[Originally posted 2007-04-12]

Bob Prinselaar emails:

This will touch your heart. Sure brought back some memories.

http://www.flashdemo.net/gallery/wake/index.htm

Bob

***

Retried grunt and Blue Star Father Jim Gardner dropped by to let me know that If I Die Before You Wake was recorded by Dustin Evans, who unfortunately is not given credit at the link Bob sent. In the process of cross-checking that info I ran across this YouTube video which I know you'll enjoy:

Contributed by Bill Faith on July 11, 2008 at 12:14 AM in Bob Prinselaar, Caring about our troops, The American Warrior | Permalink

Comments

Posted by: Richard

What a beautiful song. As Viet Nam era Air Force man, who were safe inside the air bases, and a college anti-war protestors I wish this song was there for all of the grunts in the jungles and rice paddies of SouthEast Asia. When I was in the college and protesting the war in Viet Nam I never appreciated what the soldiers were doing. They suffered, died and when if they came home alive, people taunted them saying "baby killers." My son, who has more courage then I ever did, is serving in Iraq with the US Army. He has not been able to hold his daughter, who is 9 months old. I say, I am very proud of you and all of your fellow soldiers. Also to the thousands of Viet Nam era veterans. I apologize for my protest against the war. Also to the people who had to fled southeast asian country because fools like me did not support you. Please forgive me for my ignorance.
I don't want make the same apology to the people of Iraq nor to the brave American members of the US military.

Richard K. Yamauchi

Posted by: Richard | Sep 21, 2007 5:30:04 PM

Posted by: JGinNC

God Bless our Troops - God Bless their families. May their service not be in vain. We pray the Iraqi people can someday walk with the same freedoms we have. Beautiful song with such endearing words. We pray for each and every one of them to return safely to their homes.

Posted by: JGinNC | Oct 13, 2007 5:40:00 PM

Posted by: Joanne Luciani

This video is awesome. My nephew is serving in Iraq and what a surprise it was to see him in the front of the 3rd photo leaning against the truck. We miss him immmensely!!!!

Posted by: Joanne Luciani | Nov 1, 2007 6:09:53 PM

Posted by: Pam Thompson

What a Beautiful Song. God Bless all the American Soldiers who are fighting for My Freedom. Thank you, Thank you seems so trivial but it comes from the heart. Maybe because I’m much older and much more experienced with pain do I truly understand the impact for supporting our troops. After all I wouldn’t have freedom if it weren’t for all the Men & Women who have given their lives. I pray for all the families that God will provide the courage and strength for a safe journey for their Loved Ones.

Richard Yamauchi, you described your feelings very eloquently, I think you’re a wonderful person. I know people like my husband and other Veterans of the Viet Nam War appreciate it when people remember there suffering as well. I have always felt America was very disgraceful to the soldiers of Viet Nam.

Thank God we have all learned by our mistakes.

Posted by: Pam Thompson | Nov 5, 2007 3:25:05 PM

Posted by: Amanda

"If I Die Before You Wake" is the most heartwarming video I have ever watched.I just got a DVD copy from FlashDemo.net
Again,run out of my tissue...May peace come to a reality soon.

Posted by: Amanda | Nov 19, 2007 12:47:29 AM

Posted by: kelly

"if i die before i wake" what an amazing song, as the wife of a british soldier who has also served time in Iraq amongst other places this truly hit my heart, if anybody has any idea where i can buy a copyof this single please do not hesitate to email me ( xmilliemoominsx@aol.com ) I wish every serving soldier a very merry and peaceful Christmas and to the families....you are amazing, keep up the support for your boys xxxxx

Posted by: kelly | Dec 18, 2007 7:22:28 AM

Posted by: kelly

Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you, Jesus Christ and the Soldier. One died for your soul; the other for your freedom.

Posted by: kelly | Dec 18, 2007 7:27:44 AM

Posted by: Debra

This song is so phenomenal!!!!
I am not military but both my dads and my grandad were (army & navy).
This song is the reason I support my troops no matter what the cause our politicians decide we should be involved with.
This is better than Alan Jackson or Toby Keith. It has to be produced and played on the radio.
Thank you to all the men and women who defend this country and the millions of people they do not even know.
I love all you soldiers and your families.
Debra Springer

Posted by: Debra | Dec 18, 2007 6:36:11 PM

Posted by: Douglas Fahnlander

Richard Yamauchi: as a Viet Nam vet I thank you sir!

Posted by: Douglas Fahnlander | Jan 30, 2008 7:29:18 PM

Posted by: Tina

What a beautiful song. I spent many years as the wife of an Air Force member, and was always so proud to be a part of the Military family. My ex husband was stationed in England during the Vietnam war(that is where we met) he was the lucky one, there were many members of the military (even Air Force) who were not crawling through tunnels in Vietnam, but were still stationed in Vietnam and were subjected to the humiliation of Jane Fonda and protesters "back home" that were not supporting them, or even welcoming them home, that many of them requested a tour in Europe rather than return to the Sates. That is pretty sad, after being away from home fighting for your country, and then being too ashamed to go home after your tour of duty! There are a lot of casualties not only during war time, both for the soldiers and the families, the tours of duty that take our husbands away from us to Korea etc. and leave us behind to take care of the children etc`. My husband went to Korea on a remote tour, I lost him, he never came home, my daughter was four years old and she has never seen her father again, or received any support, maybe it is not his fault, he was young, never been away from home, going to a land where women offer everything to you, he did not know how to handle it. My daughter is now 37, it still hurts her and it hurts me, we also are victims of our men serving overseas, and I am sure there are many others like me that that has happened to. Bring our boys home soon, I pray all the time that none of those boys gets a letter from their loved one like I did, it leaves such a big hole in your heart - there are many different ways of being a victim of wars.

Posted by: Tina | Feb 15, 2008 9:56:09 PM

Posted by: SSG Daniel J. Lombardi

I have spent more time in the middle east than i would have liked, but it saddnes me to hears the cries of those who have no idea, the cost of freedom. We all enlist in the Military to defend our country, when it calls. I think most civilians have this idea, that the traveling, PX or BX priviledges and a paid education is the reason for our militay, "How dare you send my son, daughter, husband or wife to war" Whatever the resason for it, right or wrong, it is our duty to defend this flag, no matter what the cost. This song hit me pretty hard, as well as most of you who have heard this, and the few others that have been recorded, to tell our story.

Kind egards

Daniel Lombardi

Posted by: SSG Daniel J. Lombardi | Feb 20, 2008 2:35:54 PM

Posted by: Jamie Christian

This Song really hit home for me. My Husbond SGT Michael Christian in the us army is on his second tour of duty in Iraq. The hardest part of this war is being away from your loved one and to explain to a young child why their Daddy cant be here to tuck her into bed at night and to here "but why mommy?" She cry's every night befor bed she misses her daddy very much indeed as do her sisters and Big brother. WE have four young kids the youngest having the hardest time with it all. In her five years of life her daddy had been in Iraq for the better of three years. The older kids understand it alot better Im doing ok most of the time I talk to him as often as I want He comes home very soon and I can hardly conatin myself with excitment but, I know from past experence that its also a big ajustment going from "Single parenting" to daddy in the picture again and getting reaquanted again with your spouse is another story. When a solder goes off to war you might not get the same person back that left. I know we have all changed, Its been a year or more so the kids are all getting bigger, but knowing that he is ok and he know's that we are here for him, he has our support our son "the oldest" talks about him all the time at school and his friends dads do help out with getting him to football and basketball pratice and somtimes games when you have three kids and you have to be in two places at the same given time for sports its nice that there are people out there that are willing to help a military family we would do the same if the roles were reversed on us. I am honered to have him serving our country, To be a wife of an Army soldier, TO know that he is doing a great job over there( His general wrote me a letter telling me so). Just know that You send a soldier to war you send the whole family this whole nation needs to come to a front as to this war they started something they need to finish it, yes Id prefer my husbond home with me and the kids but, he knows what needs to be done I wish that they could just wipe their hands clean say your on your own but, we all know that can't be done so with that being said just let them finsh their job and get home safe and sound. Of all the soldiers have you heard any say " I wis id not sined that dotted line?" Most want to go back. Sorry but that is what I here on this end I love him with all my heart and he is very proud of what he dose for a living he is carrer army so with that being said he could go back hopfully not for a very long time but, Im his wife and I dont want him to but, I have no control over where he goes or not.

Thank you for listening to A wife of a soldier I loved this song its very true to what we beleave in faith, trust and the citizen soldier serving their country.

Thanks you,
Jamie Christian

Posted by: Jamie Christian | Mar 18, 2008 12:08:06 PM

Posted by: sheena olson

This Song is amazing, it rings so true.My little brother is going to be leaving for afghanistan in september,and i tear up every time i think of him not being here, and being a former army gal myself i know all to well the reality the soldiers over there have to face every day and i pray they all get to come home safe one day and be with their families. God Bless All Those Selfless Men And Women In Every Barnch Of The Service!!!!!!! And Thank You:)

Posted by: sheena olson | Apr 30, 2008 3:14:06 PM

Posted by: Priscilla V.

This is the most beautiful song I ever heard..any mistakes in my typing are because I am crying so much..
Many years ago (Iwas 10 yrs old-am now 63) my sister married anArmy Green Beret..he was my hero from then until we lost him to a heart attack several years ago..he fought in the Korean War and was in Vietnem 3 times. He specialized in JUNGLE WARFARE..imagine how many jobs were waiting for him and thousands more like him when they returned home--ZERO-- no one cared in those days what he had done in the service of his country..he lived out his retirement at the VFW club because that was his only connection to what had been his life force. When I lost him I believed that never in my lifetime would I have another hero like him...but now I realize the wonder of having a hero has returned because All the men and women fighting in the Middle East are putting themselves in the most grave conditions ever..young, vital,women and men who will never come home. They now are my heroes and I thank God for the freedom that they and uncounted thousands before them have brought us through their dedication and VOLUNTARY committment.
Know this: GOD IS WATCHING!! PRAY FOR THEM OFTEN! This country should hail the return of each and every one of them.

Posted by: Priscilla V. | May 1, 2008 3:19:37 PM

Posted by: Doug Threadgill

I have sent a copy of this to several XM Satellite Radio Host! Hopefully they can find a way to play this on Air, XM 171, 173, 10, 13. There are several other entertainment channels that might also pick it up. Let me mention the Hosts names. Bill Mack, the Satellite Cowboy (wrote drinking Champagne, Blue, and Clinging to a Savior's Hand, Country Music DJ Hall of Fame, former MC for Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys just to name a few). Dave Nemo Entertainment, Marcia Campbell, and Micheal Burns (asked him to check in to Producing this). Dale Sommers, the World famous Truckin' Bozo! Steve Sommers, Bozo's son, and DJ for America's Trucking Network at 700 WLW in Cincinatti, OH! Also to Bubbo Bo week-end host! Also Country Dan on America 10, and Willy's Place on 13. I've also snet this to an up and coming Country Truckin' Artist, Leland Martin!

Posted by: Doug Threadgill | Jun 3, 2008 6:55:02 PM

Posted by: m/mkerryphipps

this is a beutiful song . he can get a recording when he com home. i would sure buy this song. i am a vet also, please keep up the great job you men are doing. and god bless you all.

Posted by: m/mkerryphipps | Jun 24, 2008 8:03:08 PM

Posted by: bobbie mosley age 73

I am a widow of a veinam vet and this is the most beautiful song I have ever heard. No I dont wont this war but is necessary. God bless George Bush without him they would be over here wih us. These are very brave and wonderful men and women over ther fighting so I can sit her and type on a computer. Freedom does not come cheap but some people will never understand and just keep complaning. May GOD bless everone of them for their unselfness so we can be free. And GOD bless all the familes who have lost their loved ones for our freedom.Please lets not let them come home to the same thing that our VETNAM VETERANS did for the are truly HEROS. GOD BLESS EVER MILITARY MAN AND WOMAN IN OUR COUNTRYS SERVICE. PRAY FOR THEM EVERDAY. I am a democrat voting for a republican

Posted by: bobbie mosley age 73 | Jun 29, 2008 5:37:59 PM

Posted by: Jim Gardner

I do not wish to upset any folks that have posted here, but the song "If I Die Before You Wake" is actually done by a young country singer by the name of Dustin Evans, from South Dakota. He has already recorded albums and CD Singles with this song on it.

As for the sentiment of the FlashDemo, well I am a 53 yr old retired "Grunt", and it still makes my eyes water when I see it or listen to the song, just like Lee Greenwoods "Proud to be an American". It may have something to do with my son being in Iraq, or maybe the memories of all the soldiers I have known.

I wish you all well, and hope this info does not dampen your spirits.

Ne Desit Virtus (Let Valor not Fail)

Jim

Posted by: Jim Gardner | Jul 10, 2008 4:03:58 PM

Posted by: Marc Boyd

Very sentimental song, couldn't post for a while because I couldn't see.

I also lost my first wife due to my service and Viet Nam. She was anti war and anti military.

I came back a changed person and she could never adapt or change. I definitely was more grown up and hardened. I didn't take bad things in life as a personal insult but she probably still does.

I wrote her a letter almost every day. Her letters stopped after a couple months. That really hurt. I had to ask my folks to check up on her...embarrassing as hell.

I should have filed for divorce but just couldn't do it. She did a couple years after we separated.

I have now been married to a wonderful, talented, pretty, and loving woman for 28 years.

Posted by: Marc Boyd | Jul 11, 2008 3:33:25 PM

Posted by: misty newton

I just want to say thank you so much for what all ya soldiers have done for us. That song is soooo nice . I have a cousin who is in the army he and his wife was over in iraq . then I have a brother in law and my cuzz husband goin. god bless ya'll all. WE LOVE YOU
misty newton
clinton, oklahoma

Please God brng our TROOPS ALL HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: misty newton | Aug 26, 2008 6:57:19 PM

Posted by: jill from england

This song is awesome.Good luck to all troops from far or near.I dont agree with the war but i think about all troops whatever nationality..I shed a tear every time i see the news of a death on the tv.Bring all the troops home safely......and god bless those that have given up their lives for what they believe.We believe in all of you........

Posted by: jill from england | Sep 1, 2008 2:40:23 PM

Posted by: Pam

This is an amazing tribute to an amazing group of people! Before our military heros and heroines ever even get into bootcamp, they take an oath that begins, "I am an American fighting man...."

Let's all pray to God that we're worthy of their sacrifice....and for those who hate them....I just don't understand you!

Posted by: Pam | Sep 12, 2008 2:58:37 PM

Posted by: beverly

i loved this song because the person who sent it to me is on his third tour to iraq and i miss him and he misses me i also have a cousin in iraq for the third time and this song just hit home with me it is great .

Posted by: beverly | Sep 14, 2008 7:20:34 PM

Posted by: John

I just seen heard the song if I die before you wake and I have never had anything touch my heart the way this did. I have 2 daughters in the military who have never had to go into a war zone but from talking to them I know they would go in a second. Those 2 are truly my heros.
May God bless our military and everyone waiting for them at home.

Posted by: John | Sep 18, 2008 9:02:23 AM

Posted by: SHERRIE

If I die before you wake brought me to tears. My son, a Marine is in Iraq and I miss him so much.My father was also a V.F.W. He passed away in June of this year so I'm sure he and my mother are both looking out for my son as is God. I pray that all the men and women serving our country come home safely and soon.

Posted by: SHERRIE | Sep 18, 2008 4:59:28 PM

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