I got a letter from Steven that he wrote on November 13. He sounds really good. It's a short letter but it does my heart good! So the snail mail is taking about 2 weeks currently. I'm happy about that. I will be sending another package tomorrow.
He signed the letter, "your son". precious!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Update from Steven's CO
Battalion Commander Deployment Message
Family and Friends of 4th LAR,
After a long trip from Camp Pendleton, California, the Marines and Sailors finally arrived at their “final” location in Afghanistan and taken responsibility for operations in the southern Helmand province. Second Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion turned over the battlespace to 4th LAR after successfully establishing themselves as the southernmost Marine Corps unit in Afghanistan. They did a superb job over the 4+ months they were here and set the stage for 4th LAR to follow.
As I stated in my first letter a few weeks ago, the conditions down here are austere. Some locations are better than others, but they all bring their own unique challenges. I suspect the “bragging rights” will be interesting as to what unit had it the toughest during this deployment. The more austere, the better, at least for most of us – it builds character. The bottom line is we will all have a better appreciation for the finer things in life upon our return to the United States.
The US postal service seems to be working well; packages are taking about 2 weeks to be received. Mail is always a morale booster, so keep those packages coming especially with the holiday season right around the corner.
On 10 November, we celebrated the Marine Corps 234th Birthday with a quick formation and cake cutting ceremony where the oldest Marine got the first piece of cake and then served the youngest Marine his piece. On the following day, we were fortunate enough to have sirloin steaks flown down to us which we prepared on the grill. It was delicious!
Your Marine/Sailor is working hard and familiarizing himself with the area, the people, the weather and everything else associated with our mission. As always, I appreciate your support and sacrifice and look forward to sharing our accomplishments with you as we begin operations down south.
Semper Fidelis,
LtCol Mike Martin
CO, 4TH LAR BN
Family and Friends of 4th LAR,
After a long trip from Camp Pendleton, California, the Marines and Sailors finally arrived at their “final” location in Afghanistan and taken responsibility for operations in the southern Helmand province. Second Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion turned over the battlespace to 4th LAR after successfully establishing themselves as the southernmost Marine Corps unit in Afghanistan. They did a superb job over the 4+ months they were here and set the stage for 4th LAR to follow.
As I stated in my first letter a few weeks ago, the conditions down here are austere. Some locations are better than others, but they all bring their own unique challenges. I suspect the “bragging rights” will be interesting as to what unit had it the toughest during this deployment. The more austere, the better, at least for most of us – it builds character. The bottom line is we will all have a better appreciation for the finer things in life upon our return to the United States.
The US postal service seems to be working well; packages are taking about 2 weeks to be received. Mail is always a morale booster, so keep those packages coming especially with the holiday season right around the corner.
On 10 November, we celebrated the Marine Corps 234th Birthday with a quick formation and cake cutting ceremony where the oldest Marine got the first piece of cake and then served the youngest Marine his piece. On the following day, we were fortunate enough to have sirloin steaks flown down to us which we prepared on the grill. It was delicious!
Your Marine/Sailor is working hard and familiarizing himself with the area, the people, the weather and everything else associated with our mission. As always, I appreciate your support and sacrifice and look forward to sharing our accomplishments with you as we begin operations down south.
Semper Fidelis,
LtCol Mike Martin
CO, 4TH LAR BN
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Steven is doing well
Steven called Amber and she commented that he sounded "really good". He has received our packages and appreciates all the goodies. Amber's cookies even made it. Even though I would love to hear his voice or get a letter, knowing he is ok is the most important thing! Amber is fantastic at keeping us updated. Thanks Amber!
Julie
Julie
Monday, November 16, 2009
Email from Steven's commanding officer
This is the end of a letter we received from Steven's commanding officer.
Our next stop is Afghanistan where we’ll be for approximately 7 months. This will be a challenging period for all of us. Because of the unique skill sets of 4th LAR, our location will be very austere and I suspect our operational tempo to be high …. meaning we’ll be busy. Communication with family back home may be challenging for us. We will do our best to keep you informed. My guidance to everyone is – no news is good news and when you hear from your loved one that’s great news.
I intend to provide you with monthly updates at a minimum and more if time permits. I appreciate your support and understanding.
Semper Fidelis,
M. S. Martin
Commanding
Our next stop is Afghanistan where we’ll be for approximately 7 months. This will be a challenging period for all of us. Because of the unique skill sets of 4th LAR, our location will be very austere and I suspect our operational tempo to be high …. meaning we’ll be busy. Communication with family back home may be challenging for us. We will do our best to keep you informed. My guidance to everyone is – no news is good news and when you hear from your loved one that’s great news.
I intend to provide you with monthly updates at a minimum and more if time permits. I appreciate your support and understanding.
Semper Fidelis,
M. S. Martin
Commanding
Friday, November 13, 2009
It's really sinking in now
I am coming out of my denial and really "getting it" that my baby boy is at war. It makes my stomach hurt to think about it. Day to day is going well and it doesn't do any good to dwell on sadness or fear. Austen is such a great son and great company. Amber is such a sweetie too and we are all sticking together - the entire family - during this really challenging time. I got a massage tonight which I really needed. I still haven't heard from Steven but I'm sure he's very busy. I wish I could see his smile when he gets all the packages that have been sent his way. I look forward to a letter from him - THAT will make me feel better!
Hug everybody
Julie
Hug everybody
Julie
Saturday, November 7, 2009
He called!
Ok so he called Amber. I'm ok with that. :) She said he sounds good. He is just training and learning the ropes. One week down and many more to go.
Julie
Julie
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Holding up
So it's 10:06pm here and 10:36am in Afghanistan. Funny how even a little thing like knowing what time it is where Steven is helps me feel a little connected. I am doing well even though I may be a bit manic working so hard at staying busy - but it is working for me so far. I just miss my Steven so much and I really want to hear something from him SOONER than later. Thanks for all your support. Oh and guess what!My mom said Curves is going to send a care package a month to Steven! I wonder if he'll get a Curves pedometer? Just kidding - I think it's awesome!He might even like one of those! I am overwhemed by all the support! Austen is hanging in there as well. Ask him the time in Afghanistan - he knows too!
Hugs!
Julie
Hugs!
Julie
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