Sand Fleas and Heat

Greetings

We’ve connected with Brian a couple of times this week. As we’ve said before, it’s a little tougher when we know he’s out doing his thing. He talks about it very naturally, just like it’s just a part of his job. We add a little more to it than he does.

The heat just sucks. But, the guys are getting innovative to overcome it whenever they can.

Brian told us that with no refrigeration, the water they end up drinking is just warm/hot. So, they’ve come up with a neat little trick of wrapping some bottles of water in their socks, soaking the socks in water, and then hanging them up and letting them keep cool in the breeze. By the end of the process they’ve got some cooler water to drink.

They are also dealing with sand fleas. Apparently the bite is pretty nasty. They have some type of lotion coming from some of the other parents back home to help. I don’t know much about sand flea bites but feel free to send the guys anything else you can think of to help out.

Without a doubt, it continues to be challenging over there. Things are going to continue to be active, we’ll continue to pray for the safety of all of our troops, but it’s nice to know we’ve got this group of amazing Marines “protecting our back.”

Set Team Bravo

A Special Group

Of Marines

Afghanistan, 2010


We’ve got Memorial Day coming up and as I’ve said to others hundreds of times before- it has a whole different meaning for me today than it did 4 years ago when we started this journey.

Speaking of Memorial Day- if all goes as planned next weekend will be Ethan’s first trip to the cabin. Uncle Brian told us to make sure we take a lot of pictures. He also told me that the comment I made on a previous post (the picture of Ethan in his cammies with the caption “A Future Marine?”) just “ain’t going to happen.” Lindsey relayed the same message.

Looking Forward

To The Cabin

So as we enter Memorial Day weekend we hope everyone is able to be together with family and friends. Please remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice (and those left behind) and those still serving to protect and defend the freedoms we have today. The cause is worthy- the price is sometimes high. But, nobody ever said freedom was going to be easy.

Be Safe

Semper Fi

Meeting Wonderful People- A Flagpole For A Memorial

Greetings,

Last weekend I was honored to attend the flagpole dedication in memory of George Cauley at the home of his parents in Baxter, Minnesota. George was from around the Walker/Leech Lake area and was killed in Afghanistan by an IED attack last October. George was included in "my story" and I connected with his parents as part of the process I went through. His parents (Richard and Gloria) were just wonderful people and made me feel as if I have known them all my life. I also met George’s girlfriend and when I asked them all how they were doing they simply replied, “we just take it day-to-day.” They appreciated everyone being there and are doing the best they can.

As we were standing in the road talking I watched 75 or more motorcycles turn down the road and start to make their way toward us. Richard and Gloria just watched and tears began to fill their eyes. The Patriot Guard Riders had arrived once again.

Richard greeted each Rider as they dismounted from their bike and started to form a large circle of American flags around George’s flagpole in the front yard. Richard repeatedly told us how honored he was that we were there- it was actually the other way around for all of us.

Richard introduced me to one of the Riders and told him about Brian. The Rider shook my hand and told me “thanks” and gave me a card of appreciation to send to Brian. He also gave me another one and said, “This one is for you.” It said:

“Dear Military Family Member,

I want to thank you for the sacrifice you have made to preserve our nation’s freedom.

Your long nights, lonely days, times of fear, hours of worry and seasons of stress are not unnoticed by those of us who enjoy our freedom. Thank You!” (I've got to admit- it was a little emotional)

The ceremony for George was simple and meaningful. It will be another day of many that I won’t ever forget.

George Walter Cauley

March 13, 1985-October 19, 2009

Richard and Gloria Cauley and me
(We were happier

than we look in this picture)

Lining the Driveway
With Flags

Raising The American Flag
To Honor A Fallen Hero

Brian finally connected with us on Sunday. He was back from “running around” and will likely head out again very soon. As always, Lu and I were relieved to hear his voice. It is becoming very “active” in Afghanistan right now so make sure to keep the thoughts, prayers, and support for all our troops flowing in that direction.

Lu, Lindsey, Jason, Ethan, and I always appreciate your prayers and support. Take care and God bless.

Semper Fi.

Happy Mother's Day- 2010

Happy Mother’s Day!

Wow, last year Brian was in Iraq on Mother’s Day; this year, Afghanistan. The same thing goes for his birthday on June 15 except you can add he was crossing the equator in the Pacific on his 20th birthday in 2008; simply amazing.

Several received phone calls from Brian on Mother’s Day- I know Laura and Lindsey both did. They also received flowers from their Marine. Talk about emotions. While its certainly tough to be apart at times- these are also the times we appreciate more than ever what these men and women are doing and try to keep in mind these are just some of the sacrifices we are being asked to make on our end. It’s not easy but we're doing ok.

Flowers to Mom From a Marine

In Afghanistan

Lindsey celebrated her first Mother’s Day and Jason, Ethan, and Lindsey made the jaunt over to Maple Grove for a visit. It was great to see them and as we all know they grow too fast.




A Sleepy Guy
With Lulu
Making Things Better

Mom Be Bold
Roger Robicheau
Dedicated to Moms of our Military (and to Lulu on Mother’s Day- 2010)

I may clutch a picture of my child
Go in that room of memories wild

Thoughts come with me wherever I go
Prayers often lead my way, you know.

My young one has left to be so brave
The hero of my heart, gone to save

At times I want to reach out and hold
But I know the answer, Mom be bold.

The love of my child is part of me
So strong and good, it will always be

Nurtured in life with a caring heart
This child to me is a work of art

Dear God you know how my love is true
I’ve prayed for my soldier (marine), more I’ll do

And to mothers who live their life as I
We’ll grow in support, our flag raised high

Together we’ll get through each new day
Becoming kindred spirits, God Bless our way

Happy Mother’s Day Lulu

Semper Fi

Tribute To The Troops

Greetings

Many of you know I’ve written a “story” about this whole military experience and have been honored to connect with some very special people as a result. Two of those people are Wayne and Gwen Olsen whose son Daniel (a Marine) was killed in Iraq in 2007. Gwen, along with two other mothers who had lost loved ones in the wars started – Scoops for the Troops in 2008 (an ice cream “social” to remember our fallen heroes). This has since expanded to include a 5k run/walk and is now designed to honor all who have served, are serving, and is an ongoing memorial to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. I was honored to run in the 5k event this year.

The pre-race ceremony included a Marine honor guard, a personal poem written by a veteran (When Old glory Comes Marching By), some comments from Sergeant John Kriesel who lost both of his legs and two of his best friends from an IED attack in Iraq, and a blessing from an Army chaplain who had just returned from Iraq. The chaplain commented, “This is all very raw to me. During our watch in Iraq we lost fourteen soldiers, including four from Minnesota.” His voice cracked as he spoke.

It was another powerful experience. I hadn’t been running for awhile but it is amazing what you can do when you feel motivated. I was motivated by the 1000+ people who had shown up to honor our military. It was a beautiful experience and I actually did better than I thought I would do. I’ll be running in this one every year while I can.

We’ve talked to Brian this week. He has been working to try to get an air conditioning unit for his platoon as the heat is pretty intense right now. I’ve checked it out (as close as I can) and it’s been around 100 degrees every day and it’s going to get hotter. But, he sounds good and I’m more amazed with what he is doing each time we talk to him (as I've said before he will have to fill you in when he gets back). I’m just amazed with the things everyone is doing over there in very difficult conditions.




On Patrol
Afghanistan
2010

What A Smile
Afghanistan

2010

He did get the package we sent- it took about two weeks. He told me he was “dying for a Newport cigarette” and our package arrived the next day (we’d included a carton). So, life is good. He's also continued to help others connect back home. We have been absolutely blessed with his access to the satellite phone (at least for now). Most of the troops have no access to communication. He found out one of the guys he helped out (and now one of his smoking buddies) is from a suburb of Minneapolis (Eden Prairie). Small world.

Ethan Update

I had the opportunity to “babysit” for Ethan last week. I think I did pretty well and I had a riot (you’ll have to ask Lindsey to confirm on that one). But, here is a picture of Ethan in his “cammies” just like Uncle Brian.




A Future Marine?








Keep the prayers flowing 7000 miles east and thanks for your continued support for all of these men and women.

Semper Fi