Very Proud Marine Mom

I was chatting with my Aunt online tonight and she offered up this quote when I told her I was having trouble with my eyes leaking.

"He will return safe, yes he will. And all will be well. We shall worry and he shall reap the protection of that worry!"

I like it.  The worry of protection.  In that case, he WILL be fine. 

I've been waiting (dreading) this post for a long time, because it means that departure is close at hand.  Of course they can't tell us when for sure the guys are leaving or exactly where they're headed until they arrive, but all the same, they are going.

Combat Logistic Regiment-15
1st Maintenance BN

A couple of weeks ago I was able to go to San Diego with my Mom and hang out with my son for a few days.   He stayed with us a couple nights and we had a good time.  We headed north to the OC Tavern on Friday night.  The music wasn't bad, but was much louder than I had expected. They had a No Doubt cover band on the stage and some interesting (not rap or hip hop) tunes in the main bar and dance floor.

We tried to see I am Legend at an IMAX just north of San Diego, but the kid running the projector that day didn't make the change over from U2 in 3D before the show was supposed to start.  We watched about 15 minutes of the overly loud performance without benefit of the 3D glasses before the manager came in to apologize and gave us the option to stay or receive a refund.  I kinda had sticker shock to start with a the $14 ticket price, no way in hell we were staying for the entire show.  It was bad enough my Mom had her fingers in her ears until they turned off the sound, but I just don't like the band all that much to pay for the experience!

Instead, we headed to the Stone Brewing Co. and took the tour 1600.  I love taking tours that end in taste testing.  Dinner was also and adventure, well finding a place was a challenge.  We toured the side streets off of Jefferson from Hwy 78 until we found a place to have Pho'.  Seems the LCpl had not been able to find a good Pho' place in the area, so we hunted one down.  I could find it again if I had to, but couldn't tell you street or the name of the place.

After packing everything up, we turned in after 0100 on the day we were headed back.  I kept telling myself if I didn't sleep, then I didn't have to go. HA.  Mom and I made the plane after a couple side trips to Mirimar and a stop just off MLK Hwy to fill up the rental car.  We didn't make a big fuss about parting, there wasn't really time.  But every now and then, my eyes burn with unshed tears.  I fear for him, and expect his safe return. 

Thousands of Marines have deployed and returned safely, I know my Son will too.  With lots of luck, and keeping busy, the time will not crawl by, and we'll be tossing back a cold one again the week he returns.

Much Love,

Dragon-VPMM of LCpl Robb

It may take you two minutes to read this, but if you do not take the time to read this you are one of the people this post is talking about.
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You stay up for 16 hours.

He stays up for days on end.
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You take a warm shower to help you wake up.

He goes days or weeks without running water.
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You complain of a "headache", and call in sick.

He gets shot at as others are hit, and keeps moving forward.
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You put on your anti war/ don't support the troops shirt, and go meet up with your friends.

He still fights for your right to wear that shirt.
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You make sure you're cell phone is in your pocket.

He clutches the cross hanging on his chain next to his dog tags.
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You talk trash about your "buddies" that aren't with you.

He knows he may not see some of his buddies again.
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You walk down the beach, staring at all the pretty girls.

He patrols the streets, searching for insurgents and terrorists.
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You complain about how hot it is.

He wears his heavy gear, not daring to take off his helmet to wipe his brow.
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You go out to lunch, and complain because the restaurant got your order wrong.

He doesn't get to eat today.
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Your maid makes your bed and washes your clothes.

He wears the same things for weeks, but makes sure his weapons are clean.
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You go to the mall and get your hair redone.

He doesn't have time to brush his teeth today.
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You're angry because your class ran 5 minutes over.

He's told he will be held over an extra 2 months.
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You call your girlfriend and set a date for tonight.

He waits for the mail to see if there is a letter from home.
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You hug and kiss your girlfriend, like you do everyday.

He holds his letter close and smells his love's perfume.
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You roll your eyes as a baby cries.

He gets a letter with pictures of his new child, and wonders if they'll ever meet
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You criticize your government, and say that war never solves anything.

He sees the innocent tortured and killed by their own people and remembers why he is fighting.
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You hear the jokes about the war, and make fun of men like him.

He hears the gunfire, bombs and screams of the wounded.
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You see only what the media wants you to see.

He sees the broken bodies lying around him.
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You are asked to go to the store by your parents. You don't.

He does exactly what he is told.
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You stay at home and watch TV.

He takes whatever time he is given to call, write home, sleep, and eat.
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You crawl into your soft bed, with down pillows, and get comfortable.

He tries to sleep but gets woken by mortars and helicopters all night long.
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You sit there and judge him, saying the world is probably a worse place because of men like him.

If only there were more men like him
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If you support your troops, resend this with a "OOHRAH!"

If you don't support your troops well, then don't resend, it's not like you know the men and women that are dying to preserve your rights