Holiday Greeting from Afghanistan

The Department of Defense has rolled out a number of special greetings that soldiers are sending to their families. One family in our area got one of these messages.

"Hi I'm Lt. Col. Jane Boomer currently deployed to Afghanistan."

The Fourth of July is a special day for those who serve. Jane Boomer sent her mother a personal greeting from Afghanistan.

"I like to wish my mother, Melissa Boomer, and the rest of my family in Rochester, New York, a very Happy Fourth of July."

Before serving for her country, Jane went to the University at Buffalo Law School. She then worked for the United States Disaster Relief organization. That's when Jane decided to join the United States Air Force as an attorney.

It's a decision that her mother, Melissa Boomer, has always honored.

"The service is a family. She has a lot of friends. Everytime, she is stationed, she moves every two years, she maintains contact with her fellow servicemen, so it's been great for her. She is very focused. Very dedicated," said Melissa Boomer.

Melissa says her daughter has a special love for her country that only certain people acquire.

"Her whole family. Her brothers and sisters. We are very, very proud of her."

Jane and other servicemen and women celebrated the Fourth of July overseas. Melissa says her daughter took part in a 10K race in Kabul to celebrate the holiday.

"I get little goosebumps because it's not only her, it's the people she is serving with over there and the family they have become. They do celebrate. They will be celebrating."

Although it happened by chance, Melissa says she knows Jane has chosen the right career path.

"She has always said. She has always talked to me about. She said sometimes you don't know when things happen what it will be like for your future, her dad died when she was in college, and she's always thought he was kind of looking out for her."

"I miss you and I'll see you soon," said Jane Boomer.