Day 176...

Well family and friends, the time is near for my home coming. I can not give dates and time but it is near. My time spent here has been helpful to the cause and the mission, I hope. I did the best job that I can with little to no equipment and with little to no support from the present company. Anyways, along the way I meet new friends. I got to know them as much as I can. A lot of them were Marines. Take care of them and they take care of you. You can always count on them to take a bullet for you, fight for you at a bar, stand up for you if others are picking on you. They are just will rounded friends. Just don't ask them to be emotional.

We have moved out of the barracks and into tent city. The barracks went to the new company that is replacing us. Living in the tent is not all that great, but it kind of reminds me of camping but a little bit up scale. The shower trailer and crapper trailer is way better here than it was at the barracks. However I can not wait to be homw taking a real shower and a real crap in a real bathroom. The shower stall is a square box that some people can hardly fit into. Some goes with the crapper. That space is so tight that it is hard to relax. You feel like your trap in a box or something. it is quite frightening. Tent city living. Wide open, just like boot camp.


Well there is not much going on at the moment, again there probably something going on, just can't say what it is. What I can say is that the weather is still hot. Windy at night during the morning hours. Acouple of days ago we had a mini sand storm come through. Oh yeah, there were a lot of clouds in the sky. I have got a few pictures that I'll post later when I get back.

You know I went swimming for the first time in a long time. The last time I went swimming was with Nyoka and Baby D. It has been a year since then. Time does fly by fast. Anyways, it was or is great. A group of us would go swimming at night when the weather is a bit cooler. It just feels real good.

Here a few pictures of new pad that we live in and a picture of the cloud covering. Enjoy and I'll see everyone real soon.


(Above) This is where I sleep. (Below) Here
I am with big smiles because I am going home
real soon.

This is one of many good pictures that I have of the sunsetting.

Swim Pics

Can you find us? Give you one hint. Look left.

Here are some pics of Dominic in his swimming lessons, at home in our pool & at our friend, Glenda's, house. Sorry for the late entry, however, please enjoy.

Dominic enjoys discovering new things in the pool (here we were looking for "fish," "whales," etc.)

"Hey my first pool buddy."

"Mrs. Glenda, hang on tight. Mommy wants to take a picture & I want the camera."

Dominic & mommy @ Glenda's pool. Thanks for the refreshing coolness, Glenda.

"Where did mommy go? Oh, there she is."

"Uh Oh, mommy has that camera again. There's just something about it that attracts me to it."

Isn't he just so cute?

"Rats. She caught me trying to sneak away."

***Not to worry, mommy wasn't far from Dominic. The camera has a what they call a zoom button. I was actually 1-2 inches away. Hope ya'll enjoyed.......

Updates

Exactly 9 months old:

"This whole bed's just for me?"

Hello everyone. I know most are anxious to hear the progress of our Precious "Baby D." By the way is 9 month well baby check up went great. Sorry to say though, not shots this time. He's not due until his 1 year well baby exam, which is in 3 months. Yikes, how soon time flys, our little one is going to be a year old. Any how here's his stats:

"Look at how much I've grown!"

Head circumference: 18.41inches/47cm - 75-90% for his age group

Weight: 18lbs (evenly)/8.16kg - 25-50% for his age group

Height: 29inches/73cm

Since his last appointment he grew 3 inches & gained 9 ounces. Wow, how fast he grows.

Another update:

Aron started kindergarten on August 8th, & from what Chenoa's said he seemed to have enjoyed it. Although Aron didn't talk much about his day. Cut the kid a break, he's only 5 years old he's more interested in playing.

Love you all, take care and God bless.

Our "little" Graduate

Okay so he's technically not our graduate, he's my sister Chenoa's. But we still consider him, as well as Christian, as one of our own. Hope you enjoy.

He was the first born, the first to crawl, walk & then run. The first to cry, laugh & finally speak. The first in diapers, then on to pull-ups and finally "big boy" underwear. He was, and is, the first for many things to include the first to graduate from Pre-K.

Aron, you have filled our hearts full of joy from the moment you made your way into this world. We wish you nothing but the best in life & are anxiously awaiting your next adventure. We love you very much & we are ALL proud of you. Mommy, Mamaw, Papaw, Uncle Tam, Aunt Nyoka, brother Chris & baby cousin Dominic. Our one of many pieces of advice: May you never meet an obstacle that you can't tackle.

Okay, so Aron is only 5 this is a milestone for us all. We love you lots & will hopefully see you soon. Take care and may God bless.

P.S. Thank you, Chenoa, for blessing us with our nephews. Not just Aron, but Christian too.

Pinned

Hello everyone. Wanted to share some more great news with you all. Ok, so nothing would be better than to hear that Tam was finally back home. From you mouth, to God's ears. Nope, not hear yet, but soon.

Anyhow, since Tam has been in Iraq, he's obviously been keeping himself busy. He's study MCMAT's (the Marine Corps martial arts), which he received his Tan belt. Also, he has been studying for his FMF (Fleet Marine Force) pin. For the civilian folks, this is a wonderful achievement.

Tam's not one to boost, but you know me I am!!! So I'm telling you. He passed his written and practical. Then they have what they call murder boards. This board prepares you for the actual oral board (where you walk through everything they could possibly as you). From what Tam says, it's rather gruely, but it's to make sure you know your stuff. He said, "it's not difficult, there's just a lot of stuff and so little time to let it soak in." Getting back to my point. Tam certainly knows his stuff, as he passed his murder board and then the actual board itself.

Sweetheart, I have already told you how proud I am. I mean that more than you'll ever know. Keep up the drive and am for what you want the sky is yours.

Oh, though ya'll might would like to enjoy some pictures.

Love ya & congrats again, sweetheart.

Getting pinned by another woman during the ceremony. Okay so we'll have a chat when he comes home. Just kidding!!!

Proudly displaying his hard earned certificated. Congrats again, sweetheart!!!

Our Precious Lamb

Hello everyone. Just wanted to share the GREAT news. Our friends, Gina-Marie & Pete, welcomed their first child into this world. Mom, dad & baby are doing great. Here are the stats:

Name: Mary Loretta James (please forgive me if the spelling is incorrect)
Date/Time: 27 July 2006, @ 1702 (5:02pm for the CIV's)
Length: 19 inches
Weight: 8lbs & 3ozs.

Seems like the trend started with us. However, I don't believe it's in the water, as the majority of us that go pregnant drink a variety of bottled water. It started w/me, then Regina & Joe, followed by Celena & Reggie, & now Gina-Marie & Pete. Up next are the Sharp's. Can't wait to see pics and the other most important stats on your little one.

Anyhow, please enjoy the pics. Gina-Marie & Pete, hope you don't mind that we posted them. Again, congrats. God couldn't have blessed anyone any better than w/that of a child.

Love ya,

Mr. Tam, Mrs. Nyoka & Dominic

Daddy, w/his new girl.

Mary Loretta, our precious lamb.

Day 155...

Well folks, it has been 155 days since i saw everybody back in the states. the end is nearing for me to come and see all the wonderful and loving people that I left behind. I really do love and miss you guys very much. I am really lucky to have loving friends and family that support everything that I do and believe in. It has been a long journey but a worthwhile one. I have
seen a lot and learned a lot while being out here. I have also exprienced a lot. There are of
things that I would like to talk about but do to
Operational Security, I can not.

Last week was my last mission. I am glad that it is over. It just means that I am almost to the end of the deployment. It has been great. I am one of the lucky one that get to go outside the wire. The majority of the people here don't know what it is like outside. They only get to hear about and see it on the news or read it in the paper. I know that going outside the wire is dangerous, but it is part of the mission here. It is part of my job. I glad that I did it. My team provided a lot of experience and advice to the
outling bases.

While being out here, I saw a lot of people that I knew back in the rear. I saw a few chiefs that I have worked with. I saw a bunch of corpsman that I had the honor to train. I had told them before I left that I would see them out here. They look at me like I was crazy and that I didn't know what I was talking about. I guess I proved them wrong.






I had the opportunity to go see a friend of mine at one of the camps. I had told him that I would try to go out and see him while I was out here. It was great to see Mark. It was nice to see a familiar face out here. If I had not moved out here to the unit that I am with now, I would not have had the chance to come out and see him. I guess I am glad that I was transfered. Good things comes to those who are moved. I had a chance to put my other skill to work.
The entomology part of my job. We would set out traps 3 times a week and identify the following day. After we identified them we would prep them for shipment and send them back to the states to get them tested for various disease's. It is time consuming but fun.

Well folks, thats all I have to say for now. Take care and I'll see everyone real soon.

Pictures: Top right-setting up mosquito trap. Middle left- Mark and I out at his camp, standing by his BAS. Bottom right-Me identifying mosquito.

Naval Hospital Annual Picnic

Yesterday was the annual Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton Picnic. Naturally I wanted to bring Dominic. I love to show him off every chance I get. They served tons of cookies, hotdogs, hamburgers and pork 'n' beans. There were tug-of-war & basketball competitions. For the kiddies there was a jumper, bean bag toss, strongest kid contest (where you take a hammer and try to have the target ring a bell, this is also at fairs), and a temporary tattoo booth. Oh & did I mention the had horse and pony rides too. I decided to get Dominic "tattooed." Figured why not it's all in good fun and so we did it. Might I say he was a brave fellow. I hope you enjoy the pictures.

Regina w/Isabelle, Dominic & mommy. First experience w/a pony.

John w/Dominic

Mommy, whose the funny lady? (Dominic w/his first clown, "aka Maureen")

Up close version of his 1st tattoo. I took it like a man, daddy, you'd be proud. I wanted to be like you, so I got a lizard just like you.

A LITTLE PERSPECTIVE

A LITTLE PERSPECTIVE

Your alarm goes off; you hit the snooze and sleep for another 10 minutes.
He stays up for days on end.

You take a warm shower to help you wake up.
He goes days or weeks without running water.

You complain of a "headache", and call in sick.
He gets shot at, as others are hit, and keeps moving forward.

You put on your anti-war/don't support the troop's shirt, and go meet up with your friends.
He still fights for your right to wear that shirt.

You make sure you're cell phone is in your pocket.
He clutches the cross hanging on his chain next to his dog tags.

You talk trash on your "buddies" that aren't with you.
He knows he may not see some of his buddies again.

You walk down the beach, staring at all the pretty girls.
He walks the streets, searching for insurgents and terrorists.

You complain about how hot it is.
He wears his heavy gear, not daring to take off his helmet to wipe his brow.

You go out to lunch, and complain because the restaurant got your order wrong.
He does not get to eat today.

Your maid makes your bed and washes your clothes.
He wears the same things for months, but makes sure his weapons are clean.

You go to the mall and get your hair redone.
He doesn't have time to brush his teeth today.

You are angry because your class ran 5 minutes over.
He is told he will be held an extra 2 months.

You call your girlfriend and set a date for that night.
He waits for the mail to see if there is a letter from home.

You hug and kiss your girlfriend, like you do everyday.
He holds his letter close and smells his love's perfume.

You roll your eyes as a baby cries.
He gets a letter with pictures of his new child, and wonders if they'll ever meet.

You criticize your government, and say that war never solves anything.
He sees the innocent, tortured and killed by their own government and remembers why he is fighting.

You hear the jokes about the war, and make fun of the men like him.
He hears the gun fire and bombs.

You see only what the media wants you to see.
He sees the bodies lying around him.

You are asked to go to the store by your parents. You don't.
He does what he is told.

You stay at home and watch TV.
He takes whatever time he is given to call and write home, sleep,and eat.

You crawl into your bed, with down pillows, and try to get comfortable.
He crawls under a tank for shade and a 5 minute nap, only to be woken by gun
fire.

You sit there and judge him, saying the world is a worse place because of men like him.
If only there were more men like him

Freedom IS NOT FREE, Someone Pays for it with Blood, Sweat, Tears and Lives.

Thanks Sweetheart, from the bottom of my heart. You are truly my hero. Hurry home.

Love your wife & son,
Nyoka {Angel} & Dominic {Buddy}

To Long

Sorry you guys for not posting in awhile. I have been busy finishing up my two classes which both end the beginning of August. I only have four more left to obtain my associates in Phyiscal Therapy. Tam will be home soon. Sooner than can be explained in detail here. Can't wait it's been sooooo long since we last seen each other. What a great reunion it will be.

In other news, Dominic is cutting a tooth on each side of his top front teeth. By the time his daddy comes home he'll have six teeth & man does he like to bite anyone and anything. Look out Tam, his teeth are sharp.

Last weekend Dominic and I were out back, playing in the pool that we bought while Aron & Christian were here. I wore him out so much that while we were getting a shower the poor kid fell asleep and was passed out for about 30 minutes to an hour. He does love the water though. Oh, I was able to develop the disposable camera that we used to take pictures with at the pool. I will post some of them as soon as Tam sees them. Kind of want to share them with him first. Hope ya'll understand.

Well there's really not much going on at the moment. Just getting ready for the daily tasks of tomorrow. Speaking of, I must close for now. I have to finish typing my paper for school. I'll try to email at the end of the weekend, if not by the beginning of next week. There's going to be a huge picnic at the hospital on Friday and I'm going to bring Dominic along. There's going to be pony rides and other cool things for little ones, so I'll post some pictures.

Any how, please take care and may God bless. Love ya'll, especially you Tam.

Nyoka & Baby D

8 Months along

"Happy 8 months, our precious. Mommy & daddy love you very much."

Wow, hard to believe that right at 8 months ago our precious son entered this world. Time sure does fly by. Well here's the scoop.

Dominic's next well baby appointment isn't until next month, at which time he'll have his 9 month well baby exam and yep you guessed it more shots. Anyhow read on.

By now Dominic has 4 sharp teeth & I do mean sharp & is crawling. Okay, so he's been crawling, but it's adorable how sometimes he only crawls on one knee and foot. Sometimes if you watch him on the drive way he'll crawl on his hands a feet vice the knees w/his but in the air.

Another mile stone is he now is at the stage where he's pulling himself up onto things (i.e. couches, coffee tables & just about anything he can get his hands on -including people). With that said, yes, he's started walking w/support from above mentioned objects. When coached he can even take a few steps with us holding onto his arms/hands.

Last week, Dominic had is first ever swimming lessons. Boy does he love the water, unlike a few others in the class. He looked so adorable in those swimming trunks, too, compliments of dad. He was the youngest, but the cutest. It was only a week long class and at the end we were presented w/a certificate of completition. That would be Dominic's first certificate, w/exception of his birth certificate.

Tam, our little son is growing so fast. But that means soon you'll be home, keep growing Dominic. Thank you for blessing me w/such a great gift. Hurry home, but be safe.

To tide the rest of you over, here are a few pictures of the little tyke (not so little any more).

"Thanks daddy, for the cool trunks."

"Can I bit you next?"

Happy 230th, Lady Liberty

Before we go about our busy day of BBQ's & fireworks, lets take a moment to bow our heads to remember those that provide us w/this luxury (past, present & future).........Amen! (I love you, sweetheart)

Now let's take a look at how our country's independence came about.

Independence Day is the national holiday of the United States of America commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

At the time of the signing the US consisted of 13 colonies under the rule of England's King George III. Leading up to the signing, there had been growing unrest in the colonies surrounding the taxes that colonists were required to pay to England. The major objection was "Taxation without Representation" -- the colonists had no say in the decisions of English Parliament.

Rather than negotiating, King George sent extra troops to the colonies to help control any rebellion that might be arising. The following timeline will give you a crash course in the history that lead to the signing of the Declaration of Independence and America's break from British rule.

1774 - The 13 colonies send delegates to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to form the First Continental Congress.

April 1775 -- King Georges troops advance on Concord, Massachusetts, prompting Paul Revere's midnight ride that sounded the alarm "The British are coming, the British are coming." The subsequent battle of Concord, famous for being the "shot heard round the world," would mark the unofficial beginning of the American Revolution.

May 1776 -- The colonies again send delegates to the Second Continental Congress.

June 1776 -- A committee was formed to compose the formal Declaration of Independence. Headed by Thomas Jefferson, the committee also included John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Philip Livingston and Roger Sherman.

June 28, 1776 -- Jefferson presents the first draft of the declaration to congress.
July 4, 1776 -- After various changes to Jefferson's original draft, a vote was taken late in the afternoon of July 4th. Of the 13 colonies, 9 voted in favor of the Declaration; 2, Pennsylvania and South Carolina voted No; Delaware was undecided and New York abstained. John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress, was the first to sign the Declaration of Independence. It is said that he signed his name "with a great flourish" so "King George can read that without spectacles!"

July 6, 1776 -- The Pennsylvania Evening Post is the first newspaper to print the Declaration of Independence.

July 8, 1776 -- The first public reading of the declaration takes place in Philadelphia's Independence Square. The bell in Independence Hall, then known as the "Province Bell" would later be renamed the "Liberty Bell" after its inscription - "Proclaim Liberty throughout All the Land unto All the Inhabitants Thereof."

August 1776 - The task begun on July 4, the signing of the Declaration of Independence was not actually completed until August. Nonetheless, the 4th of July has been accepted as the official anniversary of United States independence from Britain.

July 4, 1777 -- The first Independence Day celebration takes place. It's interesting to speculate what those first 4th festivities were like. By the early 1800s the traditions of parades, picnics, and fireworks were firmly established as part of American Independence Day culture.

Day 126...

Well it has been 4 months since I have left the wonderful world of the states. There has been a lot going on since I last posted. I am now on a different base with a different unit. I got moved about a month ago. I didn't want to move but it was the needs of the Navy. I was sort of picked to go because of my quick thinking and knowledge. Plus someone in this unit knew me and asked for me by name. So far so good. Can't complain much. I am doing a lot more than just food inspection and stuff. I
get to fly to different base's and OP's and COP's
I enjoy flying. It also gets me away from the work space and my new unit. I don't like this unit. They do not have unity. Can't talk to anyone, don't know if they're going to stab you in the back or not. The only people that I can talk to is my roommates, co-workers and a few of the corpsman. The leadership just sucks and reallys a rude awakening, but enough about that. I have been to two different base's since I have been here and have also flown twice. I know in the future there is going to be more flying for me. I'll fly till the day that I leave. I fly about once a week and stay out for a few days. Our main job now is to do camp surveillance and survey on vector control and snaitation. I like my new job because I get to see a lot of different
things. I get to see how others live in a combat zone. I have got some wonderful pictures that I will put in the gallery when I return. it truely is the field at some of these places. Well the sun is getting warmer and the days are getting longer. But lucky for us the nights are cool and my room has AC. It is not the best AC unit but it keeps me cool. Not much else is going on. just waiting for the day that I get to come home to my wonderful family. Especially my wife, Nyoka and son, Dominic. I miss them a whole lot.

Well here are few pitures of me around Iraq. The first one is of a blown up Iraqi F-15. The second is of me at a COPin Iraq. That was thelast place that I went to. The third one is me during sunset at the first COP that I went to since being with the new unit. The last photo is me getting ready to board a CH-53E Super Sea Stallion. This is the main bird that we usually take.


Well everyone, that is it for now. You all take care and I'll see everyone real soon.









Geared up and ready to go into combat.

Happy Father's Day

The United States is one of the few countries in the world that has an official day on which fathers are honored by their children. On the third Sunday in June, fathers all across the United States are given presents, treated to dinner or otherwise made to feel special. .

The idea for creating a day for children to honor their father began in Spokane, Washington. A woman by the name of Sonora Smart Dodd thought of the idea for Father’s Day while listening to a Mother’s Day sermon in 1909. Having been raised by her father, Henry Jackson Smart, after her mother died, Sonora wanted her father to know how special he was to her. It was her father that made all the parental sacrifices and was, in the eyes of his daughter, a courageous, selfless, and loving man. Sonora’s father was born in June, so she chose to hold the first Father’s Day celebration in Spokane, Washington on the 19th of June, 1910.

In 1924 President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed the third Sunday in June as Father’s Day. Roses are the Father’s Day flowers: red to be worn for a living father and white if the father has died.

Just want to take a moment of your time and wish the most wonderful & courageous man in my life (in case any of you who don't know, that's Tam) a Happy Father's Day. Even though you are, what seems like millions, miles apart, our hearts are field w/nothing but warmth and love for you. Thank you for all you do for your family. Take care, may God bless & we'll see you soon.

Four generations of Duong men. All of which are proud fathers, okay you got me, except the little wee one.

Happy 108th Hospital Corps

The hospital Corpsman Pledge

"I solemnly pledge myself before God and these witnesses to practice faithfully all of my duties as a member of the Hospital Corps. I hold the care of the sick and injured to be a privilege and a sacred trust and will assist the Medical Officer with loyalty and honesty. I will not knowingly permit harm to come to any patient. I will not partake of nor administer any unauthorized medication. I will hold all personal matters pertaining to the private lives of patients in strict confidence. I dedicate my heart, mind and strength to the work before me. I shall do all within my power to show in myself an example of all that is honorable and good throughout my naval career."

Many years have past & the names have changed, but the mission has not. Starting in 1814 as a Loblolly Boy; 1844 Surgeon's Steward; 1866 the Apothecary; 1898 Hospital Steward; 1916 the pharmacist's Mate; & finally in 1948 the Hospital Corpsman.

Let's take a moment of silence to remember those who have fallen.....

WWI 1917-1918: 20
Nicaragua 1926-1933: 1
WW2 1941-1945: 889
Korean Conflict 1950-1954: 109
Dominican Republic 1965: 1
Vietnam Conflict 1962-1975: 628
Lebanon 1983: 15
Iraqi Freedom 2003: 2

To our men and women in uniform past, present & future thank you & God bless.

Happy Birthday Baby

"Quite festive. Don't you think?"









"Matt decided to say a prayer, Lord please don't make Nyoka take another group photo, Amen ;-)."




Well for most of you who don't know, today's Tam's official birthday. That's rigth he's now 27. He actually celebrated it last night our time, which would make it early morning his time.

According to my last BLOG, I had a surprise that I couldn't share until his birthday. That way he'd receive the surprise we had in store, & boy was it killing me.

Two weekends ago, we had a b-b-q at his parents house in Palmdale. I invited some of his friends as well as Brad, Karen & Little Matt. They're more like family than friend since Tam grew up w/their children. Anyhow, we took loads of pictures and made little video clips to share w/him over there. Hoping to brighten his day even though he's far away. Thinking back to my time away from him in Texas, everyone called me on my birthday. So I had to top that, since we couldn't call, why not throw a party!?!

On the menu were b-b-q ribs (Dominic got his first taste of rib that day, thanks Brad), b-b-q chicken wings, potato salad, green salad, chips and dip & watermelon. Now no birthday would be complete w/out a birthday cake & sweetheart we had your favorite, Mint Chocolate Chip. Don't worry it was good (refer to Karen's video message) and just in case you didn't believe us, there's a huge piece sitting inside Karens freezer double wrapped and in tupperware waiting for you to "sink" your teeth into.

Seeing as how sending gifts we're not an option (he'd only have to send them back), we sent him a plethora of Birthday Cards as well as father's day cards. Any gifts that were to big for shipping are awaiting your return. To be opened when you get home.

Well Sweetheart, I hope that you truly got to enjoy your birthday even though those you love aren't there w/out. Just remember when you get home, take plenty of leave you have a lot of catching up and making up to do ;-)!!! Until then baby, be safe, take care and God speed. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Love your wife, son, parents, sisters & extended family.

P.S.
1. Oh, & since Tam wasn't here to get into his cake himself, don't worry baby. Dominic got his hands in it for you. (refer to video clips)
2. The 26th of this month marks 4 months day, more than half way there ;-)

"You're not seeing double, there's a difference."

"Busted. I don't think daddy will believe me now."

"This is for you, Tam."
"I tried stopping them. Honest I did."

"Special thanks to all of those who attended this get together for Tam. Ya'll are the best. Happy belated birthday Matt Goldwater. Oh & Congrats again on your's & Wendy's sweet anouncement. Don't worry, Tam watched the video clip as I anxiously awaited on the other end of the phone. It was killing me not to tell him."

Love ya'll,
Nyoka

Sneaky Sneaky

Don't know how I got here, honest.

Hey guys, sorry I didn't post a BLOG last weekend. I will post one for last weekend in the near future as we were doing something for Tam's birthday, but ssssshhhhhh it's a surprise. Anyway, I think this entry will hold your suspense until then.

I was on the computer today and Dominic crawled out of the room. Yes, for those who don't know he's crawling now and so cute too. Anyhow, not even 2 minutes later I went to check and see where he went. He ended up in his grandparents room sitting inside his laundry basket chewing on the leather handles. How he got in there is a mystery to me. If you are in disbelief, let the pics speak for themselves.

Love you guys,
Nyoka


Do you think she sees me?

Oops, I told myself she'd find me.

Oh how little mommy know. I found daddy's guitars too.

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.