Marine Corps Moms

April 15, 2006

Marine Parents United Conference 2006 - last day for earlybird registration!

Today, April 15, is the last day for earlybird registration for the 2006 Marine Parents United conference - July 28-30, Raleigh NC. It will be a wonderful three days of meeting new and old friends, gaining and giving support, and then leaving with some great memories as you look forward to the 2007 conference.

Whether your Marine has just shipped to boot camp or has served for 20 years, this conference is for you. And Gold Star parents are urged to attend - you'll meet a number of others and find much love and support.

Posted by Deb at 09:37 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

March 06, 2006

Back at the blogging keyboard

Thanks to all of you who have sent notes wondering where we were. We've been in recovery from Operation Santa (over 12,000 stockings mailed), and I've had my son home on predeployment leave. He left for the sandbox last Monday and has arrived safely at his not-quite-final destination. Thank God. Now, to catch up.

I'll post more on these later, but Sempertoons has graciously offered to provide us with weekly cartoons about life in the Corps. I picked up one of their books while visiting the Marine Base at 29 Palms last week. Good stuff and you'll enjoy it.

Steve Danyluk has put his excellent photographs, taken while he was deployed in Iraq, on the market and all proceeds will support wounded troops. He's a great photographer and I'll have more on this tomorrow.

Marcel Rust, proud father of a junior race car driver in Florida, is spearheading Adopt a Marine. He's taken on the task of making sure that 1/7 Marines who deployed last week are well supplied with love from home. More on that later this week too.

Nice to be back - both here and at home. This has been a week of travel - flew to Florida for a wedding and to California where I missed seeing my son off by 18 hours. The deployment leave window was moved up at the last minute and it was too late to change my ticket - no seats left. That was a disappointment.

I drove my son's truck from the base home. It's big. Three times as big as my car (with 1/3 the gas mileage - ahem) although I only got stopped once for hugging the fog line. The very nice California Highway Patrol Officer who stopped me was a former Marine who had also been stationed at 29 Palms. No ticket, just a gentle suggestion to find a hotel and stop for the night. Good idea. Sleep is a wonderful thing.

Posted by Deb at 08:35 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

December 26, 2005

Message from a Gold Star Mother

Yesterday, Kristine Mason, another Marine Corps Mom sent this message:

I am a Marine mom of a fallen hero - LCpl. John Lucente, who died on Nov.16, 2005 in Operation Steel Curtain. This has been extremely difficult for us and I know many will follow in this pain. How can I be a support to others in the same way the marine moms have been for me. I have a small but strong voice and I would very much like to share it.

I am so very proud of what our Marines are doing and will stand up against any person who says we are over there in vain. JT's story is attached if you have a few moments. Again I am very proud of MY LOVE, MY SON, MY MARINE and now MY HERO,

Sincerely, Kristine Mason - Marine mom forever

One day after learning that our son was in Iraq, we received the tragic news that Marine Lance Cpl. John "JT" Lucente, 19, was killed with four other Marines as they performed a sweep for enemy combatants in Iraq's al-Abar province near the Syrian border. Our friends and family share our admiration for John, who so proudly became a Marine and died in service, protecting our freedoms and fighting that others may know the same God-given rights that we as Americans embrace. John enlisted in the Marine Corps when he was a junior at Bear River High School. It was a decision he made on his own, out of a deep desire to serve God and his country. He proudly wore his Marine Corps uniform and was so honored to have accomplished the rigorous training to become a United States Marine. John was an honorable man, who took his commitment to the Marines with dignity and respect. John was a quiet, hardworking young man, who enjoyed spending time with his family. He especially enjoyed spending time with his brother Cris, 15. After graduating from basic training, it was evident they were now more than brothers, they were best friends. John's younger sister, Cassie, 9, was his princess to the end and shared a special bond together from the moment he first laid eyes on his sister. Both children consider John as their hero and treasure the memories they share. John's new baby brother Jake, whom John named, is only seven weeks old. John did have the opportunity to see photos of Jake via the internet, and was looking forward to holding his new brother for the first time next spring, when he was scheduled to be home again. Both Cris and Cassie will now share John's legacy with Jake, ensuring that those memories live on. John was encouraged by his step-father Shawn to always look to the future and be the best he could be. Shawn affectionately will always remember the bond they shared during their time together. John enjoyed the outdoors and being in God's creation. He especially enjoyed trips to Jamestown with Shawn to spend the afternoon playing paintball together. As John's mother, I will never put away the memories of my first born. I will lift up every day to ensure that he is never forgotten. I encourage you to have faith in knowing that God is in control, never giving us more than we can handle. A vital part of John's life was his faith. In the last email we received from him, he asked for prayer for his safety and that of all the troops. He knew the danger they were entering into as they participated in Operation Steel Curtain and turned to his faith for the courage he needed. Through the sacrifice of our Lord, we are comforted to know that, as 2 Corinthians 5:8 tells us, he is "present with the Lord." Our family and friends have united in prayer, asking that Christ's love and grace surround us, bringing comfort in this time of unbelievable sorrow. We also pray for our troops here and around the world, fighting for the freedoms that we all embrace. We honor John's beautiful life, his sacrifice, and his proud service as a United States Marine. These words are written from the bottom of my heart, in fond and loving memory of my son, JT. ---Kristine Mason

Kristine speaks with the moral authority lacking in so many who criticize why this country sends its best and brightest young men to defend the cause of freedom on distant shores. The Marine Hymn, engraved in the hearts and minds of each of these young men and women, contains these verses:
There is no doubt that LCpl Lucente, who gave his life in the pursuit of freedom and liberty in the streets of Iraq, is now guarding the streets of heaven with his brother Marines. Kudos to Kristine for reaching out of her grief to support and encourage other Marine parents, and to ensure that John's name will never be forgotten by his family, his Marine brothers, or by the rest of us who owe so much to the heroes of the Corps.

Posted by Deb at 10:50 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack

December 19, 2005

Door Dreams

Rose, another Marine Mom sent this along - her company has an annual office door decorating contest and this was her entry. The Scrooges that judged the contest gave first place to another entry (a black door with a red balloon, captioned "Rudolph at night") but this one captured my heart.

Posted by Deb at 10:54 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

December 05, 2005

Marine One

Retired USMC Major Shawn Madden is the father in law of a recruit currently at Parris Island. His daughter, Emily Burch is holding down the homefront while her husband undergoes the most rigorous military training program in the world.

In e-mail, he said, "The Christmas poem set me to thinking of my daughter and her mother who were the ones left behind with all of the heart-ache and hard work that entails. Below is my humble tribute for what they have done and which so often is overlooked or forgotten."

Here is Major Madden's homage to his daughter and wife:

She lies alone in a bed meant for two Her husband, away, far from home Though he serves she too marks time For the guardian of our freedoms is Not only the one, beyond the seas But the wife, the family-here She will have friends, neighbors, other wives Coming by, visiting, sharing-grief, hardships A sisterhood, shoulders to cry on Those who remain behind with a task as hard In many ways As that of their men, so far away from them She keeps it together, daily The children, the home Waiting, while he does what is needed-freedom's necessity For the return-soon, maybe soon- To warmth, comfort (good food!) Fatherhood, duties of a husband Her service measured, not in blood But in double duty, lonely times, missed companionship Missing a friend, a voice, a touch Things unprovided by others, family She soldiers on In her work, dedicated lonliness Waiting for him to return (Oh Lord, let him return!) Wondering if others know That she has been Doing as one what two were meant to Sleeping alone where two should Hugging with two arms those that remember four When you see one serving abroad Look closely, there are two And if there is no longer two Realize, oh please realize What she who remains Has given And now must continue to do As one By S. C. Madden, Major, USMC (retired)

Next time you see a military wife, tell her you appreciate her sacrifice. They are the silent backbone behind our fighting force. Women such as Carrie Costantini, Cassandra, Jennifer Alford, Mary Helen Bartch, Jayme Alexander, and others too numerous to mention are a shining example to Marine wives everywhere . . . including one of the newest, Emily Burch.

Posted by Deb at 09:39 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

November 25, 2005

LCpl Tyler Troyer - Another American Hero

Each loss of one of our troops is hard. This one is personal. LCpl Tyler Troyer went through grade school and junior high with my son, LCpl Shane Conrad. He and Shane knew just how to push it . . . and when to stop. If I got a call from the South Shore Elementary principal during 2nd or 3rd grade, I could be fairly sure that Tyler's name would come up too. At Shane's 3rd grade birthday sleepover, Tyler and Shane were not happy that I wouldn't let them camp outside (in January!) so they built a tent under an antique table, sending the table and everything on it crashing down on the floor. But, they apologized and fixed it.

They played baseball on opposing teams in high school - Tyler wearing the blue and gold of West Albany, Shane wearing red and gray to represent South Albany. But, after high school, they both wore the same uniform - that of the United States Marine Corps.

And, although they broke things in Iraq, they worked on fixing things too. LCpl Troyer, along with the other 2/2 Marines with whom he served, was no better friend to the citizens of Iraq.

Last week, a sniper took the life of LCpl Tyler Troyer as he provided security in the Kharma AO.

While home on leave last summer, my son went to Tyler's pre-deployment party. Now, he has gotten permission from his 1/7 command to extend his Thanksgiving leave so that he can be there for his funeral. He's hoping to serve as pallbearer at Tyler's memorial services next Wednesday - his final tribute to a Marine of honor and a friend who was as close as a brother.

I will pass along condolences to Tyler's family. If you want to send a note, e-mail me at deb@marinecorpsmoms.com. I will print out each note and deliver it to his parents.

Cards can be mailed to:

Posted by Deb at 11:41 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack

November 09, 2005

Connie and Deb - live on MSNBC

We'll be on tomorrow morning, November 10 between 9:30 and 10:00 PST, promoting Operation Santa. See you there!

Posted by Deb at 04:22 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

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 (0) | 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 (0) | 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 (0) | TrackBack

July 29, 2005

Kansas City, here I come

The song by Big Joe Royal has been stuck in my mind for the past few days and I'm on my way. Currently, I'm sitting in the Phoenix Airport waiting for my connecting flight that will take me to the Marine Parents United Convention this weekend. Marcia, Angie, Cathy and the rest of the board have been working hard to make this event happen and I can't wait to see what they have in store.

Tomorrow morning, I'll present Operation Santa USMC 2005 to a number of interested Marine Parents. This officially launches our second holiday outreach - last year volunteers all over the country worked together to make the holidays merrier for over 6,000 deployed Marines. We'll have more on this soon - watch for the launch of the Marine Corps Family Foundation website. I have a Power Point presentation ready . . . but no screen in the meeting room and no projector, so I spent last evening getting acquainted with the fine folks at Kinko's who helped me print out copies of my slides for a poster presentation.

Adam Marshall, former Marine who is launching a very successful singing career will be returning this year. His new CD is out - visit your local Sam Goody's music store and pick up one or more than one. You won't be disappointed - he has real talent and knows how to work a crowd of Marine Corps Moms.

I'll have more pictures later, but here's my favorite from last year:

From left to right, Marine Corps Moms Connie, Linda, Janise, and Deb.

Linda Kelly, another Marine Mom whom we met last year and quickly became a friend has worked tirelessly to put together a DVD tribute to our nation's fallen heroes. She is a tremendously talented graphic artist and I can't wait to see what she's created. The title of this project is Operation Never Forgotten and it is also a Marine Corps Family Foundation project.

I'll be posting from the conference - stay tuned for news and events. Connie and Janise have other plans this weekend and cannot attend.

Posted by Deb at 11:03 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

May 24, 2005

Sending a son to war

More than one Marine parent has had a well-meaning friend tell them, upon learning that a child was leaving for the sandbox, "I know how you feel, my son/daughter is leaving for college soon." And more than one Marine parent has held their tongue, knowing that there is no comparison between the two events. Here's a snippet of a sermon from a father, Rev. Charles Rush from Christ Church in Summit NJ, who has done both:

It is a strange thing that your child can be on the front lines, scouting the mountains of Afghanistan for Al Qaeda but still able to call you on your cell phone at the beach. But that is precisely what he did a month earlier from a satellite phone, the reception so clear, it sounded like he was right down the road. He was calling to tell his mother that he had secured leave, would be coming home, and he wanted to get married. The marriage part was not a complete surprise but we only had two weeks to prepare for the big event. . . My son and his fiancee flew from Kandahar to Uzbekistan to Kuwait City and then to Frankfurt where they were on standby and were the last two people on the plane to Newark. The pilot on the plane announced to the passengers that they were on leave from Afghanistan and coming home to get married. They were easy for the other passengers to spot since they were in their fatigues, the only clothes they are allowed to wear on active duty. When they got on the plane the passengers stood up and applauded. I picked them up at the airport, more than a little choked up to see them still in uniform, needing a shower from the long journey. Unlike our college kids who can fill a Chevy Suburban and then some, all the gear they needed -- almost all the gear my son has -- was packed in two Army issue backpacks. My son hugged me. He is strong now, very strong, and able to sleep anywhere at any time. We put together a slide show of their childhoods for the rehearsal dinner. It was a delightful review of just what outdoor people both of them are, filled with the laughter that brothers and sisters poke at one another at shared memories. In the middle of the show I had a moment of emotional weakness, remembering a similar slide show that someone put together for a funeral I had recently attended. Anxiety in the face of death hovers around family members of those in active duty. Sometimes you try to banish it from consciousness as though reflecting on it might bring bad luck. Sometimes you try to bargain with it, hoping to control what is not controllable. But it is always there and it is deeply fearful. I never want to pass old photos around and talk about how great my son was when he was alive. And the only thing I think we can do that is spiritually productive with this anxiety is to continue to celebrate the wonder and goodness of life in the midst of it. What better place to do that than a wedding. . . We had to have the reception at our house as my son is just shy of 21. He is old enough to die for his country and old enough to father children legally, but he is not old enough to buy a beer. Not only did his friends come, their parents came too, families that had grown up together. It was probably the first time that some of these parents had actually attended a party with their children -- rather than chase them down trying to put the party out… What a delight to see 50-something women dancing with 20-year-old boys. It was festive and the young people behaved with decorum. But at one point, I did notice one of our junior's doing a handstand on the keg, drinking beer upside down. 20-year-olds do things like that. I couldn't help but think for a moment of Lyndie England and a number of other 20 year old enlisted soldiers that made incredibly poor judgments that embarrassed our country. I couldn't help but think what Colonel's must think every month, without in th least excusing their behavior, the fact is that 20 year olds are capable of astonishingly poor judgment. With the demanding and stressful responsibilities that we place on our 20-year-old soldiers, I am amazed that so little poor judgment takes place overseas. Poor judgment is a daily routine at fraternity houses across the country and most every one of us here can conjure up an image of late night debauchery that got out of control, often fueled by alcohol or other substances, that seemed like a perfectly good idea at the time. Our soldiers in Afghanistan are on a dry deployment -- no alcohol is available in country for the entire year or more of their tour of duty. They don't have access to money -- just a credit card that can be used at the base --and there is precious little entertainment even if you had cash. They are never off duty, just occasionally back at the barracks. Often their missions in the field go on for weeks at a time. During much of this, they have to interact in a friendly manner with villagers that they are not sure are friend or foe. They have to be friendly but also careful. Throughout all of this, they are the front line ambassadors of our country. That is a lot to ask from a young person. My son has learned a surprising amount about Afghanistan in a short time. I was glad to hear that soldiers regularly dig wells with pumps as many villages have no safe drinking water. I was glad to hear that they set up medical clinics and dispense medicine. You don't read about how the military tries to address the local needs of the villagers. He showed me some photos that he had taken of remote villages in the mountains. He is very realistic about the limits of what is possible in a country so remote, with villagers that have been content with their way of life for the past several centuries and don't see any real need to develop. He understands that Afghani's are wary of Americans but he says they are more skittish of the Taliban; and he notes that even if we suddenly left and the Taliban and Al Qaeda left as well, it is not as if serenity would suddenly breakout in country because there is constant infighting among the clans. This has been their way of life for longer than anyone can remember. He understands the complexity of the ground and the ambiguity of trying to bring democracy and American values to their country. © 2004 Rev Charles T Rush, Summit NJ. All rights reserved.

There's more. Read it here:
www.ccsnj.org/Sermons-2004/041003-SendingMySonBack.html

Posted by Deb at 03:30 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

April 26, 2005

Call him JarheadGrandpa now

JarheadDad, proud father of a twice deployed United States Marine sends some wonderful news:

". . . I have become a granddad! Woo-Hoo! Little Hailey Jean was born last Saturday and weighed in at 6lbs 11ozs. What a beautiful baby if I do say so myself! HA! I really didn't know how I would feel about being a grandparent. Some folks say it makes you feel old. I don't know about them but I'm feeling younger every day! Holding that precious little girl does wonders for the mind, heart, and soul!"

	Watt sent a disclaimer that he and the new Grandma hadn't slept in 36 hours, but they look great!
"Beau is our oldest and Hailey belongs to he and his wife, Amanda. I haven't decided whether I'll let them keep her or not yet! :-o"
	Here's JarheadSister, now AKA Aunt Elizabeth.

Congratulations to the entire JarheadFamily!

Posted by Deb at 08:13 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack

April 08, 2005

Anniversaries

"Every man's life ends the same way. It is only the details of how he lived, and how he died that distinguishes one man from another." -Ernest Hemingway

As families, we celebrate birthdays by looking back at the past year and forward to to the next one. From the time that a child is born, his or her life is filled with promise but some lives are shorter than others. For the families of fallen heroes, there is another anniversary each year, one that is both a source of terrible pain and terrific pride. They celebrate the all-too-short life of their hero while wondering what might have been if they had returned from the fight. And beyond everything, they want and need to know that the world will never forget the sacrifice made.

When Sgt. Allan Walker was killed last year on April 6 in the Al anbar province of Iraq, his best friend SSgt Scott McLaughlin, wrote a beautiful tribute that gave the rest of us a glimpse of the man and Marine Sgt Walker was. Two days ago, SSgt McLaughlin left a comment that it was the one year anniversary of Sgt. Allan Walker's death in Iraq. He will never forget and through his words, we will never forget Sgt. Walker either.

In the same accident that took Sgt. Walker, HM3 Fernando Mendez-Aceves fell while treating Sgt. Walker's wounds. His bravery was noted in a subsequent speech by LtGeneral Gregson and will never be forgotten by his family,the men he served with or those who read tributes to his bravery.

Cpl Nicholas J. Dieruf, 1st LAR, died one year ago today while serving in the al Anbar province of Iraq. Just before he redeployed, he married Emily and they had dreams of a long and happy life together. That was not to be. However, his wife and family have turned their grief into a positive force for helping other families. They've created the Corporal Nich Dieruf Memorial Fund which benefits military families throughout the world by providing assistance and support to the families who give much so that we can live in freedom. It's a wonderful effort and very worthy of your support.

Another family finding solace in helping others is that of LCpl Brad Shuder who was killed in combat last April 9 in Fallujah. They'll use donated funds to help 2/1 Marines with the wounds of war - both physical and emotional. And they're reaching out to other families. "I just hope the families have support - people around them when they need them," Brad's mother, Rosemary Shuder, said in a recent interview. "The grieving process is excruciating."

Mike and Molly Morel lost their son, Capt Brent Morel, last April 7. Molly described Brent's death as "the end of half my dreams for the future." Regardless, both parents are reaching out to other families of fallen Marines as a coping mechanism to deal with their own grief. And they need that same support just as much.

As these anniversaries approach, it's hard to know what to say. But it's essential to say it anyway. The knowledge that a beloved son, daughter, husband, wife, mother or father is remembered as the hero that they were is a tremendous comfort. And written memories help. Write down your recollections and send it along. If you didn't know them personally, express your appreciation for the service and sacrifice. Do it. Just do it. If it's hard for you, think about how much harder it is for the families who are thinking back to that knock on the door. And then do it anyway.

Posted by Deb at 12:58 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

April 03, 2005

Post-deployment homecoming

The Marine is my son, LCpl Shane Conrad who arrived in Oregon yesterday afternoon for his post-deployment leave. The first thing he did was smell the air - it had been raining and "smelled like home". Next, we stopped at a shopping mall to buy a new snowboard and all the gear to go with it. He missed last season and is looking forward to hitting the slopes with his dad next week. And the bars at night - he is making up for 7 months of life in the wild, wild west of Iraq.

He was afraid his dog wouldn't remember him. When he walked into the kitchen and stood in front of her crate, all she could see was his feet. Suddenly, we heard a thumpthumpthump from her tail on the sides of the crate and when I opened the door, she launched herself straight into his arms. Good thing she only weighs 12 pounds.

We stopped by his grandparents home for a brief hug and hello, then he dropped me at home and was off with his friends to test out being 21 and of legal drinking age. There will be more of that - Jarhead Dad has warned me and I am learning to be the mom of an adult who has seen much, done more than most, and returned to be my hero for all time. So far, I've mostly kept my mouth shut except for frequent "Be careful" comments. I'm a mom, it's still my job.

Three weeks will go by all too fast. I'm savoring every moment.

Posted by Deb at 08:48 PM | Comments (8) | TrackBack

March 27, 2005

Gold Star Mothers celebrate Easter

As we celebrate the resurrection of Christ this Easter, knowing that there is everlasting life is a blessing for mothers of fallen Marines. A few weeks ago, Sharon Rosnick talked with a few of them:

As Easter approaches, the resurrection message is even more special this year for Sharon Westbrook. "I know I will see him again," she said. "The wait will just be a little longer." The him she is talking about is her son, Pfc. Jason Poindexter, a Camp Pendleton Marine who was killed in Iraq on Sept. 12, 2004. He had been a Marine for only nine months, and in Iraq for only seven days, when he died. "His destiny was chosen at birth. I miss him but I don't have any tears of regret," says Westbrook, who lives in San Angelo, Texas. "He was a goofy kid that loved life, and his death has brought me a faith in mankind I never had before." In Southern California, Mercedes Butts of Granada Hills approaches the March 27 Christian holiday with a strange peace. She plans to spend some time on Easter Sunday at the National Cemetery in Los Angeles. There, her two sons, 20-year-old Marine Lance Cpl. Matthew Alan, and his 13-year-old brother, Mark Alan, are buried side by side despite the cemetery's initial refusal to do so. A crusade by the Marine Corps and scores of Marine Moms stifled protocol so the siblings could keep the promise they made to each other to be Semper Fidelis – always faithful. "I have no doubt in my mind the two of them are together," she said. "And I have no doubt Matthew went first so he could welcome his little brother home."

Read the rest here.

Posted by Deb at 07:22 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Back home

I returned to Oregon last night after an all-too-short visit to my son who returned from Iraq last Saturday. The Marines are enjoying a 96-hour liberty with their family and friends. Please keep LCpl Jonnie Seeley in your prayers. He bought a new truck with the money he'd earned during his deployment with 1/7 Baker Company in Husaybah and stopped by his mom's house in Arizona to show it to her, then left to return to base. En route, he had an accident and is in a Nevada hospital with serious injuries. I gave a ride off base to LCpl Seeley and a friend last Saturday night after the guys returned. They were so happy to be back home and in civilian clothes once again. The last thing I told them was, "Be careful". My heart aches for him and his family.

Posted by Deb at 07:14 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

More on the Salem-Keizer School District

Connie still has not heard from the school district regarding her letter protesting their decision to eliminate the weapon from the hands of her son, via Photoshop wizardry, in order to display the picture in her daughter Shea's freshman social studies classroom. The story ran as an editorial in the Salem Statesman journal last week, and was followed up with another editorial on Friday.

Here is Connie's second letter - this time to Communications Coordinator, Simona Boucek.

Ms. Boucek, I invite you to contact me regarding the picture you commented about in the article in Friday's Statesman Journal. You stated that the picture "does not necessarily convey military service" and "soldiers are pictured casually in a nondescript room". I would like to address those statements and also share with you our website that provides daily information about Marines stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan, www.marinecorpsmoms.com. First US Marines are not soldiers, they are Marines. Second, what does "convey military service" mean? A Marine recruiter wears a dress uniform, either blue or green and I'm sure you think that is an appropriate attire for a recruiter. Marines in the infantry however very seldom where a dress uniform. They wear cami's while deployed, nothing but cami's and while in a war zone they are NEVER without a gun. My son's job is to protect and secure the freedom of us all and for the people in Iraq. His job is not pretty and it makes many of us very uncomfortable to discuss. And maybe that is the reason this topic is so appropriate for a high school social studies class. It might be beneficial for you to research the many military branches of service and their role in the current events of the Iraq war in order to address this topic knowledgably. No matter what job you have in the Marines, you are trained for combat first and foremost. I'm sure many of our high school graduates will be embarking on this career path and it would be beneficial for them to know the facts. And, third. The "Marines" are pictured in a tent inwhich they lived in for over seven months in a Marine camp on the Syrian border. You will not read much about this camp or city (Huysabah) because it is so dangerous that the media is not allowed there. They are not in complete uniform because its a mere 130 degrees. I personally have never been in an area of 130 degrees, but I tend to believe that I would probably want to undress as much as possible to provide some comfort during my brief "off" time (which is a few hours each day). The air conditioner in the back of the photo ran only when there was enough electricity, provided by a small generator and from what I'm told that was basically never. Although a very good thought. It IS a camp of tents and Marines are stationed their today. There is very little comfort, food is only provided through MRE's (meals ready to eat), showers happen approximately every three to four days to conserve water and energy, so you can imagine that washing your uniform does not happen often. My son was a vehicle commander for CAAT Blue which is an emergency response team. He patrolled the streets of the city of Huysabah daily and was attacked by insurgents daily. He lost four vehicles during his seven month deployment during heavy combat, but most importantly he is very proud that he did not lose one man. As the communications coordinator of our school district I find it offensive that you have not contacted me to share the districts decision regarding the picture in question. In fact not one representative from the school or district has made contact with me or with my daughter, the freshman student attending McKay High school. I could have shed some light on issues that you used in your statement. In the educational arena we look for new ways to stimulate and spring board discussion on various topics, especially in regards to community, national and world events. What more appropriate place than a social studies classroom? This could have been just the beginning of a very stimulating and educational event within our schools. Shea is not alone, there are many other students who are living the daily events of a family member at war. For instance, just today the Oregon National Guard welcomed home the 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry. As a parent and educator I would only hope that our schools would embrace such an opportunity to stimulate our young adults, to embrace those who are touched by this war and to lend support and understanding of their family situation. And, it just may be the most rewarding experience in education for many of the high school students attending that social studies class. Connie Riecke Proud Mom of Bill, Sarah and Shea

Posted by Deb at 06:56 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack

March 21, 2005

He's home

At 11:46 p.m. on Saturday, my son stepped off the bus that brought him and 219 other 1/7 Baker Company Marines home from Husaybah. Hundreds of families were gathered, anxiously waiting through the last few minutes of a deployment that began last August. Other families could not attend and a few Official Huggers were on hand to welcome home the Marines who had no one waiting. As the busses drew closer, announcements were made and cheers rang out. Finally, they were through the front gates, weapons delivered to the armory, back on the busses to Wrigley field, and pouring down the steps into the arms of waiting family members. The waiting was over. Our hearts were full and tears were flowing.

I will have more pictures as soon as I retrieve my camera from my son's barracks room and find a faster internet connection. Today, 1/7 reports for formation and then will be released for a well earned liberty. Shane and I are heading to Las Vegas - the antithesis of the place he's spent the last seven months.

Posted by Deb at 06:59 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

March 18, 2005

Waiting!

1/7 families are gathering in 29 Palms, waiting for Marines to come home. It's a happy time, although we are thinking and praying for the families of those fallen heroes who have come home for the last time. I am staying with the family of LCpl Richard Ramos who serves with my son and we're trading stories about our Marines and sharing ideas on how to make this homecoming memorable. Richard's mom, Anita, and I have supported each other through the last seven months - there is no one who understands like another Marine parent. Also here are Richard's Aunt Jan and Uncle Alex who were strong supporters of Operation Santa. Jan sent Christmas to 256 Marines last Christmas - one of the biggest individual efforts. Alex fixed a wonderful St. Patrick's day dinner last night - corned beef brisket, cabbage, potatoes, and carrots. We were all Irish last night. And now, he's getting ready to BBQ tonight. Gotta love a man who cooks.

In a few minutes, Anita, Jan and I will leave for the base on an early recon mission. We'll hang banners on the fences welcoming our warriors home from a very long seven months. Tomorrow, our sons come home. I am overwhelmed with emotion right now - and thankful for his battalion leadership that trained these Marines so well.

Updating the website is by chance - I'm using my cell phone as a modem and it's very slow. I'm not sure if I'll be able to upload pictures until I can get to a faster connection. I'll keep the posts coming though!

Posted by Deb at 10:52 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

March 15, 2005

Zero tolerance? Let 'em know what you think

My 15 year old daughter, Shea, out of sheer pride, took a picture of her brother to her high school to share with a teacher. Her brother, Bill, also a graduate of Douglas McKay High School in Salem, Oregon, is a US Marine and a decorated veteran of the Iraq war. He has been deployed twice and will be returning this summer for his 3rd deployment to Iraq. Shea has had the unique experience of supporting her brother during his deployments and the true realization of what war means to the families of our Marines and soldiers in harms way.

Shea, a freshman at McKay, has become acquainted with one of her teachers that her brother also had while in school. Mr. Costa is a social studies teacher and football coach. Bill being a football star while in school and lettering all four years is well remembered by Mr. Costa. Mr. Costa has several pictures of McKay graduates hung in his classroom and Shea asked that if she brought a picture of Bill would he also hang it with the others. He of course said yes.

Shea proudly printed a picture of her brother and took it to school. The picture she selected is of her brother in Iraq, in combat uniform and holding a gun. Just, a typical picture of a Marine at work in a war zone. Mr. Costa asked the school administration for permission to hang the picture due to the graphic nature of the picture. He was denied, based on the fact that a gun is included in the picture. From there I’m told it was taken to the Salem-Keizer Administrative offices and it was scanned and the gun removed in order for it meet the guidelines of political correctness.

I wrote the following to the School District Administrator and have not had a response.

Ms. Baker, My daughter is Shea Riecke, a freshman at McKay High School. She is my third child to attend McKay High School. My son Bill and daughter Sarah were also graduates of McKay. I am writing to you to share with you a concern that Shea has voiced to me regarding school administration policy. Shea gave Mr. Costa (one of her teachers), a picture of her brother to hang along with other McKay graduates in his classroom. Shea is extremely proud of her brother and the profession that he has chosen and she was happy that Mr. Costa recognized the accomplishments that Bill has made. He is a US Marine and a decorated veteran of the Iraq war. The picture depicts Bill in Iraq in combat uniform with other members of his unit, and carrying a gun. School administration denied Mr. Costa's request to hang the picture. From what I understand the picture is being scanned and the gun removed and will be returned to Mr. Costa to hang in his classroom. Although, I understand the need to "shelter" our kids from horrific events in our community and world in regards to dangerous and illegal activities, I also see the need to better educate our young adults in realities of todays world and that includes the fact that America is at war in Iraq? The reality is many graduating students, even from McKay High School, will be joining the military as their career choice. I'm sure military recruiters walk the halls of our high schools daily. It is customary to wear their dress blues uniform to conduct such business, but in reality new recruits will be embarking on a very serious and dangerous career and the only uniform they will wear will be desert camis. They will be trained for many jobs but most importantly for combat. Our military strength is very important, especially in todays world, where the war against terrorism is featured in our newspapers daily. And, if I might quote my very heroic son, 'for those kids who join the military I want them to be prepared for reality, they need to know that we are fighting a war here, its serious business. And, everyone who chooses to join the military needs to know how serious it is, we carry guns and we have to use them. Don't hang a picture of me that has been altered and that does not tell the truth.' So, my question to you is, does the Salem Keizer administration truly feel that scanning a picture to remove a gun held by a Marine really help to educate and/or shelter our children in the reality of our country, and of our world? What it does do is devalue the heroic work our very elite military personnel, who everyday give so much to secure our freedom and to fight the war on terrorism, and it does not educate our young adults in the truth. My appreciation to Mr. Costa for "highlighting" McKay graduates and including my son. Connie & Shea Riecke

For many reasons I’m appalled by the behaviors of our educators. I have raised and educated my children to speak and live the truth, to be proud of their country and themselves. Just how far will our society go to blind themselves from the realization that our country is at war and what that means. Is this a revision of history? As young adults graduate from high school I hoped that their education would provide them with the basic knowledge of our world especially today as our Marines and soldiers fight everyday to secure their freedom and the freedom for others. The future stability of our country is only as strong as our future leaders, they need to know the facts, not the propaganda created by our school administration.

If you have an opinion regarding the wisdom of a school district decision to Photoshop the weapon from an active duty Marine's hands, please share it with Salem-Keizer school district administration. Kathryn Baker is the Superintendent of Schools. Her e-mail address is baker_kathryn@salkeiz.k12.or.us. Cynthia Richardson is the principal at McKay High School. Her e-mail address is richardson_cynthia@salkeiz.k12.or.us. And since our comment feature is still broken, if you CC your response to us at info@marinecorpsmoms.com, we'll be happy to print them here.

Posted by Connie at 09:19 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack

February 23, 2005

Planning for homecoming

For some families, the countdown to our Marine's homecoming is almost in single digits. Almost. Others are just starting the adventure, but the focus for each of us is the same - our son, daughter, husband, wife, brother, sister stepping off the bus and into our waiting arms.

The anticipation can overwhelm the reality and it's good to know what to expect. Chaplain Benson with the CSSB-7 has these words of wisdom, primarily for spouses but they apply to parents as well.

Principles to live by in reuniting: Change happens Your Marine or Sailor has changed to a greater or lesser extent. They have been given responsibility and placed in demanding situations in a combat environment. During the past six months, you have also changed. You have been through experiences that have effected you and changed you. The good news is that change doesn’t have to be bad! It may be a positive force in your relationship if you are open to it. It will be easier to reunite if you accept that things may be different. Go slow You may be tempted to want to make up for lost time, but those who have been through this process consistently say it is best to take it slow. Take time to become reacquainted and renew the emotional bonds. This is especially true for those with children. Small children may react with shyness or fear at the return of your Marine or Sailor. Try not to pressure the child to react a certain way, but let your child warm up to your loved one’s return on his or her own time. For spouses, those who have been in your shoes recommend going slow with physical intimacy. Remember that intimate relationships may be awkward at first, and it is wise to tone down your fantasies – reality may be quite different! It is also a good idea to let the person returning set the pace on social and family activities. They may not be ready for a large family reunion right after getting off the plane. Be sure to talk about any planned visits from extended family with your returning Marine or Sailor to make sure you are on the same sheet of music. Communication is the key Talk with each other about your experiences, but avoid the “Who Had It Worse” game. No one wins that one! You each have had challenges and hardships as well as achievements and accomplishments. Communicate openly with your partner and family in healthy ways. Speaking the truth with love is the best way to successfully reunite with your loved one. Use help If you find that you or your Marine or Sailor is struggling with this process, use the help that is available. On base there are Chaplains and Family Service centers that offer a variety of help. If you aren’t near a base, make use of community resources, Veteran Affairs, churches, family and friends. Don’t be afraid to ask for help early instead of letting things get worse. You aren’t alone! You can have a joyful and successful return and reunion with your loved ones! A little thought and discussion can take you a long way. Once again, I want to thank you for your support and efforts to care for your Marine or Sailor in Iraq! Your efforts have made a difference for us! Personally, I would like to say that it has been an honor and privilege to work with the men and women of CSSB7. You can be proud of them and they way they have represented our nation in this place. May God bless you!

When my son came home from OIF1 in October 2003, he had served in a relatively safe place. Najaf was a holy city and the people there loved the Marines. When my son stood guard, men from the city would bring their chairs and sit with the Marines as a show of solidarity and support. When 1/7 left Najaf to return home, citizens lined the streets as the convoy left town. Many wept.

So, when he stepped off the bus, he was happy to be home and his stress level was relatively low. I didn't know what to expect so I didn't make any plans beyond that first hug. After the company had a brief formation and were released to their anxious families, we walked up the hill to his new home in the barracks. The boxes of belongings that he'd left in storage prior to deployment were waiting for him and, like a Marine, he attended to business. Each box was unpacked and his belongings stowed in the available storage space. On the inside flap of each box was a handwritten scrawl, "I love you Mom". As he unpacked, he explained that if he didn't come back, he wanted me to know that. And, he didn't understand why I cried. I still have those pieces of cardboard - they're in his baby book with tiny inked footprints and a lock of hair from his first haircut.

After he'd finished his on base business, he told me he'd like to visit Los Angeles, so we headed west. When we hit the city limits, it was after midnight and we found the nearest In-N-Out Burger - there's nothing like that in Iraq. The reverse culture shock was significant; we walked in at the same time a performing group tour bus pulled in. Shane looked at the musicians spilling from the bus - blue hair, amazing clothes, rapping and clapping - and muttered, "I want to go back to Iraq".

Over the next few days, he adjusted to his return home. Having choices was a novelty. I learned very quickly that when we went into a restaurant that he would order everything that he'd missed while deployed, but eat just a few bites. Not a problem. It was good to see him satisfied and I didn't order for myself - instead, I ate what he couldn't. He thought he might like to go to Disneyland, so we checked into a hotel across the street from the main gate. Although we walked around the Downtown Disney part, we didn't go in the parks. Choices. He had spent the last seven months following a very regimented lifestyle. Now, he was home and the variety of options was disorienting. So, he set the pace and by the end of three days, he was somewhat back to normal.

This time will be different. His company has been in a volatile area for seven months and they've seen significant action. Again, I'm not making any plans past that first hug - he'll set the pace and I'll accomodate him. He thinks he wants to go to Vegas and I'm looking forward to that 220 mile drive. 4 hours of reconnecting as a family is going to be a very short trip.

Posted by Deb at 01:11 AM | Comments (8) | TrackBack

February 21, 2005

Connected to the Marine Corps Family

Connie and I will be guests on the new MSNBC show, Connected: Coast to Coast today, talking about how we cope with our sons' deployments and how we support other Marine Corps parents through our website and blog. Please tune in, then come back and give us a thumb's up or thumb's down!

Posted by Deb at 01:32 AM | Comments (8) | TrackBack

February 19, 2005

Family Ties

I started grading assignments at 8:00 this morning and finished at 9:00 tonight. My only break was a 2 hour phone conference this afternoon with two students who needed me to walk them - again - through the intricacies of how to set up and test research hypotheses. I love teaching but the neverending pile of ungraded papers caught up with me today and I'm tired. Usually, I'd perk right up with a bag of M&Ms but not tonight - first day of induction on Atkins and I'm going through sugar withdrawal. I've been working on a 60th anniversary of Iwo Jima post and didn't get it done for today. Reading about what the Marines on that beach went through is awe-inspiring. And it hits close to home, bringing a realization of just how petty my minor gripes are.

One of the highlights of our family life was twin uncles (by marriage but once I met them, I claimed them as blood relatives), Mack and Mike Hensley. They were inseparable - never married, lived all their lives as Oregon bachelor uncles. They graduated from high school together, joined the Marines on the same day, graduated from boot camp (the first graduating class at MCRD-SD), and went off to war together. They fought together during WWII, sharing a fighting hole at Guam. Mike was injured and sent home to recuperate, Mack stayed.

After WWII, the brothers went to work for an Oregon lumber company on the same day and retired on the same day many years later. When I had my son on January 14, 1984, they were his first visitors when he was just a few hours old, bringing a box of Whitman's Chocolates and charming the nurses. Every few months, they'd take us out to dinner, flirting with me and bantering with Shane. They loved him and were so proud when he left for boot camp.

When Mack died a couple of years ago, I learned at his funeral that he went on from Guam to Iwo Jima where he took part in that epic battle. One of my deep regrets is that I didn't ask more questions while he was still living. Mike lived a few more months but his twin was gone and part of his spirit died that day. I knew them for 20 years but it wasn't enough. They were good men, but that is common to the Corps. I've been thinking of them both today and hoping their memory will never be forgotten. I know that Mack and Mike went to war to protect their loved ones at home. 60 years later, a new generation of young Marines is doing the same thing.

Semper Fidelis. It's a way of life. Thank you, to all our former and present Marines who have sacrificed their own comfort and security so that we can enjoy life without putting overmuch thought into those sacrifices. It's not a small thing. I've worked 13 hours today; they fought from the same hole in the ground for weeks, knowing that the slightest mistake could mean death. I miss my carbs, they ate K rations for months. No comparison. Absolutely no comparison.

Posted by Deb at 11:30 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

February 17, 2005

A MasterCard commercial gone wrong

$ 300.00- digital camera sent at time of deployment
$ 400.00 - printer and additional digital camera sent during deployment
$1300.00 - laptop computer, software, card reader, and blank CDs sent during deployment

Receiving the first picture e-mailed from the sandbox after six months of waiting . . . and realizing that your son is standing in an Iraqi jail cell in his underwear, holding a weapon, and smoking a cigarette. Priceless.

Posted by Deb at 06:13 PM | Comments (8)

February 09, 2005

They are so damn young

When 1/8 Marines arrived back in Kuwait prior to returning home after their second deployment in Iraq, USN CDR Kurt Storey, son of a former VietNam POW USAF LTC Thomas G. Storey, was there. Here's his e-mail relating that experience:

I was going to the gym tonight ( really just a huge tent with weights and treadmills), and we had heard that one of the MEUs (Marine Exp Units) that had come out of service in the "triangle" was reploying (leaving country). We saw their convoy roll in to the Kuwait Naval Base as the desert sun was setting. I have never seen anything like this. Trucks and humvees that looked like they had just come through a shredder. Their equipment was full of shrapnel blast holes, and missing entire major pieces that you could tell had been blasted by IEDs. These kids looked bad too! I mean, sunken eyes, thin as rails, and that 1000 yd stare they talk about after direct combat. Made me pretty damn embarrassed to be a "rear area warrior". All people could do was stop in their tracks and stare... and feel like me...like I wanted to bow my head in reverence. A Marine Captain stationed with me, was standing next to me also headed to the gym. He said, "part of 1st Brigade Combat Team, 8th Marines sir. Took the heaviest losses of any single unit up north as part of Task Force Danger, sir." As the convoy rolled up, all of us watching just slowly crept toward these kids as they dismounted the hummers and 5 tons. Of course, we were all shiny and clean compared to these warriors. This kids looked like they had just crawled from Iraq. I had my security badge and id around my neck, and started to help them unload some of their duffle bags. A crusty Gunny came up to me and said "sir, you don?t have to do that..." "Gunny... yes I do..." They all looked like they were in high school, or younger!! All held themselves sharply and confident, despite the extreme fatigue you could tell they had endured. "You guys out of the triangle?" I asked. "Yes, sir. 14 months, and twice into the grinder sir" (both fights for Fallujah). All I could do was throw my arm around their shoulders and say "thanks Marine, for taking the fight to the bad guys...we love you man". I looked at these young kids, not one of them complaining or showing signs of anything but focus, and good humor. "Sir, they got ice cream at the DFAC sir?" "I haven't had real ice cream since we got here..." They continued to unload... and after I had done my hand shakes and shoulder hugs, the Captain and I looked at each other... They want ice cream, we'll get them ice cream. You see a squid O-5 and a focused Marine O-3 can get just about anything, even if the mess is closed. Needless to say, we raided the closed DFAC (mess tent), much to the chagrin of one very pissed off Mess SGT. and grabbed boxes of ice cream sandwiches (as many as we could carry), and hustled back to the convoy. I felt like Santa Claus. "Thank you sir.." again and again from each troop as we tossed up the bars to the guys in the trucks. "Son, what the hell are you thanking me for...? I can't thank you enough..." and they are so damn young.... I will sleep well knowing they are watching my back tonight....

1/8 is now back at Camp LeJeune.

Posted by Deb at 05:52 PM | Comments (6)

February 07, 2005

Constant attacks need constant prayer

I've mentioned before that there isn't a lot of news coming from Husaybah, current home to 1/7 Baker Company. There's a reason for that. Even though it's one of the hottest spots in Iraq - and has been for months - there are no embedded reporters. Tim Perry with the L.A. Times recently visited Al Qaim, home base for the rest of 1/7. Here's a snippet from his interview with 1/7 battalion commander, LtCol Chris Woodbridge:

Woodbridge said the Marine camp north of Al Qaim in the town of Husaybah is under such constant attack from rockets and mortars that he takes only essential missions there and has declined to bring in Marine brass for inspection tours.

In a phone conversation yesterday with my son, I asked him about some misinformation I'd received recently about a "fender bender" involving his squad. He said, "I guess you could call it a fender blown all to hell. It blew out the windows in a building 2 kilometers away." Turns out it was a suicide bomber that detonated outside the building his squad was in . . . the engine block landed 300 yards away. No Marines were seriously injured, thank God. He also mentioned, casually mentioned, that he'd had an up close meeting with a sniper's bullet that same week. It smashed into the wall he stood next to, missing him by 4 inches. All in a days work for Marines on the Syrian border.

Thanks to everyone who is praying for him and all our Marines. It's working.

Posted by Deb at 09:52 PM | Comments (6) | TrackBack

February 03, 2005

Waiting for this day...

Proud Marine Mom Carol Hutchings recently welcomed her son home from the sandbox. She captured so perfectly the emotions that parents experience during redeployment:

The phone call came at 0330hrs to the hotel room, the plane had landed. They were at the airport. Hallelujah!!! Into the SUV (with our bumper sticker- United States Marines) we drove into the darkness with great anticipation. Hurry go faster...the gate waved us through, they knew where we were headed. The darkness hung with us. The excitement began to grow as the families gathered in the big room with the joy and excitement building with each announcement of their movements. Our Marine Homecoming shirts proudly displayed. Sharing hugs with families we did not know. Waiting waiting. Finally, the announcement came the buses are moving. Some of us were drawn outside stretching our necks to see those great buses bring in our loved ones, Our hero's, our Marines. The lights in the darkness were moving toward us, waiting waiting. Our American flags were waving high, the sounds of our cheers echoed into the night, here they come, here they are, in front of us. Our Hero's. The buses stopped and doors opened. Out poured our Hero's.

Hugging, kissing, welcoming our Hero's home, who we prayed for everyday, who we hoped for everyday, they were finally here. Searching for my Marine, looking for that tall figure and that proud walk. Shaking hands, hugging Marines, thanking them all, as I tried to find my Marine. They were dressed in their fatigues worn and faded from the sweat and sun of the Sandbox. Some looked so tired, some so happy to be home. One Marine holding his baby for the first time, was so moving. What joy. The rain came down on us all, but I don't think we even noticed the cold or wet. The tears of joy flowed from our eyes, and there he was standing in front of us, grinning from ear to ear. A site to behold. He had seen the hell of war, and made it home. My son was home, he was safe for now. So proud of my Marine, so filled with overflowing joy, he is a true Marine. He made it home, however, he did not let me fail to remember those who did not make it home. The hugs that I wanted to last forever around his disciplined body, were also for those hugs that would not be felt by some. My heart ached for those families who were not able to feel what I was feeling. My Marine will not forget his brothers that came home with him, and his brothers that did not. War is hell. Thank God for our Marines who did make it home, and I pray for all the families of those who lost loved ones in this war. What a great great homecoming for me. God bless all our United States Marines and their families.

Now, if I can only keep him from driving 100mph in that darn Orange Mustang.

Good luck on that one, Carol

Posted by Deb at 11:01 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack

January 30, 2005

I am a Marine mom and I couldn't be prouder....

Carrie Costantini has added another title to her list - proud Marine Mom to PFC Zack Costantini. That smile in the picture below will bring memories to Marine Moms everywere, including proud Marine grandmother Pat Costantini who is the mother to the other Marine in the picture - Carrie's husband, LtCol William Costantini, who commands the 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion.

On this particular January morning, I was thinking to myself that I had been a Marine wife for 19 years. 19 years of deployments, birthday balls, key volunteers...in other words..seen it, done it, bought the t-shirt. Until that day. The day my son became a Marine. I had butterflies in my stomach. I wondered what Zack would be like after his experiences at MCRD San Diego. Would he still be the same kid that we all called "King Kamehameha"? We stood with all of the other anxious parents in front of the theater. A drill instructor with a microphone had a running patter of do's and don'ts. Frankly, that got on my nerves. It got on my husband's as well. As India company returned and formed up after their motivational run, we scanned the crowd of recruits looking for Zack. We moved to the other side of the theater and I found him. It seemed to take forever for his father to find that face but there it was. Three rows back and two men to the left, my son's face. At last!! A sighting. We still couldn't talk to him. They all had to shower and form up for the presentation of the eagle, globe and anchor pins. After waiting almost 13 weeks to see him, the hour or so that we still had to wait seemed to drag on and on. Finally, they marched out and stood at attention. Well..sort of. Their eyes darted around, trying to find their families. Cameras clicked...parents, grandparents, sisters, brothers all yelling, "I see him!!" As their drill instructors presented the e,g,and a pins, I was thankful for dark glasses and wished I had put kleenex in my purse before leaving the house that morning. The crusty Marine sitting next to me was not much better although he flatly denies it. When their drill instructors finally released them, families surged out of the stands. We were in that crush too. Who cares if I'd been a Marine wife for 19 years???? I was going to hug that kid and nobody but nobody was getting in my way...not even him. He wasn't quite sure what to do when I grabbed him but he put up with it pretty well. I guess that was change number one. The rest of Parents' day was spent trying to keep him fed (I can not believe how much this guy eats...it's almost superhuman) and catching him up with family and neighborhood news and hearing bootcamp stories. Change number two...our usually reticent son talked our ears off...between bites of food, of course. He called me "maam" about five times but then again, he also dropped the f bomb as many times. Changes three and four..and although both of those changes have disappeared, I have no doubt that his stint at SOI will bring them both out again. Oh well... As for graduation day, perhaps I should just let the pictures speak for themselves. God knows I have sent them to everyone I know. I am a Marine mom and I couldn't be prouder....

Posted by Deb at 12:47 AM | Comments (6) | TrackBack

January 28, 2005

More prayers, more tears, and blessed assurance

Yesterday's helicopter crash that claimed the lives of 30 Marines and one Navy Corpsman marked the largest loss of Marines in a single incident since the Oct. 23, 1983 bombing of the Marine Barracks in Beirut, Lebanon when 241 U.S. Marines were killed when a explosives-laden truck driven by terrorists crashed through a checkpoint and into the barracks where they slept. Reports from Iraq have said the Marine helicopter was flying in a sandstorm - an unavoidable condition in a war zone.

I have heard from so many anxious parents who are waiting for word of their child's safety. Here are words of wisdom from a proud Marine dad, Tony M. who has endured his share of sleepless nights:

Folks, let me give you a good word ... YOU ARE GOING TO BE FINE. In those unspeakably dark moments, when a car pulling up in the drive causes your throat to constrict and your heart to race ... when the nights are unusually long ... when you read headlines such as "Eight Marines killed in Al-Anbar province," and you know your son is right in the middle of it ... it's STILL gonna be OK. You CAN take it. You HAVE to. And you will, and you'll grow from it, and your faith will be strengthened. It's not much fun, I assure you. During Cpl Jeremy's last deployment, when we knew he was taking part in the largest single Marine offensive since the Korean War, we asked ourselves as a family: "What is the very worst thing that could happen?" The answer, of course, was easy. We knew he could lose his life. As shattering as that would be, and as much as we would grieve, we would not grieve as those who have no hope. We've all made arrangements to meet again, and my hope is built on nothing less than that old blessed assurance.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of these Marines who were all veterans of the successful Battle of Fallujah in November 2004 - they will forever be remembered as the heroes they were. Information on each fallen hero can be found here.

Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif

• Capt. Paul C. Alaniz, 32, of Corpus Christi, Texas
  
• Capt. Lyle L. Gordon, 30, of Midlothian, Texas
  Staff Sgt. Dexter S. Kimble, 30, of Houston
  Lance Cpl. Tony L. Hernandez, 22, of Canyon Lake, Texas.

1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base Hawaii

• 1st Lt. Travis J. Fuller, 26, of Granville, Mass.
  
• 1st Lt. Dustin M. Shumney, 30, of Vallejo, Calif.
  
• Staff Sgt. Brian D. Bland, 26, of Weston, Wyo.
  
• Sgt. Michael W. Finke Jr., 28, of Huron, Ohio
  
• Cpl. Timothy M. Gibson, 23, of Hillsborough, N.H.
  
• Cpl. Richard A. Gilbert Jr., 26, of Montgomery, Ohio
  
• Cpl. Kyle J. Grimes, 21, of Northhampton, Pa.
  
• Cpl. Nathaniel K. Moore, 22, of Champaign, Ill.
  
• Cpl. Nathan A. Schubert, 22, of Cherokee, Iowa
  
• Cpl. Matthew R. Smith, 24, of West Valley, Utah
  
• Cpl. James L. Moore, 24, of Roseburg, Ore.
  
• Cpl. Sean P. Kelly, 23, of Gloucester, N.J.
  
• Lance Cpl. Gael Saintvil, 24, of Orange, Fla.
  
• Lance Cpl. Michael L. Starr Jr., 21, of Baltimore
  
• Lance Cpl. Joseph B. Spence, 24, of Scotts Valley, Calif.
  
• Lance Cpl. Darrell J. Schumann, 25, of Hampton, Va.
  
• Lance Cpl. Hector Ramos, 20, of Aurora, Ill.
  
• Lance Cpl. Rhonald D. Rairdan, 20, of San Antonio
  
• Lance Cpl. Mourad Ragimov, 20, of San Diego
  
• Lance Cpl. Saeed Jafarkhani-Torshizi Jr., 24, of Fort Worth, Texas
  
• Lance Cpl. Brian C. Hopper, 21, of Wynne, Ark.
  
• Lance Cpl. Jonathan E. Etterling, 22, of Wheelersburg, Ohio.

Naval Medical Clinic Hawaii, Marine Corps Units Detachment, Pearl Harbor

• Petty Officer 3rd Class John D. House, 28, of Ventura, Calif.

Petty Officer House had been a father for less than a month and had seen his son only through pictures - James was born to his wife Melanie on Christmas Eve. In an interview with the Ventura County Star, his parents described his relationship with the Marines he served with>

"In one of the letters he wrote, 'I know all of them ... even in the dark, by their mannerisms,'" Susan House of Simi Valley, Calif., read, choking back tears. "'I don't know how I am going to deal with losing any of them. It is my job to take care of them and keep them safe.'"

Petty Officer House extended his deployment because of a shortage of Navy corpsmen. There will be a special place in heaven for him - for all our heroes.

Posted by Deb at 04:54 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack

January 27, 2005

A day of prayers and tears

Yesterday, Marine families all over the world held their collective breath as they heard of the tragic helicopter crash which claimed the lives of thirty Marines and one Sailor who may have been a corpsman assigned to save their lives in case of injury. Thirtyone families are forever altered and our hearts and prayers reach out to them.

Twenty-seven of the Marines are from Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe Bay. Marine brother Liam sends along this request:

I just wanted to ask if y'all could pray for my brother James and his marine brothers from Hawaii. They just lost 27 of their men and prayers are needed now more than ever. If you could pray for them that would mean the world to us.

The Oursler family sends along their condolences to the larger community of Marine families:

I can't find another website with which to send both my and my families condolences on the horrific crash which claimed twenty nine marines and one naval seaman. I am an army wife whose husband is serving his third tour. I have cried on and off all day and cannot imagine the sorrow your community must be feeling. God Bless you and your community: the wives, children, mothers and brothers, fathers and sisters and granparents who are greiving. It is beyond words and we are praying for you.

I know just how she feels - it's the same way Marine families felt when the Mosul dining tent was bombed. We all grieve together.

And, Major General Natonski, CG for 1MARDIV sent this message to the families of the troops under his command yesterday (thanks, Carrie):

The 26th of January 2005 was a tragic day for the Marines, Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen of the 1st Marine Division. Thirty-one of our brothers in arms perished in a helicopter crash while conducting security and stabilization operations in the Al Anbar province. Although our mission is dangerous and we understand the risk associated with our task, losses of this magnitude remind us all of how fragile life is. Our Division has reflected on the sacrifice of these brave warriors and said a prayer for their families and friends. Although our hearts are burdened by this loss, we continue to march toward our goal of a free and democratic Iraq. We will honor their sacrifice with our deeds. The first free election in Iraqi history will occur in no small part due to the efforts of the members of the 1st Marine Division who have sacrificed for this historic day. We also send our condolences to the families and friends who lost loved ones from the 3d Marine Aircraft Wing. We often talk about the Marine Corps being a family. Whenever a family loses one of its’ own, it comes together to find the strength and courage to persevere. Today we are not separated by unit, occupational specialty, or rank; but rather joined by the bonds forged of 229 years of brotherhood. Together we will carry on. We honor all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our nation. May God bless all those who we have lost and the Marines, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and families of the 1st Marine Division.

Posted by Deb at 12:47 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

January 22, 2005

Two Seeds

Lori Holman from Norman, Oklahoma is pulling double duty with two Marine sons. She recently sent this message written straight from her heart. If you can get through it without tears, you are made of stronger stuff than I.

Just a few days ago, I walked slowly in downtown Norman on an uncharacteristically warm winter day. That bright afternoon, the town's teens and collegiates were out in force; absorbing the sun's energy, enjoying the rare warmth. I smiled, scanning the crowd and trying not to think of my 46th birthday. I found myself drinking in the younger peoples' enthusiasm for the day and I steered away from thoughts of advancing age. I chided myself for feeling old and decrepit, and wryly realized I sstill have time left to enjoy. Besides, how can one think of life's approaching end while surrounded by so many young souls?

I rolled my eyes at my silliness and focused again on the young people laughing and having fun. Such young faces! Twinkling eyes, smiles flashing as quickly as Oklahoma summer lightning, faces radiant and happy. Youthful exuberance bubbles up from spirits freely riding the winds of hope. The faces of young America, I thought to myself - the future of our nation resting so easily in their strong hands. So much promise, so many dreams cradled in their arms, waiting only for the chance to run.

Our next generations' dreams for the future might be widely different but the enthusiasm with which they embrace those dreams seems universal. The faces are as different as are wildflowers in a meadow, yet their eyes shine with the same brightness of possibilities.

My thoughts turned to my own sons; two of them serving their country as United States Marines. My firstborn, just starting out as a newlywed, he and his young wife together again after his deployment to a war zone in Iraq. My middle son, newly engaged and so vibrant with life, his own deployment on the very near horizon. Their youngest brother, so intelligent and creative, still undecided on how he's going to leave his mark in life, but ever thankful of his brothers' contributions toward the freedom of his own future.

Less than one week later, I sit in front of my computer, tears slipping down my cheeks as I think on our next generations. I am contemplating two young lives in contrast, lives out of sync. Two young men on the edge of forever, ready to cultivate the fields of tomorrow with their best efforts. How each young spirit chooses to plant their seeds in the fields of tomorrow can be so greatly different. And oh, how differently their offerings do flower.

I'll call the first James. James is twenty-three. He is a bright young single college student, well-liked and enthusiastic about life. He grabs every golden opportunity America gives him. Not much thought is given to the inner workings of these opportunities, and James avails himself of his birthright to complain about his government and voice his criticism freely. James considers himself a patriotic American. He like so many proudly proclaim discontent with our country, and he never has to miss the chance to share those views. No problem with that, right? If you see something you don't like, isn't it a responsibility to say so?

Our second young American is named Steve. Steve is about the same age, married with a new young baby. He could have gone to college right out of high school, but felt a need to do more with his life first – to give back to the country he so deeply loves. He became what few Americans can ever dream of becoming - a United States Marine. He said goodbye his loved ones and deployed to Iraq.

Two men, two choices, each with the freedom to choose what path they can walk to make our world a better place.

Steve was critically wounded while in combat, suffering among other injuries a broken back and blindness. He saw his friends, his Brothers, maimed and die from the same roadside bomb that altered his life so drastically. Steve had times when he felt down, when he worried that he would be unable to lead the kind of life he and his young bride had planned so hopefully. But after talking and just being grateful that he was alive, they realized that no matter what this
turn of events brought on the horizon, they would face it bravely and together. He took great delight in doing simple things and was still proud of his service to his country. He told people, "I have seen everything I need to see. I saw my son being born, I saw my Drill Instructor smile at me when he said congratulations Marine. I saw a lot of sunsets in places that they talk about in the Bible. I saw a lot of my friends go home from over there, I saw a lot that didn't. I saw the Iwo monument in Washington. I saw how proud my dad was when I graduated boot camp. I'm satisfied with that. I don't hold a grudge or
anything like the doctors told my wife she should prepare for. I wish I could still be there obviously, but I feel like I have done a lot while I was there. I know I'm glad I didn't die there, and that when I do go I'll be able to say that I gave more to this country then I took from it. Thats all you can ask for in the end…I really am grateful for all the things I have. I missed alot while I was gone. I may never see my son smile, but I can still tell when he is happy. I love smelling his hair after (my wife) gives him a bath. Those are the kinds of things, along with your prayers, that get me through the day."
Back to James. He and his buddies often spend time in town, enjoying the sights and getting away from the "pressures" of college life. They decided to get a bite to eat. By chance, Steve and his wife were in the very same place. Steve and his wife had finally gotten the chance to go out to have dinner, something they hadn't been able to do since before Steve was injured. Their paths converged. Steve, using his walker to carefully navigate his way across the room, bumps into a chair. James and his friends think this is hilarious. T