GM,

24 hours after the class, and my students have come by and told me how much they enjoyed what you said. Perhaps more interesting (and gratifying for me… and hopefully you as well) is that other grad course students have seen me in the halls today and said stuff along the lines of, “I heard I am a fool for not taking your elective.” I’m not sure there’s a higher complement than that, but I will try:

Thank you very much for your words yesterday. By explaining the basics with some very important nuances interwoven in a story that resonates with anyone who is a fan of the human condition, it was the perfect start to my elective. I have often found that the perception that we in the military are somehow tougher than the general public belies our concern and ability to deeply empathize for others, and especially our fellow service members.

Anyone who has deployed and been scared shitless (and I definitely am one of those people who had a couple of really close calls that still bother me sometimes – though I recognize that so many others have had it way worse than me) [would identify with your story].

In sum, obviously, I am a fan of your blog, but I think the spoken version of what you’ve written was – if possible – more compelling. Thank you again for what you offered me and especially our students.

If I can ever return the favor, please holler.

V/R,
Professor X