Part of A Marine Family

I was driving to a meeting the other day and a large truck pulled up beside me and honked. I looked over (wondering what I did wrong) and the truck driver gave me the thumbs-up and mouthed "Semper Fi". What a great feeling. I was proud.

Brian put USMC stickers on our cars before he left for boot camp and I can't even count the number of times that has happened when other Marines have seen them. I remember when Brian graduated from boot camp and the commander in San Diego giving a wonderful speech about the importance of family and commitment and how we are now part of the Marine Corp family. It really didn't sink in then but has become much more apparent with each encounter we have with other Marines.

Brian and I exchanged e-mails over the past week and I was telling him how proud we all are of what he and his fellow Marines are doing for us. Here's his reply, "You guys are the real heroes cuz the truth is, all of the troops overseas are here because of the families that made them who they are". Just amazing to me. If there is one thing I've learned- others may talk about things- Marines live them.

Most of you know Brian changed his FOB and gave us pretty direct "hints" on where he is now. (I believe the reason he can't come right out and tell us is due to security filters). Lindsey was able to talk to him- (and probably others)- but we missed him this time. But, he sounds good in his e-mails and it sounds like this base is more liveable than where he was before.

I continue to be very apprehensive with the stability of things over there but I have much more confidence in the military leadership and strategic decisions that are being made today. That helps a little. The uncertainty won't go away until he's back home.



Here is a picture of the first time we saw Brian after 13 weeks of boot camp in San Diego. He said he about lost it when he turned "left-face" and we were standing right in front of him. Thirteen weeks seemed like an eternity back then- but as we go through our second deployment it seems like a piece of cake today.


Here is Laura and Brian when he returned home from his first deployment. We can't wait until he's home from this one. We know we have a ways to go. We're just taking it Sunday-to-Sunday; Chow-to-Chow; and praying every day for the safety of all serving over there.



Laura, Lindsey, Jason, and I want to thank everyone who is sending packages, notes, e-mails, etc. It means a lot to us- and I know it means a lot to Brian. Please remember- you are also an important part of our "Marine Family". You have our heartfelt gratitude.

Semper Fi