I can remember as a child running through the woods and playing in the creeks. Never once did leaving the great state of West Virginia cross my mind.

When it came time for me to go into the "world" I had but no other choice. Since my family was not wealthy enough to send myself and three other kids to college, I followed in my brothers footsteps and joined the United States Air Force.

I am only one of very many West Virginians in the military. I am no more special than any other native son or daughter. So, I think I speak for many of us.

First, I am very glad that you are thinking of West Virginians in the military and that you want to remind us of home. No matter where we are, we want that.

Second, thank you for letting us hope that when we return at the end of our tours, West Virginia organizations and people will help us readapt to home and civilian life. We in the military are like people everywhere. Some of us will need more help than others. Some will need emotional support. Some will need to further our education. Most will need to find employment. Some will need family guidance. Some will want to be left alone. We all need to believe we can make it on our own.

I believe West Virginians want ways to show concern for us, now and when we return. I also believe West Virginians want to help us stay in the state, as most of us hope. We are mostly young adults, so going other places to work and raise families is a loss for us and the state. Thanks! Plain and Simple allows many West Virginians to show unity around basics like working together to do more.

Finally, the military has trained me to have specific skills, to be disciplined and to cooperate to get things done. I want to apply my training and experiences to West Virginia's future, not to find them unrecognized or useless, when my tour is over.

Thank all of you for whatever encouragement you give to us through Thanks! Plain and Simple. West Virginia is a rare. One of our strengths is our love of our home. Another is that West Virginia does not change at every trend. I hope to help us preserve the best of West Virginia and to improve things, like employment, that keep people like me from coming home where we want to be, to live and to give. I know there are no miracles, but this project helps make us all aware that we should do what we can to together to accomplish what we want most. And last, but not least, please keep us in your prayers!

SrA Jacob Deitz; USAF