"Almost There!"

We’re now at the part of the marathon where those lining the streets start to yell, “You’re almost there.” You know the intentions are sincere but you also know you’ve got more miles to go. You can’t let yourself focus on the finish-line just yet. In spite of the physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion you just keep putting one foot in front of the other and taking each mile one at a time.

As I’ve mentioned before, Brian has been wonderful keeping connected through this deployment. Many times we talk to him when he is on “watch.” When he’s on watch he’s up all night and sometimes it’s 2 or 3 a.m. Afghani time when he calls. That was the case last week. He’s sounding good and doing an unbelievable job staying focused and helping his team stay focused as well. I can’t begin to comprehend the mental and emotional exhaustion they must be feeling right now. It has cooled down to about 107 during the day and around 80 at night and the air conditioner continues to run full-bore 24/7.

I’m posting another picture of the guys when they arrived in Afghanistan over 6 months ago. In some ways it seems like an eternity, in others it seems like yesterday. I remember taking Brian to the airport last February. While all those trips suck, that one sucked more than the others. As I watched him walk down the jet-way and disappear from sight I wondered what the next seven months had in store for all of us. The Marine offensive in Marjah was just getting underway and the pace of the activity in Afghanistan overall was increasing. He was heading right into the middle of it. I knew this one was going to be different. I just didn’t know how different.

The situation we were facing in Marjah back in February (and Afghanistan generally) reminded me of what I had heard and read about Fallujah (and Iraq generally) during the very difficult period in the war in Iraq. Our country was not optimistic. We lost many young heroes just after the surge in Iraq. I knew there would be difficult times during this period in Afghanistan as well. You try not to focus on it- but it’s reality.

Last week the U.S. Army 4th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry was the last combat group to leave Iraq. Please remember that while the media and politicians have been focusing on the exit of the last formal “combat team” there are over 50,000 Americans still remaining. While the focus of those remaining will be different, these Americans will still carry guns, they will still be attacked by insurgents and IEDs, and, yes, there will still be casualties. Iraq is still not safe for our troops.

However, the final outcome in Iraq now lies in the hands of the Iraqi people. This is a tremendous milestone in Iraq and a tribute to over 4000 Americans who sacrificed everything to even make this milestone possible (I’m not ignoring the efforts of the other countries involved- but let’s be honest, the United States has carried the ball on this one).

Can the same thing happen in Afghanistan? Back in February I wasn’t so sure. Six months later I’m more optimistic that with the right military leadership we can at least help set the stage. It hasn’t been pretty but progress has been made. And, just like in Iraq, it will ultimately be up to the Afghani people to decide the direction they want their country to take. The direction they choose can have a significant impact on the stability of the region and on the national security of our own country. I hope they choose their direction wisely.

I promise I will post more specifics and details concerning Brian’s deployment schedule when I am able. I have a ton of things I would love to communicate- but just can’t until we’re further down the road.

Thanks again for all of your prayers and support; just a while longer.

Semper Fi

One Day At A Time

We just have to take it a day at a time. I know Brian is trying to do the same on the other end. We talked to him this past week and he sounds good. I can’t post a lot of the items we talked about but suffice it to say- the marines are ready to call it a day. They have served well. It’s easy to start jumping ahead to the finish-line right about now but Lu and I try to keep pushing ourselves back to “one day at a time.” Sometimes it’s not so easy.

I have to admit, there have been many times throughout this experience that I have wondered where all of this is heading. It didn’t seem like what was being communicated about this war (if anything) fit with what I would see and hear. Many times I honestly haven't known who was leading the effort. While I thought some clarity was provided by President Obama during his West Point Address in December, 2009, our media and politicians quickly ripped any clarity apart. It wasn’t until the Rolling Stone adventure involving General Stanley McCrystal transpired that my inclinations of confusion and frustration became real.

I watched the NBC interview with General Patreaus. I think I learned (at least on a very broad level) more about the goals, the situation, and the strategy of what we’re doing there in that hour than I had learned over the past 7 months. Patreaus manages the media- McCrystal was a victim of it. General Patreaus certainly understands the frustration the country is feeling with a war that has lasted for 9 years. Many Americans have made tremendous sacrifices in the effort along the way. He has not forgotten why the war was started in the first place and what the results would be if we left Afghanistan today. Even though over 60% of Americans are understandably not all that optimistic at this point, he realizes this is not simply an “Afghanistan issue” but an issue of stability for this important region in the Middle East. And, even though the media and politicians continue to focus primarily on the “July, 2011” exit date- he is focused on “doing his job” and leaving the politics to others. He is informed by the context of the politics but “not driven by it.”

Once again, I am feeling a little more encouraged. Finally, I feel there is someone in charge that will take control of both the military and civilian aspects of the mission and make them work together. For all of the soldiers, marines, and loved ones who have already sacrificed so much- it’s about time.

I’m lacking new photos from Afghanistan so am posting a picture of Brian after he graduated from boot camp four years ago- we’ve been through a lot, have learned a ton, and honestly believe we have become better and more engaged Americans as a result. Thanks Bug.





A New Marine
A World of Experience
In Four Years











And, Ethan continues to be a joy for all of us. Lindsey, Jason, and Ethan stopped over last week for a visit. These visits always make the wait to get Brian home a little easier.

Lu And Ethan

Makes It All Worthwhile

We'll certainly keep you posted as we know (and can communicate) specifics and details. Thanks again for your support and prayers.

Semper Fi

Still Remembering After 65 Years

We’re in a sort of “hold pattern” right now. We’re well over 20 miles, but still have to just take it one mile at a time. We can’t see the finish line yet- all we know is that with each day we’re getting closer.

We talked to Brian this week and he’s been staying much more active than we would like. Lu and I have made our views very clear but he can’t listen to his parents on this one. He has to “do his job.” As always, it’s good to hear his voice and we’ll just need to keep praying harder.

We continue to be amazed by what these men and women are doing for us. With each day we grow even more appreciative of the sacrifices being made every day to carry out a very complex and dangerous mission. I think our country appreciates the sacrifices to a certain extent; but doesn’t really have a clue of all that is involved. Most just think about it occasionally- usually when something comes up on one of the news channels.

A friend of mine sent me a beautiful story of the small town of Pilsen in the Czech Republic. This little community adores America, the American soldier, and continues to appreciate the sacrifices that were made on its behalf. Pilsen was liberated from the Nazis by General Patton 65 years ago. Every 5 years since, Pilsen has held a Liberation Celebration to honor its liberation, America, and the American soldier.

Pilsen is also the crash site of Lt. Virgil P. Kirkham, the last recorded American pilot killed in Europe during World War II. Lt. Kirkham was flying his 82nd mission (and one he volunteered to go on). He was only 20 years old when he died.

A young 14 year old Czech girl, Zdenka Sladkova, witnessed the crash of Lt. Kirkham’s P-47 Thunderbolt and was so moved by his sacrifice that she made a vow to care for his memory. For 65 straight years (and now 79 years old) she has assumed the responsibility to care for Virgil’s crash site and memorial created near her home.





Family Remembering
An American Hero
In the Czech Republic

Zdenka Sladkova

Keeping a 65 Year

Commitment To an

American Hero

These folks appreciate freedom- and know what it took to obtain it and keep it.

I’m posting some more Ethan pics from our time at the cabin last weekend.



I Still Like
The Shades

Some Great Teachers

We can’t thank everyone enough for your thoughts and especially your prayers. This one has been tougher than the other two- but we know your prayers have made a difference for Brian and for us.

Semper Fi

Making A Difference

By our best estimates we have passed the 22 mile marker of our marathon. As I’ve said before, the last six are the toughest and we’ve got four more miles to go. But, we’re getting closer and we’ll gut it out to the finish line.

We talked with Brian this past week and from the sounds of it the Marines are staying very busy. As you know, we don’t talk about the details but he continues to sound good- much better since they got the air conditioner. They have had a few sandstorms to contend with and the brutal heat of the summer may be letting up just a little (maybe 110 degrees as a high). I’m sure they are ready to get out of there- we’re all ready for them to get out of there. They have done more than their share.

While this whole journey has been a challenge for Lu and I, Ethan’s arrival has made it a little easier. We still can’t get our heads around the whole “grandparents” thing (we will eventually) but we have really enjoyed watching him grow and watching Lindsey and Jason become the parents that they are. They have been sending Brian pictures of Ethan and I’ve tried to keep him updated with this blog. Lindsey made Ethan a book full of uncle-Brian pictures so even though he’s thousands of miles away right now- they have already been introduced in a very special way.

Lindsey, Ethan, and Jason joined us up north this past weekend and Ethan had his first real experience with the water. Here are a few pictures from the weekend.





A Very Big
Bathtub
July, 2010

Cool Shades

July, 2010

When I talked to Brian last week he said something to me on the phone that I’ve been thinking a lot about lately. A couple weeks ago I posted some pictures of Brian with some of the Afghani kids. (I’m posting the high-five picture again because I think it’s pretty cool). He told me when he looked at that picture after he had returned to the base he realized something. He thought about the reasons he joined the Marines four years ago- (and there were several). One of the reasons was to share the blessings (my word) he felt he has received with those less fortunate than he. He told me that as he looked at the picture with that little boy he realized he “had accomplished one of his goals.” These children live in complete poverty and have to worry about being blown up every time they walk outside. That’s the reality of their life. Some will say “that’s the breaks” and it’s none of our business to be involved. I think Brian (and many of those serving with him) would say he was at least doing his part to make a little change in lives that could use a little changing- and perhaps saving lives along the way.


There is no doubt, the war is brutal. The politics behind the war (and everything else for that matter) is becoming brutal as well. As I thought about the lesson Brian taught me, I realized I can either sit on the sidelines and complain, or get involved and do my part to help change what needs changing. You don’t need to be 7,000 miles away in a war zone to have a positive impact on somebody’s life. You just need the heart and the passion to make it happen. I know it’s time I got off my ass to do my part as well.

Semper Fi

An Air Conditioner and WikiLeaks

First and most important, the guys finally got an air conditioner!!! As Brian communicated to many of you through his e-mail he was finally able to get his first real rest in several months. He told us when they first hooked it up he just kept walking in and out of the tent so he could keep experiencing the feeling of the cool air when coming in from 130+ degree heat. We talked to him this week and he sounds good- he actually sounds different now that he can get some rest (we notice that stuff). The food situation still sucks but they are doing what they can to get by. As we all know, things remain very active over there and can change very fast. He is keeping his guys very busy with an eye on the finish line- but remaining very focused on what he needs to do each day. All of us have to run this one all the way through the finish line.

Last month we had Rolling Stone providing us the status of the war in Afghanistan. This month we have WikiLeaks releasing over 75,000 classified Afghanistan war documents to the general public through the internet. This is not exactly what I had in mind when I hoped we would keep this war at the front our country’s thinking. I continue to be amazed by the sacrifices being made in this effort by many, many Americans. And, I continue to be amazed by many who are oblivious as well. I know Lu and I would have likely been on the oblivious side if we hadn’t experienced what we have experienced first-hand.

I am all for the protection of our First Amendment rights. But, I am also about protecting our country and protecting those we have asked to protect us. WikiLeaks released these documents based on their belief that “it is only when the people know the true plans and behavior of their governments that they can meaningfully choose to support them.” (from their web site). They are using the US Supreme Court’s decision related to the Pentagon Papers (Viet Nam) as a foundation of their actions, “only a free and unrestrained press can effectively expose deception in government.” (also from their web site).WikiLeaks has positioned their actions as a “public service.” While I agree with the fundamental premise of these beliefs, I think releasing these papers now is simply bullshit.

Those advocating to get out of Afghanistan will certainly step up the rhetoric. The uninformed (and there are many) will likely form their view and take positions simply based on the fact that this is new information for most of them.


For those who have been following this rather closely over the past two years, the talking points raised so far is not new information ; Pakistan working with the Taliban? Who couldn’t figure that one out; Iran is supporting the terrorists? Surprise, surprise.; Bin Laden involved in some of the decisions made in Afghanistan? No big revelation there; We have problems with the Afghan government? Give me a break.; Our soldiers were frustrated due to lack of resources? You put up with some of the crap these guys put up with and see if you wouldn’t be frustrated- but they carried out their mission none-the-less (and remember, this is all pre-2010); Some of the missions didn’t go well and some mistakes were made? No big surprise considering the limitations our troops had to deal with; Civilian casualties were higher than we have let on? Probably, considering the zero-tolerance policy we have had to live with. War crimes? Get a life- especially considering we’re engaging an enemy who has no rules.

We lost two Minnesota heroes in Afghanistan within a day of each other last week. Their funerals were last weekend. Specialist Matthew Johnson and 3 of his “combat buddies” were killed by a manually detonated IED in Zabul Province. His father said, “Matthew knew the risks, but he knew he needed to serve anyway. He knew he had to take the war to the cowards before the cowards brought the war to us.” First Lieutenant Chris Goeke and two others were killed when the Taliban attacked their base near Kandahar city. Chris graduated from West Point, had been married only 18 months, taught Sunday school, and was an inspiration to many. He too knew the risks, but was committed to something bigger than himself.

1st Lt Christopher Goeke

Apple Valley, Minnesota

KIA Kandahar City

7-13-10

Spc Mattew Johnson
Maplewood, Minnesota
KIA Zabul Province
7-14-10

You can bet the enemy is scouring over the 75,000 (probably soon-to-be 90,000) documents to find anything they might not have known before. Our media channels will come up with their own spin- but will most likely only confirm what we should have known all along if we had been half-way listening. In my opinion, we are simply educating the enemy unnecessarily by releasing these classified documents and creating further conflict in an already conflicted situation. I just don’t get it.

I’m all for free speech and keeping government transparent and honest. But, I’d rather take my direction from people like Matthew Johnson and Chris Goeke than from an internet company started by a computer hacker getting his information from an unknown source with unknown motivations. I hope others take the time to inform themselves of all of the facts and take into consideration what is at stake before jumping on board with one side or the other. Unfortunately, our media today (including WikiLeaks) tends to create “Shirley Sharrod moments”. We shoot first and ask questions later. I hope public opinion doesn’t just do the same.

We seem to forget that Afghanistan was the base of the attack that killed 3000 Americans on our own soil and it could happen again. That’s a little different than Viet Nam.

Semper Fi

Remembering the Children

When I talked to Brian earlier in the week he said, “I read the blog- you sounded pissed.” I was. I’m better now. The feelings are still there, I just don’t need to write about them this week.

We did finally get some positive news from Afghanistan.

First, if all goes as planned the guys should have an air conditioner within the next few days. It doesn’t fix what they had to go through to get it- but at least they are going to be able to have a place to get comfortable and finally get some decent sleep. The “low” at night is around 90 degrees over there. You can’t sleep very well when you are drenched in sweat. This should make it a little more bearable. It’s about time.

Second, Brian, and his group were recognized by those further up the chain for their efforts and their accomplishments for doing what they do. We tell Brian how proud we are all the time. But, it only goes so far when it comes from your parents. A little positive news and recognition from your chain of command does wonders for morale when you are dealing with the conditions they have been facing and continue to face every day. You don’t hear positive stuff very much. We are very proud of all of them.

Brian sent us two beautiful pictures that put a human perspective on this whole thing. Sometimes it’s still hard to put my head around the fact that when we get a phone call, an e-mail, or a letter we’re communicating to our son in a war zone 7000 miles away. These marines are living in conditions most of us couldn’t tolerate- and they are carrying out a mission and risking their lives because that is their job. I am humbled every day just thinking of it.

And, when I think of Afghanistan I generally think of all the bad stuff; insurgents, IEDs, the Taliban, corrupt governments, drugs, and all the rest. Until he sent these pictures I hadn’t thought very much about the children who are caught in the middle of all of this. I don’t know if we’re ever going to change a culture that has been in existence for thousands of years. All of the military might in the world probably can't do that but we still have to protect our country. But, you know, being able to receive a smile from a child in the middle of all of the killing, the misery, and the poverty has to count for something.

These pictures are pretty cool.




Brian Getting A
"High Five"
Afghanistan, 2010

Brian Making A Friend
and Getting A Smile
In The Middle of Chaos

Afghanistan, 2010

Lindsey, Jason, and Ethan stopped over for a visit. Brian called while they were here to wish Lindsey a happy birthday. It’s wonderful to hear them talk and Brian can’t wait to get home and meet his nephew in-person. In the meantime Ethan “talked” to Uncle Brian on the phone and told him everything that is going on in his life right now. They are going to be buddies, I’m sure.

Lindsey Held The

Phone While
Ethan "talked"

to Uncle Brian

We’re nearing the 20 mile mark of our journey. We’ve come a long way and have six more to go- but we’ll get there. Keep the prayers and positive thoughts flowing to the amazing marines in Afghanistan. They appreciate them more than you know. So do we.

Semper Fi

Ticked Off and Tired

Greetings to all

Brian finally connected with us last week. If you can believe it, it’s gotten hotter- over 130 degrees each day. And they still don’t have an air conditioner to give them a break from the heat. The guys have worked out arrangements to steal some “cool air time” from some of the other units- but it’s not the same. As much respect as I have for our marines and military- this is inexcusable to me. But, the guys are trying to make do with what they have and trying their best to keep their attitudes up. We’re trying to do the same- but it still pisses us off.

We’re still on hold for sending packages and that will most likely not change. So, I’ve taken to increasing my prayers and sending some inspirational and motivational quotes periodically. Feel free to do the same- the guys can use them. I can’t wait to meet them when we welcome Brian home. Brian has already told us that we can meet the guys in his squad on the parade deck when they arrive- and then he doesn’t want to see them for a “long time.” You can imagine what it would be like to live together for 7 months in tight quarters, 130+ degrees, no air, limited food supply, and in a high-stress environment. We can certainly understand.

And, while Lu and I are holding our own we have our moments. Our tolerance for the opinions of the uninformed has grown quite short when it relates to Afghanistan. The election rhetoric has already become nauseating and we know it’s going to get worse. When I wrote my story earlier in the year I had hoped our country would be going down a different path by now. I had hoped that both sides (Republican and Democrat) could pull their heads out of their asses for a little while and work together to solve the many challenges we face as a country. I had hoped both sides would recognize they don’t have a monopoly on the right answers. I had hoped we would recognize that Afghanistan is not Defense Department budget item only tied to the now infamous July, 2011 "exit date" but is fundamental to protecting our own freedoms and preventing an event in the future that will be worse than 9-11. General McChrystal helped bring Afghanistan back to the front page for awhile through his Rolling Stone adventure, but in the other areas we still have a long ways to go.

So, when Michelle Bachmann (our own Minnesota Congresswoman) is recently quoted saying we are becoming a “nation of slaves” just to raise the already high emotional pitch of the country- I am offended. Regardless of how our current dysfunctional and polarized political process is characterized I would ask our politicians to remember the guys and gals who are risking their lives each and every day; and the men, women, and families who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms before trying to score political points by throwing out quotable quotes. These people know what patriotism, freedom, and sacrifice is all about. Talking points are cheap. Cheap talking points from politicians are worthless.

This isn’t about who is right and who is wrong any more. It’s about getting our sons and daughters home after completing the mission we have asked them to do. This is the time for both sides to quit taking political cheap-shots and start working together to do what’s right for the country while protecting the foundation laid out in the Constitution for its citizens. And I repeat, in my opinion neither side has a monopoly on being right.

We owe it to those serving our country who know what America really stands for and know what real sacrifice is all about.

What It's All About Anyway

Brodie and Ethan on
The Fourth of July
(With Megan and Michelle)

A Picture Ethan

Will Likely Want To

Destroy When Older

(Fourth of July)

Semper Fi