September 24, 2004

Dear Mrs. Truhe,
Thank you for your card, kind words, and for your efforts on behalf of Summit Supports Our Troops. It is great to know that my hometown is able to rally around the service members, despite differing views on the course of events that has gotten us to this point. I take pride in knowing Summit is able to show so much gratitude to people in uniform, whether they are Summit residents, sons and daughters of residents, or just folks in need of a pick-me-up and a pat on the back.
You truly went beyond yourself with the savings bond. I appreciate the thoughts and will ensure it is used to support the morale efforts on board my ship. I have been stationed on the ship for a bit over a year now and we are currently entering the fourth month of our maiden deployment. It has been quite an experience, seeing the source of the articles I used to read about in newspapers and magazines. We have been involved in a wide range of missions, from maritime security of oil platforms, to patrols of liquefied natural gas fields, to training exercises with foreign navies. Every day is a new challenge. My parents enjoyed the breakfast last weekend and I look forward to hearing how the organization grows. If you ever need anything from me, please do not hesitate to ask. Thank you again and know that SSOT has my continued gratitude.
Regards,
George Messner, LJG/USN