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.