« More Ward Churchill Blogging... | Main | Salute To The United States Navy »
February 10, 2005
They're So Young
Via JHD and Deb over at Marine Corps Moms, a little reminder of what our guys are doing for us:
I was going to the gym tonight (really just a huge tent with weights and treadmills), and we had heard that one of the MEUs (Marine Exp Units) that had come out of service in the "triangle" was reploying (leaving country). We saw their convoy roll in to the Kuwait Naval Base as the desert sun was setting. I have never seen anything like this. Trucks and humvees that looked like they had just come through a shredder. Their equipment was full of shrapnel blast holes, and missing entire major pieces that you could tell had been blasted by IEDs. These kids looked bad too! I mean, sunken eyes, thin as rails, and that 1000 yd stare they talk about after direct combat. Made me pretty damn embarrassed to be a "rear area warrior". All people could do was stop in their tracks and stare... and feel like me...like I wanted to bow my head in reverence. A Marine Captain stationed with me, was standing next to me also headed to the gym. He said, "part of 1st Brigade Combat Team, 8th Marines sir. Took the heaviest losses of any single unit up north as part of Task Force Danger, sir."As the convoy rolled up, all of us watching just slowly crept toward these kids as they dismounted the hummers and 5 tons. Of course, we were all shiny and clean compared to these warriors. This kids looked like they had just crawled from Iraq. I had my security badge and id around my neck, and started to help them unload some of their duffle bags. A crusty Gunny came up to me and said "sir, you don’t have to do that..."
"Gunny... yes I do..."
They all looked like they were in high school, or younger!! All held themselves sharply and confident, despite the extreme fatigue you could tell they had endured. "You guys out of the triangle?" I asked. "Yes, sir. 14 months, and twice into the grinder sir" (both fights for Fallujah and ). All I could do was throw my arm around their shoulders and say "thanks Marine, for taking the fight to the bad guys...we love you man". I looked at these young kids, not one of them complaining or showing signs of anything but focus, and good humor. "Sir, they got ice cream at the DFAC sir?" "I haven't had real ice cream since we got here..."
You all go over there and read the rest. I'm going to get up on my soapbox.
The Unit's been in the Corps for about 23 years. When he was in the FMF, I was pretty darned good about supporting the command. I did what I could, every day, to help create a feeling of family, to make sure we took care of each other.
I never did anything like what Deb Conrad does, every single day over at Marine Corps Moms. We owe a hell of a lot to the men and women of our armed forces, but we also owe a tremendous debt to our families.
And maybe this is sexist (because I know there are men out there doing this kind of thing too) but we owe a lot to wives and mothers like Deb who are moving mountains to support our families. Putting aside their own fears and pain and giving everything they have to take care of others.
They also serve, who only stand and wait.
So if you find your wallet a little heavy this pay period, head on over and relieve yourself of some of that filthy lucre at Deb's place. Over the past year she has made and sent cool ties to keep our guys from sweating to death, warmers to keep them toasty in winter, pancakes and sausage on Christmas morning, Christmas stockings... you name it and Deb and her ladies have probably found a way to bring it to our guys.
They are, truly, God's angels here on this earth. And I am humbled by their strength and their generosity.
PS: Even if you don't have any money, you might leave her a note in the comments. Even angels like to know they're appreciated. And now I need to run away before Deb kills me.
Posted by Cassandra at February 10, 2005 03:58 PM
Trackback Pings
TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.villainouscompany.com/mt/mt-tb.cgi/323
Listed below are links to weblogs that reference They're So Young:
» I've said it before. from Argghhh! The Home Of Two Of Jonah's Military Guys..
I'll say it again. The Old Breed, breeds true. I've also said this before - because I, too, have waited out the time a family warrior was at war - They also serve, who stand and wait. From my perspective,... [Read More]
Tracked on February 10, 2005 05:21 PM
» It's good to have friends from Marine Corps Moms
Cassandra at Villainous Company and John at Aargghhh!!! scooped me! I'd planned on doing a one-time-only appeal for donations for website maintenance next month when we renew our hosting agreement for the Marine Corps Moms website. but they've always b... [Read More]
Tracked on February 10, 2005 06:31 PM
Comments
Cass,
I wish they all got receptions like that. Here's Cat's view, and it isn't pretty: http://www.thequestingcat.com/blog/index.shtml
He's National Guard, 1st INF, and getting ready to redeploy as well. I don't know if he's at the same LSA, but his view of life on the other side is WAY different. Sad, really. I hope he gets home soon, like they say he will.
I'll have to check out Deb's stuff. I do mostly anysoldier.com care packages, so I haven't really checked around to see what other people are doing. Thanks!
Posted by: AFSister at February 10, 2005 04:43 PM
INCOMING!
Oh wow, not as quick as Ann Coulter but VERY fast.
I'm impressed. You must have had your charkas aligned.
I have a list of sewing projects lined up with one of my on line homeschooling moms whose son is in Iraq. I put her in touch with Deb.
Posted by: Cricket at February 10, 2005 04:50 PM
Thanks Cass!
Another amazement about Deb and the MCM Sisterhood...aren't they all single moms, ta boot?
I need to check in with her again. Its been awhile. I haven't kept up with any projects of hers since Christmas. I was pleased to hear from her that my dinkly airwave sphere of influence in 203 states evidently generated some cool ties, etc., for da Boyz. (young MEN!). Plus, of course, there's always word of mouth and some e's to people I knew would like to jump on board one of her many efforts.
God BLESS Em! God bless EM! GOD BLESS EM!!!
Posted by: CKC at February 10, 2005 05:07 PM
I tried to say hello over at Deb's one time. It appears I have been banned pre-emptively. I am not saying that is a mistake....I'm just sayin'....
Posted by: Pile On® at February 10, 2005 05:24 PM
Thank you for the kind words! Actually, you beat me to the punch - I had planned on doing a one time only appeal for funds when we renew our hosting fees for the next year in a few weeks, in order to upgrade the software, add a discussion board, and get a head start on Operation Santa for next year. This is rapidly outgrowing the hobby status I'd planned on when I started it last year, but it's still cheaper than Valium. Okay.
PileOn - sorry if you got a banned message. One of the reasons I'm upgrading is because the SPAM comments are completely out of control - I'm spending over an hour a day just deleting SPAM comments and I still can't keep up. I tried banning ISPs but I got the good guys too. So, all deletes are now deleted - stop by any time.
And yes, we're all single. Do you honestly think a husband would put up with this? :-)
Cricket, I heard from your friend this morning and sent her the Cool Tie pattern. Thanks!
Posted by: Deb at February 10, 2005 06:00 PM
Deb, send me an email if you have time - I may have some ideas on the SPAM.
I was having trouble earlier and its gotten much more manageable.
Posted by: Sir Mixalot at February 10, 2005 06:02 PM
Oh crap... Deb, that was me on that last comment.
And you know you can always hit me up for one-time expenses. If I'm not flush I'll "just say no". As long as you're cool with that...
Posted by: Cassandra at February 10, 2005 06:05 PM
Deb, I would like the pattern too. I live near a Michaels' have a room full of fabric and live near an Army base that could also use this stuff too.
I have no problem contributing to all our men and women in uniform, but I do know a LOT of ladies here who have sons or loved ones in the Corps and I would like to pass the word along...
Posted by: Cricket at February 10, 2005 06:58 PM
I love it when a plan comes together! :-)
Posted by: JarheadDad at February 10, 2005 07:04 PM
You're a good man, JHD. Your lovely bride is not the only one who recognizes that.
See, I don't ignore your emails :)
I truly get an enormous amount of mail now. I'm trying to figure out how to deal with it better. Sometimes stuff just gets buried or I put it aside and want to think about it for a sec. Yours are always in that category, unfortunately.
You need to start sending me things I don't have to think about!
Posted by: Cassandra at February 10, 2005 07:09 PM
So, Sir Mixalot is revealed to be a cross-dresser!
Deb - same goes for Argghhh! regarding one time expenses... even for Jarheads.
Posted by: John of Argghhh! at February 10, 2005 07:13 PM
I only went through about one week of what those Marines did in the Triangle and the Grinders (my stuff was in Latin America--if the liberals want a Vietnam comparison, they should be looking there instead). To me, that only makes me that much more in awe of what they are doing and how they are taking it. And to the Moms (and Dads and other loved ones) who keep supporting them. My hat is humbly off.
Posted by: Ciggy at February 10, 2005 09:33 PM
For all those who have born this battle...
"... If we are mark'd to die, we are enow
To do our country loss; and if to live,
The fewer men, the greater share of honour.
God's will! I pray thee, wish not one man more.
By Jove, I am not covetous for gold,
Nor care I who doth feed upon my cost;
It yearns me not if men my garments wear;
Such outward things dwell not in my desires.
But if it be a sin to covet honour,
I am the most offending soul alive."
Henry V
Lest we forget.
Posted by: Don Brouhaha at February 11, 2005 09:37 AM