An Air Conditioner and WikiLeaks

First and most important, the guys finally got an air conditioner!!! As Brian communicated to many of you through his e-mail he was finally able to get his first real rest in several months. He told us when they first hooked it up he just kept walking in and out of the tent so he could keep experiencing the feeling of the cool air when coming in from 130+ degree heat. We talked to him this week and he sounds good- he actually sounds different now that he can get some rest (we notice that stuff). The food situation still sucks but they are doing what they can to get by. As we all know, things remain very active over there and can change very fast. He is keeping his guys very busy with an eye on the finish line- but remaining very focused on what he needs to do each day. All of us have to run this one all the way through the finish line.

Last month we had Rolling Stone providing us the status of the war in Afghanistan. This month we have WikiLeaks releasing over 75,000 classified Afghanistan war documents to the general public through the internet. This is not exactly what I had in mind when I hoped we would keep this war at the front our country’s thinking. I continue to be amazed by the sacrifices being made in this effort by many, many Americans. And, I continue to be amazed by many who are oblivious as well. I know Lu and I would have likely been on the oblivious side if we hadn’t experienced what we have experienced first-hand.

I am all for the protection of our First Amendment rights. But, I am also about protecting our country and protecting those we have asked to protect us. WikiLeaks released these documents based on their belief that “it is only when the people know the true plans and behavior of their governments that they can meaningfully choose to support them.” (from their web site). They are using the US Supreme Court’s decision related to the Pentagon Papers (Viet Nam) as a foundation of their actions, “only a free and unrestrained press can effectively expose deception in government.” (also from their web site).WikiLeaks has positioned their actions as a “public service.” While I agree with the fundamental premise of these beliefs, I think releasing these papers now is simply bullshit.

Those advocating to get out of Afghanistan will certainly step up the rhetoric. The uninformed (and there are many) will likely form their view and take positions simply based on the fact that this is new information for most of them.


For those who have been following this rather closely over the past two years, the talking points raised so far is not new information ; Pakistan working with the Taliban? Who couldn’t figure that one out; Iran is supporting the terrorists? Surprise, surprise.; Bin Laden involved in some of the decisions made in Afghanistan? No big revelation there; We have problems with the Afghan government? Give me a break.; Our soldiers were frustrated due to lack of resources? You put up with some of the crap these guys put up with and see if you wouldn’t be frustrated- but they carried out their mission none-the-less (and remember, this is all pre-2010); Some of the missions didn’t go well and some mistakes were made? No big surprise considering the limitations our troops had to deal with; Civilian casualties were higher than we have let on? Probably, considering the zero-tolerance policy we have had to live with. War crimes? Get a life- especially considering we’re engaging an enemy who has no rules.

We lost two Minnesota heroes in Afghanistan within a day of each other last week. Their funerals were last weekend. Specialist Matthew Johnson and 3 of his “combat buddies” were killed by a manually detonated IED in Zabul Province. His father said, “Matthew knew the risks, but he knew he needed to serve anyway. He knew he had to take the war to the cowards before the cowards brought the war to us.” First Lieutenant Chris Goeke and two others were killed when the Taliban attacked their base near Kandahar city. Chris graduated from West Point, had been married only 18 months, taught Sunday school, and was an inspiration to many. He too knew the risks, but was committed to something bigger than himself.

1st Lt Christopher Goeke

Apple Valley, Minnesota

KIA Kandahar City

7-13-10

Spc Mattew Johnson
Maplewood, Minnesota
KIA Zabul Province
7-14-10

You can bet the enemy is scouring over the 75,000 (probably soon-to-be 90,000) documents to find anything they might not have known before. Our media channels will come up with their own spin- but will most likely only confirm what we should have known all along if we had been half-way listening. In my opinion, we are simply educating the enemy unnecessarily by releasing these classified documents and creating further conflict in an already conflicted situation. I just don’t get it.

I’m all for free speech and keeping government transparent and honest. But, I’d rather take my direction from people like Matthew Johnson and Chris Goeke than from an internet company started by a computer hacker getting his information from an unknown source with unknown motivations. I hope others take the time to inform themselves of all of the facts and take into consideration what is at stake before jumping on board with one side or the other. Unfortunately, our media today (including WikiLeaks) tends to create “Shirley Sharrod moments”. We shoot first and ask questions later. I hope public opinion doesn’t just do the same.

We seem to forget that Afghanistan was the base of the attack that killed 3000 Americans on our own soil and it could happen again. That’s a little different than Viet Nam.

Semper Fi

Remembering the Children

When I talked to Brian earlier in the week he said, “I read the blog- you sounded pissed.” I was. I’m better now. The feelings are still there, I just don’t need to write about them this week.

We did finally get some positive news from Afghanistan.

First, if all goes as planned the guys should have an air conditioner within the next few days. It doesn’t fix what they had to go through to get it- but at least they are going to be able to have a place to get comfortable and finally get some decent sleep. The “low” at night is around 90 degrees over there. You can’t sleep very well when you are drenched in sweat. This should make it a little more bearable. It’s about time.

Second, Brian, and his group were recognized by those further up the chain for their efforts and their accomplishments for doing what they do. We tell Brian how proud we are all the time. But, it only goes so far when it comes from your parents. A little positive news and recognition from your chain of command does wonders for morale when you are dealing with the conditions they have been facing and continue to face every day. You don’t hear positive stuff very much. We are very proud of all of them.

Brian sent us two beautiful pictures that put a human perspective on this whole thing. Sometimes it’s still hard to put my head around the fact that when we get a phone call, an e-mail, or a letter we’re communicating to our son in a war zone 7000 miles away. These marines are living in conditions most of us couldn’t tolerate- and they are carrying out a mission and risking their lives because that is their job. I am humbled every day just thinking of it.

And, when I think of Afghanistan I generally think of all the bad stuff; insurgents, IEDs, the Taliban, corrupt governments, drugs, and all the rest. Until he sent these pictures I hadn’t thought very much about the children who are caught in the middle of all of this. I don’t know if we’re ever going to change a culture that has been in existence for thousands of years. All of the military might in the world probably can't do that but we still have to protect our country. But, you know, being able to receive a smile from a child in the middle of all of the killing, the misery, and the poverty has to count for something.

These pictures are pretty cool.




Brian Getting A
"High Five"
Afghanistan, 2010

Brian Making A Friend
and Getting A Smile
In The Middle of Chaos

Afghanistan, 2010

Lindsey, Jason, and Ethan stopped over for a visit. Brian called while they were here to wish Lindsey a happy birthday. It’s wonderful to hear them talk and Brian can’t wait to get home and meet his nephew in-person. In the meantime Ethan “talked” to Uncle Brian on the phone and told him everything that is going on in his life right now. They are going to be buddies, I’m sure.

Lindsey Held The

Phone While
Ethan "talked"

to Uncle Brian

We’re nearing the 20 mile mark of our journey. We’ve come a long way and have six more to go- but we’ll get there. Keep the prayers and positive thoughts flowing to the amazing marines in Afghanistan. They appreciate them more than you know. So do we.

Semper Fi

Ticked Off and Tired

Greetings to all

Brian finally connected with us last week. If you can believe it, it’s gotten hotter- over 130 degrees each day. And they still don’t have an air conditioner to give them a break from the heat. The guys have worked out arrangements to steal some “cool air time” from some of the other units- but it’s not the same. As much respect as I have for our marines and military- this is inexcusable to me. But, the guys are trying to make do with what they have and trying their best to keep their attitudes up. We’re trying to do the same- but it still pisses us off.

We’re still on hold for sending packages and that will most likely not change. So, I’ve taken to increasing my prayers and sending some inspirational and motivational quotes periodically. Feel free to do the same- the guys can use them. I can’t wait to meet them when we welcome Brian home. Brian has already told us that we can meet the guys in his squad on the parade deck when they arrive- and then he doesn’t want to see them for a “long time.” You can imagine what it would be like to live together for 7 months in tight quarters, 130+ degrees, no air, limited food supply, and in a high-stress environment. We can certainly understand.

And, while Lu and I are holding our own we have our moments. Our tolerance for the opinions of the uninformed has grown quite short when it relates to Afghanistan. The election rhetoric has already become nauseating and we know it’s going to get worse. When I wrote my story earlier in the year I had hoped our country would be going down a different path by now. I had hoped that both sides (Republican and Democrat) could pull their heads out of their asses for a little while and work together to solve the many challenges we face as a country. I had hoped both sides would recognize they don’t have a monopoly on the right answers. I had hoped we would recognize that Afghanistan is not Defense Department budget item only tied to the now infamous July, 2011 "exit date" but is fundamental to protecting our own freedoms and preventing an event in the future that will be worse than 9-11. General McChrystal helped bring Afghanistan back to the front page for awhile through his Rolling Stone adventure, but in the other areas we still have a long ways to go.

So, when Michelle Bachmann (our own Minnesota Congresswoman) is recently quoted saying we are becoming a “nation of slaves” just to raise the already high emotional pitch of the country- I am offended. Regardless of how our current dysfunctional and polarized political process is characterized I would ask our politicians to remember the guys and gals who are risking their lives each and every day; and the men, women, and families who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms before trying to score political points by throwing out quotable quotes. These people know what patriotism, freedom, and sacrifice is all about. Talking points are cheap. Cheap talking points from politicians are worthless.

This isn’t about who is right and who is wrong any more. It’s about getting our sons and daughters home after completing the mission we have asked them to do. This is the time for both sides to quit taking political cheap-shots and start working together to do what’s right for the country while protecting the foundation laid out in the Constitution for its citizens. And I repeat, in my opinion neither side has a monopoly on being right.

We owe it to those serving our country who know what America really stands for and know what real sacrifice is all about.

What It's All About Anyway

Brodie and Ethan on
The Fourth of July
(With Megan and Michelle)

A Picture Ethan

Will Likely Want To

Destroy When Older

(Fourth of July)

Semper Fi

Thank You To Our Troops- Independence Day, 2010

Our Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress received a wonderful surprise during his visit to Afghanistan last week. Unbeknownst to him, the marines surprised him by including his son, Lance Corporal Andrew Childress in the lineup of marines greeting the NFL coaches when they arrived. He had no idea he would be seeing his son while he was there. Childress said, “It goes against every instinct a parent has, obviously, to see your child go into harm’s way. It’s tough. But, I am so proud of him and the man he has become.” We feel the same way.

Last year, Brian returned to the States from Iraq on the Fourth of July. The year before we were able to celebrate the Fourth with friends and family at the cabin just after Brian returned from his first deployment to the Middle East. This one was a little different. This Fourth of July we continue to do our best to support Brian and his squad as we progress through this deployment to Afghanistan. From my “marathon analogy” we’ve passed the 17 mile mark and have a little over 9 to go. We’ll get there- the finish line isn’t in sight yet, but we’re getting closer.
Many received a beautiful e-mail from Brian last week describing the feelings of those on the front lines about the politics and media back home concerning the war in Afghanistan. Each time we communicate our admiration for what he is are doing over there, Brian repeatedly tells us he is “just doing his job.” He is living his words. This has been the same message he has delivered to us for the past four years. It has never changed. I can tell you the challenges he and his squad have faced during this deployment have been unreal. As a father and mother we couldn’t be any more proud of what they have accomplished despite the obstacles. I wish more of the people back home possessed the same attitude and fortitude of these men and women. We’d be a much better country.

Lindsey, Jason, and Ethan joined us for some time at the cabin to celebrate the Fourth this year. We have been blessed by a wonderful family. Ethan is a beautiful little boy and we can’t wait for Brian to meet his nephew face-to-face in a few months.

Ethan Is Getting Ready

For Uncle Brian To Come Home

We were also able to spend a little time at Lake Ada with Uncle Brad and Aunt Peggy. Even though we were separated by 7000 miles- Brian was with us in our hearts and prayers. We all got together to wish him a “Happy and Safe Fourth.”




Be Well and Be Safe
We're Thinking Of You
See You Soon






The next Fourth of July Brian will be home with us and we’re looking forward to watching the fireworks from the porch of the cabin together. We may even have a little “drunken debauchery” on the boat like we did two years ago after Brian returned from his first deployment.

Everyone is invited. We think everybody deserves a Man Shot when we’re done.

Semper Fi