WWE Universe, Hello from Iraq.

I keep coming back here because I have a soft spot for the Armed Forces.  It’s the most important day on our calendar.

I really respect the morals the Armed Forces stand by. Hustle, loyalty and respect comes directly from that. Never back down, never quit. For me to come here and mingle with the men and women who defend our country is a total honor.

Our handshake tours do a lot, but we offer such an intangible! We bring them a TV show, one they watch each and every week! And they get so pumped and so involved. It’s great!

When I meet these young men and women who are defending our freedom, it is so humbling. Morale always seems so high; they know they have a job to do. It lifts you up and minimizes your problems, whatever is nagging at you it isn’t that big

It’s such a good deal when we walk down that ramp on show day, and you look out over a sea of troops, and they are so excited!  It’s insane.  It’s just our way of saying thank you.  

During Tribute to the Troops, the troops are the stars! That is what makes it all worth it. It also means a lot to me coming to the Middle East this year as World Heavyweight Champion. It’s going to be pretty cool.
We offer the troops the opportunity to let their hair down, and have fun, and just enjoy the show.

And I have a message from so many servicemen and women I have met with so far — “We are OK and proud of what we are doing. And Happy Holidays, we miss you”

Editor's Note: The preceeding was relayed from e-mail reports from the WWE's Tribute to the Troops mission.

For complete coverage of Tribute to the Troops, visit the Tribute section on WWE.com. Also, Leave your holiday messages for the troops in the Forums on WWE Universe.