Appreciating Cinnamon Applesauce

Greetings to all.

First, thanks again to all who have sent packages to Brian. They are appreciated more than you know. He told us how much he has learned to appreciate the little things. They usually share the contents packages they receive- but he told us the cinnamon applesauce is stored under his cot. He told the guys, “You can share the other stuff, but this is mine.”

They have been busy. When he gets back he can share with you the amazing things his platoon has already done over there. Their efforts have saved lives and helped “catch some of the bad guys.” We are very proud of the leadership Brian has exhibited to make it all happen- it certainly hasn’t been easy. Yes, they continue to talk to Brian about re-upping for another four years. Before Afghanistan he was going back and forth. But, he told us when one of his commanders was talking about it again last week he just told him, “Unless there is a $1,000,000 signing bonus it’s just not going to happen." Three intense deployments in 4 years are enough. We’ll just wait and see.

Just thought I’d post some pictures to take us back down memory lane. How time flies.






The Beginning

To Rock Star

To Marine
Tarawa Off Shore

Middle East/Iraq
2008





To Iraq
2009

To Afghanistan

2010

Have an amazing week. And thanks again for all of your support for our troops.

Semper Fi

Send Food

Greetings

We heard from Brian last Monday afternoon. After 5 days he made it back from doing whatever it was he was doing and hoping to get some rest before they go and do it all again. He sounded good- tired but good. We were relieved to hear from him.

The best things we can send over to them now is cigarettes/tobacco and food. The guys have been eating the MREs for two months now and it has to be getting old. With the exception of the occassional BBQ goat and chickens cooked by the Afghanis it doesn’t sound like they’ve had much else. So we’re going to be focusing on the power bars and any quick food items (crackers, jerky, soup, etc. etc.) we can cram into a box and get over to them.

Here are some photos Brian sent from Afghanistan.




Patrolling a Road

On Patrol

Thank-God for the Ipod

Lu and I are doing ok. As we knew, we’re going to have our ups and downs (its especially tough when we know he’s out running around) but overall we’re doing ok. It always helps when we hear his voice on the other end of the phone. And, we’re so proud of what he and his buddies are doing. They are really sucking it up and accomplishing some amazing things over there, we think it’s the least we can do to do try and do the same over here.

Semper Fi

What It's All About

Greetings

Brian gave us his e-mail address and told me it was fine to let everyone know- so here it is: brian.zdychnec@afg.usmc.mil; I’ve also posted it off to the side. Feel free to shoot him a note when you can- and I’m sure he’ll be connecting as well when he can.

He’s now “out” so we haven’t heard from him in awhile. These are the times when we just pray a little harder.

As promised from last week here are some Ethan pics. As I mentioned in my last post we had a beautiful time babysitting last weekend. We don’t want to be called “grandma and grandpa” just yet so Laura is now Lulu and I’m still thinking about what my name will be. I’m sure one will naturally evolve- whether I want it or not.



Ethan and Lulu.







A classic. Ethan sleeping next to Lulu's Easter goat.





And The Reality

Minnesota had a tough week in Afghanistan and Iraq (3 deaths). I promise I won’t make this a somber blog- but I feel strongly that it’s important for all to keep in mind the sacrifices that are being made on our behalf. I know Laura and I have a whole new perspective on this and we’re so proud of Brian and all those serving with him.

I was sent an article from a friend that pretty-much describes my view; “The wars have become like white noise in our culture. They hit the front pages from time to time, and there are evenings when some aspects of the wars are featured on the national news telecasts. But we have no sense of the extraordinary sacrifices that have been made by the young men and women who are fighting these wars in our name.”

One of those who died last week was a Marine. Lance Corporal Curtis Swenson was only 20 when he was killed by an IED. Those things seem to be all over Afghanistan and account for most of the casualties. He had only been married for 7 months when he died.

The setting of his funeral in Rochester was an interesting contrast in perspectives.

On one side of the road was the church with the sidewalk and parking lot lined with hundreds of Patriot Guard Riders standing at attention and holding large American flags. A steady stream of Army, Navy, Airforce, and Marines were entering the church.

On the other side of the road was a K Mart. The customers would glance at the flags on the other side of the road and some would wander over for a closer look before continuing with their shopping.

To me, the two scenes presented a picture. It was a picture of the sacrifices being made to protect our freedoms and way of life- even shopping at K Mart.

Semper Fi

Happy Easter From Afghanistan

Happy Easter

Brian called this morning to wish us a Happy Easter. He sounded good and told us to wish everyone a Happy Easter as well. They received the equipment at their base they had been waiting for. For the first time in almost two months they were able to sleep on a cot and not on the ground and were able to take “showers” (warmed plastic bags of water) so it sounds like things are becoming a little more liveable (if that is what you call liveable). Thanks again to all who have sent packages, notes, etc.- they are really appreciated.

The surge of troops into Afghanistan continues. Operation Mushtarak (means “together” in Dari) in Marjah is moving forward to take out the opium production that is financing the Taliban. The Marines kicked ass there. While the initial firefights have quieted a bit- the environment is still dicey. The US announced last week we would be moving to Kandehar next to take on the Taliban at their center. I’m sure they’ll kick ass again.

But, the Afghanistan government remains shaky at best and there are now concerns with the stability of the government in Iraq. The military aspect of the effort is working very well. The Army and Marines have already made tremendous progress since the surge started but at a cost. The ability for Iraq and Afghanistan to govern themselves generally sucks and both countries have to have the ability to govern themselves for this thing to work.

Since it was Easter I was curious to know what type of church services are available to the troops at these Forward Operating Bases in the middle of nowhere. Brian’s group has a chaplain and they have services each Sunday. I’m glad to know the spiritual resources are available to our troops if they are needed.

Marjah, Afghanistan is the leading opium producer in the world. The opium finances the Taliban and provides a living for the farmers growing it. It’s ironic that they are using the irrigation ditches the United States dug for them in the 1960s to water the fields that are now producing crops to fund the enemy. Replacing the opium crops will be a key part of the Afghanistan strategy if it’s going to work.

Laura and I are doing well. We babysat with Ethan (I just can’t call him Spike right now) on Saturday and had a riot. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more perfect baby (I’m not biased). I’ll post an Ethan update along with Brian's update next week.

Semper Fi