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