The Runaway General- A Father's Perspective

Greetings

Over the past 4 years Brian has repeatedly told us to not believe everything we watch on the news or read in the papers, internet, (or wherever else) when it comes to Iraq and Afghanistan. Lu simply doesn’t watch much of it at all- and I probably watch and read about it too much. It was pretty hard not to hear about Afghanistan with everything that transpired at the top this past week.

I have no idea what was going on in General McChrystal’s head to allow Rolling Stone magazine do what they did. But, as I look back on it today, maybe it was what we needed to kick our country in the ass and get engaged again (including the president and the civilian delegation that is part of this thing). I have to admit, I’m already starting to get a little tired of hearing the newly engaged arm chair quarterbacks suddenly have all the answers to solve the situation by using the talking points created by others instead of being informed themselves. From my humble perspective- (and I’ve said this before)-success in Afghanistan is a matter of national security for our country, it’s that simple. Leaving Afghanistan prematurely has huge risks. As the saying goes, “Just because someone leaves the movie, doesn’t mean it’s over.”

OD, Pasco, Z, and Nims

Arriving in Afghanistan

2010

When we talked to Brian this week he had briefly heard about the whole McChrystal event but not much about it. These guys don’t think about this stuff much- they are too busy doing their jobs and trying to stay as safe as they can while they try to achieve the mission our country has asked them to accomplish. We have asked them to live in conditions few of us would last a day- 130 degree heat (still with no air conditioning)- MREs for food (with care packages on hold)- minimal sleep- and doing their jobs- while confronting IEDs and insurgents every day. But, somehow they are holding it all together and making it work. I don’t know how- but they are doing it. That says something about the character of those we have serving our country. They don’t listen to the politics- thank God.

And, while its very easy to focus on all the negatives our troops are accomplishing some pretty amazing things despite the circumstances. Here’s a letter from an officer in Afghanistan talking about things you don’t hear very much about:

While I have the ear of the outside world I wanted to pass along the good news since I'm sure the media is only reporting the casualties and ugliness of war. I had a chance to visit a school in Marjah referred to as the Yellow School. 2 months ago it was one of the largest IED making factories in Marjah and a stronghold of the Taliban. The renovation and reconstruction of the school starts this week and soon children in the area will be able to go to school for the first time.

When you think about how short of a time period that is to go from IED factory and Taliban stronghold to a school to give the children hope of a better life it's amazing and something I'm proud to be part of. This is just one of many significant events that have occurred over the past few weeks that show the progress of the reconstruction and development of a war torn nation.

Thanks for your prayers and encouragement.

Semper Fidelis, "always faithful" to my God, my family, and my country.

Major John French
Engineer Officer, RCT-7
C Co Commander, 3rd CEB
Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan

Some very brave people are doing some very brave things to do the things we’re asking them to do each and every day. We would like to have our son out of harm’s way.

So, this is not the time for second-guessing decisions made in the past but to focus on the decisions we need to make in the future to succeed. To me, the mission and strategy have been clear (Obama’s 2009 West Point Address). I had just assumed everyone that needed to deliver on the strategy knew what it was and was delivering on their part of the bargain (besides just the military which has gone above-and-beyond). From the Rolling Stone article, that might not have been the case.

So, while article may have tarnished a career of a respected war hero it may have also been a wake-up call for the rest of us. If we’re going to do this- let’s do it right on all sides- not just the military. And, let’s let these guys do their jobs and protect themselves when they have to. To me, it’s time to pull together all of the pieces that are necessary to make this work- and give these heroes on the ground the strategies, resources, and support they need to get the job done. I pray we can stand together as a country to make it happen. I hope we don’t have to rely on Rolling Stone to find out if it’s not.

(Sorry Bug- I had to get that off my chest)

Semper Fi

Fifteen Down- Eleven To Go

A Fathers Day Card
From Afghanistan. . . . . .
PRICELESS!!!

What can I say? We couldn’t be any prouder of Brian and it was great to talk to him for a little while today. He had just returned from doing his thing but made the time to call and wish me a happy Fathers Day. He’s been “busy”, very busy. And, the heat continues to hit 120-130 degrees each day. Add 100 lbs of gear- and I can’t even imagine what it feels like. He is doing some amazing things and operating in ungodly circumstances over there. When I hear what he’s been dealing with- I realize my complaints and frustrations are trivial.

Many are asking us “how much longer?” As you know, we’ve learned not to plan for anything and are just taking things one day at a time. But, we do put “markers” out there. These markers help us to keep things in perspective and at least provide some semblance of a time-frame and keep us relatively sane. The situations change all the time so we’ve had to be flexible.

I’ve tried to connect where we’re at in the deployment to running a marathon. For anyone who has been insane enough to run one of these you know that the first 13 miles are relatively easy if you've completed just basic training. The runners are getting adjusted to the environment, their pace, and the adrenaline pumps you along.

Miles 13-20 get tougher. You’re now used to the environment and your body is starting to tell you to ease up a bit. You try to focus on each mile, take in a lot of fluids, and try to maintain the best positive mental attitude you can.

Miles 20-26 are the toughest. The end is in sight, but your physical and mental capacities are reaching their limits- this is where all of the miles of training really kick in (or if you’re like me and don’t train like you should- you have to suck it up big-time).

From the best estimates we’re using today- we’re at a little over 15 miles into the deployment. This is the tough part (even though the first 13 miles were not easy). We’re well over half-way and just need to continue to move forward. This is where we just need to focus on each day, maintain a good perspective, and do what we can to continue to support Brian and all of the others over there.

We’re doing ok as long as we take each mile one at a time.

We want to thank everyone who sent e-mails and wishes to Brian on his 23rd birthday last week. They meant a lot to him.

We also want to thank all of you who have been sending things. Considering the conditions they are living in, your efforts have made a huge difference. A special thanks to Vicki’s school in Amarillo as he received over 200 cards/letters from her students. Brian is going to try to answer some that provided e-mail or mailing addresses. He took a supply of the letters over to the chapel to allow others to share in the messages from home. Even though we're on hold for sending packages- e-mails and prayers are still welcome.

I hope everyone had a good day. If there is one thing we’ve learned through all of this it’s that the connections you have with your family can keep you close no matter how many miles are in between.

Semper Fi

Hold On Packages

As we expected, things are changing rather quickly in Afghanistan. Brian sent us an e-mail this morning telling us to "hold" on sending any more packages until further notice.

I know I can speak for Brian (and he told many in an e-mail) the packages and support you all have provided means more than you will ever know. Your support has meant the world to Laura and I as well. Thanks to all.

You can continue to send e-mails- he loves to hear from you.

If anything changes, I'll post it here.

Semper Fi

Happy Birthday Marine!!!

From All of Us Back Home
Happy Birthday!!
Be Well, Be Safe

We'll See You Soon!!!!

Take Care

Semper Fi

Quiet From Afghanistan

Greetings,

I connected with Brian just a few minutes ago- meaning it was 11:30 p.m.-12:00 a.m. his time. He was sitting in the gun turret of their truck for better reception. This was the first we had talked to him since he called before Memorial Day. We did receive a few e-mails and that is just as good for us. The guys had a “special food request”: Bumble Bee Tuna Salad singles with crackers. Apparently they are quite the hit over there. I had never heard of them before but Lu found some at Walgreens and I wiped out what I eventually found at Cub and we sent it off last week- along with a birthday card. We are all looking forward to when Brian will finally be home for his birthday. We’re ready.

The more I hear of the challenges he is facing (and has faced) during this deployment the prouder I am of what he and his team are accomplishing over there. This has not been an easy task from a number of perspectives. I told him today he’s getting a Masters Degree in Leadership in unreal circumstances. He is a good leader- and his team appreciates it.

Just posting another picture

from Memorial Day Weekend

of Lulu and ????? (I don’t have a name yet)

with our favorite grandson.

While it is always wonderful to get an e-mail or a phone call from Brian we also received a beautiful letter from the parents of Sgt. Todd Selge who died in Iraq in September, 2009. Todd Selge was another one of the heroes I included in my little story. Along with her beautiful letter, Todd’s mother included an essay Todd had written while he was serving in Iraq (Soldiers Want To Do Mission; Go Home) and a report he had written about his spiritual beliefs while he was in the 7th Grade. They told a lot about the man who sacrificed his life in the service of our country. They were both beautiful pieces and we were honored to receive them.

Sgt. Todd Selge

With His Sons

Dallas and Austin

Here’s a little part of the message from Todd (the soldier) and something to think about:

“We are the ones who live the conflict every day, who see the progress day-to-day. We are the ones who experience the sorrows, who interact with the people, and who see the enemy’s effort to undo every good thing the Iraqi people and coalition forces have done.

What every soldier wants is to succeed in our mission and go home to our families.”

Thank you Sergeant Selge. We couldn’t agree with you more.

Semper Fi.

Memorial Day- 2010

Greetings to All

We hope you had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend.

This weekend was Ethan’s first visit to the cabin and his first boat ride. He won’t remember any of it- but we certainly will. He wasn’t very receptive to wearing the life jacket (as you can see below) and slept on his ride but it was a very special time for us. Ethan is the fifth generation of the family to start to create his own memories of “the cabin up north.” And, Lindsey and Jason are wonderful parents. It’s fun to watch.


A
Happy
Guy
Ethan, 2010

Get

This

Thing

Off!!!

Snoozin
On The
Water





Brian called us on Saturday morning and sounded good. It made our day. It’s HOT; 110-120 every day. He sent an e-mail thanking everyone for their support and care packages. Ours took about two weeks. They have been lifesavers- so thanks to all.

As usual, he can’t tell us much- and we don’t ask much- but he did tell us they were “quiet” last week. To us- quiet is good. We missed him a lot this year- but we’re all doing pretty well.

Jason and I made the trip to Hackensack for the Memorial Day Service at Hillcrest Cemetery. The day was beautiful and the setting was simple. A bald eagle added a nice touch by flying overhead as the ceremony was taking place. You can’t help but be moved by the real patriotism and pride of the veterans and families attending these events no matter where you are. It’s nice to know we can come together for the important things when we want to. We should remember what the sacrifice is all about more than just a few times a year.

Flags
Honoring
The Fallen
(Hackensack Mn; 2010)

And then we come back to reality. We suffered our 1,000th death in Afghanistan last Thursday. Again, I will not make this all somber- but it’s the reality. A Marine, Corporal Jacob Leicht, from College Station, Texas was killed by an IED in Afghanistan to become the 1000th death in the country. Cpl. Leicht had “campaigned” to be approved to go to Afghanistan for this deployment. This was after driving his Humvee over mines while in Iraq in 2007 that broke his legs and lacerated his face. This is the type of individual we have protecting us. These are the types of individuals who allow us to do whatever it is we do back here at home.

Cpl Jacob Leicht

Father and Brother

(Brother Enlisted in the

Marines last month)

Our country does a beautiful job celebrating Memorial Day. I just hope we continue to remember the sacrifices that are being made every day- and not just on the days marked on the calendar.

Semper Fi