A Quiet Week From Iraq

Well, it's been a quiet week in Lake Wobegon.

Laura received a real quick e-mail from Brian telling her he got our package, but he was busy, tired, and had to keep it short. He had told us earlier getting communication to us is likely to be more sporadic- we're living with it. So, we weren't able to talk to him this week. It's been quiet.

We had hoped his Battalion would keep their website updated at least a little bit to give us some idea of the bigger picture of what's going on over there- but that's not happening. We're following a couple of other websites to try to stay as informed as we can.

I had lunch this week with a friend (Brad Chandler) and came to find out his "second son" is a Marine and currently deployed with a MEU. Honest to God, it was wonderful to be able to sit and talk with someone who can relate to all of the emotions involved with this. It's also nice to realize you're not nuts with the feelings you're carrying after-all.

But, Brad has taken it a step further. He is also on the board of Tribute To The Troops. This is a motorcyle group (similar to the Patriot Riders) that holds charity events, programs, and other services for wounded servicemen and for the families of fallen soldiers. He shared some of the stories of their past efforts- and they were quite moving. It's so encouraging to know that there continue to be these people out there, making a difference, and helping you to appreciate that the sacrifices we are all required to make sometimes are worth it.

Here's The Link to Tribute For The Troops if you want to take a look at it:

http://www.tributetothetroops.org/

Picture of Brian receiving his Eagle, Globe, Anchor and becoming a Marine:

Thanks to all for your continued support and prayers. We'll keep you posted.

Semper Fi

Week 5

Brian called us unexpectantly on "Easter Eve". We got the call around 7:30 p.m. Central (which is 3:30 a.m. Iraq-time). He had just returned from a mission and they were given some free phone-time for Easter so he wanted to take advantage of it. You could tell he was exhausted but also had some adrenaline pumping at the same time. He had been on recon since 8 in the morning and just got back from the mission at 3:00 a.m. I always ask too many questions about the specifics of what he is doing when he tells us this stuff (which are irrelevant because he can't tell me anything anyway). He just told me he'd have to fill us in when he gets back. That's the part I hate- because your head starts filling up with wild-ass thoughts.

As we mentioned in our last post- he hadn't been to his FOB yet when he called as they were called out to this other area right after they arrived to do whatever it was they were supposed to do. He hadn't been able to change his clothes in two weeks as all of their gear was sent to where he was supposed to go originally. And, he said the sleeping arrangements where he was at were challenging.

While it was great to hear from him- Laura and I spent the week a little on the melancholy side. First of all you worry about all of the things you don't know and have absolutely no control over, then you feel guilty for having the ability to change your clothes, get into a warm bed, and eat a decent meal. Irrational, we know; but it's the reality just the same.

But, this morning we received an e-mail from him and he sounds great (so, we are feeling better - just part of the emotional roller-coaster). He has now arrived at his FOB and has been able to reunite with the rest of his unit and his stuff. He also received some of your packages- so thanks a ton. And, he loves getting the e-mails. He did say that they may be moving and his mailing address may change- but I'll let you all know when/if that happens down the road. He also mentioned he may not have regular access to phones and the internet- so be patient if you don't hear from him frequently.

Picture of Brian when he went to Sarah Wallek's class after he came home from Boot Camp. He really loves being with the kids.

So, we made it through Week 5. It already seems a lot longer than that and this one was a little tougher for some reason. But, we made it. Take care and say a prayer when you can for all who are really doing some extraordinary things in support of our country.

Semper Fi

We Finally Got A Chance To Talk

I had planned on writing an upbeat posting as we were finally able to talk with Brian the other day. Then, this morning we learn that 5 of our soldiers were killed today in a suicide bomb attack in Mosul. These are the "gut-check times" when you get hit with the reality of it all. These are the times you understand what our military continues to face over there and the cowardly methods the enemy uses to fight their battle. I try to maintain a Christian view of things in most areas of my life- but I have a tough time dealing with these whack-jobs. Please take a minute when you can to say a prayer for those fallen heroes and their families.

But, we were able to talk with Brian the other morning. It was wonderful to hear his voice and he sounded good. As expected, he wasn't able to tell us where he was or what he was doing, but hearing his voice was the main thing anyway. He did tell us he wasn't at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) he originally told us he would be stationed as they were called out into another area to carry-out some missions. It sounds like they are going to be moving the Marines around.

He sent us a couple of pictures that were pretty cool:

This one is of the group of veterans and citizens in Maine who were at the air force base at 12:30 a.m. lined-up to thank the Marines and wish them well before they headed off to Iraq (that's Brian in the middle). I actually got a little teary when I visualized this large group of Marines (including our son) getting ready to head off to "do their job" for us, with the group of Americans standing in a line simply to tell them "thanks". We are very proud. I wish I could have been there.





And this one is of Brian at the base in Maine before heading out. What a good looking Marine!!





So, we've made it 4 weeks- and we still have a ways to go. Thank God for the internet as I know many are staying connected with Brian that way- and he loves to hear from you. He doesn't know when he'll be able to pick up any mail as he's been moving around but feel free to send anything when you get a chance. As I've said before, his FOB is a pit so any of the "basics" will be appreciated.

Again, say a prayer for those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our country- and for the safety of all of those still serving.

Semper Fi

Just Waiting

As I've said before, this is the tough part. We still haven't talked directly to Brian but have received e-mails and have been following his Facebook page. We try to connect in whatever manner we can right now.

A friend of mine asked me if we get a little anxious when the phone rings or when the doorbell rings while he's deployed- the simple answer is "yes". I think we're better than we were when we started this journey- but, there is always that anxiousness that won't go away until he's back in the states. You learn to live with it as best you can.

It sounds like he's already experiencing his share of sandstorms over there and he's told me he's been really "busy". Not sure what that means in Marine code- but it sounds like he's been doing his thing.

We did send off a box of supplies on Monday. We put in socks, t-shirts, some easy-to-make food, Kool-Aid, cigarettes, soap, shampoo, etc. etc. Just to let you know- where he is at is a pit- and I don't believe they have access to a normal "px" so whatever you can send would be appreciated I'm sure.

So, we continue to wait and do what we can to support those guys. We carry our cell phones wherever we are and keep the land-line handy in case he calls. He's been good at staying connected so I'm sure he'll get in touch with us when he can.

I'm including here another picture of Brian and his team before he headed out on a mission during his last deployment (Brian's on the right). The marine on the left is "Crazy" Chris Nims. He's seen a lot of action and has been a good friend to Brian along the way (Brian can share some of the "Nims Stories" with you when he gets back). The marine in the middle is Staff Sergeant Aaron Wade. He is also a great friend to Brian and has been a really good mentor. Brian said this team worked extremely well together when they completed missions during his last deployment- but that the team he is with today is even better.

And, I thought it appropriate to include another picture of a marine that has some relevance to our blog. This is a picture of LCpl Brady Gustofson, from Edina, Minnesota who just received the Navy Cross (highest Navy award and second only to the Congressional Medal of Honor) for his service in Afghanistan. LCpl Gustofson was wounded when an IED went through his Humvee. Despite being wounded, he manned the machine gun in the vehicle and fired over 400 rounds (had to reload twice) at the enemy to protect his buddies. He is 21. This is the type of service and commitment these men and women provide for us in very dangerous situations. I just wish our country appreciated it more.

So, we'll continue to wait and hopefully hear from Brian soon. Keep all of our service members who are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan in your prayers- and send them a note or a package when you get a chance.

Semper Fi

For those who don't have facebook...

I thought I'd keep up on Bri's facebook posts. They aren't always cheerful, but I always breathe a little sigh of relief when he posts a new one.

March 25, 2009
Brian Zdychnec having such a grand ole time.............. hope you can catch the sarcasim
7:40am · Comment · LikeUnlike

Our 6Th Anniversary in Iraq and An E-Mail So Far

Well, this past Thursday we reached the 6th anniversary of the war in Iraq. I'm sure we all recall watching the "shock and awe" of the war when we entered Bagdhad in 2003. Who would have thought we would still be there 6 years later- and Brian is now there as a part of it. It's pretty unreal to us.

We received a brief e-mail from Brian this morning telling us everything is moving along as planned and he'll get in touch with us when he gets a minute and they get their connections all established (we don't know where he is at this point). We talked to him very briefly from Kuwait last Saturday and said he didn't know when he would get a chance to call again. He told us it could be quite awhile- so we've just been patient. This is the tough part as all you can do is just wait.

He did tell us when we talked to him that on their way out of the country they made a stop at an air force base in Maine. They arrived around 12:30 a.m. and there was a contingent of military veterans waiting for them when they arrived to welcome them, thank them, and wish them well. Brian said it was pretty cool. We can be a really neat country when we want to be.

He said in his e-mail that he would send us a list of the things they can use over there. I'm attaching a link here from MarineParents.com that provides a pretty comprehensive list of items. He did say when he was home that socks are a big item- and he really liked getting the Kool-Aid packets and some of the "quick-food" stuff we sent to him the last time. It's going to get hotter than crap there over the next few months so anything that can help with trying to stay cool and keeping the fluids flowing will be good.

http://www.carepackageproject.com/carepkg-project-needs-list.asp

Some Other Photos I Liked

The landscape of Kuwait (From last deployment) Just a lot of sand.



This is a picture of some kids welcoming home the Minnesota National Guard when they went through Walker on their way home to Bemidji in 2007 (cute kids). If my facts are right these soldiers served the longest deployment in Iraq- almost 2 years- of any other military unit in the country. Talk about sacrifice. It was pretty neat to watch them go through and be part of the whole deal.


We'll certainly keep everyone updated as we hear anything. Thanks for your support and prayers.

Semper Fi

Neither One Is "Better"

I've been really surprised with the number of people who have told me "at least he's not in Afghanistan" when I'm asked where Brian is serving. I know some people say it to make us feel better. But many others actually seem to think it's all over, we've won, no more combat, nothing more to do since we're going to start bringing some of our troops home.

No doubt, the situation in Iraq has improved since the military was finally provided the resources and management to do what they needed to do. Our country (and many families) sacrificed a lot along the way to get us here. But, the folks over there now aren't just sitting in the sand and eating bon-bons just because our politicians say we're drawing-down or because we don't hear about Iraq as much in the media. There are missions still taking place and the enemy we are fighting is still nuts. As we have seen in the past, the landscape over there changes in an instant. A sign over the exit to one of our bases over there says it best, "Complacency Kills".

There are still over 140,000 sons, brothers, fathers, mothers, wives, and daughters sacrificing for us over there every day. They are sacrificing precious time away from family and friends and putting their lives out there each day. Iraq is still dangerous and (in my opinion) still a mess. And, despite what our own views are of why we are there- most are completing their missions without question. They are "just doing their job" (I've heard that a lot)

Make no mistake, Afghanistan is extremely dangerous now and we pray every day for the troops that are serving there. But, from my perspective, neither place is "better". As long as there are still casualties and sacrifices being made in either place and as long as both remain unstable, despite what the politicians communicate or media says (or doesn't say), we're still at war in both.

For those who have served in Iraq in the past, are serving now, and will be serving in the future- I hope our country doesn't become complacent- or more naive.

Semper Fi