up a few notches in my book.
Sergeant Ashford, Thank you for your service in our armed forces; I know a lot of guys who have served and I`m always amazed at the selflessness that our men and women in uniform exude. Perhaps your next trip will be to Europe to live-out those travel dreams?!? I`m the dorky guy with big sideburns, synthetic wrinkle-resistant clothes, and a guidebook in-hand; If we cross-paths on the streets of Europe I`ll buy you a beer! Mark
Send this guy on one of your tours Rick.
What a wonderful tribute to Rick and his great shows. Thank you Seargeant Ashford for writing, and more importantly, for what you do for our country. Your selflessness is appreciated more than you know.
Mark – thanks for the chuckle with the visual of the “dorky” guy, of which I’m sure you’re not. You sound like a great guy – I’ll buy YOU a beer if we cross paths in the streets of Europe.
Happy Travels everyone!
Jana,
November 19-24th in Israel, Amsterdam on November 25th, Berlin on the 26th, Amsterdam again on the 27th and flying home the 28th!
watch for me!
Great post. Godspeed to you and your platoon, Sarge. Our nation owes all our servicepeople a very special debt….