George W. Bush Back in Salt Lake

Former President George W. Bush came to Salt Lake City yesterday on his book signing tour. Well over a thousand people lined up to get a signed copy of the book and meet the former president. Some even camped out overnight as to ensure entrance to the 1:00 – 3:00pm book signing at a local Costco store. The line wrapped around the building, but no one seemed to mind the long wait.

As people came out of the store with their autographed copy of the just released book, many were beaming with excitement over their encounter with President Bush. His down to earth personality, wittiness, and ability to connect with everyday people endeared him to their hearts. Even in a brief encounter, one is able to see the sincerity of this man.

A group of about six protesters held their position across the parking lot. One protester held a sign stating Bush killed more people in Iraq than Saddam Hussein did. Being the mother of Marine killed in Iraq, and having just returned from Iraq myself, I nearly had to be restrained. I wanted to jump into the middle of that group of protesters and put them in their place. Having heard first hand accounts of the evil and brutality of Saddam Hussein, the executions, and his barbaric savagery from the people that lived under his reign, I could hardly contain myself. I recalled conversation with Iraqis about Al Qaeda training camps there how Saddam had worked so closely with them. My visit to the city where thousands were gassed by Saddam Hussein’s men, and having stood before mass graves which contained the remains of hundreds of people he had killed, was still fresh in my mind. And somehow Bush is the bad guy.

Rocky Anderson mayor of Salt Lake City from 2000 – 2008 once again held an anti-Bush rally. This time his defiant crowd numbered less than twenty people. Anderson never passed up an opportunity to protest President Bush and even had the audacity to lead an anti-Bush/anti-war protest in his official capacity as mayor, as my son’s funeral was underway in August of 2006.

The decency of George W. Bush, his integrity, depth of character and his ability to lead in tough times, is what I will always admire and respect about him. One on one time President Bush spent with our family the day after we buried our son, revealed a sincere and courageous man, and one who had been able to make the difficult decisions, knowing the consequences those decisions would have on families like mine. As a father himself, he clearly recognized our pain and reached out to love and comfort us.

I miss George Bush the man and George Bush the president. He was the right man at the right time in history. Thank you President Bush, for having the courage and integrity to lead our nation. It was nice to have you back in Salt Lake City.

It's My Turn to Make Adam Proud

My son went to Iraq to defend our liberty and help free and stabilize a nation. About five months into his deployment two Marines were at my door telling me my son had been killed by an IED. Four years later it would be my turn to “serve”.

I, and three other Utah Gold Star Moms (mothers whose sons died in military service during war time), will go on a “humanitarian and healing mission” to Northern Iraq in late September. We will join other Gold Star Moms from South Carolina through the organization FUTURE. Our sons helped free and stabilize a nation, now its our turn to reach out to families, and specifically the women of Iraq who, like us are mothers, and like us have lost loved ones.

Our mission is to connect with the women, families, and orphans in the region. We will work side by side with Iraqi women and participate in service projects to impact the lives of those our sons gave so much for. But to me, it means so much more.

Three weeks before my son Adam was killed in Iraq, he was injured in an attack that killed four other Marines. While recovering from his injuries we spent many hours on the phone together. In one conversation he said “Mom, there’s a reason I’m alive. I should have died too”. Because my husband Tony and I always had a feeing that there was something different about Adam, and that he would someday accomplish something “big”, I agreed with him and said “yes, God has a special purpose for your life”. In following conversations we always spoke of his “special purpose” and each time I reminded Adam to pray about what God had for him to do, and he agreed. A few short weeks later, Adam was dead.

As a Marine Officer stood in my living room and read the “casualty report” my thoughts went to Adam’s special purpose. In my mind I said “Lord, what about his special purpose?” Despite the devastation I was facing I knew God had a plan and He was working in the situation.

As the years have unfolded I have seen God’s plan at work in my life and in the lives of others. I am not the same person I was four years ago. The heartbreaking news of my son’s death threw me into the arms of God and not away from Him. I now have opportunities to share the love of Christ everywhere I go, when before that was not the case. We’ve seen God move in the lives of other people because of Adam’s life and death. Even in death Adam was reaching people.

Because I pray to stay in God’s will and in the plan He has for my life, I look at opportunities that arise as a chance to walk in God’s plan. Being one of a few Gold Star Moms invited to go to the country where my son died and reach out to the people there, made me seriously think about what God was doing. Could it be in His plan for me to go to Iraq? Could it be part of Adam’s special purpose? What would God’s purpose be for sending me there as opposed to someone else? I don’t know the answers to those questions. However, after months of prayer I decided to walk through the doors God has opened. I feel inadequate to be an ambassador for Him. I’m nothing without Him. But because Christ lives in me, where I go, He goes, and that's good enough for me. Proverbs 16:9 tells us that we can plan our own course, but the Lord determines our steps. I’m looking forward to fulfilling an opportunity that God has placed before me. I’m grateful that He is in charge and that He will direct my steps.

I ask that you would pray for God’s purpose to be fulfilled in this trip, and that you would keep each of the four Gold Star Moms in prayer as we take this journey. I know this trip will open a wellspring of emotions for me as I visit the country where Adam spent the last days of his life. I knew how much Adam wanted to make his parents proud, now it’s my turn to make Adam proud.

Read more about this journey at www.utahmomsiniraq.org
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Complacency Kills

I’ve never felt as hopeless about the future of our nation and our freedom as I feel today. With a congress and a president treating our constitution as an inconvenience, and their daily assault on the American way of life, I wonder what will be left to salvage in 2012.

I am a proud American, but I don’t think our president is. In fact, I believe President Obama has outright disdain for this nation and all it stands for. He apologizes for America, assaults capitalism, stifles economic growth, spends enormous amount of our money, bombards us with new regulations, imposes massive government control, hampers the war effort, refuses to deal with serious national security threats while diminishing our support for Israel, and the list goes on and on.

But the most telling action taken by President Obama was in the aftermath of the gulf oil spill, when he placed a six month moratorium on deep water drilling, seemingly without regard to the thousands upon thousands of jobs that would be lost and lives that would be ruined. Nor did he seem to be concerned with the economic chaos that would ensue because of his action. If an airliner crashes do we halt all air travel? How does this even make sense?

I believe that President Obama will stop at almost nothing to ram through his agenda to change America, economically, socially and globally. This sadly seems to extend to the war on terrorism. Many would argue, and I would agree, that President Obama’s objective in the war in Afghanistan is not victory. His delay in approving a request for more troops in Afghanistan last year underscored his lack of commitment to the war, victory, and the safety of our troops. Today’s ousting of General McChrystal looked more like a temper tantrum rather than a decision made in the best interest of America.

Jumping on my soap box for a minute, if we are not in Afghanistan to win, then bring the troops home and deal with the fallout later, and most likely on our homeland. Otherwise, let them do the job and come home victorious. Fighting a “nice war” doesn’t work, it only gets our troops killed and empowers the enemy. I think the change of command in Afghanistan today has only furthered the perception of a weakening America.

I’m an average American wife, mom and working woman. Having buried a son who was brutally killed on the battlefield serving this nation and preserving our freedom, I have to speak up. For the cost to our son and our family was too high to sit idly by and watch this country be dismantled one day at a time. While I’m still free to express my opinion, I’ll do it. I don’t have to justify my beliefs and you don’t have to like them, but I am free to express them, at least for now. I also believe that if the Obama Administration goes unchecked, we will soon see the day when people with opinions like mine will be silenced .

Outside of God and His hand of protection on America, this is how I see things. But God has blessed America, for our nation was founded on Him. Prayer changes things and we must be praying for our nation and our leaders. We must be involved and do all we can to preserve this nation and what it stands for, because it is under assault. Complacency kills. That’s a term I learned from my son. If we don’t heed that warnings and remain diligent, we will suffer the consequences.

It's Okay to Cry

I’ve seen a lot of Facebook postings from Gold Star Moms lately indicating that I am not the only one having a difficult time right now. For some it’s the anniversary date of their child’s death, for others it’s the fact that Mother’s Day is just around the corner. Maybe it’s for no reason at all. Whatever the cause, a lot of us moms seem to have heavy hearts right now.

The thing is, losing a child, although an adult, is not something you ever “get over”, no matter how much time passes. You progress and move forward, but the loss is part of every minute of every day. You just learn how to deal with it and accept it as “normal”. On this journey, the Lord has blessed me and provided me with the most incredible support network. I know I never have to carry this burden alone.But for some reason right now, I want to carry it. For some reason I want to feel the pain, the loss, and the grief.

My son was killed in a massive fiery explosion. If I could fully comprehend what really happened to him, I don’t think I could survive. God loves us so much that He protects us, takes the pain for us, and surrounds us with others to help carry the heavy load. I have relied on that; God’s love, His blessings, His people. I have been able to focus on the good that came, and continues to come from something so horrible. But right now I don’t want to be strong. I want to cry and I want to feel the pain.

In experiencing these feelings, I felt as though I was letting God and people down. After all He has done in our life and the lives of others, choosing to take the pain seems like an insult in light of all God has done. I also have a “reputation” to uphold. I have been strong and I’ve given the Lord the credit for the strength I have. But right now I just don’t want to be strong. But giving into grief makes me feel guilty.

Last night I had a brief visit with a friend who had no idea how I was feeling. During our conversation, she suddenly turned and looked directly into my eyes, took ahold of my arm and said “it’s okay to cry”. She went on to remind me that Jesus wept, and that the bible doesn’t say we shouldn’t cry when we are sad. It was as though through my friend, God gave me permission to indulge in my pain for a while. It’s okay that I don’t always feel strong and it’s okay to grieve the loss of my precious son.

So for now I’m spending a lot of time at the cemetery, hanging out there, reading, studying, crying, or taking afternoon naps on my son’s grave, or doing whatever makes me feel the emotions I need to feel right now. After a time, I will hand it all back to God for the load would be too much to bear if I kept it for very long.

I’m grateful that a friend with no knowledge of my turmoil, helped me understand that God knew my struggles. He cared enough to make sure I knew it’s okay to be sad and it’s okay to cry.

TEXAS ROAD TRIP 2010

THE ADVENTURE BEGINS,
Part 1

Is it a “dream trip come true” or am I still trying to cope with the death of my son Adam in Iraq, and put all the pieces of the story in place? Either way, I’m going to have a blast on “Texas Road Trip 2010”!

When my son Adam joined the Marines and was assigned to 3^rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion (LAR). I sought support by hooking up with other 3^rd LAR moms in an online Yahoo group just for family members of 3^rd LAR Marines. A bond formed between the mothers and we became good “friends” although only through the internet. We frequently had evening online group chats, where we of course discussed our sons, along with many other things. We got to “know” one another, and our friendships grew. When our son’s deployed to Iraq in March of 2006, our interaction with one another intensified. We had nightly online group chats and stopped for prayer at 8:00 PM every night. Different moms would lead in prayer – typing a prayer for each of us to read. It was as though we were talking to each other and all praying together. Our online group became a lifeline of sorts.

When news came of my son’s death in Iraq, my “friends” were there for me. They went through Adam’s death with me. The network of support formed through a Yahoo group, helped sustain me in those terribly difficult days. Now years later, we are still friends, although most of us have never met in person.

The moms lived in various places throughout the country, me in Utah, many in the mid-west , with others on the coasts, and several in Texas. It’s been my dream for a while now to meet some of the moms with whom I’ve formed such a deep bond.

Our life was defined by the death of our son. Everything changed and the world shifted for us. Our lives are now filled with the most wonderful people because of Adam; people that came into our lives through the Marine Corps or as a result of Adam’s death. Each one is a special blessing. Texas Road Trip 2010 will take me on a thousand mile journey to meet or once again connect with some of those wonderful people.

The journey begins Friday April 9^th when I arrive in Dallas/Ft. Worth where the road trip will begin. Over the next 10 days I will post “adventure updates”. I’ll share the blessings and stories that unfold along the way. I miss my son more than words could ever express, but in his absence God has blessed us in the most amazing ways. The blessings continue and the journey begins.

ADVENTURE UPDATE,
Part 2

“Lost in Dallas!” That’s was my big Texas welcome! Within five minutes of leaving the airport I was desperately lost in Dallas rush hour traffic, trying to recall all the good reasons for making this trip. At that moment I could think of none. Eventually I reached my first destination, the home of the Hubbard’s. They are a special family who came into my life when Chad, a Marine Officer deployed in Iraq, decided to reach out to a mom who had lost her Marine son. Having no prior connection to our family or to Adam, Chad took it upon himself to make sure that in the loss of my son, I would still have a Marine to watch over me. The Hubbard Family has become very special to me and I am grateful for the blessings God continues to provide, through the people He places in my life.

With Chris Tomlin concert tickets in hand, we “flew” across town, probably breaking land speed records. The concert was an awesome time of praise and worship, and something I had been longing for. In fact, I so longed for that kind of worship, that I bought the concert tickets before I planned the trip to Texas. There was either some faith at work there, or a whole lot of something else, I'm not sure which. Regardless, the concert was all I expected! The following morning the road trip began. 150 miles southeast to Palestine to see The Bailey’s.

During Adam’s time with 3^rd LAR, Millye Bailey’s son Patrick was Navy Corpsman with 2^ndLAR. Milley and I became acquainted when her mother’s group so kindly allowed me to join them when their son’s went to Iraq to replace 3^rd LAR as they returned home. Still needing to be connected and wanting to know what was happening in the city where my son died, Millye became my online friend along with several other 2^nd LAR moms. I found their acceptance of me to be loving yet sacrificial, since I felt I represented their worst nightmare. My son had been brutally killed in the very place their sons now were. Yet they loved me and reached out to me in ways I never expected.

The trip to Millye’s house in Palestine led me through gorgeous Texas countryside with an abundance of trees, wildflowers, green rolling hills and lots of cows. Arriving at the Bailey’s, I was welcomed like long lost family. The bond first formed in an online group was a bond that would never be broken. We talked for hours about everything. Patrick told lots of “Iraq stories”, which were interesting and informative, but also filled in a few more of the “puzzle pieces” for me, as I continue to try to fully understand what happened to Adam. The time spent with this warm and loving family blessed and enriched my life in ways I cannot put into words.

I had to force myself to leave the Bailey’s after two wonderful days there, as I would have been content to plant myself there for sometime. Not only because of the friendship, but also for the outdoor beauty, the warm breeze, singing birds, the wind rustling though the trees and beautiful sights of the area.

I made the 270 mile drive southwest to San Antonio. There I met with the Marine who was injured in the blast that killed my son. We had met before. It was good to see him again and see how much he had progressed. He proudly showed off the new Marine “hang out” at Ft. Sam Houston, for Marines recovering from injuries. Donations from caring Americans have provided a great place with lots of “high tech toys” for the Marines to relax and have fun as their healing process continues.

Navigation challenges aside, the trip so far had been nothing short a wonderful. More adventures and heartwarming moments were ahead as I continued on with "Texas Road Trip 2010". Next stop, Victoria

THE ADVENTURE CONCLUDES,
Part 3

Another GPS mishap while trying to leave San Antonio! This time I knew better and opted to find my own way 110 miles southeast to the town of Victoria. There, I arrived at the home of Retired Army Colonel Michael Petrash. Our paths first crossed on August 31, 2006 one day after Adam’s funeral. We had been invited to hear President Bush address the American Legion Convention in Salt Lake City. Having just buried our son the day before, we were still in a bit of a fog. While waiting for the President’s speech to begin, a kind and compassionate Army Officer took the empty seat next to us. Unbeknownst to us, it was somewhat of a “set up”. Fellow Soldiers summonsed Col. Petrash from across the room as asked him to sit next to us, and quietly informed him we had just buried our Marine son. “Sir, we thought you’d be just the right person to sit with the Galvez Family”, the Soldiers told him. Having lost his adult daughter six years prior in a car accident, Michael knew the pain we were suffering and indeed was just the right person to sit with us. It was as though he was sent by God. His kindness, compassion and spiritual encouragement meant so much on that very difficult day. We visited on occasion while Michael remained in Utah, but since his return to Texas over three years ago, we’d had little contact. Reconnecting with the Petrash’s was like a family reunion.

Deep in the planning process of Warrior's Weekend, Michael and his family, the lead organizers of the project and I met for dinner. What amazing people, managing over 100 volunteers to provide a fishing weekend at Port O’Connor, Texas for those who had suffered devastating injuries in the service of our nation. Three hundred Soldiers plus families members were expected there in a little over a month and these fine people were making it all happen. I am constantly amazed by the people who continue to care so much, and are willing to move heaven and earth to do something meaningful for our servicemen and women. I am honored to know such kind and Godly people. My time with the Petrash’s and the special people in their community was heartwarming and uplifting, and over much too soon.

Day six of Texas Road Trip 2010, led me to Houston to meet with the Marine Mom’s who have meant so much to me over the past several years. Terrie Pagel and Dianne Ladet were the leaders of the 3^rd LAR Yahoo Group that brought me in and connected me with other moms. I briefly met Dianne three years ago, but this was my first face to face meeting with Terrie. They were both a part of my everyday life prior to and during Adam’s deployment and have remained faithful friends ever since. In fact they were the first two people I talked to after being notified of Adam's death. They went through so much with me and I love them both dearly.

Another special mom I met with was Kay Gibson of the Houston Marine Moms. HMM is a large and organized group of Marine Moms. Their group sent Psalm 91 Bandanas to California to be passed out to 3^rd LAR’s deploying Marines in March of 2006. The Chaplain said "these are from a group of Houston Moms", as he handed the bandanas to the Marines just prior to boarding the bus. The Psalm 91 Bandana became a special part of Adam’s story. It was not until after his death, that I found the Houston Marine Moms, and specifically Kay, who were responsible for sending the bandanas that came to mean so much to me. Special bonds had been formed with special people. Their presence in my life means more than I can truly express. Without them, and many other special mom’s, Adam’s death would have been more difficult than it was.

My 1000 mile road trip ended back where it began, in Ft. Worth with the Hubbard’s. The week had been full of special reunions and first time meetings with people I had grown to love without ever having met them. In the death of a son, God had placed many people in my life to be a special blessing during those very difficult days, and always. God’s love and presence are made known in many ways. My Texas Road Trip was once again evidence of God’s love and provision in my life. In the terrible loss of a precious son, God did not leave me to face the pain alone. He sent special people to help lift me up and sustain me when I could not do it myself.

God loves each one of us so deeply and is there for us in good times and bad. He watches over every little detail for us for He sees the whole picture, He knows the beginning and the end. A click on a Yahoo groups page, as incidental as it may seem, was God setting in place the network of people I would need down the road. A soldier calling his Colonel from across the room and asking him to sit by us, a Marine Officer in Iraq who felt compelled to reach out to a mother who had lost her Marine son, are all evidence of God's love and provision. I have suffered great tragedy and have received great blessings. To my Texas friends who mean so much to me, thank you for allowing God to use you to honor my son, bless my life and remind me just how much He loves me.

Turning 25

After taking an extremely long break, it’s time to jump in and get back to my heart’s desire, and that is writing. An update from a Gold Star Mom who lives a busy life, full of hard work, fun, family, friends, travel, politics, church and of course troop support projects! Life has moved forward in the fullest sense, however, this time of year causes me to pause and reflect. It’s hard not to feel the sadness as I realize my son a U.S. Marine who was killed in Iraq in 2006, would have been turning 25 years old on April 2^nd. I miss him everyday, but those special dates that come around still have a way of getting to me.

I last saw my son Adam when he was 20 years old. He, along with those from his Company boarded the white bus in 29 Palms and they left for their 7 month Iraq deployment. Since he would be turning 21 in less than a month, we had the good sense to throw him a big birthday bash on his last night at home, a few weeks before his departure. A BBQ at Camp Korean Village in Iraq, coincidently on the day of Adam’s 21^st birthday, served as a substitution for what should have been the “big” celebration.

In the days, months and even the first couple of years following his death, it was easy to think of Adam and what he looked like, how he would have responded in a given situation, things he might have said or might have done. But now as he would be turning 25, I’m losing the ability to picture the person he would be today. Surely the “young man” and sometimes almost “boyish” look would now be replaced with a more mature and manly look. Would he be married? Would he have children? Would he still be in the Marine Corps? If so, where would he be , where would he live? I don’t know the answers to those questions, and it hurts not to know what might have been. As I’ve watched Adam’s friends get married, start families, settled down and move forward, It hurts me that he has missed out on all that. In my heart and in my mind, Adam is still 20 years old.

There is loss on so many levels, but God remains faithful. He promises to never leave us or forsake us. Despite the terrible attack that took Adam’s life, at that moment Adam stepped into the arms of God and he is home safe and sound. Thankfully God doesn’t require us to be perfect, He just requires us to know His Son Jesus and accept the sacrifice He made as a substitution for our imperfections.

Years earlier, I knew there was a plan for Adam’s life. After the attack that almost took his life in Iraq, I knew for sure God had a plan to use Adam’s life, and Adam knew it to. Three weeks later the news of his death while devastating, was also in a way puzzling, because I knew God had a plan for Adam. It didn’t take long to see that God did indeed have a plan for Adam. A plan to use his life, and death, to reach others for Christ in a way that never would have been possible while he was alive.

As parents, our lives have been transformed and defined by the death of our son. Despite the tragedy, God has filled our lives with unimaginable blessings and opportunities to share Jesus with countless people. When the pain starts to take over I try to remember that God is using Adam for His purpose, in ways we never dreamed of. God does not leave us in those times of sadness and sorrow, but He holds us closer than ever and blesses us in ways we never thought possible.

Fox Company's Homecoming, A Night to Remember

The wait was almost over. It had been nearly a year since they left their homes, their lives, their jobs and their loved ones for Iraq. Today, the men of Fox Company, 2nd Battalion 23rd Marines were arriving home.

Families eagerly gathered at the Reserve center in Salt Lake City from which the Marines were based. The local Marine Corps League served hamburgers and hot dogs, while families placed their welcome homes signs on the fence, chatted with one another, and nervously paced, while awaiting the arrival of their loved ones.

Meanwhile, about 25 miles to the south, the Patriot Guard Riders were staged and ready to assume escort duty of the returning Marines. The PGR are a group of motorcycle riders who often ride escort for military funerals. Whenever possible, they gladly ride in honor of those returning home from war.

When two large white buses transporting the Marines from Camp Pendleton in Southern California neared their location, the PRG prepared to ride. The Utah Highway Patrol with lights and sirens on, assumed the lead position, followed by the Marines, and the Patriot Guard bringing up the rear. The PGR had been instructed by UHP to block each freeway lane so traffic could not interfere with the procession.

Periodic updates on the Marine’s location raised excitement among the waiting families. One mother, Silvia Ellsworth showed obvious signs of nervousness and excitement. She could not seem to relax as she waited for her son to arrive.

The many months her son Randal had been in Iraq and in harm’s way had weighed heavy upon her. She received weekly emails and occasional phone calls from her son, but holding him in her arms was all she wanted.

The sirens from the escorting law enforcement drew closer. Then, they were there! Police motorcycles, two large white buses and about 25 Patriot Guard Riders pulled into Ft. Douglas and in front of the waiting families.

The Marines exited the buses and quickly went into the reserve center leaving the anxious family members watching, but unable to get that first hug until some brief duty was completed inside the center.

Families and friends, still anxiously waiting moved to the gym on the lower level of the building and waited. Finally, two Marines emerged from the office into the gym and the crowd erupted in cheers. The Marines descended the stairs into the arms of their loved ones. Then, they waited. After several minutes two more Marines made the same trek to loud cheers and clapping. Finally, LCpl. Ellsworth started down the stairs that led from the office to the gym floor. But he only made it part way before his mom Silva ran up the stairs and threw her arms around her son. After a warm and emotional embrace, Silvia wiped away tears of joy and they made their way down the stairs together, with the crowd still cheering.

The joy and excitement was felt by all who were there as each Marine reunited with their loved ones……. wives and children, fiancés, parents, siblings, grandparents and friends.


LCpl. Ellsworth talked about their mission in Iraq. He spent most of his time on a small outpost outside Ramadi where he built close friendships with the other Marines. While there, they helped train Iraqi security forces and provided humanitarian support for local Iraqis. When asked, he said “the heat about July and August was pretty bad”, as temperatures reach 140 degrees in Iraq. But LCpl. Ellsworth offered no complaints. The smile on his face seemed to make the hardships of the deployment fade away.

Even to an onlooker, the joy of the evening was contagious. The long separation from loved ones and the hardship of an Iraq deployment was over and all had returned.

I was happy to be part of this joyous evening and happy reunion, although I had been nervous about attending. I too am the mom of a Marine. I gave my son a last big hug and kiss as he boarded the bus and left for his Iraq deployment from California three years earlier. But I never experienced the joy of his homecoming like the families of Fox Company did that evening, as my son became a casualty of the Iraq war.

But for a brief moment, I allowed myself to imagine that it was my son walking down those stairs…. In my mind I saw the smile on his face, the twinkle in his eyes, the uniform he wore and the pack on his back. But I only indulged in that thought for a moment and realized just how happy I was to be celebrating the safe return of these Marines.

It had been a great afternoon and evening at Ft Douglas. For the Marines and families of Fox Company, life was good again.

LCpl.Randal Ellsworth