"You have been my strenghth & my very best friend throughout
these last 5 years. I pray for your safe return, good health
and hope all the decisions concerning our armed forces are the
right ones. I love you and miss you always. Remember the song,
'The Prayer'. You are always in my thoughts and prayers.
~ Remember our rainbow sir ~
All my love & deep friendship forever,
Cherie"
11-16-99
Chaplain Steven M. Olson & SSG Mark Callagher, Chaplain's Assistant
"Cherie, your moral upbringing, and your STRONG belief in prayer,
will ALWAYS be your shining star."
Hello. My name is Chaplain Steven M. Olson. I am a Colonel in the United States Army. Presently I am in Bosnia, leaving for the Gulf. When it was discussed to do something special for this young lady, I could not agree more, then to do a special site for Cherie Lynn. She is a magnitude of colors that come across as a beautiful rainbow. I have had the pleasure of knowing this beautiful, young lady for 4 years. As I sit here and type about Cherie, many things come to my mind. This lady, without a doubt is the ultimate Princess in every sense of the word. I think back to the first time that I ever saw Cherie. My thoughts were, beautiful, gracious, kind, sincere, generous heart, and a person that is like a magnet. She can draw you close to her and make you feel as if you have always known each other. Her kindness is powerful. She is very sincere, honest, and loyal to everyone. Cherie had stated that since she comes into Bosnia, she would like very much to visit with the Armed Forces. I explained how sometimes it can be devastating, lonely, and above all, can be dangerous at times. This never seemed to bother her!! Her main concern was that the "Troops", (as she calls them) know that they are not forgotten and loved. From the first arrival into Bosnia to visit the service members, she was welcomed with opened arms and received highly. Ever since that day this very young lady, with all the innocence that
she has, made a phenomenal impression. She has a beautiful singing voice and actually goes into the crowd of service men and women and sings. She gives of herself unselfishly to her crew, to soldiers, children, homeless and her family and friends. When we have a chance to speak to her on the net, she is the same Cherie that we love and respect. She is just herself. She has shown what it is like to be a friend. This little Princess as we call her, as well as many other's do, has turned many lives around. She exuberates energy that is just amazing. Her smile is a ray of sunshine for many. None of us could ever thank her enough for who she is. There is just one Cherie in this world, and I am glad I connected and found an ever-lasting friend in my life, and in the lives of millions. To you Cherie, you will now be experiencing a new world soon. Your intelligence and good common sense will send you far! I am very proud that I got to know you so well. You never cease to amaze me on your abilities!! Whether it is human kindness, struggles, you always put yourself last. You are not only beautiful on the inside; you are gorgeous on the outside as well. I will always know when I hear the name Cherie, that you are a very special person who is loved throughout this world. If you have a chance to speak to this young lady, you will know she is special. She will still write to someone, even if she is upset with them, just to include them. She tries in her way to make everyone know that she cares. I think the most special song that Cherie sings is by Michael Jackson. It is called, "You're Not Alone". She wants EVERYONE to know they are not alone. May God always bless you Cherie, for you deserve everything in life! You give of yourself to others constantly; we wanted to give back just a little of what you give all year round. You will always have our love and respect. Cherie, you ARE a special young lady. One day you will have a child, and I am predicting that child will be a copy of you. To your parents, you deserve a round of applause as well; you have brought a special gift into this world, and for this, thank you. Your daughter will always shine through. Thank you Cherie for the pleasure of knowing you for these past four wonderful years.
Cherie, you are one in a million. Never let go of your set goals in life. Always remember you are very special, and the MANY things you have accomplished at such a young age, many do not accomplish by 50!! As you say good-bye to so many people, who will be affected by you not being there, remember in weeks, months, or even years down the road, Cherie- "YOU ALWAYS HAVE ME AS A FRIEND!!" You remember this song as you're growing in spirit and in your mind. I WILL BE FORTUNATE ENOUGH to be asked to attend your graduation, and see YOU, get hooded as you so richly deserve. Always keep with you, the TRUTH YOU BARE, YOUR HONESTY, and ABOVE ALL, YOUR LOVE and COMPASSION FOR LIFE! This is a NEW road you will soon be walking down. I cannot imagine you doing anything else, but YOUR BEST!! Hold your head up high, when you walk toward a storm, remember, "YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND"!! You have given, now you can receive. Cherie, anything new in life, is going to be scary. Life is a struggle, but if EVER I knew of ANYONE to succeed, it is YOU!!! Your intelligence combined with your common sense, will surpass any struggles that you may encounter. Remember when you first started coming into Bosnia, you were like a shining star, full of energy, and full of life. Almost 3 years has passed, and that shining star has NEVER dimmed! You will receive someone who is very special, just like you. Cherie, God has much in store for you. The lord knows just how VERY special YOU ARE. From the poor to the richest, from the strongest to the weakest, YOU my dear always show compassion to all, and you show constantly, what life is really about! You are young, full of life, and yet, you STILL have not realized all the bridges you have crossed. Always walk hand in hand with the lord Cherie; he will not fail you. Your moral values, your outlook on life, are EVERYTHING that makes YOU into the person that so many of us love. I will always remember when we saw that colored rainbow, and you said, "Sir, think of the colors as different paths in life". Every time I see a rainbow, I ALWAYS think of you, my dear child. Your working with children never really surprised any of us that really knew you. Your presence, laughter, and your, "CHERIE CHARM", will definitely be missed. May the good Lord ALWAYS watch and protect you for the rest of your life.
COL. Steven Olson, Chaplain, US Army
SSG Mark Callagher, Chaplain's Assistant
Run by 1st Cavalry Division, Bosnia
The Troops in Bosnia Salute You
"You Are The Ray of Sunshine That
Brings Everyone Happiness"
~ Bosnia Commander ~
You Are Very Special To The Children In Athens
~ Zendra's Childrens Home ~