Monday, May 29, 2006

Gone But Not Forgotten

It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press. It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us the freedom to demonstrate. It is the soldier, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial. It is the soldier, who salutes the flag, serves under the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protestor to burn the flag.
-Author unknown
General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, officially proclaimed 5 May 1868 Memorial Day, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. Originally called Decoration Day, Memorial Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service, & is now celebrated on the last Monday in May.

Traditional observance of Memorial Day has diminished over the years, with many Americans having forgotten the true meaning and traditions. Memorial Day is much more than a three-day weekend that marks the beginning of summer. To many people, especially the nation's thousands of combat veterans, this day, which has a history stretching back all the way to the Civil War. It is an important reminder of those who died in the service of their country.

I’d like to personally thank all of the men & women on the front line today for all you do for us back home. I am a fellow service member, holding down the home front awaiting your return. But you all are on the frontlines risking your lives for us. Stand tall, stand proud.

Tam, sweetheart, with all my heart I love you. Not only are you our son’s hero, but your mine as well. I love you baby, take care & hurry home.


Saturday, May 27, 2006

Sweet Surprise

(Family portrait from miles apart.)

My daddy came for a visit yesterday, sort of. Mommy, ba noi, ong noi & I got to see and speak w/daddy via video conference on base. Although our time was short, I certainly enjoyed our visit. Daddy got to see me crawl/scoot, eat, get my diaper changed and even get a little fussy. Daddy even said that I'm quite active, I think I get that from my mommy as she's always doing something & hardly ever sitting still. Mommy has been sending him little video clips of me moving and what not, but it's not the same as being able to see it in person.

I could tell that mommy was a little sad, although she didn't say anything, as we weren't able to hug or touch daddy. I certainly tried, you'll be able to see it in the following pictures. However, the great news is that we've hit our half way mark and only have 3 months to go (roughly). In 3 months time our family will be inseparable and we'll get to hug, kiss (I'll personally drool) all we like.

Although the conversation wasn't long, mommy wanted to document as much as possible. So, naturally she brought her camera along. She was able to take pictures of all of us w/daddy as well as take some video clips of our conversations.

Well please enjoy the following pictures. We've reached the 1/2 way mark. Please take care.

Daddy, remember that you are my HERO & that I love you very much. I will be waiting here for you to play catch with. I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH!!!

Your Little Big Boy,
Dominic L. L. "Buddy"


( Ba noi, me & Ong noi w/daddy {my hero}.)


(I know who my daddy is. I tried so hard to touch him, but the darn screen got in the way.)

Tuesday, May 23, 2006

1st Encounter of the 4 Legged Kind

Dominic w/Auntie Gina (the guest of honor)


Hello there family & fellow BLOGER's. Just wanted to share some pics of this weekend. I went to a baby shower for a friend of mine, gosh I know so many who are having babies. Anyhow, at the shower, the host had a dog. Dominic has seen them before, but never from up this close. At first I was nervous, but seeing how gentle the dog, Sandy, was put me at ease. To my delight Dominic didn't fuss either, he was actually quite the curious fellow. Brave to like his daddy. None to worry though, as soon as we came home it was bath time. The dog sure loves to give kisses. Please enjoy the pics. Take care and may God bless you all.
Love ya,
Nyoka


"Hey their pal. I'm cutting teeth too you know."
"Curious creatures, we are."
"Hey you drool too!"

"Okay, but mommy says this is the last time to let you lick my hand."

Saturday, May 20, 2006

Two Front Teeth

"Okay, so you can't see teeth here, but don't I look cute? Like my hat?"

All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth. Uh wait, I have my front two teeth & it's not Christmas it's summer time.

As promised, here are a few pics of Dominic's teeth. Sorry that it took a little while, who knew that it would be hard to keep a 6 month old still and snap pictures. Not to mention have his teeth show in them. Well for those w/out children, it's hard. Please enjoy.

Love ya,
Nyoka & Dominic
















"So, you think I'm going to show you my teeth?"















"Okay, you win. But who says I have to like it?"

Wednesday, May 17, 2006

Day 81...


Well, it has been 81 days since I left California for the country of Iraq. Come, 26 May 2006, I'll be gone for three months. Do you know what that means? that means that my deployment is half done. We dont know when we are expected to rotate back, but I have been hearing sometime this year.

So far, I have enoyed my stay here in Iraq. I have seen things that people can only imagine and dream. I still believe that we're out here for a good cause. and that cause is to make Iraq a safer and a more free nation. Give freedom to the oppressed people of Iraq. Get rid of the terrorist organization in the Middle East as well as around the world. I seen stuff that
newspaper and CNN, MSNBC, and Fox news air.
I have been outside the wire and I have seen
what goes on. It is very scary picture out there.
Driving down the road, you dont know what to expect. If it is going to be a small arms fire or an IED. I have seen vehicles that have been blown up by IED's. Like I said I've seen things that only people can imagine and dream.


The work out here produces results for the military. As a Preventive Medicine Tech, our work impacts a lot. If it was up to me, I would only do missions that helps the troops that are out in the cities, OP's and FOB's. But there is always someone higher thatn me that dont think the way that I think. they're main objective is to make the next rank.

The time out here has come and gone. We're so busy with different missions that there are times that I dont know what day it is. I am also involved in a lot of things around my command. Things that well keep me busy. A lot of my time is spent watching mivies and looking for stuff to decorate our office or room. Something that well make this place more like home.

Well that's pretty much it for now. Thanks for the support back at the home front. I love guys and miss you dearly. I'll e home soon.



Here I am With about 100 rounds of
.50 caliber armor piercing rounds.



Here is me standing in front of a blown up Iraqi Mig 15 at Al Asad.
Here is a sign that caught my attention. It's
Ron Burgundy in Iraq.

Sunday, May 14, 2006

Mother's Day

The earliest Mother's Day celebrations can be traced back to the spring celebrations of ancient Greece in honor of Rhea, the Mother of the Gods. During the 1600's, England celebrated a day called "Mothering Sunday". Celebrated on the 4th Sunday of lent (the 40 day period leading up to Easter).

In the United States, Mother's Day was first suggested in 1872 by Julia Ward Howe (who wrote the words to the Battle hymn of the Republic) as a day dedicated to peace. Ms. Howe would hold organized Mother's Day meetings in Boston, Mass ever year. To make a long story short, today Mother's Day is celebrated on the 2nd Sunday in May. Honoring all mothers of the past, present & future.

This was my first official Mother's Day & I couldn't have asked for anything better. To all the mother's out there, I hope your day was a great as mine. Love you all very much.



Love,
Nyoka (1st time mom)

P.S. Thank you sweetheart for our beautiful baby boy. He has brought a tremendous amount of joy to our lives.

Who Turned Out The Lights


Most of you may not know, but I now work at the SMART clinic (Sports Medicine & Rehab Team) @ the SOI (School of Infantry). It's still on base, but I mainly see marines w/sports related injuries (obviously). Well any how, on my last day of work at the P.T. department one of my patients wanted to give our little one a present. Two adorable outfits of which one came w/a pair of sunglasses, his first. Naturally we wanted to see what they looked like on him and well, we'll let you see for yourself. Take care and may God bless.

Love ya'll,
Nyoka
"I just called to say....Uh, where are you?"

"Where did you go? Did someone turn out the lights?"

Sunday, May 07, 2006

1/2 A Year Old

Well just like yesterday it seems like Dominic was just coming into this world. I blinked for a second & now he's 6 months old. Oh, okay he's 6 months & 3 days today to be exact, but whose counting!?!

In case anyone was interested, Dominic had his 6 month check on last Friday, May 5th. Yeap that was Cinco de Mayo, for all of those who blinked & missed it. Well here's our young lads stats for 6 months.

26 1/2 inches tall; 16lbs & 7ozs (almost 8); head measures 17.72 inches. He receive 3 more vaccinations which he absolutely dreaded, but took it like a champ once it was all over. Don't you feel like you're just setting them up when you take them in to the doctors. I felt the same way w/Aron & Christian. His next check up is @ 9 months of age.

That about does it for now. Oh, I guess you'd like to see a picture of our 1/2 a year old baby. Oh all right, as if there isn't enough pictures already, but just one.

Love ya'll & God bless.

"The shots didn't hurt as bad as I let on. Just wanted to have mommy hug me & hold me tight. :-)"

Special Delivery

"Oh boy, here I go."

Daddy,
Mommy was sending you a few packages & I thought it would be nice if I'd send you one of my own, but to include myself & nothing else. Mommy caught me in my attempts & foiled the plan. Thanks mom! Mommy told me soon we can laugh & play together. So for the moment I can't come, but I do hope that these pictures will do. I soooooo loved taking the pictures. I love you, daddy. Please take care, be safe and hurry home.
Your son,
Dominic Loc Luciano Duong
"Buddy"

I was trying to be sneaking & close the box,


but opps, suddenly mommy showed up. Man she's sneaky, sneaky.

However, she did let me play in the box for a little longer. Oh, what fun.

Monday, May 01, 2006

Kid's 1st Fair



Most of you may not know, but April is the month of the Military Child. It's almost like cancer awareness month, but instead it's about kids. Well a friend of mine from work & I both took our baby's. Naturally I took Dominic, but Glenda brought along her grandson Caleb. It was interesting seeing how the two of them reacted to each other. What fun!

My man focus was to get Dominic's photo taken and finger printed for the just in case. Okay, so he'll only be 6 months on Thursday, but they are never to young. We say firemen and fire trucks, dogs & other animals & lots of goodies for them to have and do. So much was there for us to do. We had a great time, but I will let the pictures say for themselves.

"Hey mom, I think I've seen this in a movie."

Glenda, Caleb, Nyoka & Dominic

"Am I old enough for football yet?"