Catch my breath: Daniel's deploying again

As I read the e-mail, my stomach did flip-flops and my heart skipped around. Most families probably feel the same when they get news from the Family Readiness Officer:

Hello, my name is Angela _____. I am the Family Readiness Officer for _____. You are receiving this email because you are the parent of a Marine who is with _____ and will be deploying within the next couple of months. I am here to help families of Marines and to supply information about the deployment and to provide opportunities to help you stay connected with your Marine.

It only took me a second to find my phone and press Daniel’s number into the keypad.

“Hey, when can I come out there?” Sounds like a simple question, but not with the military. But with an upcoming deployment, his unit had already blocked off time for leave. I bought my plane ticket.

Now that Daniel knows his way around out there in beautiful SoCal, we made plans to hike, work out together, and just hang out.

“We can even do a PFT (physical fitness test) together on the base,” said Daniel with more than a hint of challenge in his voice.

Challenge? I never back down from one of those! “You are SO on!”

Flex arm hang for 15 seconds, at least 40 crunches in two minutes (no problem!) and a three-mile run in 33 minutes…and that’s for my age group.

Madre mia! Oh well, it’ll keep me from worrying as I train for my visit.

This time, I will be a veteran at the “last visit before deployment.” I won’t cry…I won’t cry…I won’t cry…

Well, that’s a challenge I can’t win, and I’m OK with that.

--Tiffany

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Marine’s Dress Blues

Marine Reservist PFC Joseph Marshello was amazed at the outpouring of support and offers of help after his dress blues were stolen from his car over the past weekend.

He has received so much support, he says he decided to give everything left over after the purchase of his uniform and the required tailoring to a wounded warrior fund in New Jersey, where he's from.

“I’m not going to be selfish, I have buddies that are over there in Afghanistan now. Even though I’ve only been in the corps for a year, it’s the most important thing in my life,” said Marshello.

Harriet Soto was “extremely touched” when she read the account of Marshello’s stolen uniform.

“So many are dying over there, sacrificing for our country,” said Harriet. “He touched my heart. I don’t have much to send him, but I want to send him something.”

To read more about the kindness of citizens touched by Marshello’s story, click here.
PFC Joseph Marshello

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Around the military:

An Iraqi soldier checks the roof of a building during a joint air assault operation planned and led by Iraqi forces and supported by U.S. Army soldiers in the Ma'dain area east of Baghdad, Iraq, June 26, 2009. The U.S soldiers are assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division’s 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. James Selesnick

A U.S. Marine loads his M-4 service rifle before leaving Patrol Base Hasaan Abad in Helmand province, Afghanistan, July 1, 2009. The Marine, assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, is part of a military effort to restrict the freedom of movement of enemies, and help restore peace and prosperity to the local populace. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Pete Thibodeau


U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Steven Aldridge, aviation machinist mate, inspects the after burner of a F404 engine in the jet shop aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan in the Arabian Sea, July 3, 2009. Aldridge is an aviation machinist mate who maintains, services, adjust sand replaces aircraft engines and accessories. U.S. Navy photo by Seaman Apprentice Oliver Cole

A blast of endurance -- and a lot of faith

Independence Day has come and gone.

Two little boys down the street are covertly, they think, setting off the last of the leftover firecrackers, looking up every now and then to see if their parents or some other grown-up is going to come outside and put an end to their fun.

Daniel and Erin weren’t allowed to play with fireworks, except for once, when their grandfather brought a huge bag of them back from a trip to North Carolina.

Properly supervised — probably overly supervised — they set off their little firecrackers shaped like tanks, frogs and other random shapes.

These days, Daniel is working with things a whole lot more dangerous than something that could burn his finger. It takes a lot for me not to speculate on all the possible dangers Daniel could face in a typical day, and he’s not even in combat.

At some point, maybe from the exhaustion of worrying, I decided to rest in the faith that the kid was well-trained and let it go. It doesn’t always work, but I try.

For the parents of soldiers, Marines and airmen in combat or any other job, my prayers are with you.

--Tiffany

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A few days ago, Danielle Nuzzo, who works for 360i on behalf of MSNBC, sent me the following note and a link to a story about the soldiers of Viper Company in Afghanistan's Korengal Valley:

Hi Tiffany,

I noticed your post today and as most of us prepare for 4th of July celebrations this weekend, this is also a time to reflect on those who are still fighting for our country. We often hear stories about the war in Iraq, but we also should pay tribute to troops who are still fighting in Afghanistan.

Here's the link to the clip on MSNBC.

Thanks, Danielle!

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Around the military:

U.S. Army Pfc. Augustus Dawson uses the Army crawl to cross a one-rope bridge during Eagle Tower exercises on Fort Benning, Ga., June 16, 2009. Dawson is assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment.
U.S. Army photo by Kristin Molinaro

Tony Romo, left, the Dallas Cowboys quarterback, and Tiger Woods put together a care package during the Earl Woods Pro-am golf tournament at the Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md., that will be sent to troops in Iraq, July 1, 2009.
U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Cecilio Ricardo



A paratrooper has his feet and knees together to execute a parachute landing fall on the Siciliy Drop Zone during a mass tactical airborne operation at sunset, Fort Bragg, N.C., June 23, 2009. The paratrooper is assigned to the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82d Airborne Division.
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Michael J. MacLeod

On this Fourth of July, give thanks

“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.”

--first sentence of The United States Declaration of Independence, adopted by the Continental Congress, July 4, 1776

And when men and women are deprived of their rights; live under vicious dictators; or American citizens are threatened, "who ya gonna call" to put the situation in order?

That’s right: your son, my son, our neighbor’s daughter, sister, brother.

That’s a daunting responsibility and amazing undertaking our loved ones take on for the good of America and its citizens.

As I watch the fireworks explode over the Manatee River Saturday evening, that fiery display will mirror precisely how my heart feels when I think of our brave military men and women.

Enjoy your holiday and say a prayer of thanks for the blessing of freedom.

--Tiffany


BRADENTON, 7/1/06--Jason Vanaelst, 14, holds a sparkler over the Manatee River as he waits with his family for the fireworks to begin.--photo by Tiffany Tompkins-Condie

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Security Agreement Implementation Announced

The Department of Defense announced today that, in accordance with the security agreement between the United States and Iraq signed last year, U.S. combat forces have left Iraqi cities, villages and localities.

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Around the military:

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. William T. Wolny provides security from a second-floor window while participating in a squad competition on Camp Pendleton, Calif., June 18, 2009. Such competitions evaluate squads on their skills and abilities during combat. Wolny is assigned to the 1st Marine Division's Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment.
U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Mark E. Mahla

Todd Tumolo, an assistant guide helping four wounded warriors ascend to the summit of Mount McKinley, pauses to take in the view from high camp at 17,200 feet, Denali National Park, Alaska, June 14, 2009.
U.S. Army photo by Army Lt. Col. Marc Hoffmeister



U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Westin Smith waits for direction from Tech. Sgt. Justin Mulden before backing off a Humvee from a C-17 Globemaster III during training for the Air Mobility Commands Rodeo competition on Elmondorf Air Force Base, Alaska, June 18, 2009. Smith is assigned to the 3rd Logistics Readiness Squadron and Muldon is a loadmaster assigned to the 517th Airlift Squadron. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Keith Brown

We need the truth, from all points of view

Do you like to read news stories or fairy tales?

Embedded journalists must agree that they won't release secure information or anything that could harm our soldiers or their efforts. So are journalists in war zones free to tell us the stories that are happening all around them?

A reporter from Stars and Stripes was barred from embedding with the 1st Cavalry Division’s 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team. Not because he didn’t tell the truth, or divulged sensitive information, or broke rules.

According to reports, Heath Druzin “refused to highlight” good news.

From a story by Stars and Stripes’ Leo Shane III:

“If they put these kind of conditions on it, then I’d say the whole program will collapse,” said Kelly McBride, Ethics Group Leader at the Poynter Institute, a media training facility and think-tank in St. Petersburg, Fla. “It’s not meant to be a public relations program for the military.”

Exactly.

The DOD puts out a huge amount of news and photographs, of which I am grateful for and make use of in this blog every day. They provide wonderful features, links, blogs, and now have branched out to make use of social media like Twitter and Facebook.

But you can’t get all your news from one source and expect to get the whole picture. If I only listened to my father’s views on our country’s economy, I would hide my pennies in my mattress.

As military families, we might not like to read every story coming from Iraq and Afghanistan. They could be critical, negative or frightening.

But I can read them if I want to. Then I can more intelligently form my own opinions.

Read Leo Shane’s commentary — you decide.

--Tiffany

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Congratulations, Air Force grad

Ross E. LaPointe

Air Force Airman Ross E. LaPointe graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force. He is the son of Ross LaPointe of 229th St. E., Bradenton, Fla., and brother of Nicole Allocco of Spring Hill, Tenn. LaPointe is a 2002 graduate of Narrow Way Academy, Sarasota, Fla.

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Welcome to the military family, Andreanna Craig!

Andrew and his father, Andy, admire the newest Craig:

Proud mom, Andrea with baby:


Proud grandmother, Linda, with little Andreanna:

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Welcome Home LCpl Justin Carmen!

Thanks to Terry Longpre for the great photos of the Patriot Guard mission to welcome home another hero who served! Below are photos of the mission and a poster which features LCpl Carmen:

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Around the military:

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Nadia Katana bottle-feeds a kitten that was cut out of a wall on Hurlburt Field, Fla., June 22, 2009. Members of the 505th Command and Control Wing cared for the litter of four until they were turned over to a wildlife refuge until they can be adopted. U.S. Air Force photo by Keith Keel

A lone Thunderbird performs maneuvers to close the 2009 air show on Dover Air Force Base, Del., June 21, 2009. U.S. Air Force photo by Tom Randle

Flight deck personnel give a thumbs-up as an F/A 18 from the Checkerboards of Marine Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 312 launches from the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Harry S. Truman is underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting a Composite Training Unit Exercise. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua A. Moore/Released)

Mom bling carries awesome message

I could hear loud music, but not much else as my husband, Eric, called from Virginia, the site of his family’s yearly reunion. He stepped out of the room to tell me that his father’s band, “55 in Overdrive,” was deep into rehearsal for their upcoming gig at The United States Marine Corps Museum.

Saturday, Eric’s father and his band mates will pack up their drums and all their gear and head up to the museum to belt out “From the Halls of Montezuma” and other military faves.

Pretty cool!

Home from Virginia, Eric was telling me more about the trip and paused to hand me a small bag. “I brought home some goodies!”

There’s no sweeter words from a husband who has returned from a trip.

I opened the paper bag and poured out EGA earrings, a necklace, and a Marine Corps pin. Bling for Marine moms! Awesome!

As I perused my goodies, Eric told me about a booth at the museum where visitors can stand on famed yellow footprints and hear drill instructors scream in both ears while surrounded by photos of terrified recruits.

I was jealous.

Looking over my mom bling, I noticed some tiny lettering on the necklace and pulled out my magnifying glass to read it.

“Proud Marine Mom, God Bless our Children.”

Absolutely, that’s what it’s about.

--Tiffany

55 in Overdrive: (James Condie on trumpet)

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Around the military:

Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr. celebrates the Army's 234th Birthday with children of Fort Detrick's Forest Glen Annex Child Development Center in Maryland.Army photo by D. Myles Cullen

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Zach Gartner from the 57th Air Maintenance Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., recovers an F-15 Eagle fighter aircraft during exercise Northern Edge 2009 at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, on June 18, 2009. Northern Edge 2009 is Alaska's largest military training exercise. It prepares joint forces to respond to crises throughout the Asia-Pacific region. DoD photo by Tech. Sgt. Dennis J. Henry Jr., U.S. Air Force. (Released)


Soldiers from the U.S. Army and Korean Augmentation to the U.S. Army run to the finish line during an expert infantry badge test on Camp Casey in Dongducheon, Korea, June 19, 2009. U.S. Army courtesy photo

War redefines a father's selfless love

Today, fathers everywhere are enjoying breakfast in bed, gratefully receiving gifts of macaroni necklaces, reading hand-lettered cards and admiring lovingly chosen ties.

Unless they are far from home in the service of their country.

Selflessness is what makes a father’s love special. For the father who extends that love to encompass the children of our country and others in the quest for freedom and safety— well, that’s a whole other level of special.

Kate Williams sent me a note recently to introduce a new book by Lt. Col. Oliver North, “American Heroes: In the Fight Against Radical Islam.”

Kate wrote:

"North covers numerous topics in his book from the insurrection in Baghdad to the new democratic government's struggle to retain power over terrorist militants.

The most moving chapter in the book highlights the emotional journey American heroes' families endure while they are overseas serving this great nation. Below I've included an excerpt from the book of one Marine father who says he would return to Iraq in a heartbeat, if it meant that the Iraqi children could experience the same freedom his own two young daughters."

The story below illustrates the enormous love of a soldier for his children, his country, and for the children of Iraq. Even after an explosion severely wounds him, the soldier’s love remains strong.

On this Father’s Day, be sure to thank not only your own father, but also the fathers who serve our country; we are grateful for their love and daily sacrifice.

--Tiffany


"Nothing Replaces a Daddy"
Lt. Col. Oliver North

The following story is an excerpt from Lt. Col. Oliver North's new release, American Heroes: In the Fight Against Radical Islam.

"The explosion of a carefully planted IED mangled Sgt Edwards below his body armor. The first person to him was U.S. Navy medical Corpsman Christopher Anderson. The man they called "Doc" Anderson immediately applied tourniquets to Edwards' shattered limbs and started an IV to ward off shock.

As they raced for the LZZ to meet an inbound casualty-evacuation helicopter, Edwards looked up at the man who was checking his pulse and said, 'take care of my babies, Doc.' Anderson shouted back, 'You're going to take care of your babies. You're going to be OK!'

Marine Sgt Gregory Edwards was on his third deployment to Iraq when new wounds sent him back to Walter Reed. In 2003 he had been part of the initial assault on Baghdad and saw the statue of Saddam Hussein toppled. He'd been wounded on his second deployment and spent time recovering at Bethesda and Walter Reed.

When 1st Bn, 6th Marines, was slated for a third deployment, he insisted on going along. This time, however Gregory Edwards' road to recovery would never end.

Though the doctors operated on him more than thirty times, they couldn't save his shattered legs. When all the surgery was done, he had one stump above the knee, a stump below the other knee, and only one functioning hand.

'I lost my legs for the people of Iraq, so their children will be able to run around, just like mine. If time was turned back, I'd do it all over again," said Sgt Edwards, father of two."

This excerpt, taken from American Heroes, is dedicated to the hundreds of thousands of fathers who are standing on the front lines of war while their families anxiously await their return home.
"These 'heroes on the home front' are essential for the strength of our military as a whole and for the defense of this nation," said Lt. Col. North.

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Visit

MANATEE'S OPERATION TROOP SUPPORT

to see how you can help your local troops.

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Around the military:

A sea of U.S. Army soldiers salute during the 1st Armored Division's 2nd Brigade uncasing ceremony held on Baumholder's Minick Field, Germany, June 5, 2009. The soldiers are assigned to the 2nd Brigade.
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Brandon Moreno

The sun sets on a day of at-sea operations aboard the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan, Adriatic Sea, June 10, 2009. The USS Bataan is on a scheduled deployment performing maritime security operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operation.
U.S. Navy photo by Chief Petty Officer Tony Sisti


U.S. Navy Seaman Fortaleza, left, and Seaman John Sexton pressure wash the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington, under way in the Pacific Ocean, June 13, 2009. U.S. Navy photo by Seaman Adam K. Thomas

Keeping connected via Hometown News

Military news comes to me through several channels -- usually by accosting strangers on the street or pestering folks for photos and updates.

Sometimes it falls from the sky like a fancy gift, wrapped and ready for consumption.

That’s the case when I get things from Hometown News, a news service run by the military that sends me snippets relating to local folks.

A couple of days ago, I received a story and beautiful photos from the 65th commemoration of D-Day at Normandy, and the reaction of one of our local soldiers to the ceremony.

Bayshore grad Phillip Boardman was on hand for the historic occasion. We can share his feelings as he reacts to standing on the spot where Americans fought in 1944.

Thanks to Hometown News for keeping us connected!

--Tiffany

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Via Hometown News:

By Rich Lamance
NORMANDY, France

Senior leaders often call the son of a Bradenton couple, and those who serve with him, a part of the next "greatest generation." Army Pfc. Phillip M. Boardman, son of Brent R. and Molly A. Boardman, recently traveled to now silenced battlefields with names like Omaha and Utah Beaches to observe the 65th Commemoration of D-Day. They were there to honor those who were a part of that "greatest generation" who served in one of the bloodiest and most decisive battles in world history.

Boardman, a military policeman, and more than 1,000 service members from posts and bases throughout Europe and the U.S., converged on the historic Normandy area to honor those who served, and in many cases made the ultimate sacrifice, on June 6, 1944.

Weeklong ceremonies took place throughout the region in such historic places as St. Mere Iglise, Omaha and Utah Beaches and small villages in the area that were vital to the success of the allies push into Europe against Nazi Germany.

President Obama met with leaders from Great Britain, France and Canada at a special ceremony at the American Cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach.

Celebrations at small towns throughout Normandy were capped by a parachute demonstration from airborne paratroopers representing many of the units involved with the D-Day operations.

"While I'm assigned here, my duties are to provide force protection for the American service members here and to help support the many ceremonies we have throughout the week leading up to D-Day," explained Boardman, a 2007 graduate of Bayshore High School, Bradenton.

For Boardman, it was hard to imagine that the tranquil farming villages and pristine beaches were once the scene of carnage and destruction that took the lives of more than 4,000 Americans in just one day.

"Visiting Pointe Du Hoc, where the Rangers scaled the cliffs on D-Day, had the biggest impact on me," said Boardman. "Just seeing the beach and the terrain that our brothers had to assault - words can't describe the respect and honor I have for those soldiers."

Today, the 360 miles of coastline that makes up Normandy is mostly lush farmland, bustling market towns and historic landmarks that commemorate important battles that took place more than six decades ago. The residents of the area have never forgotten the sacrifices of the Americans who fought here and embrace today's soldiers just as heartily as those who liberated them.

"Normandy is beautiful. The beaches are breathtaking and, along with the endless green fields, it's really something to behold. The people here are really nice and they love taking pictures with us. Being an American soldier here in uniform is like being a celebrity."

Boardman is normally stationed with the 529th Military Police Company in Heidelberg, Germany. "I patrol our base performing the normal duties of a police officer," said Boardman. He has been in the Army for almost a year.

Christian Verdeaux, a French citizen dressed in period American World War II dress uniform, kneels in front of the grave of an American soldier killed during the D-Day liberation of France on June 6, 1944. Photo by AF Master Sgt. Cecilio Ricardo U.S. soldiers begin a 21-gun salute during ceremonies at the American Cemetery at Omaha Beach in Normandy, France. The celebration honored serv ice members who fought during what has been described as one of the most decisive battles of World War II.Photo by AF Master Sgt. Cecilio Ricardo

Army Pfc. Phillip M. Boardman, a Bradenton native, was involved with the recent 65th Commemoration of D-Day in Normandy, France. Boardman was one of the more than 1,000 service members from bases throughout Europe and the US who helped support the weeklong celebrations. Photo by AF Master Sgt. Cecilio Ricardo

President Barack Obama shakes the hand of Ben Franklin as Prince Charles from Great Britain looks on during ceremonies commemorating the 65th Anniversary of D-Day. Franklin was one of the soldiers who stormed Omaha Beach during the early morning hours of June 6, 1944. Photo by AF Master Sgt. Cecilio Ricardo

Soldiers representing the US, Canada, Great Britain and France form a flag presentation prior to the start of a ceremony commemorating the 65th anniversary of D-Day at the American ceretery at Omaha Beach in Normandy, France. Photo by AF Master Sgt. Cecilio Ricardo

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Notice from Jim Walton of Manatee Operation Troop Support:

"I am letting all our volunteers know that I am going to have our tent set up at the Suncoast Offshore Grand Prix Festival. The hours are from 10 to 6 on Friday July 3rd and Saturday the 4th. It will be at Centennial Park in Sarasota.

Info and directions are at www.suncoastoffshore.org to volunteer, call Jim Walton at 941-914-6655.