NORTHFORK BISON DISTRIBUTION INC.
MAKES DONATION TO WIDOW
FROM OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM

The following letter was sent to us by Northfork Bison Distribution Inc. (http://www.northforkbison.com ). We appreciate their generosity in working with Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. to support one of our members, whose name has been removed for privacy issues.

NORTHFORK BISON DIST. INC
8715 Lafrenaie
St. Leonard, Quebec
Canada H1P 2B6

Toll Free: 1-888-422-0623
Tel: 514-643-4447
Fax: 514-643-2227

February 11, 2005

Ms. ---------

Dear ----,

First let me formally extend the condolences of my colleagues and I for the loss of your husband, Sgt. ---------, in the war against global terrorism. Even though you are faced with the extremely difficult task of raising five children on your own, I sensed quite a bit of optimism and determination in your voice. I want you to know that your courage is a source of great inspiration to us all.

As I had explained, we are a Canadian-based buffalo meat company that does most of its' business in the New York / New Jersey / Connecticut area. After 9/11, and especially during the run up to the war in Iraq, we were taken to task by several of our American customers for Canada's less than enthusiastic support of America's position. Even though we, along with a great number of our fellow Canadians, did not agree with our government's policies, there wasn't very much that we could do to change our governments' mind.

This sense of helplessness led us to commit ourselves to do whatever we could to help our American friends. As a result, we decided to make a financial contribution of $1000 to a selected widow of a fallen U.S. soldier from the Tri-State area. Specifically, we were looking for someone whose terrible human loss would be compounded by significant financial difficulty. To make a long story short, we subsequently contacted Gold Star Wives of America and explained to them our plan and what we were looking for. They ultimately came up with your name.

As Canadians, we have not forgotten the leadership role that America has played to rid the 20th century of the twin evils of Nazism and Communism. Don't get me wrong, we are extremely proud of the important role that Canadians have played in the two World Wars.

Unfortunately, with the passage of time, our military strength has been eroded to the point where we find ourselves relying almost exclusively on the protection of America's "military umbrella". Given this, and the fact that global terrorism poses a real threat to all of our futures, our government should have been more forward thinking and not bend so easily to the whims of the vocal and somewhat shortsighted minority.

When everything is all said and done, your husband as well as countless many others, have made the ultimate sacrifice so that we could all enjoy our freedom. Believe me, for that, we are eternally grateful.

We often hear comments from a variety of sources that the War on Terrorism is unjustified and that it is nothing more than an "oil and land grab" on the part of the Americans. No doubt, hearing this must bring great frustration to the families of the fallen, who have selflessly given their lives for the security of their country and for the spread of freedom around the world.

In light of the above, allow me to finish by quoting the essence of an exchange that took place in England at a fairly large conference, where Colin Powell was asked by the Archbishop of Canterbury if the American plans for Iraq were just an example of empire building by President George W. Bush. The great American, Colin Powell, answered by saying that, "Over the years, the United States has sent many of its fine young men and women into great peril to fight for freedom beyond our borders. The only amount of land we have ever asked for in return is enough to bury those that did not return." - The room suddenly became very quiet.

In closing, may these words bring you and your family comfort in times of difficulty. Please remind -----, -----, -----, ----- and ----- that their dad's sacrifice will not be forgotten and that he will always be a hero!

God bless you and your family,

Sebastian Bresciani & colleagues
Northfork Bison Distribution Inc.

PS. We are also sending you some complimentary Buffalo meat products for you and your family to enjoy. Buffalo meat is very similar to beef, but sweeter and less fatty in taste. With less fat, calories and cholesterol, Buffalo meat is a heck of a lot healthier for you.


Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. is a nonprofit national military widows service organization chartered by the United States Congress.