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
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