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Letters to President Obama

From

Patrick A. Holbrook, Honolulu, Hawaii

January 14, 2016

Dear, Mr. President

It's late in the evening here in Oahu, and the sun will soon be sinking behind the horizon into the ocean. I sight that gives me comfort when times are confusing, and peace at the end of a long day. Sir, I was injured in Afghanistan in 2011 it was my first deployment, and my last. I was medically retired from the US Army, and after some discussion with my family moved here to help heal the wounds-- it is slow in coming, but I remain hopeful. I started college when I arrived here it has been a difficult experience, but this summer God willing; I will be a college graduate. It's a funny thing fear, I wasn't afraid in Afghanistan, but I am horrified at thought of my future. I want to serve my country, make a difference, and live up to the potential my family sees in me. I am scared I think, because I have no plan on what employment to pursue. It is something that is extremely difficult to me, and with my family leaving the island soon; I am truly lost. Sir, all my life I've tried to find what a Good man is, and be that man, but I release now life is more difficult for some. I'm not sure where I am going, and it is something that I can not shake. P.S. I watched your final State of the Union, and I thought it was well spoken. I too dream of a sustainable future for the next generation. 

Sincerely, 

Patrick A. Holbrook

The President's Response

The White House
Washington 

Patrick - 

Thank you for your thoughtful letter, and more important for your service and sacrifice. I can tell from your letter you are already a good man; you just need to find the calling that will express that goodness - or it will find you. So trust yourself, and remember that your Commander-in-Chief didn't know what he would do with his life till he was in his thirties!

Barack Obama