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Text of Sgt. John Tobiason's letter to his hometown

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Dear Editor:

Hello people of Hayfield. My name is John Joseph Tobiason. I just recently got promoted to Staff Sergeant from Sergeant First Class. I'm currently stationed here in Iraq with the Army Reserve unit I belong to out of Fort Snelling, Minn.

I volunteered for this deployment and have been enjoying every minute of my tour here so far. I will be extending here within the next few months to stay here longer to meet re-enlistment specifications. (Tax-free bonus)

I¹m proud of what I do, and am also a proud member of Post 330 there in Hayfield. I take being a veteran seriously because it's my way of saying thank you to those who gave us the right to have and enjoy the freedoms that we have now.

Each one that has worn this uniform before me is a true hero and should be treated as such, with high respect and honor for their service to this wonderful nation we live in. Many people have died to give us these rights and should always be remembered for their accomplishments. Those are the true heroes of the world.

I would never change my mind about why I do this for my job and career. I love my country and I know that if I was to die for it, it would've been an honor dying for something so precious as freedom is for all of us.

I know a lot of you in town know me and some don't, but I will be looking forward to getting back to my home there on First Avenue as soon as I¹m ready to leave here. I wish all the best for everyone in the town.

Take care and may God bless each and everyone in the town.

SFC John J. Tobiason

Iraq