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September 27, 2005



Early morning phone call

The phone rang this morning just as I was heading out the door with the dog for her morning walk. I like to walk and talk - it gives me something to do as Harley sniffs every other blade of grass. Other dogs frequent this same strip of grass, they leave pee-mail for each other . . . and my dog replies to each message. Sometimes, I wonder how one small dog can hold so much.

Back to the phone call. It was my son - after we caught up on the details of our separate lives, he told me he was putting in his reenlistment package. He just passed the three-year mark in his first enlistment and we've had a number of phone conversations to discuss various options for the rest of his life. But it sounds like his mind is made up.

I am so proud of the man he has become.

Posted by Deb at 11:13 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack



September 21, 2005



The kids of Iraq

Photo by Cpl. Ken Melton
LCpl John Anderson, deployed with 3/25 Marines, with 4-year old Afooie.


When my son was interviewed by the local paper last summer while home on leave, he was asked what he enjoyed most about being in Iraq. Without hesitation, he answered, "the kids - they're just like kids anywhere". When the reporter asked for details, he mentioned setting up observation posts inside local homes and spending 24 hour or so with the family. During that time, they'd play with the children and show the "no better friend" side of the Marine Corps to the adults.

Here's a story about 3/25 Marines in Hit who take much the same approach.

While patrolling through the city of Hit, Marines with 1st Platoon, K Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment decided to rest in a nearby house to escape the sweltering heat.

After asking permission to enter the house, the residents were nervous and unsure of their visitors' intentions. The smallest member of the household, though, approached the Marines and began to question and eventually played with them.

The Marines, impressed by the child's courage answered his questions and responded playfully with him. After awhile, the 4-year-old child named Afooie left and later returned with his other playmates to introduce them to his new friends.

"It was a relief from our day-to-day actions just to play with them," said 23-year-old Lance Cpl. John W. Anderson, an assistant team leader with 3rd squad. "It reminded us what we were over here for."

An hour later, the Marines were once again back on their patrol, though the child and his parents asked them to stay awhile longer.

"They seemed sad that we had to leave, but we had a job to do," the Delmont, Penn., native said.

A few days later, his squad was in the same area so they decided to visit their friends again.

Upon approaching the house, they were instantly recognized by Afooie, who greeted them and then ran off to retrieve his other friends.

"Most of the Marines have younger family members back home and when they interact with these children it's like they're back home," the 2001 Franklin Regional High School graduate said. "Not only that, but it also gets the citizens used to having military personnel in the area."

Since then, they have seen a positive change in the adults' attitudes in the area. Most admit they were scared to walk the streets because of the insurgents and now feel safer because the Multi-National Forces are in the area.

Some even provide the Marines information about unusual activity and invite them to stay in their homes when they are on patrol.

"People are upset that the insurgents are killing civilians in their attempt to hurt us," said Painesville, Ohio, native, Sgt. Peter J. Rivera, a squad leader with 3rd Platoon. "People understand that we are here to help and it makes these guys feel good that they are making a difference."

The squad, along with the Iraqi Security Force, visits Afooie and his friends when they are patrolling in the area. When on these patrols, they often carry toys, hygiene items and candy for their young friends.

"By doing little things like this, they are helping the country by befriending the younger generation who in years to come will view the military as friends," said Rivera, a 33-year-old father of four children and 1990 Harvey High School graduate. "When they get older they will help us help their country."


Posted by Deb at 04:55 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack



September 19, 2005



Tips for sending letters and packages to your deployed Marine

The 22nd MEU has a great list of tips for sending letters and packages to deployed troops. The list is below, with a few comments in italics from this Marine Mom:


While e-mail is a wonderful innovation in keeping connected to deployed family member, there is nothing better than holding a tangible reminder of home in your hand. Here are some basic tips for writing your deployed Marine or Sailor:

Letter Mail


  • Mail is slow. First class mail will average 10 days to the ship and may take up to 20 days. Plan ahead for special dates and mail early for birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. For some of the outlying posts, mail might only arrive every 10 days or so. If your letter arrives the day after a shipment, it will sit until the next time someone makes the trip. Mail early, mail often.

  • Write often. Letters do not have to be long, but writing often is important. If that is difficult supplement with greeting cards. Getting short letters often is better than getting long letters occasionally. I tried to send a letter or at least a note every day. It's amazing how quickly you can dash off a short note in the nooks and crannies of your day - waiting for a meeting to get started or sitting at a traffic light. I kept stamped envelopes in my glove compartment and stationery in my purse, desk, and car - no matter where I was, I had writing materials.

  • Number letters. The roundabout means by which mail reaches the MEU means and the fact that it arrives in bulk means that several letters may be received at once or out of sequence. Numbering envelopes and dating letters is very important.

  • Keep things upbeat. By all means, let your loved one know about problems at home, but don't send a letter full of complaints and gripes. Explain any problems clearly and concisely, and include how you intend to resolve the situation. Interject all letters with amusing stories of your family's daily activities. Your Marine misses the day to day routine of home and family life - so tell him or her what you're doing. Baking cookies, raking autumn leaves from the yard, walking the dog - just a brief description will provide a touch of home through your words.

  • Include pictures. I used to compose my letters on my computer and include pictures on the printed page. My son loved it - he had very limited space to keep personal belongings and since he knew I had copies of the document on my hard drive at home, he didn't feel bad about burning mail at the end of the deployment. Also, print small versions of favorite pictures. I shrank images of his family members and printed 1X2 inch prints, and he'd tuck them inside the lining of his helmet when he'd go out on patrol.

  • Write self-contained letters. Don't close letters without resolving issues. Never promise to finish a story or provide resolution 'with the next letter' because you don't know how long it will take that letter to find your loved one.

  • Vary your routine. Try not to send just letters, nor just greeting cards. Mix things up a bit. Send a few letters, then a card or two, and so on. While it may seem a minor point, to a deployed Marine or Sailor, it makes a world of difference for them to know you're putting thought into your correspondence. If you only have time for a short note, just write a few thoughts on the back of a photograph and drop it in the mail. It will bring a smile.

  • Never write in anger. There may be times when frustration and tension build up and the best way to release it is in a letter. However, before you send out that 'flamer,' let it sit for a day or so. Give yourself time to cool down and think things over, and after a while, things might not be so bad after all. If you do feel the need to vent, do so calmly, telling your loved one how you feel and why. And then, consider burning the letter instead of mailing it. Consider why you wrote it in the first place. Because your Marine hasn't written? He or she is extremely busy - 20 hour work days aren't uncommon - and sleep might take precedence over communication. Yes, we live for those phone calls and letters home. They have so many tasks and so little time - continue being upbeat and supportive and don't add to their stress by sending negative messages.

  • Say what they want to hear. I love you! I miss you! Also, give them something to look forward to when they come home. I always included a glimpse of the future . . . "I can't wait until you come home and we can go camping . . . I'll bake you all the chocolate chip cookies you can eat . . . We've been invited to a tailgater at the OSU homecoming game while you're home on post-deployment leave. . . " and on and on.


    Packages


    • Remember, packages will be handled by a lot of people and may get crushed, so pack carefully. Use a thick, sturdy box. A shoebox just won't do. The Post Office will supply Priority Main flat rate boxes free of charge. It's just the right size for packing with a variety of items and, no matter what it weighs, it's just $7.70 to send to any deployed with a FPO/APO mailing address. Pick up a supply and fill them. I mailed care packages at least once a week and always included a few extras for Marines who didn't have family support.

    • Make sure the box isn't too big for the item(s) included. Stuff the box with crumpled newspaper so things inside won't rattle around and will have a little more cushion. Extra pairs of socks also make good cushions. Especially during hot weather, your Marine will change his socks multiple times a day and there is no such thing as too many pairs of socks.

    • Tape all corners and open creases securely. The Post Office won't accept scotch or masking tape because they don't hold well. Instead, use duct, nylon reinforced or paper tape. I also tape the inside seams of the boxes - it adds to the stability of the box and helps keep the dust out.

    • Don't send fragile items. If you must, make sure that it is packed with extreme care. I sent my son a camera and packed it in a Pelican watertight case. It went astray and was finally returned to me six months after I sent it - and the camera was the only item in the box that survived. Everything else was permeated with dust.

    • Make sure food items won't spoil or melt. There's nothing worse than getting a big lump of inedible chocolate. Fruit-based snacks, hard candies, and trail mixes are great ideas. If your Marine or Sailor has to have chocolate, send Tootsie Rolls. Also, do NOT send soap, shampoo, or any other personal care item in the same box with food. Your brownies will arrive tasting like soap, no matter how much plastic you put around them. Also, baked goods get stale quickly, unless they are vacuum packed. I invested in a vacuum packer when my son deployed last year and he reported that the cookies I sent arrived tasting as if they were freshly baked. It was good for a number of hugs at homecoming from the Marines who shared his care packages.

    • Although they may be a bit out of date, send magazines and local newspapers so your loved will have an idea of what's going on back at home. I sent a box of magazines each month - the guys will read anything but especially enjoy bodybuilding, hunting & fishing, truck & car, motorcycle, and other testosterone-heavy topics. I included entrepreneur and small business magazines since they're all dreaming of the day when they'll start their own small business (no kidding, they sit around and discuss business plans) and this provides a focus and a bit of education. They'll read Maxim first, but still. And, the newspapers will be read from front to back page, especially the sports page when the home team is playing.


    Posted by Deb at 12:20 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack





    1/2 prepares for future deployment

    LtCol "Drew" Smith sends this update for families and friends of his 1/2 Marines:

    Greetings to the families and friends of Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, Second Marines. At the time of the last update, the BLT was embarked aboard amphibious shipping and was fully engaged in the execution of the Expeditionary Strike Group Exercise (ESGEX). I am pleased to report that the exercise went extremely well with each company displaying very sound integration with our US Navy counterparts and demonstrating excellence in their core capabilities as each responded to simulated real-world contingencies. It is worth noting that the completion of the ESGEX represents a significant step in the BLT's overall pre-deployment training schedule. We now have our sights set on the Certification Exercise, or CERTEX; another combined “at-sea� and ground training evolution that will begin in mid-September and will carry through to the first week of October. It is during this exercise that the BLT will be formally evaluated in its ability to execute special operations and conventional missions as the Ground Combat Element (GCE) of 22 MEU. The CERTEX has all the makings of being a very demanding and rewarding training evolution. The BLT has worked very hard up to this point and in a wide variety of areas to increase its tactical proficiency and enhance its overall ability to successfully accomplish assigned missions. I have complete confidence that the superb team of Marines and Sailors that comprise BLT 1/2 will aggressively meet and exceed mission objectives. I look forward to sharing the many stories of mission success with you in mid October.

    My hope is that the Labor Day Holiday offered a time for our Marines, Sailors and families to relax and enjoy a few days away from the training schedule. It is worth noting that the BLT, as the Air Contingency Battalion (ACB), had increased its alert posture briefly over the Labor Day Weekend in anticipation of supporting aid and recovery operations in New Orleans, LA. In the end, a fellow infantry battalion from here in Camp Lejeune was directed to deploy to New Orleans area, thus allowing the BLT and 22 MEU to continue its training schedule and prepare for the up and coming deployment. The BLT remains the ACB; however, it along with the other elements of 22 MEU will not deploy in support of the disaster relief operations in and around New Orleans.

    I want to add my personal "thanks" to all for the safe conduct of the holiday period. As you might suspect, longer holiday weekends allow for personnel to travel longer distances to see family and friends than what can be executed on regular weekends. As the Commanding Officer, I take great reward in seeing my Marines and Sailors enjoying well-deserved time off with family and friends. I can understand that I am also greatly relieved when my commanders report to me that they have recovered all their personnel safely after any liberty period, and particularly after a long holiday weekend. It is during the latter periods that personnel will often attempt to drive longer distances, at times with increased speed, in order to maximize the time with friends and loved ones. I have also found that some of our younger warriors tend to press the envelope in recreational activities. Speed, fatigue and mixing driving and recreational activities with alcohol continue to be the primary factors in injury and death to Marines and Sailors. Before my Marines and Sailors depart for the weekend, they are exposed to several different operational risk management (ORM) initiatives, ranging from safety briefs to vehicle safety inspections, and review of travel plans should they be traveling in their personal automobile. Leaders within the BLT are pressing home the message of safety in all that we do. I humbly ask that moms and dads, brothers, sisters and friends help us reinforce to our service members the importance of safe and responsible conduct while on liberty. The strength of this BLT rests in the health and readiness, faithful service and professional contributions of each of its members. The contributions to that end by our families and friends located in hometowns are invaluable. Please keep up the great work.

    The first and second week of September will find the BLT engaged in a variety of activities in preparation for the CERTEX and the impending deployment. The list of requirements and events is long and varied and ranges from a detailed maintenance inspection, enhanced rifle marksmanship training, medical and dental readiness, to instruction on ship-board fire fighting and thorough administrative review of individual's service records including updating of wills, powers of attorney and record of emergency data. We will be leaning forward in completing these very important requirements so that our Marines and Sailors can return from a successful CERTEX in early October, clean and ready their weapons and equipment for the deployment, and then ready themselves for a well-deserved pre-deployment leave period.

    With regard to the pre-deployment leave period, I envision the BLT being authorized to take leave from the 12th to the 31st of October. At this writing, I know of no circumstances, or contingencies that would prevent leave from occurring during the aforementioned period. I will add that there is always the possibility of developing real-world requirements impacting the leave period, so I would ask that you maintain good communication with your service member to receive any updates. For now, "it looks good" for the 12-31 October. Specific guidance will be provided to the Marines and Sailors on when they will be authorized to depart on the 12th and when they will be expected to be physically back and accounted for in the BLT area on the 31st.

    Finally, I want to extend my most sincere thanks to two groups; the ladies that make up the BLT 1/2 Key Volunteer Network and our families. The first group plays an integral role in the overall readiness of this organization. This group of over thirty ladies - spouses of our Marines and Sailors - serve as a conduit of information and referrals for assistance for both our married and single personnel. The second group, our families deserve the utmost appreciation for supporting their respective Marine or Sailor while they serve our great nation. "Thanks for all you do."

    Until next time, "best regards to all."

    1/2 Battalion is comprised of three rifle companies, a weapons company, and a headquarters company. They arereinforced by a variety of forces from throughout the 2nd MARDIV, including tanks, assault amphibian vehicles, combat engineers, etc. Collectively, the reinforced battalion is referred to as a Battalion Landing Team.

    Posted by Deb at 11:57 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack



    September 16, 2005



    Congratulations to new Marine Pvt. Bradley Townsend

    Carolyn Lightfoot, a brand new Marine mom as of last Friday, shares her experience at MCRD graduation:

    I arrived bright and early at MCRD San Diego - planning on going and having the breakfast buffet. According to the schedule, the first event - the Motivational Run was scheduled to begin at 9:30 A.M. I figured I would have a couple hours to sit down and eat breakfast.

    When I pulled into the parking lot, I saw a bunch of Marines out on what I found out to be the Parade Deck. There was a bunch of people standing at the edge watching them. I walked up and asked what was going on. I found out it was my son's Platoon (along with several other Platoons) practicing for the Graduation Ceremony to be held the next day! Needless to say I never made it to breakfast! In fact, I didn't leave that curb for the next 1-1/2 hours! All the young men marching in perfect order mesmerized me. Furthermore, I was trying my best to spot my son out of the 553 other young men!

    Eventually I finally pealed myself away because another mother asked me if I had purchased his coin for his graduating class. I had no idea what she was talking about but quickly made my way to a waiting line of about 75 other parents! Unfortunately they had run out of the coins while I waited patiently in line! (Luckily I found out a little later that the Museum's gift shop also sold them and I was lucky enough to buy the last two!).

    At about 9:30 A.M. I went and stood along the road where my son's Platoon would line up for their Motivational Run. All of a sudden all the Platoons appeared and my son's group stopped right in front of me (and about 75 other parents!). Believe it or not I couldn't even pick out my son!! He had changed so much over the 13 weeks since he went to San Diego.

    I was finally able to locate him about the time they had them turn and start running off! I couldn't believe I was standing right in front of him!

    After they left for their 4-mile run, I made my way over in front of the Theater because that is where the run would end and the Platoons would line up in front of the Theater. After about 30 minutes they all ran back and fell in line right in front of us! This Motivational Run was something I am so glad that I didn't miss! I could tell that it was also a very emotional run for all of the recruits.

    Once the boys left to get changed for the Emblem Ceremony, they had us go inside the Theater for the Drill Instructors introduction and also a short movie that outlined how the Marines got started, etc.

    At approximately 11:00 we went out to the bleachers on the Parade Deck and waited for our boys to come and line up for the Emblem Ceremony! I must say, I believe this Ceremony was more emotional for the recruits then their actual graduation! This is where the Drill Instructors actually pin each and every recruit making them a U.S. Marine! It was incredible! I watched my son and he was biting his lower lip trying his best not to cry! I know for him to have been doing this, it was a real release that he was finally a U.S. Marine and no longer a recruit.


    After the Ceremony our boys were released for Liberty for the afternoon! I ran from my seat and hugged him like I hadn't seen him in years! It was incredible!! I just feel really bad for all the family that didn't go for the Visitation Day! I still believe that this day was more emotional and informative then the actual Graduation Day!

    But, where do I begin to talk about Graduation Day! It too was an incredible ceremony! My husband who is retired from the U.S. Navy told me that the Marine Corp. Graduation is the best. He is right!! Everything was done perfectly! I am so glad that I was able to see my son graduate! This is one of those events in my son's life that I would never have wanted to miss.

    I must say now, my feelings about my son have changed. I now realize he is a Man! He is a United States Marine! I can also say that I am so worried about him! In fact, the reason I am writing this is because my husband found this website because he knows that I am going to desperately need a support group to get me through the next four years! I pretty much know (although my son doesn't have his orders yet) he is probably headed over seas! I am dreading this more then you can imagine.

    The only thing that is getting me through the past couple days (since leaving my son in San Diego) is knowing that there are a lot of other Marines out there and there are their mothers who have been through this. I am hoping and praying that he will be safe! I have never prayed more then I have over the past several days! I just hope that there will be support groups available for me and then I will be able to help other Mothers whose sons will be going through what Brad just went through!

    I can only pray for the war in Iraq to end soon and all of our sons and daughters will be able to come home - safe!

    Amen. This is the prayer of Marine parents everywhere. And we hope to launch a discussion board on this site very soon to provide an online spot for all Marine parents and families to share the support that Carolyn mentioned. We have the structure worked out and just need a few good Marine parents to help out with leading discussions and monitoring posts. It will serve as a SPAM proof place to discuss the stories posted here, as well as provide an online place for parents to connect with each, share their stories, and give and receive the type of support that only other Marine parents can understand and provide.

    Posted by Deb at 02:37 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack



    September 14, 2005



    Looking for a few good men . . . and their parents

    If you know anyone that fits one or more of these descriptors (and yes, there are thousands that fit the first and last ones), please e-mail me at deb at marine corpsmoms.com.


    • Marine that enlisted after Sept 11, 2001 with strong desire to serve his country.
    • Marine gave up an athletic scholarship to college to join the Corps.
    • Marine overcame some injury/illness to play sports and/or join the Corps.
    • Parents who overcame their fears about their son joining/going to combat, etc., and willing to talk about it on camera.

    Posted by Deb at 04:10 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack



    September 12, 2005



    New Orleans Marines ride out the hurricane

    When Hurricane Katrina hit, the base in New Orleans was evacuated and most Marines headed for higher - and dryer - ground, Staff Sgt. Matthew J. Davis and Sgt. Lorenzo L. Edwards were the only Marines among 25 troops who volunteered to remain behind at the Naval Air Station, watching the storm from a supply bay.

    "I have been through typhoons in Okinawa, Japan, but this was worse than anything I ever saw there," said Davis, 3/23 electronics maintenance chief.

    "I volunteered because I knew my family was out of harm's way and I could be more useful here," said Edwards, a mechanic. "Growing up in Alabama, I have been through many hurricanes, so I knew what to expect."


    As soon as the winds died down, they went to work clearing the Coast Guard landing zones of debris and fallen trees so that search and rescue operations could begin. Next, they loaded seven ton trucks with essentials - food, water, fuel and other supplies - for those in need. The troops ran multiple convoys each day and were, at the time, the only supply force on the west side of the river. In their spare time, they welcomed Marines from the 24th MEU, setting them up with work space and billets.

    "We helped in any way we could to get (the MEU) set up," Edwards said. "We gave them information on what was happening on and off base to provide them with better situational awareness."

    "I take pride in not only helping as a Marine, but as a resident of this community," Davis said.

    (Story details provided by Cpl. Rocco DeFilippis.)

    Posted by Deb at 06:34 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack



    September 10, 2005



    Helping Marine Families relocated due to Hurricane Katrina

    The need for all victims of Hurricane Katrina is immense and there are many worthy charities that will put your donation to good use. I've made my initial contribution through the Red Cross and will send another one soon. Here's another opportunity that targets the Marine Reserve units based in the path of Hurricane Katrina. These include (probably not a complete listing):

    Marine Forces Reserve HQ - NOLA
    4th Marine Division HQ - NOLA
    4th Marine Aircraft Wing - NOLA
    4th Marine Logistics Group HQ - NOLA
    3/23 Marines HQ - Belle Chasse, LA
    MAG 42, Detachment C - Belle Chasse, LA
    3rd Force Recon Co. 4th SCAMP - Mobile, AL
    3rd PLT (REIN), 4th AAV BN, Co. A - Gulfport, MS

    In addition, the entire 8th Marine District has relocated to Dallas/Fort Worth.

    Marine families assigned to the NOLA base have been relocated (not permanently, but no ending date has been announced)to bases in Kansas City and Fort Worth. The families are arriving with little more than they could carry with them and their children are starting school without the school supplies and new clothes that were most likely left behind in New Orleans.

    If you wish to make a donation that will benefit those families, the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society has established special accounts to track charitable contributions and disbursements to ensure that funds donated for this purpose are used to provide financial support to the families impacted by the hurricane.

    The Society helped families with funds for evacuation prior to the storm and now will help to meet ongoing needs. Individuals, organizations and corporations wishing to make a donation to help these families can send a check payable to NMCRS (or Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society) to:

    875 North Randolph Street, Suite 225,
    Arlington VA 22203.

    In the lower left corner of the check, please annotate Hurricane Katrina Relief. All donations will be acknowledged by the society. The NMCRS is also accepting online donations at this link. I just tested it by making a donation and it works just fine.

    I'm working on contacts for sending contributions for families temporarily (long term) to Fort Worth and Kansas City. I'll update this post as I receive information.

    UPDATE - 9/13/05
    Donations to assist Marine families relocated to Dallas/Fort Worth are sought.

    Make checks payable to: Metroplex Marine Charitable Trust Fund

    Mailing Address
    Metroplex Marine Charitable Trust Fund
    900 Jackson St. Suite 150
    Dallas, TX 75202

    On the memo line please state "for New Orleans Marine Families".

    Posted by Deb at 01:21 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack



    September 09, 2005



    We are all brothers.

    Defend America, a DOD site, sends this story from Taji, Iraq:
    Iraqi soldiers serving at Taji military base collected 1,000,000 Iraqi dinars for victims of Hurricane Katrina. Iraqi Col. Abbas Fadhil, Iraqi base commander, presented the money to U.S. Col. Paul D. Linkenhoker, Taji Coalition base commander, at a Sept. 5 staff meeting. "We are all brothers," said Abbas. "When one suffers tragedy, we all suffer their pain." The amount of money is small in American dollars - roughly $680 - but it represents a huge act of compassion from Iraqi soldiers to their American counterparts, said U.S. Army Maj. Michael Goyne. "I was overwhelmed by the amount of their generosity," Goyne said. "I was proud and happy to know Col. Abbas, his officers, NCOs and fellow soldiers. That amount represents a month's salary for most of those soldiers." Abbas read a letter he wrote after giving the envelope to Linkenhoker. "I am Colonel Abbas Fadhil; Tadji Military Base Commander," Abbas wrote. "On behalf of myself and all the People of Tadji Military Base; I would like to console the American People and Government for getting this horrible disaster. So we would like to donate 1.000.000 Iraqi Dinars to help the government and the People also I would like to console all the ASTs who helped us rebuilding our country and our Army. We appreciate the American's help and support. Thank you."
    Story via Greyhawk.

    Posted by Deb at 04:33 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack



    September 08, 2005



    What we did on our summer vacation

    The past two months have been a blur of activity - and we haven't been here as much as we'd like to be. I've been busy in the classroom - at one point I had ten different classes and spent my days grading instead of online. Connie is moved into her new house and busy with painting and yard work. However, we found time to connect earlier this summer when both our sons were finally in town at the same time. Here we are with LCpl Shane Conrad and Cpl Bill Riecke:

    We're back now - tanned, rested, and ready to go again. Operation Santa USMC 2005 is ready to launch. Last year with the help of amazing volunteers all over the country, we sent over 6,000 individual Christmas stockings to our deployed Marines. This year, we'd love to cover all deployed Marines and we can do that with your help. Watch this site for updates - we'll post a summary of what we've got planned in the next day or two.

    Posted by Deb at 09:26 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack





    2/7 Update from Fallujah

    Lt Col JA L'Etoile included this reflection in his latest letter to the families of his 2/7 Marines:

    Our sacrifices are not without gain. Every day the citizens of Fallujah are one step closer to self determination. The city is vibrant with reconstruction and the terrorists are finding our area of operations tougher and tougher to operate in. We have been successful in taking a number of the enemy off the streets and we have uncovered a considerable amount of weapons, explosives and other contraband. Each one of these events prevents violent acts of terrorism. Additionally, our partners in the Iraqi Army continue to make great strides.

    We are no longer the new Marines and Sailors on the block here in Fallujah. The 2nd Bn, 2nd Marines arrived recently and have taken their position on our flank. It's hard to believe that most of us have been here 55 days already. Regardless, there is much work left to be done. As the political and military events of Iraq play out you can rest assured that your loved ones are in the best company possible, the company of their fellow Marines and Sailors. Together we will accomplish what our Nation asks, and return to our loved ones.

    Semper Fidelis


    Posted by Deb at 09:18 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack