We had not talked to Brian in about a week so we really didn’t know what was going on. Was he starting his journey home? Did we need to continue to worry? Was there any update on the time-frames? We were up north for the holiday so kept our cell phones close and I became a little obsessed with checking my e-mail to see if I had received any updates. No word all weekend.
We come to find out he had left a message on our phone at home and Lu got it when she came home Monday night- the message: He’s moved his guys to the rear and he’s going to be starting the journey home. We’re still confirming the dates and we have to adjust our travel schedule to see what works. We’ll post more specifics when we can. The big thing for us is that he is out of the front lines and starting the process of getting home.
You would think we would have become used to all of this by now- but Lu and I let out a huge sigh of relief. We’re a little exhausted.
During this deployment, Brian has grown to admire the ordinance technicians who look for and disarm the IEDs that are a part of everyday life over there. These special marines provided a lot of support to Brian and his marines and even let them rest in their air conditioned tent when they were going through the air conditioning fiasco a few months ago. Brian’s group provided security for them on occasion when they were “doing their thing.” He calls them “really smart mother_______s”
When we talked to him last week he told us they just lost two of their guys to IEDs so it was a little rough (also adding to our anxiousness over the weekend). One of these heroes was from Pine City, Minnesota.
This one hit pretty close to home.
Master Sergeant Daniel Fedder was doing what he loved. While we can’t even begin to comprehend the level of his sacrifice, he was (I heard it again) just doing his job. He left behind his wife and three young children. At his memorial his thirteen year old daughter read a beautiful tribute to her dad, and through her tears, told him goodbye. There wasn’t a dry-eye in the place.
The other hero was GSgt Floyd Holley from Casselberry, Florida. He was planning on returning home from Afghanistan in November for the birth of his first child.
MSgt Daniel Fedder
We come to find out he had left a message on our phone at home and Lu got it when she came home Monday night- the message: He’s moved his guys to the rear and he’s going to be starting the journey home. We’re still confirming the dates and we have to adjust our travel schedule to see what works. We’ll post more specifics when we can. The big thing for us is that he is out of the front lines and starting the process of getting home.
You would think we would have become used to all of this by now- but Lu and I let out a huge sigh of relief. We’re a little exhausted.
During this deployment, Brian has grown to admire the ordinance technicians who look for and disarm the IEDs that are a part of everyday life over there. These special marines provided a lot of support to Brian and his marines and even let them rest in their air conditioned tent when they were going through the air conditioning fiasco a few months ago. Brian’s group provided security for them on occasion when they were “doing their thing.” He calls them “really smart mother_______s”
When we talked to him last week he told us they just lost two of their guys to IEDs so it was a little rough (also adding to our anxiousness over the weekend). One of these heroes was from Pine City, Minnesota.
This one hit pretty close to home.
Master Sergeant Daniel Fedder was doing what he loved. While we can’t even begin to comprehend the level of his sacrifice, he was (I heard it again) just doing his job. He left behind his wife and three young children. At his memorial his thirteen year old daughter read a beautiful tribute to her dad, and through her tears, told him goodbye. There wasn’t a dry-eye in the place.
The other hero was GSgt Floyd Holley from Casselberry, Florida. He was planning on returning home from Afghanistan in November for the birth of his first child.
MSgt Daniel Fedder
Pine City says farewell
I don’t write these things to try to create tears. As I’ve said before, I share them because it is reality. I share them because I continue to be in awe of the character exhibited by those who serve and I am also simply amazed by the strength of the loved ones left behind. I share them because while it is certainly cathartic for me, these are stories others should hear especially with where we are as a country. We all need to sacrifice a little today. These heroes have sacrificed a lot.
While we are thankful for nearing the end of one part of the journey we also realize we are so blessed with the beginning of another. Lindsey, Jason, and Ethan spent the Labor Day weekend with us at the cabin. Ethan grows more every time we see him and is developing his own unique personality. Ethan has made all of this a little easier for us. And, it’s always fun to just get together as a family.
Alot To Explore
Infectious
Smile
Smile
So, we’re getting closer. Once again, thanks to all for your thoughts and prayers. Even though Brian is now starting his journey home after a job well done I know we are not finished. We’ll just move into the next phase and continue to support these men and women who know what real sacrifice is all about in any way we can.
Semper Fi
Semper Fi
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