A new family tradition: serving up good cheer

Ho! Ho! Ho! bellowed the Santa in a small room at the Alvarez Restaurant. Children shyly approached the man in the red suit as happy elves helped them choose a toy on Christmas day. One of the elves smiled as she held up different toys…and I realized I knew that elf.

Marine Mom Adria worked as children were funneled into the tiny room before their families were seated for a free Christmas meal. Outside, bussing the tables on the crowded patio, was a tall young man with a “high and tight” and a USMC t-shirt.

Adria’s son, Alexander, was home for a couple of days leave from North Carolina. The whole family was working on Christmas; Adria’s husband, John, was in the kitchen serving up meals.

I only got to speak to Adria for a moment, but she was clearly enjoying the work. And I bet having her son smiling at her as he cleared the dishes contributed to her happy glow.

The only thing better, I bet, would be to have her other Marine son, Max, home for the holidays.

“It was great, I’m hoping to start a new tradition,” said Adria on her Facebook page.

Gives you a warm feeling to meet a family like that…thanks, Adria!

--Tiffany

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DoD Special:

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In Remembrance:

We have a service scheduled for an AMN in the USAF
Thurs 12-31-09

10:30am
for more information, contact:
Deborah Correll, Program Asst.
Sarasota National Cemetery
Toll Free: 877-861-9840
Local: 941-922-7200

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Around the military:

Marines and Sailors on BHR listen to the Commanding Officer speak on the flight deck Dec. 26.via twitter
U.S. Army 1st Lt. Erik Beundia (left) and Ssg. Jack Crites (right), both with Bravo Company 82nd Division Special Troops Battalion discuss security during a mission Dec. 18, 2009, Parwan, Afghanistan.photo by Ssg. Christopher Allison

A U.S. Air Force A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft from the 354th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron prepares to depart Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, on Dec. 27, 2009. DoD photo by Tech. Sgt. Efren Lopez, U.S. Air Force. (Released)

The best gift: Christmas connections

Sometimes I embarrass myself.

I always leave my cell phone in my car when I shoot an assignment; it’s too distracting and rude to answer calls when I’m working.

On Christmas Eve, I jumped into my car to drive back to the paper, flipped open my phone, and saw I had missed seven calls. Seven calls. My heart dropped into my stomach as I listened to the message:

“Mom. This is your son. Daniel. They just opened the phones for a couple of hours and I’ve called you seven times. Sorry I missed you, Merry Christmas. I don’t know when I can call you again. Love you…”

To say that I cried is an understatement. I sobbed. I walked through the office with tears streaming down my face and said some unknowable nonsensical things to my puzzled co-workers.

I’m a tough broad. Really, I am. But when I haven’t talked to my kid on over a month, and he's far away, and it's Christmas, and you hear their voice on your phone, it’s like …wow... it’s like all those times you feel that you let down someone you love. Crappy.

There’s a happy ending.

As a friend was trying to talk me out of my self-pity and loathing, the phone rang.

Yup. A Marine never gives up — especially when it’s my kid.

--Tiffany

Note: If you read this story about Manatee High alum Doug Schofield who watched the big championship game on the internet during his deployment with the Marines in Iraq, here’s part of a note he sent; I was happily surprised that his family saw the story, as I had no way to contact him:

You wouldn't believe how much listening to the games means to me. I've been in the Marine Corps for 18 years and in that time I've traveled to 23 countries, but my favorite place in the world is still Hawkins Stadium on a Friday Night! I hope you have a great Christmas and New Year! Have a beer and burger at Council’s for me!
Semper Fi,
Doug Schofield

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Visit Manasota's Operation Troop Support's

Facebook page:

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Around the military:

Santa Claus (Lt. Jon Sunderland) directs aircraft movement during flight operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz Christmas Day. Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is on a routine deployment to the region. Operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations are focused on reassuring regional partners of the United States' commitment to security, which promotes stability and global prosperity.

Pfc. Josh Barrios from Torrence, Calif., and Staff Sgt. Brent Holmes from Marysville, Wash., both mortarmen with B Troop, 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, conduct a fires mission Dec. 16 from Camp Clark in the Khost Province of eastern Afghanistan. (Photo by US Army Pfc. Andrya Hill)

Gunnery Sgt. Terry McElwain, from Burden, Kan., hands out care packages to members of Company E, Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, aboard USS Bonhomme Richard here Dec. 23. McElwain, the company gunnery sergeant, filled in for Santa and handed out care packages, donated by Springfield, Mo., residents, to the Marines and Sailors of Co. E.photo by Sgt. Scott Biscuiti

Thankful for the gift of freedom

Bah, humbug.

I’m not really feeling un-Christmassy, I’m just feeling a bit guilty for being able to enjoy my warm home, the glow of the tree, the comfort of my soft bed when I know our troops are slogging through rocky valleys, sleeping in holes, and eating MRE’s. Even those who are serving in better circumstances are probably not enjoying the same comforts they would at home.

They’re trained well for that; I know, I know. They signed up for that-on purpose, I know.

Even so, in many homes throughout the country, there will be loved ones missing from holiday celebrations. Some children may have only one parent watch as they tear through their gifts, their stockings, a holiday meal. Wives and husbands far from their families may spend their holiday alone.

We feel their absence and we miss them; but we are thankful for the gift of freedom that their selfless service provides for America and other nations throughout the world.

We pray for their safe return.

Merry Christmas!

--Tiffany

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Congratulations to Air Force grad Kyle Utz!

Air Force Airman Kyle L. Utz 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.

Utz is the son of Mark Utz of Walden Loop, Parrish, Fla., and Norma Hayes of Village Grove Court, Tampa, Fla.

He is a 2009 graduate of Palmetto High School, Fla.

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In Remembrance:

We have a Indigent burial for a World War II Marine Veteran scheduled:
Wednesday,
12-23-09.
1:00pm

For more information contact:

Deborah Correll, Program Asst.
Sarasota National Cemetery
Toll Free: 877-861-9840
Local: 941-922-7200

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Around the military:

Lance Cpl. Christopher Duffourc, 21, of Lockhart, Texas, fires a wire-guided missile at a range here Dec. 13 as Sgt. Roberto Colon of New Jersey stands by as a position safety officer. Duffourc and Colon are serving with the Magnificent Bastards, the ground-combat element of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. photo by Gunnery Sgt. Scott Dunn

Lance Cpl. David M. Shelton, a rifleman with Company F, Battalion Landing Team 2/4 , 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, from Warren, Mich., and Lance Cpl. Seth T. Lima, a squad automatic weapon gunner from Safety Harbor, Fla., run from one concealed position to another during live-fire and maneuver training here Dec. 8.
U.S. Navy Intelligence Specialist 2nd Chris Davis, left, Equipment Operator 2nd Class Norman Patton and Construction Electrician 2nd Class Ben Coulson, all assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3, assemble a cot for their overnight stay in Grand Bara, Djibouti, Dec. 16, 2009, before the 27th Grand Bara Run. The Grand Bara Run is a 15-kilometer race through the Grand Bara Desert hosted by the French Foreign Legion with participants from the French, Djiboutian, Japanese and U.S. militaries. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua Bryce Bruns, U.S. Navy/Released)

Spend those magic pennies!

I came across a photo this morning which, though not emotional in any way, choked me up.

A Marine sporting a jaunty Santa hat was unloading mail from a helicopter aboard the USS Cleveland -- the sister ship of the USS Bonhomme Richard.

Those bulging mail sacks were filled with letters, gifts and the telltale shape of flat-rate boxes used by families with the hopes that their loved one would feel our love and appreciation from half a world away.

That sentiment was brought home last week when someone forwarded me a photo and letter from a former Manatee High School football player. Manatee was headed to Orlando to play for the 5A state championship, and this Marine in Iraq, along with two other Marines, an Army buddy, and some other alum serving in Afghanistan were following their team from afar.

These strong connections to home, family and community run in both directions; to the far reaches of the world and back.

No matter if our letters are paper and ink or emails; our support is getting through to the troops — and is coming right on back to us.

“Love is like a magic penny; hold it tight, you don’t get any…”

I’m spending my magic penny.

--Tiffany

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In Remembrance:

We will be honoring a U.S. Army Specialist 3 from the Korean War Period.
Monday 21 Dec 2009 at 10:00am
Sarasota National Cemetery

For more information, contact:
James Knight
Cemetery Representative
941-922-7200

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Roger J. Robichaud, a "former SP5 US Army from way back" sent me a military mom poem and links to his sites. Thanks, Roger! It's great to feel appreciated!

I may clutch a picture of my child
Go in that room of memories wild

My young one has left to be so brave
The hero of my heart, gone to save

At times I want to reach out and hold
But I know the answer, Mom be bold

The love of my child is part of me
So strong and good, it will always be

Nurtured in life with a caring heart
This child to me is a work of art

Dear God you know how my love is true
I've prayed for my soldier, more I'll do

And to mothers who live their life as I
We'll grow in support, our flag held high

Together we'll get through each new day
Becoming great friends, God Bless our way

Roger J. Robicheau

Links:

Military Mom Poems

My Christmas Poems

Troop Support Poems

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Around the military:

U.S. Soldiers and Airmen await to be transported on a U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook at Forward
Operating Base Wolverine, Zabul province, Afghanistan, Dec. 17. (U.S. Air Force photo by

Efren Lopez/Released)

Sailors and Marines aboard USS Cleveland unload mail delivered here by helicopter in time for the holidays Dec. 18.Gunnery Sgt. Scott Dunn

U.S. Army Sgt. Michael Shell creates a mural to memorialize the fallen comrades assigned to the 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, Forward Operating Base Frontenac, Afghanistan, Dec. 16, 2009.U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Francisco V. Govea II

Anchoring on love

“Love, Grandma” is scripted at the base of the wooden angel and lamb we discovered in our yard one morning in 1993.

Every year they are pulled from the attic, dusted off, and positioned with care in front of the house. The gingerbread girl is placed beside the front door and the carved manger scene is arranged and rearranged to perfection.

These are part of our family’s Christmas rituals. They imbue our holidays with a recognition of our past, and hope for the future.

Each knick-knack, tree skirt, and cracked ornament tells the story of our holidays through the years.

This will be our second Christmas with Daniel on deployment and we’ll miss him terribly, but a recent letter from his commander shares a sentiment of strength and hope to pull us through the holidays:

“I ask that you anchor on your love for each other and continue to pass along your thoughts and prayers because we do receive them. I hope you are receiving ours, as well.

On behalf of the HMM-166 (REIN) Marines and Sailors, we give you our deepest thanks for your support, understanding and patriotism.

Happy Holidays and God Bless,

LtCo”

We will stay anchored on the love we have for our family and our faith; the strongest possible mooring in rough times.

--Tiffany

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Around the military:

2nd Plt E Co. moves through an obstacle course in Djibouti Dec. 9. via Twitter

U.S. soldiers dig to search for a weapons cache near the village of Al Najatia in Kirkuk province, Iraq, Dec. 5, 2009. The soldiers joined forces with the Iraqi soldiers to conduct the search.U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class MatthewD. Leistikow

Paratroopers from Special Operations Command Europe descend after jumping from an MC-130 Combat Talon aircraft over Malmsheim Drop Zone in Germany Dec. 9, 2009. (DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Isaac A. Graham, U.S. Army/Released)

Real smiles pending

Thanks, King James I of England, for allegedly coining the first version of my new No. 1 most-hated phrase:

“No news is good news.”

It’s true, absolutely. You know if, God forbid, something bad happened, the military would be at your door or ringing your phone ASAP.

The ups and downs of deployment feel a bit like a car ride to nowhere; you start out thinking good thoughts, adrenaline humming. But after the car overheats, a burger you wolfed down percolates in your belly and the dog barfs in the back seat, it seems harder to keep the smile pasted on your face.

But the smile is pasted on my face. And there it will remain when the next person who cheerily asks me, “Have you heard from Daniel?” hears my reply, and I will keep smiling when I hear the inevitable modern-day version of King James' phrase:

“No news is better than evil news.”

Yup. But I want to hear some good news...then people will see a real smile on my face.

--Tiffany

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Around the military:

A soldier celebrates during the 110th playing of the Army-Navy football game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Dec. 12, 2009. DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley

The Navy demonstration parachute team, the Leap Frogs, jump into Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Penn. before the 110th Army-Navy college football game. (U.S. Navy photo by Damon J. Moritz/Released)

The Navy demonstration parachute team, the Leap Frogs, jump into Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Penn. before the 110th Army-Navy college football game. (U.S. Navy photo by Damon J. Moritz/Released)

To share, or not to share...

It’s beginning to look a lot like “I’m over this deployment!”

I know…I know. I am totally in support of my son and the troops and all they do. I’m just selfishly missing my son.

He’s a good sounding board; a friendly ear; a good ‘commiserator.’

I’ve known exactly the problems and situations I should tell him about while he is deployed…or I have until now.

What to do? Darn.

So…there’s a potential ‘something’ in the family right now, and I don’t know if he’ll be mad I didn’t tell him about it; or upset that I worried him while he’s far away and unable to do anything except worry.

Well, I guess I just answered my own question. He can’t do anything about it and it will make him worry—don’t share. Problem solved.

I hope.

--Tiffany

Have you had a similar situation while your loved one was deployed? Tell me about it…please!
ttompkins@bradenton.com

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Participate in "Wreaths across America"

Saturday, December 12, 2009
11:30 a.m.
Sarasota National Cemetery
9810 State Road 72
Sarasota, FL 34241-9574
(941) 922-7200

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In Remembrance:

There will be two indigent services held at the Sarasota National Cemetery Thursday,
12-10-09 at 10:30am.
One is S1 US Navy a Vietnam Vet the other a AMN USAF Korean Vet
for more info:
Deborah Correll, Program Asst.
Sarasota National Cemetery
Toll Free: 877-861-9840
Local: 941-922-7200

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The Sarasota County Young Republicans (SRQYR) are holding a Christmas card making event for our FL soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan at our first annual "Republicans on Ice" event at the Ellenton Ice Rink on Saturday, Dec. 12th from 1-3pm. We will also be collecting toiletries, hard candy and beanie babies at the event to send along with the cards.

If anyone would be interested in joining us, we would love to have them. Chris Markowski, "the Watchdog of Wall Street", will be speaking and various state and local candidates and elected officials will be joining us for a meet and greet. We have lots of fun family activities planned including a bounce house and of course—ice skating.

Click this link for more information:

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Around the military:

At a homecoming ceremony Nov. 28 on Cooper Field, in front of 1st Cavalry Division’s headquarters building, Regina Leroy, and dogs Yoshi and Bruiser welcome Spc. Leo Leroy home from a year-long deployment to Qayarrah in northern Iraq. Leroy is with E Forward Support Company, 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment.

A U.S. soldier conducts a dismounted patrol in the village of Shabila Kalan in Zabul province, Afghanistan, Nov. 30, 2009. The soldier is assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division's 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 5th Brigade Combat Team.U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Efren Lopez

U.S. Army soldiers navigate a stream during a security patrol in Chabar, Afghanistan, on Dec. 3, 2009. The soldiers are from Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 5th Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division. DoD photo by Tech. Sgt. Francisco V. Govea II, U.S. Air Force. (Released)

Love that moto-lingo!

Bravo Zulu!

Sounds cool, huh? It’s the Navy’s way of saying “well done” and I’m adopting it…thanks, Navy!

It’s also the heading on the Bonhomme Richard’s Facebook page for those who have achieved a rank or certification. I’ll bet their families appreciate that!

It's amazing that deployed troops have the energy to take the corporal’s course, or gain a martial arts belt, a promotion or any other accolade. Super duper!

I adore the super-moto talk of the military. Can you imagine the bagger at Publix asking if you’re “good to go?” or your co-workers yelling “brass on deck!” so you could look productive when the boss walked in?

Well…face it, we’re just not that cool, we’re the “nasty civilians.” (“Nasty” said with affection, of course.)

I’ll leave most of the cool acronyms and designations to the military, but I’m keeping “Bravo Zulu.”

--Tiffany

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Welcome Home!

Very proud Marine Mom Joann DeSerio waited at the Tampa Airport to welcome home her son, Cpl. Daniel Pelletier, from Iraq. The entire airport applauded as he emerged from a bear-hug from his mom. Daniel enjoyed a home cooked Thanksgiving with family before returning to MCAS Beaufort.

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Congratulations to Danny and Mary Sklenika!
Proud dad Dan sent these lovely photos:

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Visit the new MOTS website!

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In Remembrance:

Our dear Marine Mom, Nancy Berman, suffered a tragic loss Sunday. Her husband, David Berman, died in a small plane crash. Her family is in our prayers.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Lance Cpl. Jonathan A. Taylor, 22, of Jacksonville, Fla., died Dec. 1 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Derrick D. Gwaltney, 21, of Cape Coral, Fla., died Nov. 29 south of Basra, Iraq, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 377th Field Artillery Regiment, 17th Fires Brigade, Fort Lewis, Wash.

To honor one who passed with no surviving family, attend the funeral of a PFC US Army Vietnam Vet. His service is scheduled for Monday Dec 7, 2009 at 10:00 am. For more information, contact:
Deborah Correll, Program Asst.
Sarasota National Cemetery
Toll Free: 877-861-9840
Local: 941-922-7200

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Around the military:

An AH-64D Apache attack helicopter departs the flightline under a full moon to conduct operations from Camp Taji, Iraq, Dec. 2, 2009. The helicopter is assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division's 1st Air Cavalry Brigade. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Travis Zelinski

U.S. soldiers join in to be a part of the circle, some to pray, before every mission in Kandahar, Afghanistan, Nov. 22, 2009. The soldiers are assigned to the 62nd Engineer Company, 4th Engineer Battalion. U.S. Army photo by Pfc. David Hauk

A U.S. soldier stands against the Afghan skyline after securing a combat outpost in Rajankala in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, Nov. 26, 2009. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Francisco V. Govea II

Military families know their mission: Support

What does it mean? The troop surge?

For folks with a loved one serving in the military, it’s just another day at the office.

Well, of course there is the broader picture…the global reaction…and what does that mean for political relations with Pakistan, Yemen, Britain, the world?

Everyone seems to be second-guessing and putting in their two cents and opining their heads off…

But we know that every day is fraught with hazards and hardships for our loved ones. They serve in the cold; on rough seas; in the heat.

There are too many dangers to list, but we know what they are. For families, they are the crippling thoughts that we push from our heads every day to focus on the most important mission of all: support.

We will stand tall. Our troops serve with honor as they have done since the birth of our nation; we will put our heart and soul into supporting them, loving them and, one day, welcoming them home.

--Tiffany

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In support of those who've served our country and have passed away with no local family, attend the funeral of an American Veteran at the Sarasota National Cemetery:

Service for an SP4 US Army veteran at 11:30am, Wednesday, 12-2-09.
for info contact:
Deborah Correll, Program Asst.
Sarasota National Cemetery
Toll Free: 877-861-9840
Local: 941-922-7200
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MOTS volunteers, Carole Conte, Cindy Blackmere, Lisa Comkowycz and Pat Comkowycz busy at work supporting our local troops at the local headquarters in Lakewood Business Park in Bradenton. Thanks, ladies!

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Around the military
featuring the USMC's 11th MEU:

Tank crewmen with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, get the chance Nov. 21 to operate their vehicle for the first time since deploying to the Western Pacific and Middle East in September. While embarked on ship, the tanks are positioned inches from each other making movement and maintenance difficult.photo by Cpl. Jeffrey Belovarac

Tankers serving with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s ground combat element, man an M1A1 Abrams driving through this uninhabited island Nov. 21. Tank commander Gunnery Sgt. Kian Adyani, left, from Anaheim, Calif., accompanied Lt. Col. Jim Hensien, Combat Logistics Battalion 11 commanding officer, right. In Adyani’s crew are Sgt. Kip Huhman of Taylor, Neb.; Cpl. R.V. Maggitt of Greenwood, Miss.; and Lance Cpl. Brandon Sharpe of Mobile, Ala. Ground and logistics combat elements of the 11th MEU landed Nov. 20 from the amphibious transport dock ship Cleveland and the amphibious dock landing ship Rushmore in the Persian Gulf. The tank detachment is from 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division. photo by Gunnery Sgt. Scott Dunn

Aviation, ground and logistics combat elements of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit arrive on this uninhabited island Nov. 20 to practice an amphibious landing. A Navy and Marine Corps team practiced the landing here from ships in the Persian Gulf while the MEU’s reconnaissance Marines trained with Kuwaiti commandos.photo Gunnery Sgt. Scott Dunn