Signing Off For The Last Time

I love the fall. It marks the end of the activities of summer and the beginning of preparing for winter. We have beautiful fall colors this year. Maybe we’re just appreciating them more than we have in the past. I think we’re appreciating a lot of things more than we have in the past. Like the beginning of fall, we’re also experiencing an end and a beginning.

The week went fast. They always do. Brian reconnected with friends and Lu and I continued to adjust. Lindsey, Jason, and Ethan came over on Saturday afternoon so we had a nice time together before he headed back. We didn’t talk a lot about Afghanistan. It was more important to take a break and get away from it for awhile. We saw the movies Brian made and some of the pictures he took over the past seven months. We significantly underestimated how much it actually sucked and how bad the conditions were. That’s just as well. As I’ve said before, I’m glad we didn’t know a lot of the things. (Just as an FYI Brian and his group completed over 35 missions outside the wire while they were in Afghanistan, ran numerous patrols and recon, and provided security for the EOD guys on several occasions. He received the Navy/Marine Commendation Medal for his leadership and efforts- the write-up recommending him for this medal is simply incredible.)

Some of the Pictures Brian Took

Firefight

in

Marjah

On Patrol

Big Gun

Jumping the

Canals

Finding IEDs

Everywhere

Taking Brian to the airport to return to Pendleton was easier this time. This was the last time we’ll have to do it. Brian will be finishing up the last two months attending classes and basically beginning to check-out of the Marines. He will still have 2 years in the reserve but doesn’t expect to be activated again. He has served well.

I spent some time reviewing the posts I’ve made over the past two years. They brought back a lot of memories- a lot of emotions- and an even a greater appreciation for the little things we tend to take for granted when we get wrapped up in the hectic schedules of our daily lives. I can assure you, Lu and I will never forget this. We hope to take what we’ve learned and do whatever we can to help others going through similar experiences. I also feel some responsibility to carry-on the legacies of some of those who sacrificed everything by doing what our country asked them to do.

I still believe our presence in Afghanistan is necessary. However, my perspective has changed after going through this. The American public’s support for the effort has deteriorated and I am not at all confident in the political leadership exhibited by either side (Republican or Democrat). The reality is if Afghanistan falls and reverts back to Taliban rule the whole game in the Middle East may change- the nuclear option will certainly be more likely and the likelihood of another attack on our own soil increases. We may have to go back- just under different circumstances.

However, as long as Americans (not just the politicians) understand the real risks and still decide it's better to get out- I now think we should bring our men and women home. The sacrifices we are asking these men and women (and their families) to make no longer make sense unless our country is 100% behind the effort. We aren’t there today. There is no doubt that America supports our troops- America just doesn’t support the effort itself. I think you need both to be worth the sacrifices that are being made.

Just needed to get that out there

Once again, Lu and I want to thank all family and friends for your prayers and support. We will continue to adjust not only to having Brian safely home from Afghanistan but to prepare for his exit from the Marines. We can’t even begin to describe the pride we feel when we reflect on what he has accomplished- as a Marine, a son, a brother, and as a man. We will continue to pray for those still serving and will always remember those making the ultimate sacrifice for our country. We will always remain humbled by their commitment.

Brian plans to drive his truck (with his motorcycle in the back) from Camp Pendleton to Minnesota sometime in December to make the journey home. A couple of his buddies told him they would make the trip with him. If they don’t, I told him I’d do it. What a wonderful way to see the country, reflect a little, and appreciate some time together on the road. A Road Trip- I think another Story may be on the horizon.

God Bless and Signing Off

Semper Fi