A Day of Change In Iraq

So, it's National Sovereignty Day in Iraq. Today, June 30, is the day that all combat troops are supposed to be withdrawn from the major cities in Iraq. We really don't know what that all means for Brian as they have also stated that intelligence capabilities will continue. Plus, we really don't know where he is right now (we think we know) and Brian is both combat and intelligence so we don't know where that all falls for him. We'll keep you posted- but he probably won't be able to tell us much.

While this is an important day for the Iraqi people, the deaths of four of our soldiers today emphasized that this deal is far from over. As I've said in my previous postings- getting complacent about all of this is my worst fear. I know our military won't get complacent, but our country might. At Obama's press conference the other day there was not one question asked about either Iraq or Afghanistan. Unfortunately, most of our country has moved on to other things as we always do- we (along with all of our troops still serving) will continue to live with it every day until they are all home.

One of Saddam's former deputies came out urging the Iraqi people and the insurgents to keep fighting Americans "wherever they may be in Iraq". Believe me, these nut-jobs won't stop fighting just because our troops are strategically taking a different position. Once again, I hope we remind our country that this isn't over yet. We owe it to those still serving- and for those who have already given the ultimate sacrifice to see it through.

Enough of that.

Getting mail to Brian is still on hold. Ironically, he was able to send a case of some of his extra gear to us and it got here in less than a week. So, mail can go out of Iraq- it just has the problems when it tries to get there. The case he sent still had quite a bit of Iraqi desert sand on it even after the travel. The stuff is just like a fine gold powder. Brian called the other evening while he was waiting out another one of the famous "sandstorms" of this stuff blowing around. He said it was 3:00 in the afternoon and it was just black outside from the storm.

This weekend we'll be celebrating the 4th of July. Last year Brian was home for post-deployment leave and was able to spend some time with us at the cabin- his first time back in two years. All I can say is that it was a classic event. Being the only sober one in a boat with 6 others at 10:30 at night while watching the fireworks from the lake was quite the experience. I believe Brian became a legend in Walker last year when he introduced "Man Shots" to our humble community. It's never been the same.

So, I'm posting some photos from last year below. I told Brian we will all be thinking of him this year- and we'll make sure he catches up to us when he gets back home.

The "traditional meal" with our extended family last 4th

Yes, this is Lindsey after spending time at the Beer Garden in Walker. (Sorry Lindsey, this one is a classic, I had to put it in)

Well-deserved "Welcome Home" shots with friends and family

The family- enjoying some time together, and taking a breath.

So, have a wonderful 4th of July. As I've said many times before, these holidays have a different meaning for us now. Our independence and our freedom come with a cost. And, thank God we have the men and women willing to make the sacrifices to protect it for us every day.

Semper Fi

Prayers for Bri

http://images.acswebnetworks.com/1/1482/MDRCBulletinBoard426.pdf

Check out the Pray for our Military section...

Thanks Aunt Kathy, we want all the prayers we can get!!

We're Plugging Along

(UPDATED 6-17-09) We're supposed to hold on sending packages again- they haven't been able to fix the problem as yet.)

Brian's 22nd birthday is coming up on Monday, June 15. It's hard to believe that he's only 22 with all he is experiencing (and has already experienced)- and at the same time his mom and I continue to view him as the same mischievious little boy he always was growing up. Brian always added a little excitement in whatever he did (and certainly contributed to my gray hair- or what's left of it)- he's just continuing that today.

The weather in Iraq is really heating up. Brian told me that the other day it hit 115 degrees- at 11:00 a.m. But, he said the evenings get down to around 80 so it's tolerable.

Laura and I are doing fine. I guess you can say we're plugging along. Deployments are tough. We're in week 13 and we still have a ways to go. The tough parts are (like today) when he tells us he's heading out on "a mission" tonight and we won't hear from him for a few days. These are the times you just have to pray a little harder and be patient until we hear from him again when he returns. It's certainly challenging.

We've been watching the Colbert Report the past week as he's been filming the show from Camp Victory in Bagdhad (Once You Go Iraqi- You'll Never Go Backi). It's been a really good show and nice to hear about all of the good these guys and gals are doing over there since you don't hear about it in the mainstream media. It makes things seem worthwhile, and makes us feel a little closer to Brian as we watch.

Here are a few pictures Brian sent from wherever he is in Iraq. (Interesting quarters)

So, if you get a chance shoot Brian an e-mail on his birthday. I'm sure he'll appreciate it. And, I also want to reiterate his (and our) appreciation for all of your support in the past, and continued support in the future.

Semper Fi

Much To Remember

It was a good Memorial Day.

I had an urge to go to a Memorial Day ceremony somewhere and ended up at Hillcrest Cemetary in Hackensack. The little cemetary sits back in the woods off of a dirt road. The veterans memorial at the entry faced rows of white crosses representing those buried there. Despite being cloudy and windy on Monday- the setting was perfect, and the simple program (brought to you by the Hackensack VFW #202) had a lot of meaning for me. I guess whether you are at Arlington Cemetary in Virginia, or Hillcrest Cemetary in Hackensack, Minnesota, the purpose is the same; taking the time to remember and appreciate.

A year ago today Grandpa Cliff passed on. Brian was so disappointed that he wasn't here as he was just returning home from his first deployment. But, we know Cliff knows he was with us in heart and spirit.




So, we've taken a little time today to remember Cliff and the pride he had in his children and in all his grandchildren. We're certain he continues to be very proud of what they have all become.


Brian used to love to put on his uniform the few times he was home to go to see Cliff. When he would walk in the room you could see the smile grow on Cliff's face and a light shine from his eyes. Cliff was proud of his Marine and his Marine was proud of and loved his grandpa.

As it should be.

Semper Fi

Memorial Day Here- It's Hot In Iraq

[NOTE: Please note Brian's new address on the left; They were having a little trouble forwarding mail from their last FOB- He said this new address should take care of it.]


The average temperature in Bagdhad this week is 105 degrees. And, its not even summer yet.

Many received a phone call from Iraq over the past week. Brian called his Mom on Mother's Day and she received flowers from him on her birthday. Brian loves his mom and he's doing an unbelieveable job of staying in touch when he can.

We were humbled by the e-mail he sent last week requesting us to say a prayer for the fallen brothers and sisters this past Armed Services Day. It put things in perspective again on what is important in life- and is evidence of the patriotism and sacrifice offered by these young men and women who are serving (and have served) our country. Our outlook on many things has changed as a result of this experience.

This weekend we observe Memorial Day. I have to be honest, I didn't appreciate the significance of this "holiday" until we began living as a military family. The day has a different meaning to us today.

Memorial Day was originally proclaimed a "holiday" in 1868 as a means to remember those who sacrificed their lives in the Civil War. It continued as a Civil War memorial event until after World War I when the sacrifice of those who had given their lives in any war was recognized. That's what we observe today.

So, as we head up to our cabins, or have a day off, or do whatever we plan to do this weekend, let's take another moment to say a prayer for those who have offered the ultimate sacrifice for this country. I don't think Brian would mind if I used his words again of his request to say a prayer for "the fallen brothers and sisters who have given their life for what we have in our homes. I would ask you say a prayer for them and their families in honor of their sacrifice to our nation."

A Poem From 1915

We cherish too the Poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led,
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies

Semper Fi

Happy Mother's Day Laura

Happy Mother's Day Laura Lu

The Best Marine Mom Ever!!!!

My Marine's Sentinel

Copyright © 2004 Sandra Lee James

A Proud Marine Mom

----

When my son joined the Corps, I asked favor of God,

To watch over my son and take care of his squad.

And on days when His watch is needed elsewhere,

For those times, my request was a special prayer.

----

There was something I'd heard that's unique to the Corps,

Something I'd never heard of before.

When I heard the story, it reassured my heart,

Because it's something that sets Marines apart.

----

When a Marine is assigned to his final squad,

And the man with top rank is none other than God,

He knows for his service, his reward will be great,

For it's only Marines who guard Heaven's Gate.

----

So in my prayer to God, it is this that I asked,

I knew only a Marine could manage the task,

Please search through your ranks for just the right man,

One who knows combat and knows the game plan.

----

For those times when my son finds himself in harm's way,

Please dispatch that sentinel, without delay.

Appoint a Marine to keep watch on my son,

And please send him back home, once his mission is done.

----

I sleep better at night, I know my son's in good hands,

I know God hears my prayers and He understands.

My son doesn't know it, but wherever he's at,

There's a Marine up in heaven who's got his back.

----

Part of A Marine Family

I was driving to a meeting the other day and a large truck pulled up beside me and honked. I looked over (wondering what I did wrong) and the truck driver gave me the thumbs-up and mouthed "Semper Fi". What a great feeling. I was proud.

Brian put USMC stickers on our cars before he left for boot camp and I can't even count the number of times that has happened when other Marines have seen them. I remember when Brian graduated from boot camp and the commander in San Diego giving a wonderful speech about the importance of family and commitment and how we are now part of the Marine Corp family. It really didn't sink in then but has become much more apparent with each encounter we have with other Marines.

Brian and I exchanged e-mails over the past week and I was telling him how proud we all are of what he and his fellow Marines are doing for us. Here's his reply, "You guys are the real heroes cuz the truth is, all of the troops overseas are here because of the families that made them who they are". Just amazing to me. If there is one thing I've learned- others may talk about things- Marines live them.

Most of you know Brian changed his FOB and gave us pretty direct "hints" on where he is now. (I believe the reason he can't come right out and tell us is due to security filters). Lindsey was able to talk to him- (and probably others)- but we missed him this time. But, he sounds good in his e-mails and it sounds like this base is more liveable than where he was before.

I continue to be very apprehensive with the stability of things over there but I have much more confidence in the military leadership and strategic decisions that are being made today. That helps a little. The uncertainty won't go away until he's back home.



Here is a picture of the first time we saw Brian after 13 weeks of boot camp in San Diego. He said he about lost it when he turned "left-face" and we were standing right in front of him. Thirteen weeks seemed like an eternity back then- but as we go through our second deployment it seems like a piece of cake today.


Here is Laura and Brian when he returned home from his first deployment. We can't wait until he's home from this one. We know we have a ways to go. We're just taking it Sunday-to-Sunday; Chow-to-Chow; and praying every day for the safety of all serving over there.



Laura, Lindsey, Jason, and I want to thank everyone who is sending packages, notes, e-mails, etc. It means a lot to us- and I know it means a lot to Brian. Please remember- you are also an important part of our "Marine Family". You have our heartfelt gratitude.

Semper Fi