Out of Captivity : Surviving 1,967 Days in the Colombian Jungle

456 Acknowledgmentsknew that you guys could take care of yourselves, but I’m so glad I canbe here with you now to watch you both do your thing. Mom and Dad,the two of you did so much for my family during my absence that I cannever repay you (and I know you did all those things without expectinganything in return) for helping to hold together my life and familyhere in the States. You amaze me and continue to show me day afterday how taking the hard right path can be its own reward. To Keith,Jr., and Nick: circumstances were never easy for the two of you, but as“los tigres,” you’ve shown the kind of tenacity that makes this formerMarine’s chest swell with pride. It’s going to be a lot of fun from hereon out.Tommy Janis, Ralph Ponticelli, Tommy Schmidt, and Butch Oliverhave joined the list of America’s fallen but unsung heroes. It is men likeyou who, having made the ultimate sacrifice, have added your namesto the list of those who have made this country great. By quietly doinga dangerous job that most Americans don’t even know about, you giveus all reason to be proud. God bless you and your families. I will alwayscarry you all in my heart and in my mind. Tom and Marc: We made it!MARCIt is no longer a fantasy; now I am free. I want to thank all of those whoprayed, who wrote, and who remembered us. Miracles do happen. Onething that I learned in the jungle is the true value of family. I especiallywant to thank my mother, Jo Rosano, who is my champion on the battlefield.I heard your voice, Mom; I heard it in the jungle. To my fatherand stepmother George and Monique, and my brother and sisters Michael,Denise, Corina, and Misty, I love you all. No more suffering. Tomy precious children Joey, Cody, and Destiney, I am so thankful to ourLord for allowing me to see you again. We have a lot of time to make upfor, but we have all of our lives in front of us to do it.I would never wish what happened to me on even my worst enemy.But having said that, I can tell you all one thing: I would not have sur-