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