Saturday, December 06, 2008
Monday, August 11, 2008
WELCOME HOME CHRIS
Welcome Home Chris. Chris visited us for a week in San Diego and we had a party to celebrate, including the strawberry cake. Craig and I along with his Aunt Judy, cousin Cheryl her husband Dan and their twins Kelela and Corrine, and Judith joined together to celebrate. We had steak, hot dogs, chicken, lumpia, potato salad, and a whole lot more.I'm a happy Momma and we were a happy family.
Chris, thank you visiting.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
I'M JUST GLAD YOUR HOME
I can't imagine what all the parents thought about their children being hurt in Iraq or sleeping on cots or in sleeping bags with no electricity or running water and not enough food to eat. I can't sleep good thinking my baby was out there in the middle of the war, it's not easy being here. The pain inside is getting better now that you're home. My heart feels much lighter now. God answered my prayers.
Love you a lot Chris, Mom
Love you a lot Chris, Mom
He's Home! He's Home!
Chris is back! I just spoke to him on the phone. They got in late yesterday evening and had a big parade. He and his buddies spent today moving into their apartment.
What a great relief to have him home!
From the Coastal Courier regarding the Welcome Home Ceremony:
Though the field was dark, the colors of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, stood out clearly on Cottrell Field here as more than 380 Spartan Brigade Soldiers came home Wednesday tonight at a late ceremony.
Spartan Brigade commander Col. Terry Ferrell was among the soldiers welcomed home by roughly 800 friends and family.
Third Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch welcomed home Ferrell and the other Spartan soldiers. Lynch said he is proud of the Spartan Brigade's service during its 13-month deployment.
"Regardless if you were in Arab Jabour or in Baghdad, you made history," he said. "Job well done."
The brigade was mainly located in Arab Jabour and detained more than 800 terrorist suspects and helped foster Iraqi self-governance. Second Brigade Soldiers blocked weapons from entering the Iraqi capital, protected the local population, and trained Iraqi security forces. To date, more than 2,380 2BCT Soldiers have come home.
Following Lynch's welcome and the singing of the national anthem, the Marne Song and the Army Song, the family members and friends rushed from the bleacher's reviewing stands to greet their Soldiers.
The ceremony was the most recent in a series of events welcoming home the 2nd BCT from Iraq.
Tuesday, More than 250 soldiers with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, came home to thunderous applause, stomping feet and deafening cheers of roughly 700 friends and family in Fort Stewart's Newman Fitness Center.
Third Infantry Division Deputy Chief of Staff Lt. Col. Robert Reynolds greeted the torch party and thanked them for a job well done during the brigade's 13-month deployment to southern Baghdad.
"Each of you standing before me has helped make history," Reynolds said.
"You can look into your mirror at home and see the reflection of a person who has made a difference by securing the blessings of liberty for both the Iraqi and U.S. people. Be proud of the history you've made."
Also, more than 400 Spartan Brigade soldiers came home over the weekend in two ceremonies. To date, about 1,750 2BCT soldiers have come home.
What a great relief to have him home!
From the Coastal Courier regarding the Welcome Home Ceremony:
Though the field was dark, the colors of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, stood out clearly on Cottrell Field here as more than 380 Spartan Brigade Soldiers came home Wednesday tonight at a late ceremony.
Spartan Brigade commander Col. Terry Ferrell was among the soldiers welcomed home by roughly 800 friends and family.
Third Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch welcomed home Ferrell and the other Spartan soldiers. Lynch said he is proud of the Spartan Brigade's service during its 13-month deployment.
"Regardless if you were in Arab Jabour or in Baghdad, you made history," he said. "Job well done."
The brigade was mainly located in Arab Jabour and detained more than 800 terrorist suspects and helped foster Iraqi self-governance. Second Brigade Soldiers blocked weapons from entering the Iraqi capital, protected the local population, and trained Iraqi security forces. To date, more than 2,380 2BCT Soldiers have come home.
Following Lynch's welcome and the singing of the national anthem, the Marne Song and the Army Song, the family members and friends rushed from the bleacher's reviewing stands to greet their Soldiers.
The ceremony was the most recent in a series of events welcoming home the 2nd BCT from Iraq.
Tuesday, More than 250 soldiers with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, came home to thunderous applause, stomping feet and deafening cheers of roughly 700 friends and family in Fort Stewart's Newman Fitness Center.
Third Infantry Division Deputy Chief of Staff Lt. Col. Robert Reynolds greeted the torch party and thanked them for a job well done during the brigade's 13-month deployment to southern Baghdad.
"Each of you standing before me has helped make history," Reynolds said.
"You can look into your mirror at home and see the reflection of a person who has made a difference by securing the blessings of liberty for both the Iraqi and U.S. people. Be proud of the history you've made."
Also, more than 400 Spartan Brigade soldiers came home over the weekend in two ceremonies. To date, about 1,750 2BCT soldiers have come home.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Wednesday, July 9, at 10:15 PM!
A representative from the Army called Dad to let him know that Chris will be arriving at Fort Stewart at 10:15 PM on Wednesday, July 9. Announcements about the welcome home ceremony are posted at the Ft. Stewart website. Chris' flight is presumably Flight 11.
Can't wait! Wish we could all be there when he arrives!
Friday, July 04, 2008
CHRIS HAPPY 4TH OF JULY
Have happy Independence Day over there. Hope you guys have a special day. Maybe you'll get a special meal, they'll have a picnic or something. You only have a couple of day left now, so stay safe and come home soon.
Love you alot, Mom
Love you alot, Mom
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Recounting the 3rd ID's Iraq Deployment
I found this article on the Coastal Courier's website:
*****
While most people only read about history, the soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Division helped to make history during their 15-month deployment to Iraq, the division's commander said Friday at Fort Stewart.
Army Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch had lunch with Savannah and Coastal Georgia new media at Club Stewart and thanked them for their efforts in telling the division's story. Lynch expressed his pride in and appreciation for the "Rock of the Marne" soldiers whose dedication and sacrifice helped secure and improve life for the Iraqi people, and he recognized the sacrifices and efforts of family members who supported his soldiers while they were deployed.
In Iraq, Lynch commanded Task Force Marne, which comprised about 20,000 coalition soldiers, 27,000 Iraqi soldiers and 47,000 Iraqi police operating in an area the size of West Virginia.
"Our job, once we got over there, was to block the accelerants of violence into Baghdad, secure the population, and defeat sectarian violence," Lynch said, noting the effort was successful. When they first arrived, the general said, his soldiers were being attacked about 25 times a day. By the time the 3rd Infantry Division headquarters left, attacks were down to fewer than two a day.
The success of the "surge" strategy in Iraq is evident in the reduction of violence during the division's deployment, Lynch said. Total attacks decreased 89 percent, indirect fire attacks stopped, small-arms attacks saw an 88 percent decline, and roadside bomb attacks decreased 79 percent, he said.
The reduction in violence was accompanied by sharp declines in casualties, Lynch said. During the deployment, civilian casualties fell 95 percent, coalition casualties saw a 91 percent reduction, and forces casualties decreased 79 percent, the general said.
Lynch said that while the 3rd Infantry Division was there, the Iraqi people got tired of insurgent intimidation and violence and took action to prevent it. More than 36,000 Iraqis joined the "Sons of Iraq" citizen group in the Task Force Marne area of operations to help the security effort in their communities.
"The people of Iraq want what we want," Lynch said. "They want freedom from fear. They want to be able to send their kids to school. They want jobs, and they want to be able to go out to the market."
One of the reasons for the surge's success, he told the audience, was the decision to have most of the soldiers living and working at patrol bases in the Iraqi communities. Lynch said the response was positive, noting that when the Iraqi people saw the patrol bases being built, they had two questions: "Where are the soldiers going to stay?" and "How can we help?" The new sense of security the people felt with the soldiers living among them led to improved cooperation from local citizens, the general added.
The shift in attitudes facilitated a transition for the soldiers from conducting combat operations to capacity-building, Lynch said, as they worked on projects to benefit employment and the economy and helped the local government further establish itself.
For example, the general said, Task Force Marne worked to develop more than 3,000 fish farms, to improve the flow of water in their area, and to revitalize the chicken-farming industry. "We imported 90,000 chicken eggs from Holland," Lynch said. "We brought them into our area, built incubators so the chickens could hatch, and sent 90,000 chicks to the local poultry farmers so they could raise chickens and bring them to market."
Lynch attributed his soldiers' success to their dedication, commitment and belief they were making a difference. He said their commitment was evident when the division achieved its 12-month re-enlistment goal in just five months - an unprecedented accomplishment. And he noted that the soldiers were able to focus on their missions because they knew their families were being taken care of back home.
Although the mission was successful, Lynch said, it wasn't without cost, as 152 Marne soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice during the deployment. He said he won't forget their heroic actions, nor those of their brothers and sisters in arms. Lynch said he was continuously moved by the soldiers who would come in for memorials, share their emotions, then turn around, put their body armor back on and continue the mission.
Lynch said he was honored to work with the soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Division, and although he would be turning over command in mid-July, he would continue to wear the Marne Division combat patch on his right shoulder in remembrance of their service together.
By Pat Young
Special to American Forces Press Service
Posted: June 30, 2008 10:37 a.m.
*****
While most people only read about history, the soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Division helped to make history during their 15-month deployment to Iraq, the division's commander said Friday at Fort Stewart.
Army Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch had lunch with Savannah and Coastal Georgia new media at Club Stewart and thanked them for their efforts in telling the division's story. Lynch expressed his pride in and appreciation for the "Rock of the Marne" soldiers whose dedication and sacrifice helped secure and improve life for the Iraqi people, and he recognized the sacrifices and efforts of family members who supported his soldiers while they were deployed.
In Iraq, Lynch commanded Task Force Marne, which comprised about 20,000 coalition soldiers, 27,000 Iraqi soldiers and 47,000 Iraqi police operating in an area the size of West Virginia.
"Our job, once we got over there, was to block the accelerants of violence into Baghdad, secure the population, and defeat sectarian violence," Lynch said, noting the effort was successful. When they first arrived, the general said, his soldiers were being attacked about 25 times a day. By the time the 3rd Infantry Division headquarters left, attacks were down to fewer than two a day.
The success of the "surge" strategy in Iraq is evident in the reduction of violence during the division's deployment, Lynch said. Total attacks decreased 89 percent, indirect fire attacks stopped, small-arms attacks saw an 88 percent decline, and roadside bomb attacks decreased 79 percent, he said.
The reduction in violence was accompanied by sharp declines in casualties, Lynch said. During the deployment, civilian casualties fell 95 percent, coalition casualties saw a 91 percent reduction, and forces casualties decreased 79 percent, the general said.
Lynch said that while the 3rd Infantry Division was there, the Iraqi people got tired of insurgent intimidation and violence and took action to prevent it. More than 36,000 Iraqis joined the "Sons of Iraq" citizen group in the Task Force Marne area of operations to help the security effort in their communities.
"The people of Iraq want what we want," Lynch said. "They want freedom from fear. They want to be able to send their kids to school. They want jobs, and they want to be able to go out to the market."
One of the reasons for the surge's success, he told the audience, was the decision to have most of the soldiers living and working at patrol bases in the Iraqi communities. Lynch said the response was positive, noting that when the Iraqi people saw the patrol bases being built, they had two questions: "Where are the soldiers going to stay?" and "How can we help?" The new sense of security the people felt with the soldiers living among them led to improved cooperation from local citizens, the general added.
The shift in attitudes facilitated a transition for the soldiers from conducting combat operations to capacity-building, Lynch said, as they worked on projects to benefit employment and the economy and helped the local government further establish itself.
For example, the general said, Task Force Marne worked to develop more than 3,000 fish farms, to improve the flow of water in their area, and to revitalize the chicken-farming industry. "We imported 90,000 chicken eggs from Holland," Lynch said. "We brought them into our area, built incubators so the chickens could hatch, and sent 90,000 chicks to the local poultry farmers so they could raise chickens and bring them to market."
Lynch attributed his soldiers' success to their dedication, commitment and belief they were making a difference. He said their commitment was evident when the division achieved its 12-month re-enlistment goal in just five months - an unprecedented accomplishment. And he noted that the soldiers were able to focus on their missions because they knew their families were being taken care of back home.
Although the mission was successful, Lynch said, it wasn't without cost, as 152 Marne soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice during the deployment. He said he won't forget their heroic actions, nor those of their brothers and sisters in arms. Lynch said he was continuously moved by the soldiers who would come in for memorials, share their emotions, then turn around, put their body armor back on and continue the mission.
Lynch said he was honored to work with the soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Division, and although he would be turning over command in mid-July, he would continue to wear the Marne Division combat patch on his right shoulder in remembrance of their service together.
By Pat Young
Special to American Forces Press Service
Posted: June 30, 2008 10:37 a.m.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!
Chris called at 3 pm to wish me a Happy Birthday. It was 1 am over there. He said his Dad had dinner in Kansas City with Jackie on Father's Day. He's leaving Iraq on 6 July and will get into the U.S. on 11 July. I'm counting the days. He'll be visiting us in San Diego the week in August. I can't wait. We'll try and have a party for him. He said all he wants to do is go to the beach with his boogie board. I was so excited I forgot most of the conversation. It's just good to hear his voice and know he is all right.
Love my baby boy.
Missing you Chris, Mom and Craig
Love my baby boy.
Missing you Chris, Mom and Craig
Monday, June 09, 2008
Less than a month to go!
Hi, All! Chris called this weekend. He said he tried to call Mom and Dad but neither were available to answer. He says the main conversation among the soldiers as they wind down their tour is what they're going to do when they get back. Chris shared some of his ideas with me, and much of it included his motorcyle (of course!). Even though these guys have less than a month left of their tour of duty, Chris says they are still working at the 100 percent level, so please continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Happy June to all of you! May you have a fun-filled summer!
Happy June to all of you! May you have a fun-filled summer!
Thursday, May 15, 2008
FINALLY TALKED TO CHRIS
I called Chris last night at 10:30 pm here 8:30 am there. He's bored. It's 100 degrees there now. Some turnover recently in the troops as they come and go. All they can do is watch movies, play cards or ping pong. The only have 5 computers for each 100 soldiers. He was heading to work so the phone call was real short. He can't hardly wait to get home, he's counting the days.
He called on Mother's Day but we didn't answer. I left my bluetooth on and was trying to answer the cell phone without it. It doesn't work. It's new and I didn't know that it worked that way.
It was nice to hear his voice and know that he is okay. Thank you so much for calling me back Chris!
Love you a lot Chris. Stay alert and safe. Watch your back.
Mom
He called on Mother's Day but we didn't answer. I left my bluetooth on and was trying to answer the cell phone without it. It doesn't work. It's new and I didn't know that it worked that way.
It was nice to hear his voice and know that he is okay. Thank you so much for calling me back Chris!
Love you a lot Chris. Stay alert and safe. Watch your back.
Mom
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
Happy Birthday Chris! I've been trying to call you, but no answer.
Wish you were here.
Love you always, Mom
Friday, May 09, 2008
THANKS FOR THE FLOWERS
Happy Mother's Day. I just got flowers from young Army son, Chris. At least I know he is fine. I also got pretty flowers from my daughter, Jackie. She is doing good too. Thank you God for all the blessings. My children are good to me. I pray for them every single day. Please watch over them, especially my Army son. Keep him away from bad spirits and keep him strong so he can be more alert and be able to take care of himself. Amen.
Missing you, Mom
Missing you, Mom
Thursday, May 01, 2008
CHRIS CALL 04-30-2008
Chris called last night about 11:45 pm, 10 am in Iraq. He said it is 110 degrees so he is sweating alot. He said they are at the mall and He has his own room now. He is coming home in the second week of July. I talked to him for about 52 minutes. He said he had a nice visit in Belleville seeing his family and friends. He said they go to the beach in Iraq about 20 minutes from where they are. He heard about the shark attack just north of San Diego.
Early Happy Birthday Chris, your birthday is coming up on 14 May.
Love you a lot, take care of yourself, be careful - Mom
Early Happy Birthday Chris, your birthday is coming up on 14 May.
Love you a lot, take care of yourself, be careful - Mom
Monday, April 14, 2008
CHRIS' VISIT II
Special thanks for the Strnad Family: Mike John, Christopher John, Jacqueline Marie and Judith. Henry from Munden, KS, and Carla, Chuck Oday and their boys Charlie and Kyle. Carol and her husband (Mom and Dads best friend in Belleville). It's nice to see everybody in Belleville.
Nice to meet you too Judith.
Wow! Very quiet town and very, very nice people.
Thanks to everyone. Aida and Craig
Nice to meet you too Judith.
Wow! Very quiet town and very, very nice people.
Thanks to everyone. Aida and Craig
CHRIS' VISIT
Wow! Chris got to meet his god parents Ed and Evelyn, and Spellman kids - Carla, Carry, Paula, Mitchell and their families. He also met with Gary, Judy, Amy, Ryan and their kids at Ashley's Wedding to Mike Murphy. I got to see Colleen and Mike Alkire and their kids Jeremy, Nick, Erika and their kids. I also met with the Roma family, and Duffy, Mary, Gabe, Jenny and her husband and Maddox. A special treat was getting to see Ed and Evelyn Spellman, you two are always my angels.
I was really glad to get to spend time with all of you and especially to see my son Chris. I miss him a lot. I wish you were home for good Chris.
Thanks for inviting us to spend time with all of you. It's greatly appreciated.
Aida and Craig
I was really glad to get to spend time with all of you and especially to see my son Chris. I miss him a lot. I wish you were home for good Chris.
Thanks for inviting us to spend time with all of you. It's greatly appreciated.
Aida and Craig
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Bush halts Iraq troop cuts but shortens tours
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President George W. Bush said on Thursday he would suspend U.S. troop withdrawals from Iraq this summer but cut the length of tours of duty, as he defended his war policy that will leave any resolution of the conflict to his successor.
Bush endorsed a recommendation by his commander in Iraq, Gen. David Petraeus, to complete a limited withdrawal of combat forces by July but then impose a 45-day freeze on the total number of troops at about 140,000 to assess the security situation before considering more cuts....(more)
I sure wish they would just tell Chris, "You know what? You're already home, so just stay home." It will have been almost 12 months since he left for Iraq.
Just one soldier's sister's opinion. :+)
Bush endorsed a recommendation by his commander in Iraq, Gen. David Petraeus, to complete a limited withdrawal of combat forces by July but then impose a 45-day freeze on the total number of troops at about 140,000 to assess the security situation before considering more cuts....(more)
I sure wish they would just tell Chris, "You know what? You're already home, so just stay home." It will have been almost 12 months since he left for Iraq.
Just one soldier's sister's opinion. :+)
Thursday, March 27, 2008
NICE PICTURES
Thanks for the picture Chris. What kind of vehicle is that? Is that replacing the HUMVEE or the personnel carriers? I want one so I can take it for a spin. It would be perfect for the traffic around here. I bet most people would stay out of my way.
Your looking good. I bet you're ready to come home though. We're looking forward to seeing you in a couple of weeks.
Always praying for you and missing you.
Love you alot, Mom
Your looking good. I bet you're ready to come home though. We're looking forward to seeing you in a couple of weeks.
Always praying for you and missing you.
Love you alot, Mom
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Friday, March 14, 2008
CHRIS CALLED 03-14-08
Talked with Chris this morning a few minutes after 11 this morning, 9 pm his time. He said it was 80 degrees over there. He said he should be getting out of the military in November. He's looking forward to April and his time back here. I was hoping he would get to come to San Diego and enjoy the beach here, but I guess he's not going to make it this time.
Chris, I can't wait to give you a hug. I wish you staying home for good.
Missing you. Love you alot. Mom
Chris, I can't wait to give you a hug. I wish you staying home for good.
Missing you. Love you alot. Mom
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Airline Tickets Purchased!
Hello, Everyone. I just got an email from Chris. He bought tickets, and he will arrive in Kansas City on Thursday, April 3.
Sunday, March 09, 2008
DC and Rock Boat plans!
Hi, Everyone. I called Chris this morning and was lucky to catch him getting some dinner at the mall that they are staying in. He had to go back to work, so I didn't get to talk with him for very long. But I did learn that he will be staying with me in DC for a week before going to Ashley's wedding. How very exciting! My main reason for calling him though, was to find out if he was still planning on going with me on the Rock Boat next January. That's a Carnival Cruise with 30 rock bands on board. For those of you interested in partying with us, check out the website where you can also see the artist line-up and the pricing. You can book a spot for as little as $539. The Rock Boat usually sells out immediately because "alumni" (previous Rock Boaters) get to book first, but this year, they are instituting a lottery system for newcomers (or "Rock Boat Virgins"). To be part of the lottery system, you have to register on the website. Anyway, I know there are a few cousins and friends out there that would have an absolute blast on this cruise. It's 10 months away, but this is a trip well worth booking so far in advance. Come join us!
Monday, February 25, 2008
20,000 Combat Troups to Be Withdrawn by Summer
From Reuters:
"WASHINGTON, Feb 25 (Reuters) - The United States expects to have 140,000 troops in Iraq in July after withdrawing five combat brigades, leaving a force larger than before it began pouring in troops last year, the Pentagon said on Monday.
"Army Lt. Gen. Carter Ham, director of operations for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also told reporters that the number of U.S. forces in Afghanistan is expected to climb to an all-time high of 32,000 troops by late summer, from about 28,000 today, as thousands of Marines take up combat and training duties. "These force posture levels are truly conditions based and driven by the mission requirements and the assessments of commanders on the ground," Ham said at a Pentagon briefing.
"There were some 132,000 U.S. troops in Iraq before President George W. Bush ordered a surge of about 30,000 more to curb rampant violence that threatened to plunge the country into all-out civil war.
"U.S. commanders plan by summer to have withdrawn more than 20,000 combat troops deployed as part of the surge.
"Defense officials hope to withdraw more forces later in the year. But Defense Secretary Robert Gates has recently backed the idea of a pause in drawdowns after the extra combat troops have pulled out. (Reporting by Andrew Gray; writing by David Morgan and Sandra Maler)
From Jackie:
Rumor has it that Chris may get to come home at the end of March or beginning of April. Don't hold me to that, Folks, as the Army can change it's mind whenever it wants to. I've been trying to figure out if he is coming home for good or just for a couple of weeks. The Reuters article above would be a good indication that Chris will not have to go back. How fantastic would that be?!?
I was just reading through his old blog. Remember when my mom posted that Chris had asked for motorcycle magazines. In a subsequent post, my brother wrote that he got 20 magazines from people! I just thought that was funny and also indicative of the support he's gotten.
Speaking of my brother's blog, thanks to support from family and friends, we have published my brother's blog in a hardcover and softcover book, and it is available for purchase.
"WASHINGTON, Feb 25 (Reuters) - The United States expects to have 140,000 troops in Iraq in July after withdrawing five combat brigades, leaving a force larger than before it began pouring in troops last year, the Pentagon said on Monday.
"Army Lt. Gen. Carter Ham, director of operations for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also told reporters that the number of U.S. forces in Afghanistan is expected to climb to an all-time high of 32,000 troops by late summer, from about 28,000 today, as thousands of Marines take up combat and training duties. "These force posture levels are truly conditions based and driven by the mission requirements and the assessments of commanders on the ground," Ham said at a Pentagon briefing.
"There were some 132,000 U.S. troops in Iraq before President George W. Bush ordered a surge of about 30,000 more to curb rampant violence that threatened to plunge the country into all-out civil war.
"U.S. commanders plan by summer to have withdrawn more than 20,000 combat troops deployed as part of the surge.
"Defense officials hope to withdraw more forces later in the year. But Defense Secretary Robert Gates has recently backed the idea of a pause in drawdowns after the extra combat troops have pulled out. (Reporting by Andrew Gray; writing by David Morgan and Sandra Maler)
From Jackie:
Rumor has it that Chris may get to come home at the end of March or beginning of April. Don't hold me to that, Folks, as the Army can change it's mind whenever it wants to. I've been trying to figure out if he is coming home for good or just for a couple of weeks. The Reuters article above would be a good indication that Chris will not have to go back. How fantastic would that be?!?
I was just reading through his old blog. Remember when my mom posted that Chris had asked for motorcycle magazines. In a subsequent post, my brother wrote that he got 20 magazines from people! I just thought that was funny and also indicative of the support he's gotten.
Speaking of my brother's blog, thanks to support from family and friends, we have published my brother's blog in a hardcover and softcover book, and it is available for purchase.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
HAPPY VALENTINE DAY!!!
Happy Valentine Day Chris. Hope you are doing okay. Did they feed you anything special? Craig took me to Red Lobster and I got lobster, scallops, shrimp, and crab legs. I couldn't eat it all, had to bring some home.
I'm always thinking of you and praying for you. Your always my pride and joy.
Love you a lot, Mom
I'm always thinking of you and praying for you. Your always my pride and joy.
Love you a lot, Mom
Saturday, February 09, 2008
CHRIS CALLED 02-09-2008
Chris called a little before 9 am this morning our time (8 pm their time) and we talked for about 30 minutes. It's 55 degrees there. His group is on standby right now, all they do is eat and get bored. Not much to do. He can't wait to get home. He said he's coming back in April for Ashley's wedding. I caught him up on all the latest news from California and the rest of the information I knew. At least I know that he's okay. THANKS for the phone call Chris. You be careful and take care. Stay alert. I'll keep praying for your safety.
Missing You, Mom
Missing You, Mom
Friday, February 08, 2008
Monday, January 21, 2008
SPOKE WITH CHRIS 1-21-08
Chris called this morning a little after 6 am it was after 5 pm their time. We had a pretty long conversation. He said it is cold over there, in the 30's. It's quiet over there now and they are all okay. They also have internet access now. He'll be home for Ashley's wedding. He's happy that he's getting closer to coming home. By the time he finishes there he will have spent 2 and 1/2 years in Iraq during this one enlistment. They got some snow where they are. It's the first time the Iraqies can remember it snowing there. I can't remember everything we talked about now because I was so excited just to here his voice again.
Chris - thank you so much for calling so I could here your voice again. Be careful and stay alert. I'm always praying for you. I miss you.
Love you alot, Mom
Chris - thank you so much for calling so I could here your voice again. Be careful and stay alert. I'm always praying for you. I miss you.
Love you alot, Mom
Sunday, January 20, 2008
SMILING FACES
Hey, Hey, Hey about time we get to see your smiling face. That's what everyone wants to see. Good looking picture. Thank you very much. We've had a lot of snow here in San Diego to, up in the mountains. Measured in feet. I hope to see you in April at Ashley's wedding. I can't wait till you get home. I pray for you every day.
Missing you, Mom
Missing you, Mom
guitar hero
We're still rockin in iraq. Its been very quiet in these parts. The cold must have brought everybody to a standstill. I know the best place to hang out at the mall is in a sleeping bag. I got some good packages over the holidays. Thanks to everybody who sent me something. It was greatly appreciated. Nothing is better than getting mail from family in the west. I should be well fed and entertained until it is time to go back. I'm leaving the decorations up so they'll be ready next season, plus the christmas tree is a good nightlight. Thanks again!
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Snow in Iraq
Here's an excerpt from an email from Chris:
"I finally finished the brownies and cookies you sent. Evelyn sent a sampler of what she made during the holidays, fudge, white powder balls, sugar cookies. It had been so long I almost forgot about the traditional candy. Everything is going well here, its been cold, snowed last monday."
Snow Pic: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/lat-snowmo_juhifcnc20080112004714,1,6276402.photo?coll=la-headlines-world
"I finally finished the brownies and cookies you sent. Evelyn sent a sampler of what she made during the holidays, fudge, white powder balls, sugar cookies. It had been so long I almost forgot about the traditional candy. Everything is going well here, its been cold, snowed last monday."
Snow Pic: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/lat-snowmo_juhifcnc20080112004714,1,6276402.photo?coll=la-headlines-world
Thursday, January 10, 2008
MISSING YOU
Hi Chris. I'm missing you. War is the serious problem, I never really thought about it until you had to fight in it. Living out there with no kitchen, no running water, and no bed to sleep on for a long time. For a mother like me, I'm so sick thinking of my son out there. Oh God Please I need my son to come home safe. I don't understand why they can't make peace on their own, why they are fighting. God, give those Iraqi people more brains so they know how to understand each other before more kids are hurt or killed. Well, I'm praying for all the military people, especially for my son. Chris please take care of yourself.
Missing you, Love you a lot, Mom
Missing you, Love you a lot, Mom
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Hi Chris. Hope you had a Happy New Year. Craig and I went to Barona Casino, had a free dinner and I sang and danced with the Blues Brothers, Elvis, Madonna, Cher and another band. I also met Lucy (I Love Lucy). All were impersonators, but they were good. I also gambled a little but didn't win. All I wanted to say was Happy New Year to you and I hope time goes fast so you can come home. Take care of yourself.
Love you alot, Mom
Love you alot, Mom
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