« August 29, 2004 - September 04, 2004 | Main | September 12, 2004 - September 18, 2004 »
September 11, 2004
Remembering 9/11
This is the third anniversary of the horrific events of September 11. Three years ago, my son and I sat at home and watched events unfold on television as our nation was attacked. Within a few days my son had talked with recruiters and informed me that he would become a Marine. My reaction is another story.
Two years ago, he prepared for his departure for MCRD-San Diego where he entered boot camp. In one of our last conversations, he told me that he thought about 9/11 every day and this was his way of helping to protect his family.
One year ago, he was in Iraq. He continued to think about 9/11, as did the other Marines. They knew it was why they were there. And this was 1/7, Baker Company's response:
"The proud warriors of Baker Company wanted to do something to pay tribute to our fallen comrades. So since we are part of the only Marine Infantry Battalion left in Iraq the one way that we could think of doing that is by taking a picture of Baker Company saying the way we feel. It would be awesome if you could find a way to share this with our fellow countrymen. I was wondering if there was any way to get this into your papers to let the world know that 'WE HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN' and are proud to serve our country." -- Semper Fi 1st Sgt Dave Jobe
This year, 1/7 Baker Company is once again in Iraq on the anniversary of September 11. They are still proud to serve and they have not forgotten. I don't know if they'll have time to take a picture this year. But looking at the image of my son who stands proudly at the top of the first R in Remember, reminds me of how blessed we are to have men and women who protect and defend us against future attacks.
Posted by Deb at 10:24 AM | Comments (6) | TrackBack
September 10, 2004
Update from LtCol Dave
Congratulations on a well-deserved promotion! Here's the latest update:
As you have heard, we lost 7 Marines to a suicide car bomber the other day. We also lost 3 Iraqi Special Forces Soldiers. All were exceptionally brave men. The Marines are from a battalion that has fought as hard or harder than any other here in Iraq. These were the guys that were knee deep in the hardest fighting in Fallujah back in April and who have been going hard ever since. Even more tragic is that they were close to getting out of here.As heart broke as the Marines of the battalion were, last night they really took it to the insurgents inside of Fallujah. Contrary to what might be in the media, the mission was not "retribution" for the suicide bombing. It was part of a regular operation that was slightly accelerated in light of what happened. We had been watching the city for quite a while and killed many, many terrorists last night. The battle lasted for hours and hours later, we were still getting secondary explosions off of objectives that we destroyed. You must have faith that the Marines are giving much better that we get.
Such action does not lessen the pain for the Marines who lost their buddies but it gives them a chance to fight and that is what they want. I saw the SgtMaj for the battalion that lost the seven Marines the morning after the explosion. He told me "there is still plenty of fight left in them" (the Marines). Sure enough, that night (last night), they delivered. Regardless of what the enemy throws at them, the Marines will always be laying in the tall grass looking to take the fight to them. There is a major effort to "keep the noise level down" and stay out of the news but it does not mean that the Marines are not out there every day performing. I cannot say it enough, they are amazing.
Posted by Deb at 10:56 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Update on Operation Santa
Thanks to everyone who has e-mailed offers to help with Operation Santa. If you haven't heard back from us yet, please be patient. My laptop, with all my files, died Monday night. The new motherboard has been ordered and I'll be back online by next Monday. In the meantime, we're busy! My mom sewed 130 stockings last night - she's amazing! Connie and I bought another 15 yards of fabric tonight and are cutting out more stockings. We now have enough for the entire 1/7 and are adding battalions. We've had folks ask for platoons in 1/8, 3/4, 1/2, and 3/5. And there are more. My spreadsheet, with all assigned platoons is on my laptop - I'll do an update Monday when I get my files back and let all of you know who has what.
And if you're considering sponsoring a platoon but haven't spoken up - we'd love to hear from you! Again, we'll provide stockings and guidelines. You'll make Christmas merry for 30-40 Marines who would love to be home with their families but are keeping watch on the other side of the world. Please contact us by e-mailing deb@marinecorpsmoms.com or using the contact page on this website.
Posted by Deb at 10:50 PM | Comments (1)
September 09, 2004
E-mail from the battlefield
LCpl Heist, currently deployed in Iraq, sent this e-mail to his mother to be shared with his family and friends. It's a poignant message of loss and brotherhood and deserves a wider audience. My heart aches for what our Marines go through - as parents we seek to shield them from hurt and harm. Now, they shield us - a role reversal that is unsettling at best.
Dear Friends and Family,Growing up in a middle class upbringing as I did, you are in a way shielded from the horrors of life and death in war. Such innocence and ignorance is almost apart of your skin. Yeah, you hear of countries with oppressed people, the unfair justices, and deaths of many in the wars of the past. But you never get to experience or see the effects of it all. Well, today I finally had my first experience.
On September 5th, 2004, at 1630, the ceremony for the deaths of PFC Nicholas M. Skinner and LCPL Alexander S. Arredondo was held. Walking to the formation, feeling the punishing heat and the combination of sand and rocks below my feet, I was not prepared for the display. Hearing the short testimonies of Marines talking about their brothers was undeniably moving. Standing there in formation, I couldn't help but think of their families and how honorably these men died. In the background, was a large mound of dirt with a huge wooden cross, complemented by two stands with the names, dates of birth, dates of their death, and pictures of them with family and friends. In front of this display, was the symbol of a fallen warrior: their
Kevlar helmets on top of the butt stock of their M16 with bayonet stuck in the ground, their dog tags with chain hanging from the handle of their weapon, and at the mussel of the M16, were the boots in which these Marines marched onto the battlefield.After the ceremony, all of the Marines present, including myself, paid their respects by giving them an about face and a firm salute in front of their memorials. On the left, were the closest of friends to the fallen in which all the Marines gave them a firm handshake and/or a big hug. I couldn't help but shed tears watching all the Marines do this, because even though most of us weren't friends with these men, we Marines are all brothers and sisters. We all had to persevere the pain of fatigue in recruit training, the tyrannical raids of the Drill Instructors, and we all marched that parade deck on graduation day in which we earned the title of United States Marine.
No doubt about it, PFC Skinner and LCpl Arredondo are heroes and I will never forget their names as long as I shall live. Please pray for their families, it's the least we can do as Americans.
I miss you all and God bless you.
Semper Fi,
LCpl Heist USMC
Posted by Deb at 01:34 PM | Comments (6)
September 08, 2004
Operation Santa
The second rotation of troops to Iraq is underway. Many of our Marines will be home for Thanksgiving and Christmas . . . and others will spend these family-centered holidays far from home. For many of these young men and women, this will be their first Christmas away from friends and family. Although they have made a choice to serve their country, it's going to be a lonely holiday. And not just for the Marines but for family members back home as well.
One of the hardest parts of this deployment for me is knowing that my son and his brother Marines will be spending Christmas away from home. Every Christmas morning for the last 20 years, my son has looked forward to a stocking, hung by the chimney with care, chock-full of carefully chosen and wrapped gifts. The week before our Marines deployed, Connie listened as I told her that I knew this would be a hard time and that I thought I'd send Christmas in a box to his platoon.
She looked at me and said, "Just his platoon?"
Okay, his company. "Just his company?"
The Marine Corps Moms are rolling again. Operation Santa will bring a touch of home to the deserts of Iraq and Afghanistan. While we are starting with 1/7, we hope to add other battalions, depending on volunteer commitment and energy.
Here's a glimpse of of stockings-under-construction by Grandma Elf, Bette Conrad, that will be filled by loving hands here at home, and sent to the sandbox where they will be passed out at Christmas by Gunnery Sgt. Santa stand-ins:
We are seeking sponsoring "platoon parents" (individuals, church groups, club, employee organizations, etc.) to coordinate Christmas for a group of 30-40 Marines. Each adoptive parent will take overall responsibility for a platoon of Marines in Iraq and Afghanistan.
We will provide Christmas stockings and guidelines for making Christmas a merry occasion. The program parameters call for each Marine in the platoon to receive an individual Christmas stocking filled with wrapped gifts - toiletries, candy, games, tools, etc. There should also be a box filled with gifts to be shared by the Marines in the platoon. This could include board games, DVDs, books, a small Christmas tree, decorations, Christmas music, treats, etc. The coordinator will be responsible for any fund-raising to purchase gifts, pay for postage, etc. for that platoon.
As an example, I will coordinate the overall response for my son's platoon. My mom and I visited a local Walmart store over the weekend and asked for their support, handing them a flyer with program details. They will present it to their Community Outreach committee and we hope to get a gift certificate from them that can be used to purchase stocking stuffers or board games. We'll get decks of cards from a local casino. I'm stocking up on DVDs. I'm asking friends and groups to donate 40 small gifts that can be wrapped and placed in a stocking. Other folks will donate board games and DVDs. Local scout troops are writing letters to the Marines and making decorations. My sister, a secretary at a small country school, will ask folks in the community to bring their portable sewing machines to the school library and spend an evening sewing Christmas stockings. A church group will make cookies and gingerbread. It's a community response to the troops who are ensuring that we can enjoy our holiday season free from religious persecution or fear of terrorist attack.
And that response is overwhelmingly positive so far. Linda, who manages the North Bend JoAnne's Fabrics volunteered to spend her next day off sewing stockings. Ladies in line at Walmart overheard us talking about the project, took flyers and said they'd help. Moms and Dads have called dibs on their son's platoons.
If you'd like to be part of this project, download the Operation Santa flyer for 1/7 Marines here. If you are willing to adopt a platoon, e-mail Deb@marinecorpsmoms.com for guidelines and suggestions. We'll send you enough stockings for your platoon and guidelines for the outreach. And, if you can sew stockings, we'll send you a pattern and directions.
We won't leave out our Jewish and Muslim Marines. A companion outreach will ensure that they are included in an overall gesture of friendship from home.
All boxes must be mailed by the first week in November in order to reach the battalions in time for Christmas. We hope you'll be part of this project. It is sure to bring a few smiles to the faces of our troops, so far from home. And my son is so happy that we are doing this. He said that there are so many Marines that don't have strong family support. This is a way to be that support.
Posted by Deb at 01:15 AM | Comments (798) | TrackBack
September 07, 2004
First e-mail from the sandbox
After a nail-biting week for me, I received my son's first e-mail home after arriving in the al Anbar province last week. I'm a very happy mom tonight.
hey mom I made it to [destination]. its not as bad as I thought it would be. Ive been doing patrols and it gets a little crazy out there but Im confident we'll accomplish the mission we have all ready been kicking ass all over town. We live in an air conditiond hooch and have actual beds and a t.v. and Dvd Player I need socks A.S.A.P. long white ones if possible also to use the phones here i need a phone card from sergoviaip.com, I tried to use my g mail account but I couldnt get in. Anyways gotta go tell brook I love her and miss her very much and have her e-mail me nobody has received mail yet so hopefully we'll get some soon. Love ya Shane
Socks mailed, phone card purchased and codes sent. It reminds me a bit of summer camp days, except that now, they are using real bullets instead of rubber-band guns and the "bad guys" really are bad. Kids grow up. Some kids grow up to become Marines and thank God for that.
Posted by Deb at 09:56 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
September 06, 2004
Kerry's new campaign strategy
Hugh Hewitt thinks Kerry is channeling Jon Lovitz.
The New York Times explains:
The installation of former Clinton lieutenants is creating two distinct camps at Mr. Kerry's campaign headquarters on McPherson Square in downtown Washington.The first is the existing Kerry high command, which includes Mary Beth Cahill, the campaign manager; Bob Shrum, a senior adviser; Tad Devine, a senior adviser; and Stephanie Cutter, the communications director. The second is the Clinton camp, which includes Joe Lockhart, a former White House press secretary; Joel Johnson, a former senior White House aide; and Doug Sosnik, a former Clinton political director. And Howard Wolfson, a former chief of staff to Hillary Rodham Clinton, joined the campaign yesterday."
I think he's getting his signals from Eugene Fields.
The Duel
(The Gingham Dog and the Calico Cat)
by Eugene FieldThe gingham dog and the calico cat
Side by side on the table sat;
'Twas half-past twelve, and (what do you think!)
Nor one nor t'other had slept a wink!
The old Dutch clock and the Chinese plate
Appeared to know as sure as fate
There was going to be a terrible spat.
(I wasn't there; I simply state
What was told to me by the Chinese plate!)The gingham dog went " Bow-wow-wow!"
And the calico cat replied "Me-ow!"
The air was littered,an hour or so,
With bits of gingham and calico,
While the old Dutch clock in the chimney place
Up with it hands before its face,
For it always dreaded a family row!
(Now mind: I'm only telling you
What the old Dutch clock declares is true!)The Chinese plate looked very blue,
And wailed,"Oh dear! What shall we do!"
But the gingham dog and the calico cat
Wallowed this way and tumbled that,
Employing every tooth and claw
In the awfullest way you ever saw-
And oh! how the gingham and calico flew!
(Don't fancy I exaggerate!
I got my news from the Chinese plate!)Next morning where the two had sat
They found no trace of dog or cat;
And some folks think unto this day
That burglars stole the pair away!
But the truth about the cat and pup
Is this: they ate each other up!
Now what do you really think of that!
(The old Dutch clock, it told me so,
And that is how I came to know.)
It's a toss-up as to which camp is protected by the gingham dog and which by the calico cat. The role of the Chinese plate will be easy for anyone who can look down the tracks and see this particular train wreck coming. And the rest of the country will be forced to play the part of the old Dutch clock.
Posted by Deb at 05:14 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Delta gets it wrong
The following letter to the editor appeared in the Benton Courier on August 31. Mr. Nelson was a passenger on a Delta flight and witnessed an act of discourtesy to a young mother, home on a brief deployment leave. I am appalled.
This letter is NOT to the editor. This letter is to the young female soldier from Benton, who I had the privilege to meet this past Friday evening as we were both trying to get home to Arkansas. Returning from a business trip to New Jersey, I was changing planes in Cincinnati when we met. I had just boarded Delta Flight 6281 (operated by Chautauqua Airlines, a Delta Connection Carrier), Delta's last flight of the evening to Little Rock, when you came onboard and sat down in front of me. I, along with other passengers who had already boarded, listened while you shared your story with us. Having spent [more than] six months in Iraq, you were traveling home to Arkansas. While in Iraq, you had been under enemy fire frequently - on many occasions, several times a day. You had lost two fellow soldiers from your post, and just recently (watched) another lose a leg. You were exhausted from two days of travel, having flown from Iraq to Kuwait, from Kuwait to the Netherlands, from the Netherlands to Cincinnati ? but you were excited and happy, because Cincinnati to Little Rock meant you would be home, just in time for your youngest child's second birthday. You had 18 days' leave remaining before returning to Iraq.This letter is also to the well-dressed, middle-aged woman who boarded the plane late, who through some administrative error had been assigned the same seat as the soldier. Your behavior made it obvious to me and those around me that you had no intention of handling the situation in a mature way. You approached the flight attendant and demanded "your seat." As the flight attendant worked with the gate crew to try and resolve the issue, the soldier was asked to leave the plane. Shortly thereafter, you returned. When I inquired as to whether you were aware that the individual who had previously been in "your seat" was a soldier traveling home from Iraq on leave to see her family, your verbatim response was, "So what ? I'm a victim from Chicago! What's the difference?" All within earshot were dumbfounded. It was apparent that you have no appreciation for your fellow Americans who leave home and family and risk their lives wearing the uniform of the United States military.
This letter is also to Delta Airlines. When I, along with several others onboard, approached the Chautauqua flight attendant volunteering to give up one of our seats for the soldier, she left to ask the pilot if that could be arranged, then returned to inform me that the pilot was discussing it with "ops." I overheard part of her ensuing conversation with the pilot, where he conveyed the message that Delta would not permit a paying passenger to be replaced with a "non-rev" ? so, in the end, the decision which caused the soldier to spend yet another night away from home was a financial one. Why, instead, don't soldiers like this one get preferential treatment from Delta instead of being placed last on the list? I am, and have been for many years, a Delta Medallion frequent flier, and may continue to fly Delta when appropriate. However, in spite of Delta's well-publicized financial difficulties, if it is your corporate policy to prioritize profit margin over principled corporate citizenship, then I will be a vocal opponent of any federal financial aid to Delta Airlines.
This letter is also to those in the U.S. military responsible for placing this soldier and all like her in this situation in the first place. As a small businessman, I understand fiscal responsibilities and expect taxpayers' money to be stewarded wisely. I cannot believe, though, that there are not better ways to save money than having our military personnel traveling to and from combat situations on leave flying on commercial airlines under this type of arrangement. Does this policy apply to the military decision-makers as well? Will it take you three days to get home on leave if and when you are ever again asked to serve in combat?
As I was deplaning in Little Rock, the flight attendant handed me a folded piece of paper and personally thanked me for offering my seat to the soldier. Walking through the terminal, I read the note she had written. The youngest of her six children, her only son, was joining the Army. She was expressing her hopes that, in the event he was ever placed in a similar situation, he would be treated differently or at least know that there were those who appreciated his service.
Back to the young soldier: Because you were asked to leave the plane, you did not see that there were numerous volunteers willing to give up their set for you. You only heard the one ingrate who had no appreciation for the sacrifices you are making for all of us. That was no way to be welcomed home to America. I was both ashamed to have been a part of what happened and angry that, in spite of our efforts, there was nothing the other passengers and I could do to help you. Again, this letter is first and foremost to you. It is my intention that it appears in the media before your return to Iraq, so that you will know your efforts are appreciated and that you are sincerely welcomed home by most, if not all, of us. I hope we get another opportunity to do just that. May God bless you and keep you safe.
Michael E. Nelson
Warren
Delta will be hearing from me regarding their "corporate policy to prioritize profit margin over principled corporate citizenship". And thanks to Mr. Nelson for taking the time to write this letter.
Posted by Deb at 12:16 AM | Comments (64)
September 05, 2004
General Mattis thanks the families behind the 1st Marine Division
One of the hallmarks of excellent leadership is knowing when - and how - to express thanks. Carrie Costantini, pulling double duty as both a Marine wife and mom to a Marine recruit, sent along this letter from General Mattis to the families of the 1st Marine Division.
COMMANDING GENERAL
1ST MARINE DIVISION (REIN), FMF
AR RAMADI, IRAQ20 August 2004
COMMANDING GENERAL’S THANK YOU TO THE 1ST MARINE DIVISION KEY VOLUNTEERS AND FAMILIES
It is time for me to leave the 1st Marine Division and I cannot do so without thanking each of you for your support over the last two, tumultuous years. Since our country was attacked on 9-11, 2001, you and your loved ones have endured uncertainty and heartache. Since November, 2002 most of you have dealt with long separations as your spouses brilliantly and effectively carried out their duties overseas. Through it all you have stood by us, and stood by each other. You have never been out of our thoughts and prayers, and I know we have been foremost in your hearts and minds.
For your unflagging support, I thank each of you. I regret that my own time overseas has left me little opportunity to get to know you individually. But your support, expressed through so many letters, e-mails, and kind words have made all the difference. Unmarried myself, I stand in awe of your courage, selflessness and compassion for our Navy-Marine Family. I am so proud of you that I believe I would have asked to marry each of you ladies, had your husband not found you first.
I share your immense pride in the Sailors and Marines of our National Treasure that is called the 1st Marine Division. As my time in the Division ends, your memory will remain with me. I will fondly recall this time together and keep you in my prayers. We could not have done our duty even half so well without your fortitude in adversity and your love.
To the Key Volunteers I send my sincere respects for your leadership and devotion beyond any expectation. Your service to our team has been priceless.
Thank you, each of you, and Semper Fidelis,
James N. Mattis
Major General, U.S. Marines
I'll bet this charming letter brought a smile to a few faces. The families of 1MARDIV will miss him.
Posted by Deb at 01:15 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
A Little Miracle
USMC Lance Corporal Adam Sanchez has a new title - Daddy - given to him by his brand new baby girl, Zoe. Denise Wilkerson, proud Marine mom shares her son's encounter with a caring stranger while he was flying home to California from Texas after his pre-deployment leave.
My son, LCpl Adam Sanchez – 1/7 Marines - was home on his pre-deployment leave when his wife began to have complications with her pregnancy. On August 5th she delivered a baby girl, Zoe Ann, who weighed 2 lbs. 15 oz., 16 inches long. My son was granted an extension on his leave and was able to be with his wife and daughter for two weeks following her birth. We are so grateful that she decided to come early and my son be a part of the birth experience and be able to bond with his daughter. Despite the fact that she was tiny, she was breathing on her own and as the doctors said…….a little miracle. She was still in the neonatal unit at the hospital when it came time for him to return to 29 Palms. As his mother, that was one of the hardest things I have had to experience with him. As he told his daughter goodbye and kissed her tiny cheeks we left the hospital and headed for the airport. The trip to the airport was long and very emotional, needless to say. We arrived at the airport about an hour before his flight was to leave. I will always cherish that hour that we had together just sharing stories, tears and a few laughs.The hour passed by so fast and before I knew it, it was time to tell my son goodbye. I found myself holding on to him and not wanting to let him go. When he left I watched him until I could no longer see any part of him, then I sat and cried for an hour or so until I thought I had just about run out of tears. I could feel that pain he was going through of having to leave his daughter, and then my selfishness of not wanting him to go just made me cry even more. As I drove home from the airport and arrived home I could still smell his cologne and see the reminders of him and then it all started once again…….the tears began to fall. I could not stop thinking about him and what he must be going through on his flight to California.
He had to change planes in Phoenix, and while at the airport in Phoenix he was approached by a woman who could not help but notice he was quite upset, and said that she had overheard some of his phone conversation and that told her he was a Marine. She asked him if she could sit and pray with him. They sat and talked, and he of course shared pictures of his daughter, Zoe with her. She was there for him when he needed someone the most, and for that I will forever be greatful what the kindness she showed him that day. Ironically, she was on the same flight to Ontario with my son and during the flight made a point of walking back to check on him. She handed him her business card with her contact information on it. As soon as I heard about this I emailed her to thank her for her thoughtfulness. We have since become email buddies and are planning to meet when the guys come home in the Spring. She is definitely an angel sent down to watch over my son when he needed someone.
The same day that our boys deployed to Iraq, Zoe Ann came home from the hospital. She is doing great, weighs almost 5 lbs. now……..she is a fighter just like her dad!
I will continue to pray for all our boys, and ask God to keep them safe until they can return home to us again!
Semper Fi!
Posted by Deb at 12:08 AM | Comments (6) | TrackBack