A Day of Change In Iraq

So, it's National Sovereignty Day in Iraq. Today, June 30, is the day that all combat troops are supposed to be withdrawn from the major cities in Iraq. We really don't know what that all means for Brian as they have also stated that intelligence capabilities will continue. Plus, we really don't know where he is right now (we think we know) and Brian is both combat and intelligence so we don't know where that all falls for him. We'll keep you posted- but he probably won't be able to tell us much.

While this is an important day for the Iraqi people, the deaths of four of our soldiers today emphasized that this deal is far from over. As I've said in my previous postings- getting complacent about all of this is my worst fear. I know our military won't get complacent, but our country might. At Obama's press conference the other day there was not one question asked about either Iraq or Afghanistan. Unfortunately, most of our country has moved on to other things as we always do- we (along with all of our troops still serving) will continue to live with it every day until they are all home.

One of Saddam's former deputies came out urging the Iraqi people and the insurgents to keep fighting Americans "wherever they may be in Iraq". Believe me, these nut-jobs won't stop fighting just because our troops are strategically taking a different position. Once again, I hope we remind our country that this isn't over yet. We owe it to those still serving- and for those who have already given the ultimate sacrifice to see it through.

Enough of that.

Getting mail to Brian is still on hold. Ironically, he was able to send a case of some of his extra gear to us and it got here in less than a week. So, mail can go out of Iraq- it just has the problems when it tries to get there. The case he sent still had quite a bit of Iraqi desert sand on it even after the travel. The stuff is just like a fine gold powder. Brian called the other evening while he was waiting out another one of the famous "sandstorms" of this stuff blowing around. He said it was 3:00 in the afternoon and it was just black outside from the storm.

This weekend we'll be celebrating the 4th of July. Last year Brian was home for post-deployment leave and was able to spend some time with us at the cabin- his first time back in two years. All I can say is that it was a classic event. Being the only sober one in a boat with 6 others at 10:30 at night while watching the fireworks from the lake was quite the experience. I believe Brian became a legend in Walker last year when he introduced "Man Shots" to our humble community. It's never been the same.

So, I'm posting some photos from last year below. I told Brian we will all be thinking of him this year- and we'll make sure he catches up to us when he gets back home.

The "traditional meal" with our extended family last 4th

Yes, this is Lindsey after spending time at the Beer Garden in Walker. (Sorry Lindsey, this one is a classic, I had to put it in)

Well-deserved "Welcome Home" shots with friends and family

The family- enjoying some time together, and taking a breath.

So, have a wonderful 4th of July. As I've said many times before, these holidays have a different meaning for us now. Our independence and our freedom come with a cost. And, thank God we have the men and women willing to make the sacrifices to protect it for us every day.

Semper Fi

Prayers for Bri

http://images.acswebnetworks.com/1/1482/MDRCBulletinBoard426.pdf

Check out the Pray for our Military section...

Thanks Aunt Kathy, we want all the prayers we can get!!

We're Plugging Along

(UPDATED 6-17-09) We're supposed to hold on sending packages again- they haven't been able to fix the problem as yet.)

Brian's 22nd birthday is coming up on Monday, June 15. It's hard to believe that he's only 22 with all he is experiencing (and has already experienced)- and at the same time his mom and I continue to view him as the same mischievious little boy he always was growing up. Brian always added a little excitement in whatever he did (and certainly contributed to my gray hair- or what's left of it)- he's just continuing that today.

The weather in Iraq is really heating up. Brian told me that the other day it hit 115 degrees- at 11:00 a.m. But, he said the evenings get down to around 80 so it's tolerable.

Laura and I are doing fine. I guess you can say we're plugging along. Deployments are tough. We're in week 13 and we still have a ways to go. The tough parts are (like today) when he tells us he's heading out on "a mission" tonight and we won't hear from him for a few days. These are the times you just have to pray a little harder and be patient until we hear from him again when he returns. It's certainly challenging.

We've been watching the Colbert Report the past week as he's been filming the show from Camp Victory in Bagdhad (Once You Go Iraqi- You'll Never Go Backi). It's been a really good show and nice to hear about all of the good these guys and gals are doing over there since you don't hear about it in the mainstream media. It makes things seem worthwhile, and makes us feel a little closer to Brian as we watch.

Here are a few pictures Brian sent from wherever he is in Iraq. (Interesting quarters)

So, if you get a chance shoot Brian an e-mail on his birthday. I'm sure he'll appreciate it. And, I also want to reiterate his (and our) appreciation for all of your support in the past, and continued support in the future.

Semper Fi