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 While we would love to put all of your comments and wishes in here, we apologize that with the hundreds of emails we get each day, that we can\'t post them all. Please know that we do read them and appreciate all of your support and prayers. 99.5 WYCD sent Steve Grunwald to Iraq this November, to deliver your messages of love and support to all of our Armed Service Men and Women serving to protect our Country.
Click Here to see Steve's Photos from Iraq!
Here is what Steve has to say:
Everyone,
I am still getting hundreds of e-mails everyday like the ones below. Its so hard to keep up and respond but I feel if you take the time to write, it\'s the least I can do. This is the best thing I have ever done in all my years in radio. We should all be proud of how happy we are making people and all of us working so hard together as a team to make it happen. That includes all of you, who have given such an overwhelming show of support. Not only support for our station, and support for myself, but most importantly, you have really stepped up in supporting all of the families, and all of our troops in Iraq.
Thank you to everyone who has helped to make this happen.
Grunwald
Morning Steve,
I listen you guys every morning. I'm the Deputy State Surgeon for the
Michigan National Guard. About half of our unit is deployed along with the
unit mentioned in these news letters. I'd like to pass this e-mail on to you,
especially the back page of issue 2. Thank you for what you did (Yellow
Ribbon) and if there's anything else going in the future that I can help you
guys out with, please let me know.
Mark
Steve;
I justed wanted to take a minute to send you a quick email of thanks. Thank You for going to Iraq and spending some time with our troops, I know how much they enjoy it. Thank You for taking pictures of this event, I recently was able to view these pictures and to my surprise found that you had visited with my best friend, Sgt. Ben Lewis.
This deployment that Sgt Lewis is on is hard for me, because the last time he was deployed I was with him. I just talked to him the other day and he told me how much he enjoyed your visit. It is good to see that he looks well and seems to be in good spirits. He also told me a couple of stories......having to delete pictures off your camera and taking a couple of you nodding off on the flight line.
I see from the pictures that you got to see the Al-Faw palace on Camp Victory, isn't that a beautiful building? If you have any other pictures of Sgt. Lewis or his unit, I would be greatful if you could share them. I have some other pictures of both Camp Victory and downtown Baghdad if you would be interested in seeing them.
Again, THANK YOU for SUPPORTING OUR TROOPS>
Herman Brey
Hello :o)
My name is Janalyn Dickinson, and my husband is currently in Iraq. He left about four weeks ago. I just wanted to say thank you for all of your efforts. It touched my heart to know that you went over there to see our boys. I think people like you are a true blessing. I can't even begin to express how thankful I am for people like you. My husband didn't get to be involved, but I told him about it and it made him laugh and smile, so that made it worth it for me. Thank you so much,
Janalyn R. Dickinson
Steve,
I just wanted to say “Thank-You�, for your bravery and kindness in visiting the 1/24 in Iraq. You’ll never know how much it was appreciated by us here at home. I looked forward every day to your blogs and hoping to see a picture of my brother Bill who is serving his second tour in Iraq and is now serving with the 1/24. It at least made me feel close to him, knowing someone was there who really did care and appreciates what our troops are doing for our country and rest of the world. We miss Bill, and are so very proud of him, in knowing he is doing what God intended for him to do. I truly believe that it takes a very precious and special person to do the work that our troops are conducting, not everyone was built physically or mentally to serve.
In closing, once again “Thank-You�. I pray that God will bring all of our troops home safely, but in reality, only God knows who he will choose to be soldiers at his right hand in heaven.
Wishing you, and yours, a Blessed Holiday Season, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Sincerely,
Becky Dunne
Sister of Staff Sergeant W.G. Funk serving with the 1/24
Dear Steve,
First and foremost, let me say Thank You. You have truly touched my family in a way that very few others have.
I feel bad not having contacted you before you left, but I didn’t want to distract you or this to be about our son Justin, my family or even about Michigan Families United. I did want it to be a great experience for you and from what I have seen and heard… it was. (Oh by the way –Nice Hair cut!)
Our troops perform under some of the most demanding conditions in the most admirable way. Thank you for pointing that out to those here in Michigan who might otherwise not be aware of the sacrifices they make.
On a personal level, I wanted to thank you for the flag and certificate and I wanted you to know the feelings we felt upon hearing about it… a short story.
On Tuesday November 21, 2006 just a little after 7:00 a.m., while I was already at work at the Police Department, I received a call from my wife Debbie… and she was crying… tears of joy she said… Justin had touched another life.
She told me that she was listening to you on WYCD when you relayed the story of the flag and of its flying over the hospital in Baghdad on November 13, 2006, the Second anniversary of our son’s death. You reminded the crew of our meeting in Wixom at the Coney Island and of our continuing desire to support our troops, even after the death of our son. As Debbie spoke, I began to cry right along with her, not tears of sadness, but like her, tears of joy and thankfulness. I wanted to call you right then, but I didn’t know what to say. I don’t ever think you will realize what you have done for our family.
Steve, you have added another piece of history to our family tree, another heirloom for us to hand down from generation to generation.
We now have 3 flags that we cherish.
The first flag is in a wooden case that hangs in our living room along with Justin’s pictures and medals – this was the flag that draped his casket, it also contains 21 empty rounds gathered from the 21 gun salute given to him at the cemetery.
The second flag we cherish was given to us by a local pastor whose brother is a Navy Chaplin working in Kuwait. The Chaplin said that this flag was one that covered one of the 8 Marines who were flown out of Iraq to Kuwait at the same time as Justin. He couldn’t be sure that it was the one over Justin, but he said, “They are all brothers� and “Justin wouldn’t mind�. I couldn’t agree with him more.
The third flag is yours, I will write a short story about our meeting, your mission in Iraq and how you remembered Justin while there. I’ll slide the piece of paper in between the folds of the flag so our future generations will always remember your act of bravery, kindness and patriotism during our nations most difficult times.
Thank you to all the Crew at WYCD for your support but most of all, Thank you Steve and God Bless You.
Your friend,
John M. Ellsworth
Proud Father of
LCPL Justin M. Ellsworth, USMC
KIA November 13, 2004 Operation Iraqi Freedom
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Mr. Grunwald-
Just wanted to let you know that I appreciate the "yellow ribbon"
hanging outside of the dining facility here. It's good to know there's
so much support "back there". I am listening to The Wolf as I write
this-nothing like country music to take your mind off the goings on
here.
Anyway, there was an article in yesterday's Victory Times about the
ribbon and your presentation of it so thought I'd drop you a note so you
know that it's appreciated!
Very Respectfully,
MAJ John Lorenzen
US Army, Baghdad
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
If this e-mail is marked FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY it may be exempt from
mandatory disclosure under FOIA. DoD 5400.7R, "DoD Freedom of
Information Act Program", DoD Directive 5230.9, "Clearance of DoD
Information for Public Release", and DoD Instruction 5230.29, "Security
and Policy Review of DoD Information for Public Release" apply
Steve,
I wanted to take a moment to say thank you for supporting the troops in Iraq with operation yellow ribbon. I know that the troops are glad to have you there and so are we. I have no doubt that your prescence is uplifting their spirts and brining them alot of laughter which they need. I have listened to the morning show for a long time now and you make me laugh every day. You are very positive and upbeat and I am sure that the troops are benefiting from your gift of laughter and messages of encouragement. I really believe that whenever you give back you really receive two folds back and from your daily blogs it appears that the experience has truly moved you too.
I wish you a safe return trip home and also that you are able to get some much deserved rest! I attached my photo just so you have a sense of who you are communicating with. (The dog in my arms is my black and tan puppy Rocky)
Anyways, I want to thank you again for everything you have done to bring a smile to our troops. Stay safe and I hope to hear from you sometime when you return. Take care, Kelley
Steve,
I think what you have done with the yellow ribbon and your trip to Iraq to see the troups is great. Hopefully you have brought some cheer to our troops. Listening to you on your morning show and what you went through to show support for the troops in Iraq is great. The city of Detroit and the entire Southeastern Michigan region should be proud of you. Thank you for sharing thoughts of your trip and pictures with us.
I know a few people did not support your efforts, please do not let them get to you, I think a majority of the people support and are proud of you. I understand that a lot of the effort you put into this trip was on your own doing and not much outside support, yet you still went through with it. You are an inspiration to many.
Best of Luck.
Karl Kassmann
Rochester Hills, MI
Dear Steve,
I know today is your big day and you may not get a chance to read this until your safe return but, please know that my family will keep you in our prayers along with all our military men and women.
Since you began talking about going to Iraq and the yellow ribbon it touched a place in my heart. My only regret is that I could not get to one of the locations to sign the ribbon. If you read this and have time before you leave please sign it for my family, “Always in our prayers and hearts� the Wagner family of Washington, Michigan.�
When I was driving to work this morning and listening to all the calls that came in I cried, a lot! I have a son in the Navy who is presently stationed in Italy (when in port) on a command ship for NATO which takes him all over the world. This past year they have spent about 6 months at sea which included helping during the evacuation in Lebanon. But I remember the day he told me he had enlisted like it was yesterday. He said mom “I need to do this, please don’t be upset or worry, I have been blessed with so many things and I need to help protect our country.� I am very proud of my son and all the men and women who have put there lives on hold to help us to continue to live our lives in safety while the world around us is so unsettled. It is through each of their convictions that we are able to sleep at night and continue with our everyday lives.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for showing these men and women that they may be away from home but they are in our hearts and prayers.
May God keep you safe on your journey.
Diane Wagner
Fire and Ice Mechanical, Inc.
Dear Steve,
I've been listening to 99.5 since I was 4, I'll be 20 in couple months. This is the first time I've ever gotten involved in any of the events. I've never been to the hoe down. I've never called in for a contest or to even request a song. I've never been to single event where you guys are at. So I want you to know how much I support what you are doing. My mother and I both are behind you and let the troops know that we've been behind them since 9-11. We know that if they weren't fighting over there, we'd have the fight over here. Thanks for you time, Good luck, and mom and I can't wait to hear your voice on the radio again!
Mandy Bradley & Judy Bradley
I wanted to say it’s a great thing that you are doing.
I have twin sons that are Marines stationed at Camp LeJeune, NC. One of my sons, Eric, has served one tour in Iraq and is scheduled for a 6 month Mediterranean tour next August on a Navy ship. My other son, Aaron, is scheduled to leave for Iraq in January for a year. Both sons are recently married and Eric and his wife are expecting a daughter in December.
While Eric was defending our freedom in Iraq, Eric Tippin, performed a concert in the Stars and Stripe tour at CampFallujah. Eric said that Tippin stayed and signed autographs and allowed until every last Marine who wanted one got one. Eric was very impressed and was very appreciative that Tippin would give his time to support the troops.
In much the same way, I am sure that your willingness to go to Iraq in support of the many men and women that are serving there will be much appreciated.
I have always been a fairly patriotic person, but since my sons made the decision to serve and defend our country, it has elevated my level of patriotism. I have worn a “Support Our Troops� and “Defending our Freedom� wristbands for over 2 years now as a constant reminder of my sons and all of the other men and women that are serving and defending our great country.
Once again I wanted to say a huge thanks to you and my thoughts will be with you.
OOHRAH … Semper Fi!!!!!!
Rick Hines
Proud Dad of two United States Marines
Cpl Eric Hines
Lcpl Aaron Hines
Steve, I want to say how proud we am of what you\'re doing for our troops. It takes a special person & a lot of bravery to risk your life to bring a little bit of home to those soldiers.
We can\'t even begin to express our gratitude to those soldiers for what they do every day. Freedom truly is not free, but only a select group dearly pay that price so that you, I & everyone else can enjoy their lives in this beautiful country that is & shall remain "the land of the free & the home of the brave." That is only made possible by the many brave & selfless souls that risk their lives every day so that we can all enjoy living in the best country on the earth!
So, that being said, please add our names to the yellow ribbon before you pack it up for the trip. We look forward to hearing any news while your gone & anticipate the celebration of your safe return. Stay safe & know our thoughts & prayers are with you & all of our soldiers that give so generously of themselves. God speed!
Colleen & Charlie Hites
I wanted to say thank you to Grunwald for going to see our troops in
Iraq. I never had a chance to sign the ribbon. My husband is currently
stationed in southern Baghdad and he\'s a big fan.
Thank You,
Kim
Hi Steve,
Just wanted to say Be Safe in Iraq. I listened to you talk about how your
Mom is scared for you to go. That was very touching. I had tears in my
eye\'s just listening. I cant wait for your return and to hear the stories
that you will have for us. I am hoping to be able to attend your welcome
home party. And on a funnier note,,,,I will let you know if Doc or Bob talk
bad about you while your gone. :)
Take Care Steve and again Be Safe.
Kim
Steve,
I just wanted to say thank you for getting the ribbon
to us at work this morning, The Animal Neurology and
MRI Center. It meant a lot to me to be able to sign
it. As Jerri wrote in her e-mail we are a very
supporative family. When you see Sgt Ben Lewis, he is
the senior radio operator for the 1171st, tell him his
wife says hi and you can tell him what a pain we were,
lol.
Please be safe and return home with a new
understanding of why we are there. I may have lost my
son there but each new thing that is accomplished
means that he and the many others that have lost thier
lives, are helping others less fortunate and have died
for a cause. I will always be proud of my son, Spc
Donald McCune, and just as proud of my husband Sgt
Ben Lewis for the sacrifices and service they both
have made for this great country.
God Speed
Darcy Monier
Proud Military Wife and Mother
MI
Steve,
I am so proud to be a WYCD listener and want to thank you for making this trip to visit our troops. It is a shame that you had to receive any negative e-mails – I think you are doing something so special and the troops will be so blessed to have you there. Have a safe journey and I can’t wait to hear all about it when you return.
God bless you!
Marcie Young
Hi Steve,
I don\'t normally do this but I guess I was feeling emotional this morning so why not. First, I want you to know that I have been listening to you since you were on DRQ with Jay. I was one of the many loyal listeners that was so displaced when they changed programming on the station. I\'ll never forget it, I was driving to Toledo to visit a friend and I switched on DRq that wwekend and noticed that something was weird. There were no DJ\'s, just crappy music. On my way to work that Monday morning, the same thing and then I found out what happened and I was so upset. I had listened to you guys every day for 5 years and so I had to find a new station to listen to. That is so corny I know, but I loved you guys. I laughed every day and I have a long ride to work so it was nice to have something entertaining to listen to. So I switched over to WYCD. And I was so happy when they announced that you and Rachel would be coming over to join the crew and I\'ve listened every morning since. Although I do have to say my favorite memory of you was on DRQ when they dropped you off in Alaska and you had to make your way back all on your own. I was on the edge of my seat every morning waiting to hear news of your progress.
Anyway, I just wanted to say that, and also say that this trip you are taking is so heartwarming. What you are doing is so incredibly courageous and thoughtful that I couldn\'t go without telling you that and I will pray for you that you have a safe trip and look forward to hearing from you when you get back.
Take care,
Brie Dortman
Steve, I think its great what your doing for our troops and would like to thank you. I have a son over there and it\'s a scary feeling daily. If you get to Masul, in the norhtern part of Iraq I know he\'d love to see you. His name is John Buffa and is in the 111th en. co.. Thanks again Steve I think your terrific and the rest of the morning crew. My morning just wouldn\'t be the same without all of you in it. Best wishes on your trip and be safe. THANKS from the bottom of my heart. Sincerely, Mary Buffa
Hey Grunwald,
Although I think you are crazy for wanting to go over to Iraq, I think it is great that you are doing all of this for our troops.I have tried and tried to get out to see the yellow ribbon, but unfortunately have not been able to make it to any of the signings, I really just wanted to see it.... I can only imagine how amazing it is.
I wanted to let you know of another local soldier who is currently over there. Sgt. Michael Shelswell (4th Infantry division in Taji) is from Clarkston and he is my fiance, we actually got engaged when he was home in August for a 2 week mid - tour leave.This is Michael\'s second time in Iraq (he was there in 2001), we are hoping that he will not be deployed again. During this deployment Michael has received a purple heart and a bronze star with valor, the things these men and women see and experience is just beyond belief.
Be safe and remember you are in all of our thoughts and prayers just as much as the service men and women are.
Abigail Kiraga
I just want to say thank your for what you\'re doing for our men and women overseas.
My daughter is in the Marine Corp and returned from her tour in March. It was very hard not to talk to her but every few weeks. She spent Christmas away and her 20th birthday. She said the best thing was when someone from home came to see them. What you are doing means so much to them. She is getting ready to back in February. I don\'t know if I\'m ready for that to happen but I am so very proud of her and all the men and women that are defending our freedom.
You are doing a wonderful thing and I wish you the best and a safe trip. God Bless.
Terry
Shelby Township
Hi Steve,
I want to say God Bless you for doing what you are doing, and pray for your safety. I think that what you are doing is the most wonderful thing, and this will probably be the most rememerable, and meaningful thing you ever do in your life. My prayers along with many others will be with you and are always with our men and women over there. I can only hope they will be following you home soon.
Dawn Wienclaw
Disbursements Coordinator
Garden City Hospital
Go ahead and dream --- but when the alarm rings, get up slugging.
Steve,
Just wanted to wish you a safe trip. You ARE doing a wonderful thing, but please return to us safely. What a great experience for you, a once in a lifetime thing. Don\'t let anyone tell you otherwise, you\'re doing an unselfish thing. Good luck, and God\'s speed on your return.
Kathy Grymonprez
Essex, Ontario
Canada.
Grunwald,
Just wanting to let you know that I will be thinking of you during the time you will be overseas!
I have regular e-mail communication with a friend who is serving in Afghanistan now--he is with the Canadian forces (I guess that we do have more than a plane, some subs that fill with water and a couple of good men!). He tells me that things are pretty bad there and that morale is not very high. He was wounded in September and spent some time recovering in Germany and has returned to the "trenches" this week.
Please keep yourself safe, let the guys knows that there are people here at home (in the US or Canada) that support their efforts and are proud of them for putting their lives at risk everyday for us!
Again, stay safe!
Nancy Botosan
Hi Steve, I just wanted to say thank you for all that you and your station are doing to support and build up the moral of our troops. It means more than you will ever know to all of them and the military family. We have so man
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