October 27, 2008

Time just seems to fly by! But then at the same time seems to be suspended... Rand called a couple of days ago - three times in one day - what a treat! We have been taking pictures of his dog, Brody, the French Bulldog, because he misses him so much. He was upset that he didn't have any waiting for him in his email. We didn't realize he checked his email, so we sent them right off - this is one example of Brody, since Rand hasn't sent any pictures home to us yet....

Rand and his group were sent back "home" (to Camp KV) from the field because they will now be sent up north for an extended amount of time. Rand told me I can't say much but, he will probably be there for a few months and it will be pretty intense. sigh.....

Rand is in good spirits, he's still working out, and would love to hear from everyone - letters, packages, a quick email (he only has 30 minutes at a time on the web) are all things that keep him going.

Thanks for all your love and prayers and concern!

Deb

October 13, 2008

Rand called this afternoon - he sounded great. Everyone is getting ready for the big, long "trip" to the desert. I was excited (as usual) to hear from him because I didn't think I would until after they were gone. He said he hopes some packages will be coming (they'll get them even when they are in the desert) because other wise all he'll be eating are MREs. He will be able to call from the satellite phone, he said, about once a week. Thank goodness for technology or it would be a long, anxious month for me!

Rand told me he did something he said he would never do after he left boot camp - he got the Marine Flat top! He said with his full mustache and the hair cut, all the guys say he looks like a Gunnery Sergeant- I told him to tell them to treat him like he was! He just laughed (what a great sound - to hear Rand laugh). He has pictures, so I can't wait to share them with you!

Thanks for your thoughts and prayers,
Deb

The Eagle, Globe and Anchor

The Eagle, Globe and Anchor emblem has been part of the uniform since 1868 and became the official emblem of the Marine Corps in 1955. The eagle with spread wings represents our proud nation. The globe points to worldwide presence. The anchor stands for naval tradition. Together, they represent a dedication to service in the air, on land and at sea. The Eagle, Globe and Anchor emblem is presented to recruits at the end of Recruit Training, symbolizing that they have earned the title "United States Marine."

See learn more details go to:
http://www.uspharmd.com/usmc/mcega.htm

Oct 7, 2009

Hurray! Rand called today! If you read the article from the last blog, you can understand why Rand has been a bit busy, but it was so good to be able to do more than just hear that he was safe like his last call. I was able to visit for almost 15 minutes! We talked about his French Bull dog, Brody, how to pay his bills, what his dad and I have been doing, what he's been doing, in other words a "real" conversation! Rand said he's tried to call so he's not waking us up in the middle of the night and with a 10 hour time difference, that's a tough thing to do. I told him not to worry about it - we'd much rather hear from him than get some sleep!

Rand is settled into Camp KV; he's enjoying weight lifting to let off steam and to be ready to "wow" the ladies when he gets home (his words not mine :)) There is another reason for the lifting - to be prepared for Recruiting School, too....

He said they are getting ready to leave on a mission that will last about a month. They'll be driving in the desert looking for insurgents holed up any where they can find them. He'll try to call on the satellite phone, but the connection is always "iffy" with it. (better than nothing, though!)

Until next time - thanks for your prayers and thoughts - they are so appreciated!

An article about 1st LAR

Unfortunately, I haven't heard anything recently from Rand, but one of the Marine wives found this link to an article about 1st LAR (Light Armored Reconnaissance) you might be interested in reading:

http://www.mnfwest.usmc.mil/MNF/mnfw_public.nsf/unitSites/RCT5

It gives a pretty good explanation of what Rand is going to be doing while he is over there.

Rand made it to Camp KV

Rand made is safe and sound to Camp KV yesterday. I was only able to talk to him for a few minutes because his calling card went dead and when he called back on the satellite phone, we had a poor connection. He said the Camp is like a luxury hotel compared to the last time was here. It has a full chow hall and gym, so life will be good. They are getting ready to leave on a two-week mission very soon. I'm grateful LAVs have satellite phones! Rand said he would try to call to keep me updated. I think of the mothers in previous wars that had to wait so long to hear from their sons and it makes me even more grateful for the technology that we have now. It has given me a new appreciation for these wonderful women!