They were deployed to Afghanistan last November and now a local official is paying a visit this Fourth of July.
The Texas army National Guard 436th chemical company of Laredo is getting a visit from congressman Henry Cuellar and he isn't going alone.
Loving letters of appreciation are important this Fourth of July but it’s the food that can’t be found anywhere else that may be bringing that bigger smile.
“It’s like a valentine card but different.”
To the smallest of children the cards seem simple.
“They love them and they’re sending them to the soldiers.”
Writing a letter to people far away and sending well wishes.
“We're praying for them we hope they come back home and safe.”
But in the thousands of letters heading to troops in Afghanistan, those words of love and support mean much more.
The only thing just as important, tortillas and Mexican candy.
“It’s a small snapshot of what home's about.”
As congressman Henry Cuellar prepares to visit the 436th chemical company of Laredo in Afghanistan he'll leave not forgetting the promise to take along a little part of home.
Whether in dozens of tortillas or in the flavors Mexican candy, the simple gifts, and letters of appreciation, all go much farther than the distance traveled.
“I cant imagine what its like for them being in danger over there and in danger all the time hopefully something small will remind them how much we appreciate and make them think of home.”
“They’re over there fighting for us and we need to thank them and tell them that we're caring for them.”