As usual I've been running in circles and keeping myself super busy.  I've been dealing with realtors and loan officers on the house Marty and I are buying.  That will be over soon, as we're closing on the house on August 30th.  Here's some pictures that I've taken so far.

One of my favorite things in the house.... the fireplace

Front view of the house

Decent sized kitchen

Master Bath/Dressing Area

Backyard full of awesome shade trees

Prior to moving in, the seller will have new carpeting installed, new windows, new garage doors and replace all the cedar shakes on the outside of the house.  Marty is stressing of course, because he's not here for the move.  But like I told him, he shouldn't worry.  My friends John & Michele have now moved here and I'll have plenty of help getting things moved into the house and getting myself situated.  It'll be nice for Marty to be able to come home to a home that belongs to us, instead of a rental place.  I'm getting excited and he is as well. 

Since closing is on the 30th and I'm leaving that day to go back home to Kansas for my Class Reunion and spend some time with my mom, who has been in the hospital for the past 2 months, I probably won't get all the way moved in, until the weekend of September 15th.  That will give me plenty of time to get things packed up here and get it all ready to move.  I know it's going to be a lot of work, but in the end, it'll be well worth it!

Gosh it seems like I've been going non-stop lately.  Besides trying to keep up with daily posts at A Soldier's Mind and working at Fort Hood, I've been in the process of house hunting, as Marty and I are wanting to buy a house.  That's been a rat race in itself, going out and looking at houses and such, but we've found our house and made an offer.  I just found out yesterday that the offer has been accepted.    The closing will be around the 1st of September, so that means that in the next month, I need to get my butt in gear and get things packed up here at the house, so it can be moved. 

Marty was worried about me trying to do this move with him being in Iraq.  Luckily I don't think that's going to be a problem.  Some very good friends will be transferring (PCSing) to Fort Hood in the next week or so and I've already been told that I'll have all the help I need to move.  I don't think at this point that I'm going to worry about moving the things in storage.  We'll do that when Marty gets home in Nov-Dec. 

It'll be nice to be in our own place, instead of a rental.  The landlord here has not been the best about doing repairs when they've been needed.  For example.... we've had an extremely unusual amount of rain here for several months now.  The roof was leaking and the drywall in one room collapsed from all of the rain leaking down onto the ceiling.  The hole is STILL there and has been for about 3 months now.  So, I'm pretty excited about the move.  It'll be nice for Marty to be able to come home to his OWN house after his deployment, instead of a rental. 

Wow!  It's been awhile since I wrote anything here.  It's been busy here and today is really the first day I've had a chance to stop and breathe.  I've been busily looking at houses, as Marty and I are wanting to buy.  We're both doing searches online and then I'm going out and looking at them.  I've got a couple that I'll probably go out and look at today. 

Work has been steady as well.  I just came off of a week of being on call and that always seems to be a busy time.  Things are hopping in the office and we're getting a steady stream of new cases.  It doesn't help that we've lost two people, so we're working short-handed. 

Other than that, I've been keeping pretty busy on the blog I write for daily, A Soldier's Mind, making sure that it's kept up to date and that the information that the media fails to put out there about our Troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, gets out there to the public.  That is almost a full-time job in itself!  LOL!  But I don't mind.... our Troops deserve to have the real news out there and people need to know about the progress that they're making.  Unlike the doom and gloom that the media likes to portray. 

Not much else going on, but honestly, I'm not sure I could add another thing without overwhelming myself.  LOL!

I made this post today at A Soldier's Mind and felt it only appropriate that I post it here as well.  Today, as you celebrate Independence Day, please take a moment to Remember Our Troops and to remember that Freedom Isn't Free!

Terri

To many people here in the United States, Independence Day, is just a day that they don't have to go to work, a day to get together with family and friends and enjoy time together, maybe tip back a few beers and shoot some fireworks. Traditionally, this holiday is filled with Barbecues, Parades, spending time together at the lake, and culminating with fireworks displays. Events such as this will occur across the Nation, without much thought to what Independence Day is really about. We look forward to the day, as another day off from work, where we can relax and unwind, possibly while sipping a few cold beers and enjoy the fireworks, never once thinking about the men and women serving in the Nation's Armed Forces, who DON'T get the luxury of having the day off, but instead will continue to take the fight to the insurgency… all in the name of Freedom.

 

Many of us fail to teach our children what Independence Day signifies in the rich history of this nation. Our children look forward to being able to pop fireworks, maybe go swimming and attend the local fireworks display in the evening, not once thinking about the blood, sweat and tears spilled by the many men and women over the years, who fought, sacrificed and died to ensure that these children can once again celebrate this Holiday. Perhaps they've never been made aware. The children of today, many times tend to take everything in their lives for granted, never once giving thought to the price that was paid for them to enjoy the things that they do and to have the freedoms that they do. They, and many adults, don't seem to realize that …. FREEDOM ISN'T FREE. They don't realize that many men and women have willingly paid for their freedom with their blood, sweat and tears.

 

231 years ago, 56 men risked their reputations, their very lives to draft and sign the now famous document and cornerstone of the US Constitution, The Declaration of Independence. It took many years for these 56 brave men to realize their dream and the creation and signing of this document was only the beginning of that dream. Each man who signed this document, was well aware that by doing so, they could in fact, be signing their own death warrant. It's difficult now for us, to fathom the events that lead up to the creation of that document, because we've been privileged to live under it's auspices for our entire lives. We've never known tyranny and oppression, and we're fortunate to have never been subjected to total domination at the hands of another person. We're indeed very fortunate.

HISTORY OF INDEPENDENCE DAY

Independence Day, or the Fourth of July is the adoption by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, of the Declaration of Independence, proclaiming the severance of the allegiance of the American colonies to Great Britain. It is the greatest secular holiday of the United States, observed in all the states, territories and dependencies.

 

Although it is assumed that the Continental Congress unanimously signed the document on the 4th of July, in fact not all delegates were present and there were no signers at all. Here is what really happened.

 

The congressional delegate from Virginia, Richard Henry Lee, introduced in the Continental Congress, on June 7, 1776, a resolution "that…body declare the United Colonies free and independent States, absolved from allegiance to or dependence on the Crown or Parliament of Great Britain…" On June 10 a committee of five, headed by Thomas Jefferson (the actual writer), was appointed to prepare a declaration suitable to the occasion in the event that the Virginia resolution was adopted. Jefferson's version was revised by Benjamin Franklin and John Adams before it went to the Congress where they did some editing of their own.

 

Congress approved the resolution July 2; the declaration composed by Jefferson and amended by his committee was adopted July 4. That evening John Hancock ordered Philadelphia printer John Dunlap to print 200 broadside copies of the agreed upon Declaration that was signed by him as President and Charles Thomson as Secretary. These were distributed to members of the Congress and distributed to the 13 colonies and elsewhere. The Declaration was read in the yard of the state house July 8. New York did not even vote on it until July 9. The signing was even more gradual, and it is somewhat misleading to speak of the "fifty-six original signers of the Declaration of Independence".

 

By August 6, most of those whose names are on the document had signed, but at least six signatures were attached later. One signer, Thomas McKean did not attach his name until 1781! Some of those who signed were not even in Congress when the Declaration was adopted, and some who voted for it in Congress never did get around to signing it. Robert R. Livingston was one of the committee of five; he helped to frame it; he voted for it; and he never signed it.

 

The first anniversary of the declaration was observed only in Philadelphia, Pa., by the adjournment of Congress, a ceremonial dinner, bonfires, the ringing of bells and fireworks. In 1788, after the requisite number of states had adopted the constitution, Philadelphia celebrated July 4 by elaborate festivities, including a grand procession.

 

Boston, Mass., first observed the day in 1783, and thereafter this celebration replaced that of the Boston Massacre, March 5. The custom spread to other cities and states, where the day was marked by parades, patriotic oratory, military displays and fireworks. In present time, games and athletic contests, picnics, patriotic programs and pageants, and community fireworks of pyrotechnic expertise are characteristic of the 4th of July.

Bill Petro

I often wonder, if those 56 men were alive today, what would they think. Would they be ashamed at how divided our people have become or would they celebrate that fact? Would they proudly laud our current leaders for their willingness to stand up to tyranny, injustice and oppression, in another country? Or would they boldly pronounce that when they signed that document, that that wasn't what they intended? We can only imagine what their reaction would be today. We'll never know what view they'd take on America today.

However, in reading their words, and reflecting up the meaning of those words, I have the impression that the mission our Troops have been tasked with, would be well understood by these men and even perhaps supported. I feel that they would fully understand the importance of what our Troops have been tasked with and applaud the fact that, as they once had to do themselves, that these brave men and women are willing to make a stand against evil, tyranny and intolerance. These words speak for themselves and form the basis of my opinion

 

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that ALL men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness…

Today, our Troops, are once again fighting for Independence and Freedom, as these 56 men did, so many years ago. But today, our Troops are doing so, for the people of other Nations … Iraq and Afghanistan. They're doing so, to ensure that the people of these nations are able to enjoy the freedoms that so many of us take for granted. They're doing so willingly and without question, because those are the principals that the United States of America was founded upon. They're doing so, because, like our forefathers, they feel that all people deserve the same freedoms that we here in the United States tend to take for granted.

 

Shouldn't those words apply not only to those of us here in the United States, but to those who live in other countries, such as Iraq and Afghanistan? Shouldn't they apply for the citizens of those countries, who, for so many years have lived in fear? Fear for their very lives, under the thumb of evil and vicious men, who wanted to control every facet of their lives and who weren't afraid to kill and maim others, to exert that control. Until recently, these men and women had no clue what it was like to be free and independent. The men who controlled them, ruled with an iron fist and they constantly lived under the threat of death or great bodily harm, if they dared to defy those men. They were told what to wear, how to act, what to say, what to believe, when they were required to pray and who or what they were to pray to … all facets of their lives were under strict control. To not do so, could result in their immediate death, a death that was not quick, but one that was precluded with torture and humiliation at the hands of these tyrants. They lived in constant fear, wondering if their loved ones would return home from work at the end of each day. Knowing only full well, that many didn't. I myself, think the authors of that historical document, meant for those words to apply to everyone around the world.

 

Today, these people are beginning a journey, to a new way of life. A life that holds hope of peace and independence. Hope for a life that is free from oppression and tyranny. Today, these people are free to believe what they wish, be who they wish, say what they wish, wear what they wish. They're free to help in the process of rebuilding their nations, to become a part of developing a free Iraq or Afghanistan, if they so chose. Don't they deserve that? I feel that they do.

I'd like to close with the words of Command Sgt. Maj. Phillip Johndrow, 1st Cavalry Division Command Sergeant Major.

4th of July: Remembering What It Means To Serve
Command Sgt. Maj. Phillip Johndrow, 1st Cav. Division

"This Independence Day, as the Iraqi people struggle for freedom, Soldiers deployed in support of the Global War on Terrorism should take pride in the difference they are making and remember their own Country's struggle for independence more than 200 years ago. Even after four years of combat operations in Iraq, Soldiers in harms way are serving their country as America's forefathers did during the Revolutionary War.

 

We're still fighting for freedom against an enemy who attacked us on our own shores September 11th. We're continuing to fight for our freedom. At th same time, we're helping the Iraqi people obtain their freedom, which is something they had never had before or enjoye as we enjoy it.

 

Just as the fight for Iraq is not solely an Iraqi conflict, the American Revolution was not exclusively fought by Americans. The monetary contributions, military manpower and naval support provided by France were critical to the success of America in the Revolutionary War.

 

We're doing a lot of the same things with the Iraqi people. Far from a quick split, the struggle to end British colonization took years. Although the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, the struggle for independence continued untl 1781 when Gen. Cornwallis surrendered following the battle of Yorktown. Even then, the United States was not formally recognized until the Treaty of Paris was signed in 1783.

 

You have to be persistent. It's not easy. Freedom is not free and it's always a struggle. Of all the heroes of the Revolutionary War, I admire this country's first President and the Army's first General, George Washington. He overcame early losses and shortages of necessary supplies to achieve victory. Even with shoeless Soldiers at Valley Force, Washington did not falter.

 

If he gave up back then, where would we be today? He didn't and that's like us; we will never give up. The American Soldier is very tenacious. We have to stand up and continue to keep our freedom. It's a struggle and it's not easy, but once you get a little taste of freedom and you know what it's about and you can feel like you can see it and you can touch it, there is no going back. You'll do anything for it.

 

Though freedom is new to the Iraqi people, they are beginning to understand what it's all about. We know what freedom is all about. We know how precious it is. So we'll never give it up. We'll fight to the bitter end. They're just starting to get the taste and the smell of it. The Iraqi people want peace and stability, not only for tem, but for their children. They want their children to be able to go to school. They want to be able to go out and earn an honest living for their children. You always want to make things a little better for your kids than they were for you.

 

There were hardships back then. There still is today. These are challenging times. But Soldiers should be proud of themselves when they put that uniform on and go out into sector because they are making a difference every day. Those wh have not donned the uniform can never fully comprehend what it means to serve. Deploying together, Soldiers live in close proximity, take care of each other, where it really counts and matters. Contrary to portrayals in popular culture, Soldiers are not robots, whose function is to execute and dictate orders.

 

There is such a deep, loving admiration Soldiers have for one another. When they're in harm's way, they're worried about each other, not themselves. They don't want to let each other down. That's something you can't get anyplace else. Once you've been in and understand it, it gets a hold of you. It's not something you ever want to give up, even if you do two or three years in the Army and then get out. If you ask a Soldier, he will never forget his experience in the military - never.

 

One necessary sacrifice of military service is separation from loved ones. Soldiers always keep their loved ones close to their hearts. We're thinking about you as you're thinking about us, and even though we're miles and miles apart, we're still in each others' hearts. Distance can never take that away from any of us.

 

I'll be where I always am this July 4th, - down range with Soldiers. I plan to visit combat support hospitals, meet with Soldiers out on missions and then pass out calling cards to Soldiers so that they can call home. One of my friends, "The Kid" will be with me the whole day. "The Kid" is my lucky charm that I take everywhere with me.

 

I don't think I'll let him play with any fireworks. He would probably blow something up. He will be with me with a big old smile on his face, just enjoying it all. He's just proud to be here. He'll have his Stetson on."

1st Cavalry Division "Crossed Sabers" June 25, Page 4

 

To each and every one of our readers, I have only one request. Today, as we celebrate the birth of our great Nation, stop for a moment and remember the price of freedom, that has been paid by men and women throught the history of the United States and continue to do so today. Remember …. FREEDOM ISN'T FREE and let's all take the time to appreciate that and appreciate those who have paid or are currently willing to pay that price.

Too quiet!  Sean left on Tuesday for basic training.  He was to stay in Dallas overnight and then ship out to Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.  He called last night about 7:30 and said that they had just arrived in St. Louis.  This evening at around 7 he called again.  They made it to Fort Leonard Wood at around 11pm and today was spent in-processing.  In-processing usually takes about a week and then the REAL part of basic begins.  Oh how I'd love to be a little fly on the wall.  Especially his first few days.  Between Marty and my son Craig, I tink they've prepared him pretty well for what to expect.  Hopefully, Sean will do fine.  Right before he left though, he asked me how long I thought it would take before his Drill Instructors knew him by name.  LOL!  Let's hope that doesn't happen!

It sure is quiet here without Sean around.  As much as the crazy music he listened to, irritated me sometimes, especially when it was blaring at extreme decibles, I kinda miss that.  Of course, I'd never tell Sean that!     So I've just been occupying myself with looking for houses, as Marty and I are wanting to buy, so he's had me looking.  I have an appointment to go look at 2 on Saturday.  Pretty excited, because both of them, are what we're looking for, so it's a matter of just finding that "right one.

Too quiet!  Sean left on Tuesday for basic training.  He was to stay in Dallas overnight and then ship out to Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.  He called last night about 7:30 and said that they had just arrived in St. Louis.  This evening at around 7 he called again.  They made it to Fort Leonard Wood at around 11pm and today was spent in-processing.  In-processing usually takes about a week and then the REAL part of basic begins.  Oh how I'd love to be a little fly on the wall.  Especially his first few days.  Between Marty and my son Craig, I tink they've prepared him pretty well for what to expect.  Hopefully, Sean will do fine.  Right before he left though, he asked me how long I thought it would take before his Drill Instructors knew him by name.  LOL!  Let's hope that doesn't happen!

It sure is quiet here without Sean around.  As much as the crazy music he listened to, irritated me sometimes, especially when it was blaring at extreme decibles, I kinda miss that.  Of course, I'd never tell Sean that!     So I've just been occupying myself with looking for houses, as Marty and I are wanting to buy, so he's had me looking.  I have an appointment to go look at 2 on Saturday.  Pretty excited, because both of them, are what we're looking for, so it's a matter of just finding that "right one.

Too quiet!  Sean left on Tuesday for basic training.  He was to stay in Dallas overnight and then ship out to Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.  He called last night about 7:30 and said that they had just arrived in St. Louis.  This evening at around 7 he called again.  They made it to Fort Leonard Wood at around 11pm and today was spent in-processing.  In-processing usually takes about a week and then the REAL part of basic begins.  Oh how I'd love to be a little fly on the wall.  Especially his first few days.  Between Marty and my son Craig, I tink they've prepared him pretty well for what to expect.  Hopefully, Sean will do fine.  Right before he left though, he asked me how long I thought it would take before his Drill Instructors knew him by name.  LOL!  Let's hope that doesn't happen!

It sure is quiet here without Sean around.  As much as the crazy music he listened to, irritated me sometimes, especially when it was blaring at extreme decibles, I kinda miss that.  Of course, I'd never tell Sean that!     So I've just been occupying myself with looking for houses, as Marty and I are wanting to buy, so he's had me looking.  I have an appointment to go look at 2 on Saturday.  Pretty excited, because both of them, are what we're looking for, so it's a matter of just finding that "right one.

Too quiet!  Sean left on Tuesday for basic training.  He was to stay in Dallas overnight and then ship out to Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.  He called last night about 7:30 and said that they had just arrived in St. Louis.  This evening at around 7 he called again.  They made it to Fort Leonard Wood at around 11pm and today was spent in-processing.  In-processing usually takes about a week and then the REAL part of basic begins.  Oh how I'd love to be a little fly on the wall.  Especially his first few days.  Between Marty and my son Craig, I tink they've prepared him pretty well for what to expect.  Hopefully, Sean will do fine.  Right before he left though, he asked me how long I thought it would take before his Drill Instructors knew him by name.  LOL!  Let's hope that doesn't happen!

It sure is quiet here without Sean around.  As much as the crazy music he listened to, irritated me sometimes, especially when it was blaring at extreme decibles, I kinda miss that.  Of course, I'd never tell Sean that!     So I've just been occupying myself with looking for houses, as Marty and I are wanting to buy, so he's had me looking.  I have an appointment to go look at 2 on Saturday.  Pretty excited, because both of them, are what we're looking for, so it's a matter of just finding that "right one.

I posted this over at A Soldier's Mind I write for, but figured that I would post it here as well.  This is one of the pet peeves of most of the MilBloggers out there... the extreme bias of the press, to the point where at times, they're playing right into the hands of the extremists like al-Qaeda and thus getting our Troops injured and killed.  Myself, I feel that they should be help accountable for these reprehensible behaviors.

Back in 2005, the 2nd in command of al-Qaeda, Ayman al-Zawahiri, wrote a letter to the top leader of the insurgency in Iraq telling him that over half of the battle in the War is taking place in a different kind of battlefield.  That battlefield he spoke of is the media.  He went on to say this, "... We are in a media battle, in a race for the hearts and minds of our umma (people)."

How very telling that comment is.  Back then we really had no clue how telling and how very true that comment would become.  We've seen repeatedly, where al-Qaeda will release video clips to further their cause.  We've seen them using the media as a way of instilling fear into the hearts of people world-wide.  We've seen them use the media as a way to sway public opinion, not only in Iraq and Afghanistan, but in this country as well.  Unfortunately, the US media has played right into their hands.

When the war on Iraq began, the Pentagon allowed US Reporters to be embedded with combat units.  Draumatic and real-time coverage of the quest to topple Saddam Hussein kept Americans and others around the world glued to their television sets.  Journalists were in dangerous situations and some of them even lost their lives or were injured while reporting.

After Saddam was topped, fewer reporters were embedded with military units.  The stories coming out in the media became more negative in nature.  Sometimes, even questionable, with reporters being present and airing footage, such as the controversial clip, showing a US Soldier being shot by a terrorist sniper.  As US Troops focused on rebuilding the beleagured country of Iraq, not only politically but also on rebuilding the infrastructure that had long been neglected, the media instead began focusing more on the most recent death toll and the latest car bomb and ignoring the rebuilding efforts.  They ignored the stories of schools being rebuilt, new hospitals being opened, Iraqis volunteering by the thousands to become police officers or Iraqi Soldiers.  The media played directly into the hands of al-Qaeda... just where they wanted them to be.  What better way for them, to change American sentiment about the job our Troops are doing there, than to only let them see the negative things that are occurring?  John Hughes, writing for Christian Science Monitor has this to say, after speaking with a Marine officer, whom he knows.

A Marine officer whose credibility I trust cites an operation of success in the Fallujah region earlier this month that was reported as a disaster by US and British media companies.  His unit had established a new precinct headquarters for Iraqi police, Army Troops and US Marines, to patrol and protect a dedicated area.  It was well received by the local populace and almost 200 Iraqis volunteered for police recruitment.  Insurgents sought to disrupt it but were routed. 

Meanwhile, in a separate firefight at a makeshift suicide vehicle factory, three separate suicide bombers were killed, two suicide trucks were discovered and blown up and foreign and other fighters were killed or captured.  On the defending side, one civilian and one policeman were wounded, with no US or other casualties. 

"The enemy was killed in his tracks; his best weapon was discovered before it could cause any harm," says the officer, "But Western media reported no enemy killed in these operations.  28 civilians killed and 50 civilians wounded.  We are getting demolished," the Marine officer says, "by nefarious enemy media outlets ... 'reporters' or 'sources' for Arab and other news agencies either on insurgent payrolls or who have known sympathies with insurgent operations, and by collective Western media that are often being manipulated by enemy elements.  What incredible economy of effort the enemy is afforded when US media is their megaphone.  Why spend precious resources on developing your own propaganda machine when you can make your opponent's own news outlets scream your message louder than you could ever have hoped to do independently?"

I don't know how many times, we've all said just that here at ASM, and hundreds of other MilBloggers have said that very same thing.  We've repeated here, time and time again, that by continually reporting the negative and never reporting the positive things that are happening, that the media is empowering and emboldening the enemy.  Do they not have a clue what the intentions of al-Qaeda is?  Do they not care, that al-Qaeda sees Iraq as just a stepping stone, in their quest to destroy everything that is not in line with their radical beliefs?  It's frustrating to me, having a loved one in Iraq and constantly being innundated by the consistently negative reports in the media ... many of our Troops have told us here, in interviews how it affects the morale of them and their fellow Troops.  But yet the media continues playing the same game and thus continues to do just what al-Qaeda wishes for them to do.  Myself, I find the actions of the media, reprehensible, irresponsible and just simply disgusting.

Christian Science Monitor

With today being Father's Day, I'm going to take a moment to honor all the Military Father's out there. Your job is a tough one. The nature of your job, takes you far from home so many times. You miss out on special events in the lives of your children, not because you don't want to be there for these events, but because your job, the job of an American Serviceman, requires that you must be away, to protect and defend not only your own children, but children all over the world. You set a fine example for your children and the children of others, with your willingness to make these sacrifices for our Country. My profound Thanks, appreciation and gratefulness, goes out to each and every one of you. Thank You and Happy Father's Day!

I posted this story today over at the MilBlog that I write for, A Soldier's Mind.  I felt that it needed to be posted here as well, just to remind us.

FOB Warhorse is located in Baqubah, Iraq, in the heart of Diyala province.  Diyala province has recently been beseiged with increasing violence, since the beginning of the surge in Baghdad.  Insurgents have fled Baghdad and taken up residence in the Diyala River Valley.  Diyala province is located between Baghdad and the Iranian border.  The troops there not only have to deal with what's coming into their area from Baghdad, but also what's being brought across the border from Iran.  Currently, FOB Warhorse is home to Marty's unit, 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division, and has been since early October 2006, when they took over operations from 4th Infantry Division in the region.  Recently 3,000 additional troops have been moved into Diyala province to stem the violence from the insurgents.  Troops there are having successes everyday, the citizens of the region are cooperating and working with our Troops.  But, that hasn't came without a price.  That price, the loss of the lives of some of our Troops.

There's a very special place on FOB Warhorse.  A place that is very sacred to the Troops who are there, those who've been there before and those who will come in the future.  That sacred place is the memorial that has been erected to honor the fallen troops who were deployed to FOB Warhorse.  Each division who has been at FOB Warhorse has panels dedicated to their fallen warriors.  The grass around the memorial is well maintained, kept watered and no one is allowed to walk on it.  It is a place where the troops can come and mourn their dead, pay their respects to their fallen brothers and sisters, pause and reflect a moment about those who gave their all in the name of Freedom. 

Marty shared about the memorial while he was home on leave.  He shared how 1st Cavalry Divisions Fallen Warriors have taken their place on the panels of the memorial.  3rd Brigade has taken some heavy losses, since they've been at FOB Warhorse.  The names of their fallen have filled up 2 panels and part of a 3rd.  I'd like to share some of the photos that Marty brought back with him. 

I hope that everyone will take some time to think about the sacrifices that these men and women have given for our Country.  To honor them and be thankful for the things that they're willing to do for each of us, for our Country and for others in other countries, who don't have the freedoms that we tend to take for granted here.  Remember... Freedom Isn't Free.

Monday I talked to Marty online for a little bit.  At that time he was in Balad and would be leaving for his FOB the next day.  I didn't hear from him on Tuesday, as his FOB was under a blackout (I hate that).  He called yesterday and then again today.  He's back at the FOB and playing "catch up" on all the stuff that happened while he was home on leave.  I was so nice to have him home for those two weeks.

While Marty was home, we got pictures taken of him and I, he and I and his 3 kids, some of the kids by themselves and then one of Marty's Mom, the kid's mom and the kids.  I'm sure when the pictures come in , I'll get some posted. 

Now the countdown has begun for his reutrn home.  At this point we still don't know what that's going to be.  It could be anywhere from the first of November to the end of December.  Of course, I'm hoping for November, but with the military, you just never know.  All I can do is to continue to support him, let him know that I'm always here for him and always will be, and keep myself busy. 

Sean left today for a week in Indiana with his mom, sister and brother, before he reports to Basic Training later this month.  He'll be gone for a week and then has to go back to Dallas on Monday for more of his in-processing.  I know he's getting excited but he's also nervous about it.  This is his big rite of passage into adulthood.  He'll actually be out on his own in the world for the first time, earning a full-time paycheck and serving his country.  I'm pretty damn proud of him and Marty is as well.  Sean's a smart kid and I know that he can succeed at anything that he sets his mind to.

Today was a pretty rough day.  Not only is today Marty's birthday, but the day that he had to get back on a plane and head back to Iraq.    Damn it was tough taking him to the airport and knowing that he won't be home for another 6-7 months.  At this point we're still not sure how the extension is going to affect their unit due to them being attached to another unit who's timetable for coming home is different than theirs.  Hopefully we'll hear soon just exactly when they'll be returning.  Until then, all we can do is drive forward and keep on plugging away. 

We had a great time while Marty was home, but the 2 weeks sure flew by quickly.  But the important thing is that we were able to have that time together, Marty was able to watch his oldest son graduate from High School and he was also able to see his two younger children, as they came down for Sean's graduation. 

In a few weeks, I'll be making yet another trip to the airport, as I see Sean off for Basic Training at Fort Leonardwood, Mo.  Hopefully, Sean will adjust to being a part of the Military okay and will do well in his Basic and AIT.  He's received lots of good advice, from his dad, from my son and from a Wounded Soldier that he met last week in San Antonio.  Hopefully he takes what he was told to heart and is successful in basic.

Marty called just shortly before 8am and said they had just gotten to Dallas!  I can hardly wait to see him.  He was able to trade in his ticket that had a 12 hour layover in Dallas for one that leaves there in about 10 minutes.  He should be home in an hour or so!  I'm SO excited and SO glad that he's finally home.