Grandpa and Grandma Update; Afghanistan Update

Greetings to all

First- PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF MAILING ADDRESS; Welcome to the military- it happens:

Corporal, Zdychnec, Brian, M.

3/6 H & S

CO S2 GSP

Unit 73290

FPO AP- 09510-3290

Second, a Grandpa and Grandma update:

Lindsey and Ethan (and Jason) came home from the hospital on Tuesday. The picture on the right is Semper, Maddie, and Piper being introduced to their new friend when they got home. Grandpa has been over three times already (a pest) including one trip with Grandma on Saturday. I’ll shift it down a level to give them a chance to breathe but it really has been a wonderful experience for Laura and I to be a part.


Jason will be taking one more week at home to help out before he returns to work next week. He’s quite the guy.

Had to put this picture up- Its Ethan wrapped up after his first bath.

Third; And, now for Afghanistan:

We were able to get some pictures and an e-mail to Brian to let him know his godson is waiting for him when he gets home. He was able to call Lindsey while she was in the hospital and that meant a lot to both of them. We talked very briefly to Brian a couple of times this week but that will likely slow down. While he had internet/e-mail access (even posted on Facebook) for a short time, he probably won’t have it any more for awhile. So, if you sent an e-mail recently you may not get a response for some time.

As expected, the platoon is living out of the two-man tents so they can use some of the basics. When we talked to him the last time he and his buddies/squad suggested the following:

Large Baby Wipes (any other ideas to just keep clean; deodorant, tooth-paste; etc, etc.)
Kool-Aid Drink Mixes (Just Add Water)
Any Food (They are living off of the MRE’s- Meals Ready to Eat- so any instant-type of nourishment would be good)

The weather is rather chilly right now- 30-40 lows at night and highs around 60-65 so anything for warmth (socks, light gloves, etc) would also be welcome. The troops are very susceptible to hypothermia with the temperatures and conditions they’re dealing with.

As I mentioned previously, the mail delivery to his post is very, very, slow. And, in case anyone cares, he is 10.5 hours ahead of our time in Minnesota. Brian's address is posted on the left.

Our troops are doing some amazing things in Marjah and this will likely be the first of several offensive moves we make to take out the Taliban in the country. I read this morning that Kandehar province will likely be one of the next. It looks like progress is being made and we’re providing the resources these men and women need to do the job. Unfortunately, it all still comes with a very high cost.

Raising the Afghan

Flag in Marjah

2-25-10

Laura and I are doing well. We know we’re only just beginning so are trying to pace ourselves for the months ahead. Thanks to all for your thoughts, prayers, and support for our troops.

Until next time

Semper Fi

Welcome Ethan Michael Brune

Greetings to everyone.

As I mentioned in my previous post we’ll use this blog to keep everyone updated on Lindsey, Jason, and “Spike”- With that, I am honored to be able tell everyone that Ethan Michael Brune (aka Spike) joined us at 11:55 p.m. on Saturday February 20, 2010. He weighed-in at 7 lb. 2 oz. and 20 inches (I think I got the stats right- I’m sure I’ll be corrected if I didn’t).

Ethan joined us a little earlier than was anticipated, but, Lindsey “just knew” and Jason had a dream it would be earlier- and it was. (I believe he actually dreamed February 20)

Lindsey and Jason are doing fine. They hadn’t had much sleep when we went over to the hospital so were looking forward to getting a little rest. They are such a beautiful couple together and are going to be wonderful parents- we’re very excited and proud of them both.

And, what can I say about Ethan? He’s just perfect. We were sucked-in from the beginning and I know I am looking forward spoiling the crap out of him. We’re going to have fun.

Ironically, as I was looking at Ethan’s pictures on Facebook this morning, I saw I received an e-mail from Brian (my first). He just wanted to let me know he was ok, would call when he could (but it was going to be tough so be patient), and to tell Lindsey he was thinking of her. If I’ve got the time-difference correct, he sent the e-mail at about the same time Ethan was born. Ethan was born at 11:55 p.m. and I received Brian's email 9 minutes later.

I sent Brian a reply to let him know his godson and nephew is waiting for him and can’t wait to meet him. Lindsey and Jason are scheduling Ethan’s baptism for when Brian is back home.

So, this was a good day.

Please continue to say a prayer or two for those who continue to protect the freedoms we have here back home. Its days like today that make this appreciation even more special.

Semper Fi

Welcome Back- #3

Happy Valentines Day

Looking back to August seems like an eternity in some respects and just like yesterday in others. Brian was ready to go. He's been through an enormous amount of training since he returned from Iraq and will be leading his own platoon on this next journey. He's been trained well, is a good leader, and he's got a great group of marines working with him.

Some housekeeping items:

First, direct orders from Brian- no dates, no locations, no activities are to be posted. Brian knows how I like to talk about his stuff as I try to keep everyone informed so was very direct on this one.

Second, Brian's address is posted on the left. The mail is very, very, very slow where he is so we're planning accordingly. The primary items of request: Newport Menthol Cigarettes, and any toiletries you can think of. Letters, of course, are always welcome. The picture at the right is most likely the type of environment he will be operating from.

Third, communication is pretty-much non-existent. He told us to plan on two or three months before we might hear from him. He did take paper, envelopes, and stamps and is planning to write when he can- but they are going to be extremely busy. We aren't planning on any email communication but you never know. Brian read this blog regularly when he was in Iraq to keep updated on what was going on. So, any comments you want to post to this will get through when (and if) they ever get access.

Fourth, we'll also use this blog to keep everyone updated with Lindsey, Jason, and "Spike". Laura and I still haven't comprehended the whole grandparents thing- but we're very excited.

I think that's it.

We had some wonderful time together over the holidays. Brian was able to spend 10 days with us over Christmas and New Years. Father Tom graciously blessed Brian (and the entire family- including Spike) as he has done on each of the previous two deployments.

When we took Brian to the airport in January we thought that was the last time we would see him until September or October. But, he was able to work it out to come home for a few days at the end of January to spend more time at home with family and friends. We had a really nice time.

I'll keep things updated as I can. Once again, thanks to all family and friends who support these men and women at this critical time for our country. We're all in this together.

Semper Fi