Just Had to Share

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.

The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the
sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.

Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"
For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts...

To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said, "Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night.
"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.

No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at ' Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ' Nam ',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.

I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile."
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
"I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.

I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."

"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."

Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."

Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our U.S service men and women for our being able to celebrate these festivities. Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us.

LCDR Jeff Giles, SC, USN
30th Naval Construction Regiment
OIC, Logistics Cell One
Al Taqqadum, Iraq

JARED'S HOME!!!!!!!

Just got off the phone with Jared. He just landed at an Airforce Base in California. He has about 6 hours until he is back to Victory Field at 29 Palms. Still has to square away gear and turn in weapons. Then he's off til Wednesday. He sounded GREAT and is very excited to be on American soil again.

Jared will be back in US soon!!!

No exact date, but will post as soon as we can!!!! Keep praying for safe travel and exit from Afghanistan.

Here is a link to a great article about their tour in Afghanistan.

Picture of Jared

There is another picture of Jared on the "power points" that the USMC posts each day.
CLICK HERE to go to the page, then open the Nov 11th one--slide #2 is Jared!

They take quite a while to download--but all the latest ones are great pictures!!!! If you have time--check them all out. There are no other individual pictures of Jared--but they are his unit and he very well could be in them!

Also--several of you have asked for his email address. It is: metro_marine@yahoo.com

Please continue to keep him and all the guys of the 2/7 in your prayers until they have their feet on the ground on US soil!

When he returns to the US--he will be going back to 29 Palms, California. He will be back home in Michigan for Christmas!

Jared just called with the news we've been waiting for!

HE'S DONE!!!!!! Jared is done with his operations. He has turned in his ammo and is sitting at his base in Afghanistan until he flys home. Nothing left but PT and 3 meals a day until his plane shows up to take him home. He has email access now and is checking it every day if you want to get in touch with him.

Jared called in the middle of the night with GREAT NEWS!

Jared called all excited about what happened last night. At 4:00 a.m. Afghanistan time someone ran into thier tent yelling "It's raining outside!" He heard the rain hitting his tent. All the guys jumped out of their racks and went out and played in it. It lasted for one hour. It's been seven months since they have seen rain. Jared said "You wouldn't believe how good it felt to get wet and how amazing it was to experience the smell of somthing wet again." and oh ya "My truck is clean from the rain too."

Jared Called

Talked to Jared this morning....his spirits were great as he "see's the end!" They have finish up with "major missions" and some of the guys in his unit have actually returned home already! We don't have his exact return date yet, but we know he will be "home" in Michigan for Christmas!!! They have stopped mail to his unit--so no more packages, cards and letters.

I want to personally thank all of our friends and family who have supported him and the other guys over there with your prayers, packages and letters. He has asked me to make sure you all know how much he has appreciated it and to thank everyone!

Will keep you updated as we hear more.

Jared finally called again

I just got off the phone with Jared. He is doing well and anxious to be coming home, probably by the end of the year. He still has alot of work to do and is very busy. I wish the news media would report on what's going on over there. Afghanistan seems to have become a "Forgotten War". The success they are having is amazing but quite often comes at a high cost. They have Taliban turning themselves in wanting to change sides because they will not fight United States Marines anymore. I regret not being able to share much more information at this time. For security reasons as the marines get closer to coming home communication is limited and vague at best. What I post also has to be very limited a this point. Moto Mail has been turned off to the 2/7 so that is no longer an option to write to them. He will be there long enough to receive packages or regular mail if it is sent soon and would be appreciated. Most of all please be praying for the marines of the 2/7 to keep focused on their missions which is difficult with time growing shorter. Also pray for their protection and bringing them all home safely.

Jami in Uniform

Last week Jami came home for a funeral....since she brought laundry home, including uniforms, I made her put on for me to take pictures. Doesn't she look great in uniform! I am so proud of her!

Decorating Jami's Room

This week I went over to Jami's dorm at Michigan State University and helped her decorate with the new Decor Elements from Stampin' Up! It was so easy--and we love how it turned out!


This was meant for a Halloween decoration, however, Jami's roomate, Paige, said it has to stay up! It's quite a joke because Jami is scared to death of spiders--and she can't call "daddy" every time she sees one!

Picture of Jared

I hope this works...here is a link to a power point presentation that has a picture of Jared.
http://www.imef.usmc.mil/staffsections/g3/pptarchive_27.asp

Once on this page, click on:
2/7 OEF Daily PowerPoint - September 19th, 2008

You need to have power point on your computer to view it....he is in slide #4.

Update on Jared

I realize it's been a while since we posted any news from Jared. Now that the news of what he's been doing has been published I feel it's ok to post. I've attached an article from the Marines web site below.

Jared and the 2/7 have completed their missions of transporting and training the ANP that they were sent over to do with great success. Their objective then changed to offensive actions hunting down the Taliban. The article attached below is from a battle he was in and typical of what he's been doing lately. For the last few weeks he's been going out supporting Force Recon on some special missions.

Jared is doing great and signed the papers to reenlist today. Four more years. He has a somewhat firm date to be back in the US before the end of the year. So keep praying for the safety of these soldiers and that they return home safely soon.

Marines assault Taliban stronghold

Article by Cpl. James M. Mercure
Task Force 2d Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix


HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – U.S. Marines along with coalition forces carried out an assault on a Taliban-held compound in Now Zad, Afghanistan, Aug. 28.
The accomplishments of the assault, was the seizure of enemy ordnance and weapons, materials used to make IEDs (improvised explosive devices), and the destruction of several enemy vehicles, buildings and fighting positions.
The Marines and sailors of Company F, Task Force 2d Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division and coalition forces are exploiting the enemy any way they can.
“Our overall mission here is to degrade the enemies’ ability to operate in Now Zad,” said Capt. Ross Schellhaas, Fox Company commander and Meridian, Idaho native. “During this assault, we pushed far beyond our objective. We found and took several of the enemies’ weapons, which takes away their ability to use them against us.”
“Whenever we get to an assault position, we’re already receiving fire and the Marines go right to the sound of the guns – no hesitation,” Capt. Schellhaas explained.
During the assault, Fox Company Marines had the additional support of the task force’s Combined Anti-Armor Team, which supported the operation with additional heavy firepower.
“Our main goal was to help Fox Company clear their objective by killing as many enemy fighters as possible,” said Maj. Urbano Cruz, Weapons Company commander and Palm Beach, Fla., native. “The thing that CAAT brings to the fight is a sizable force. We’re the ‘big guns’ of the battalion, and the Taliban see that and think twice before attacking.”
To combat the IED threat, TF 2/7’s Combat Engineer Platoon are called forward and breach the enemy’s walls with explosives so the Fox Company Marines can move forward to their objective.
“We can always get the Marines through the door, or through the wall,” said Sgt. David J. Lang, a combat engineer squad leader and Port Orchard, Wash., native. “The infantry guys will always have a way in or a way out with us around.”
“In the few months we’ve been out here, the combat engineers have found approximately 120 possible IEDs while out on missions,” Lang said.
Fox Company Marines and sailors are relentless in their pursuit of ridding the area of its threatening Taliban presence. As TF 27 continues to conduct counterinsurgency operations throughout the Helmand and Farah provinces, Fox Company is certainly making a name for itself by dominating the enemy with superior firepower and maneuver.
“After months of sustained combat, it’s a testament to the Marines’ strength, endurance and character that they keep doing the little things right,” said 1st Lt. Arthur E. Karell, 3rd Platoon commander and Arlington, Va., native.

Cadet Bolhuis

It's official--Cadet Bolhuis! Click Here for more pictures

Jami Moves Into the Dorm at MSU

We moved Jami in on Wed. to Michigan State University. She is officially a SPARTAN! She was so excited!!!!

Still unpacking--but their room is going to look great!

Her roomate, Paige. They get along GREAT. She is also a ROTC cadet!

GREAT NEWS ARTICLE BY COL OLIVER NORTH

Report From a Forgotten War: Second in a Series

Thursday , August 14, 2008

By Col. Oliver North

Camp Bastion, Helmand Province, Afghanistan —

This British-built fortress, perched on a plateau in southwestern Afghanistan, is well named. Surrounded by miles of open desert, the citadel has its own concrete runway, water supply, sewage, electricity, Level 3 Trauma Hospital, even fire mains — all constructed in the last 30 months.

The heavily-armed camp is home to British, Danish, Estonian and Czech troops of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). It's also home to Task Force 2/7 (T/F 2/7), built around the legendary 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment out of Marine Corps Base 29 Palms, California — a good place to prepare for this austere terrain and oppressive heat. Camp Bastion is an outpost of sanity in an otherwise insane part of the world.

Helmand Province is the heartland of the Taliban — the Islamic radicals who won a bloody civil war to rule Afghanistan in 1996. Once in power, the Taliban imposed strict Sharia law and brutalized the largely impoverished Afghan population. Taliban leaders also provided a haven for Usama bin Laden's Al Qaeda to launch the 9/11 attack. In November 2001, when they were deposed by the U.S.-backed Northern Alliance, many of the Taliban fled south to Pakistan and east into Iran. This spring, they came back, intent on overthrowing the democratically elected government of President Hamid Karzi. That's when the Marines of TF 2/7 arrived "in country" to train and mentor Afghan Army and police forces.

It's been a challenging assignment for the 1300 Marines, sailors, soldiers and airmen of TF 2/7. The unit's Area of Operations (A/O) is more than 28,000 square kilometers — roughly the size of Vermont. There is only one paved highway. Overland transport to some of the fifteen forward bases and combat outposts where TF 2/7 operates often takes more than 24 hours of continuous day and night movement. Until this week — when four CH-53 transport helos and four Cobra gunships arrived, the task force had to rely on NATO aircraft for close air support, aerial re-supply and casualty evacuation. Parachute-drops of food, water and ammunition are a regular event.

Before they could train their first Afghan soldier or National Policeman, the Marines had to fight their way into the districts where they were to do the mentoring. Since then they have had to battle the Taliban to keep their overland supply lines open. Lieutenant Colonel Richard Hall, the TF commander, describes the near non-stop gunfights, indirect fire and improvised explosive device (IED) attacks as "a very dynamic, complex and often hostile environment." That's putting it mildly.

Because there were no police stations or Afghan Army units in most of the remote districts where TF 2/7 is operating, the Marines had to construct their own security outposts — a Herculean effort given the lack of paved roads and primitive infrastructure. As Lt. Col. Hall puts it, "We have had to simultaneously fight the Taliban, build more than a dozen defensive strong-points, train new Afghan National Police and conduct civic-action programs to win over the local population — and we're doing it. Our motto, 'Ready for all, yielding to none,' says it all."

He's right. Though his Marines and Navy Medical Corpsmen have suffered more than 100 casualties from enemy action since they arrived, they have confronted the Taliban, unrelenting heat, innumerable exhausting patrols wearing 40 pounds of armor and persevered in the roughest living conditions I have experienced since Vietnam. More than half the Task Force has served previously in Iraq or Afghanistan — some in both. Yet, the unit's re-enlistment rate is 118 percent — among the highest in the U.S. armed forces.

To link up with Company "F" 2/7 at Forward Operating Base Now Zad we flew from Bastion aboard a British CH-47 Chinook helicopter with a sling-load of ammunition. As they have since arriving at Now Zad, the Marines and their British counterparts patrol day and night to keep the enemy off balance in this Taliban stronghold. Capt. Ross Schellhaas, the "Fox Company" Commander — and the son of a Naval Academy shipmate — says that "nothing in the field manuals could fully prepare us for this – but we adapt and overcome." And they have.

Because enemy contact has been so intense and casualty evacuation so tenuous, "F" Company has its own Shock Trauma Platoon — headed by Commander James Hancock, a U.S. Navy surgeon. To ensure that the wounded receive immediate lifesaving treatment, he and his Corpsmen mounted a steel container on the back of a flatbed truck and outfitted it as a mobile operating room. The "Doc-in-a-Box" has already saved more than a half dozen lives. When I asked Doctor Hancock if his battlefield innovations are being adopted as "doctrine" he replied, "Not yet, but I'm working on it."

That pretty much sums up how these young Americans have responded to this difficult mission in Afghanistan: with tenacity, selfless bravery and resourcefulness. And that's why Sergeant Major Matthew Brookshire, the senior non-commissioned officer in Task Force 2/7, calls his Marines, "the quiet professionals."

Jared Called Early This Morning

Jared called from his home base this morning. He just returned from a mission and was there for just a few hours. We were only able to talk for about 2 minutes then someone came in and he had to go. They have just received the news that their deployment has been extended. This was kind of expected with everything going on there. Jared sounded good. The only thing he asked for was kayak magazines. White Water Kayaking. So keep praying for the Marines of the 2/7. It will be a while longer before they're home.

Photos From Afghanistan

Jared just posted a bunch (over 200!) photo's onto his snapfish account--you can view them by
CLICKING HERE
If you do not have a snapfish account, I think it will have you create one before you can view the photo's--but it's easy! Just follow the directions.

If you are reading this today (the 26th) have a drink for Jared--he turns 21 today!

Jami Went Sky Diving!

Can you believe it--she actually did it!!! Click on link to the right to see all the pics!

Lake Powell 2008

The girls and I spent a week at Lake Powell on a house boat with some friends--it was a fantastic time! Very relaxing and the most beautiful place on earth!
Click Here to view our pictures

Jared Called

Jared called Friday afternoon and Sunday morning. He is doing fine. The phone connection went bad this morning and didn't get to talk more than a couple minutes. This was the last time he was going to be able to call for quite awhile. He's going on a long mission and will have no way to contact us. He will not be receiving letters or packages from us during this time either. Please keep sending them while he's gone so there's alot waiting when he gets back. Chef Boyardee Ravioli is his favorite gift right now.

On a previous mission Jared ended up at a US Army and Italian base. They actually hade an authentic Italian Pizzaria. The REAL THING supplied by Italy. An Army Sgt. bought them all a bunch of pizza and gave them the coldest gatorade they've had since they've been there. "We try to find a shady spot to put our gatorade so it's not boiling when you drink it. Those guys have to thaw theirs so they can drink it." He's trying to find another mission to go on to get back there.

According to the news this weekend the violence in Afghanistan is escalating again. The guys are doing an amazing job over there and being very successful. But it is currently the most dangerous hotspot in the world right now. So please keep Jared and the Marines of the 2/7 in your prayers. Your prayers and support are very much appreciated.

Jared called 2 days in row.

Jared returned early to his home base from his last mission. Things went well but repairs needed to be made to vehicles. He was a little banged up from the last couple weeks, but doing well and in good spirits. They are being successful with what they are doing there.

The second day he called we just talked about cars, kayaks and the Red Wings. He did ask contrary to our last posting to NOT send anything that looks like birthday presents. No birthday wraping paper or something that flags it's his birthday. Apparently even in Afghanistan the guys have thier own way of giving a "bithday treat" when they find out it's someones birthday. Jared would prefer nobody knows.

He did say someone sent him some Chef Boyardee Ravioli. Who ever it was He sends a special "Thank You". After living on MRE's for a couple weeks he took the can out of his pack, opend it and set it on the roof of his vehicle. It was cooked in 10 minutes. "It was the best meal I had in 2 weeks". He does the same thing with Ramon Noodles in a bag of water. These are 2 favorite foods they've found that can be shipped easily to him.

Jared said if we don't hear from him for a couple days that he's probably left on another mission. They are being called on more frequently now since they are being so effective. It's been a week now since he called so we asume he's out again.

Jareds Birthday

Just talked to Jared again today and he will once again be gone from his "home base" for an extended time period. When he arrives back--it will be his 21st birthday! What a bummer--he turned 18 at Boot Camp, now 21 in Afghanistan!

During these missions, they have no phone contact or mail. He told me to tell everyone though to keep sending things as it's like Christmas when they return from their missions and have lot's of "stuff" waiting for them!

If you are able, please send a "birthday" package in the next week or so to have it waiting for him when he returns to home base. Let's make it a GREAT birthday despite his circumstances! Also send birthday cards!

These past couple of weeks have been really tough on all the guys there--please keep them in your prayers!

Be praying for the Marines of the 2/7

We thought it was time to post some information about Jared and the Marines of the 2/7. There's been alot going on in Afghanistan and I do need to be somewhat vague about locations and dates. Starting with Jared's call on Friday from the last posting. It seemed somewhat funny at the time but Jared was able to witness a premature IED explosion. There was a man on a motorcycle coming at them and they were getting ready. The suicide bomber hit a pot hole or bump and the motorcycle bounced. When the man's hands let go of the handle bars the explosives strapped to his body exploded. It was far enough away that no one was injured.

The next day got more serious. That day as they were moving from the base they were at to their home base, 4 Marines were killed by an IED. Jared was on the recovery team for the fallen soldiers. Within the next 5 days there were 4 more casualities for the Marines of the 2/7. There was an attack on a prison and 400 plus Taliban fighters escaped in the area. Violence is escalating in the area as the pope harvest was just completed and the Taliban is well funded again.

Jared has more missions that must be accomplised. We ask for your prayers for his safety and the soldiers of the 2/7 during these times. Things have not always gone as planned. On a recent mission that was suppose to take one day Jared was told to pack for two days. He was gone for two weeks. Food and water supplies were low and he ate some kababs at a local village. Meat cooked in dough with seasoning. Tasted Great! He then spent 4 days throwing up.

So please be praying for the safety of the Marines of the 2/7. They have lost more hero's in this last week than during their entire previous deployment to Iraq. With all that is going on in Afghanistan they find themselves at the front of what is going on. Your prayers and support are appreciated more than you will ever know.

Jared Called Friday, June 13, 5:30 a.m.

Jared called for the first time in 3 weeks. He's been on the move alot and living in his vehicle for 3 weeks now. It's getting really hot. He received the thermometer I sent him that goes up to 140 degrees. It's doesn't go high enough for the day time temperatures. At night it cools down to 100 degrees. He says that feels cold and he wraps up in a wool blanket and trys to stay warm.

He called from the first real base he'd been at in awhile. He was able to sit on an air conditiond toilet seat. "I couldn't believe how good that could feel" was his comment. He is supposed to be going back to his home base on Saturday. He has filled the card of his digital camera. We hope to get the pictures soon and post them for everyone to see. So stay tooned.

Stay Off The Roads!

Jesi turned 16 yesterday and got her drivers license--stay off the roads. Jami wrapped up her car keys and gave them to her--since Jami will be leaving for college, and can not take a car with her--the car is now Jesi's!

She Did It!

Jami graduated last night--click on link to th right for more pictures.

Jami Officially Receives Scholarship

Sunday Jami received her scholarship at the Senior Honors Ceremony. Her scholarship pays all tuition, $1200 per year for books, and a monthly stipend. Total value will be approximately $64,000. It was the largest scholarship awarded. She was also recognized for graduating with a GPA over 3.5 and for being a member of the National Honor Society. Congratulations Jami!

Jesi & Anna Up North

Saturday Dave took Jesi and Anna up north to play in the woods. They had a ball!
Click here for more pictures

Afghanistan Pics From Jared

I had sent Jared a disposable camera and he finally returned it....I guess he was not kidding about being upfront for the Toby Keith concert! Keep in mind--this was taken with a $8 disposable camera with NO telephoto!

Click Here For More Pictures

Video of Jared's Unit

There is a video on the "Pentagon Channel" that features Jared's Unit.

Go to:
http://www.pentagonchannel.mil/

In the search box, type: Freedom Watch Afghanistan
Click on the video from 14 May 2008

Socks, Socks, Socks

Jared called this morning at 5:00am--much better than 2:00am!!! He has moved locations. He is now at Camp Bastian on the other side of Afghanistan--near Iran. It is a British base and his battalion is the first American's there.

His whole battalion re-located there--which is about 1000 Marines. They are still experiencing some logistical issues. The mess hall is not able to feed that many, so they only get one hot meal a day in the mess hall--the other meals are MRE's. They also are unable to send mail out. They can get it in, but can't sent it out. Eventually they should have a mail system in place.

Phone calling is much more limited than the other location, so don't know how often we will talk to him.

He said it is VERY HOT. They are soak and wet with sweat all the time. At night it cools down enough that if they lay on top of their cots in the "shorts" they can at least stop sweating!

Thus the title of this post: SOCKS, SOCKS, SOCKS

They need socks to be able to change them often to keep their feet dry. If you are able--please send him a box with white cotton socks that go up the calf. They all need them--so if he gets too many he will share! Let's "shower the Marines with socks!"

He also needs gatorade (or other sport drink) powder. Can not send liquid, but wants the powder. Need to drink a lot to stay hydrated in the heat.

There is nothing there! It's a big sand burm. They live in tents that do have air conditioning, but since it is so hot, if they run them too high they freeze up--which is what has happened to his!

It sounds as if all the companies in his battalion have specific missions--mainly to train the Afghans. His company, however, is more for security and stays back ready to respond as needed.

Can't think of anything else--will post if I do!!!

Again--SEND SOCKS!!!

Jami's Senior Prom

Jami went to the prom last night--she was so pretty!
Click here for more pictures

Another News Article

Here is another news article about Jared's Unit.

Click Here

News Article

Here is a link to an article about Jared's unit. Not really sure what his job is, but this is his unit.
Click Here
Have not heard anything from him in over a week now, so he could have moved locations!

Sisterly Love!

Sunday we went to the beach to take pictures of the girls--it was gorgeous out there.
Click Here For More Pics

ANNA SCORED A GOAL

The JV water polo team played their last games today. AND ANNA SCORED A GOAL!!!! It was so exciting!! We are so proud of her! When she first started, she had no clue what the game even was! She just wanted to try an American sport. She did so awesome! She learned the game very quickly and worked really hard and had a fantastic attitude. The girls all loved having her a part of the team!!!

Toby Keith Concert

Below is an article I found on line about the concert Jared was at....Jared says it was a "false alarm?" hhmmmm--do you believe him or the media??? I think Jared!!!




By Brandy McDonnell
Entertainment Writer

Between a sandstorm and mortar fire, Oklahoma country music star Toby Keith's latest United Service Organizations trip to U.S. war zones is turning into his most harrowing.

Thursday night, Keith, 46, was playing at a military base in Kandahar, Afghanistan, when mortar fire disrupted his song "Weed with Willie.” The mortar attack sent Keith and most of the 2,500 soldiers in the crowd into nearby shelters.

Curt Motley, Keith's booking agent, who is accompanying the singer-songwriter on the USO tour, said in an e-mail they ran about 100 yards to a concrete bunker and hunkered down for about an hour. Keith spent the time posing for snapshots and signing autographs, he said.

The "American Soldier” singer returned to the stage once the all-clear was sounded, although against the advice of a coalition military police officer.

"He went right to the verse he was in and finished his show,” said Motley, who also is a member of the USO World Board of Governors.

Sunday morning, a sandstorm stranded Keith's party at Camp Fallujah in Iraq. The storm engulfed much of Iraq, Motley said in an e-mail sent Sunday night.

"We are covered in the fine moon dust-looking powder and we are indoors. The hallways appear to be smoking because there is so much dust and dirt in the air,” Motley said.

The group passed the time playing basketball with Marines there, he said.

Like the troops, the group also had to cope Sunday with the extreme temperatures in Iraq.

"The temp gauge in one of the escort vehicles read 131 degrees in the direct sun,” Motley said.

‘I try to set the standard' to encourage others
Keith, who grew up in Moore, is on his sixth USO tour of the Persian Gulf. He is known for traveling not only to large bases in the safe zones but to smaller, more remote bases.
"I try to set the standard to encourage other entertainers to start to go,” Keith said in an interview last summer with The Oklahoman.

"You don't have to go as extreme as I do. You know, I get pretty high off of putting on the gear and going into those places, ... when I see a soldier come running out there and shaking my hand, going, ‘I can't believe you'd come up here.' These guys might not have seen a soul other than each other ... from America for 18 or 20 months.”

The Norman resident came under mortar fire during his USO tour last year, and he was in Bagram, Afghanistan, when a military helicopter similar to the one he traveled in crashed near there.

"When you've done (almost) 100 shows over there, though, it gets to be like anything else,” he said last summer. "They make sure that we're protected as well as we can be. The last thing they want is to have an incident where we go over there and something happened to us.”

Jared Called

Just got off the phone with Jared--he actually called at 9:00am and NOT 2:00am!!! And I got to talk to him--Dave always talks! So--I got much more information to share!!!

He is still at his original location. The soonest they will be moving is May 3rd, but more likely mid-May! Sounds like some hold-ups have to do with congress and what their mission really is. They approved to send them there--now they don't know what to do with them!

The base he is on is very large. There are sections on it for the military from all different countries. He rattled off about 10 different countries there. Where he is living is about 3 miles from the "center" of the base where most things are. They have a shuttle that runs every 20 minutes. It's like a small town--they go there to eat at Burger King, Subway, Pizza Hut--go to movies, shop, etc.... He said it is really no different than being on a base in the US other than everyone is carrying weapons! They keep their weapons with them at all times.

A couple of nights ago he got to see a concert by Toby Keith. Said it was awesome. At one point during the concert, the "incoming" sirens went off. According to him, the Army and Airforce guys all went running for cover. But--the Marines stayed and took advantage of the situation and moved forward to get all the front row seats!!! Go figure! It turned out to be a false alarm and a half hour later the concert resumed!

The next morning Toby came to his "camp" had breakfast with them.

All in all he sounds great! Having fun, but rather bored with not much to do. Their equipment and vehicles is slowly all arriving.

Says to tell everyone hi and to keep the letters and "stuff" coming!!! Sounds like he gets very excited every time he gets a package!

Water Polo Picture

Here's the varsity polo team at their tournament this past weekend--don't even ask how they did! Can you find Jami & Jesi?

Water Polo Senior Night

Last night we honored the "seniors" on the water polo team. It was the last time they will play in our pool. Jami has played on the Zeeland team for 6 years and is a "Captain" this year. When she was a freshman, she set the school JV scoring record--after that game, they moved her up to Varsity! Click on the link "Jami & Jesi Water Polo" to the right for more pictures from "Senior Night."

Jared Called

Jared called last night at 1:00am. This time difference is tough for making phone calls! Speaking of time difference--he is 8 1/2 hours different. I have never heard of 1/2 hour time zones???? How weird is that???

Their vehicles and equipment have arrived and they were leaving today to move to a different base. He had no idea where or what kind of facilities they would have. (or when he could call again!)

The other day they had a "mud storm!" They were in a middle of a "sand storm," when it started raining! So it was raining "mud.!" YUK! What a mess!

A couple of things he has asked for is PSP games and movies and Nintendo DS games. They are bored and spend most time playing games--he said they can use ANY and ALL games--they pass them around and share. If you have either of these game systems and have games (or movies) that you no longer play--can you send to him?? He would truly appreciate it! He is also in need of baby wipes and cigarettes.

Also said he wants more mail! Moto mail is very easy to send on your computer (link at top by his address) and gets there fast. Please take a few minutes at least once a week and write to him!

That's all I can remember--if Dave remembers more I will post later. He is doing great and sounds fantastic. He likes it there and his spirits are great!

Anna's Senior Prom

Last night Anna went to the prom with 2 friends she met. Zeeland has 2 high schools, so they went to "East's" prom. Jami is going in May to "West's" prom. Anna looked so beautiful! Click on the link to the right for more pictures.

More Water Polo Pics

I added more pictures to both water polo links from this weekends tournament! Anna is #7 on JV, Jesi #9 and Jami #13--both on Varsity.

Water Polo Video

I know this video is NOT very good--my first attempt at YouTube and videos, however, I wanted to post it to give you an idea how water polo is even played. This is the JV game from April 15th that Anna played in. Notice how much swimming and treading water they do!!!

Jared Called

Jared called yesterday morning. He is at a base in Kandahar. Will be there for probably 3 more weeks. They are not doing much--so quite bored! I asked what he needed in packages--and his words were cigarettes. OK--I don't like sending them, however, I hear that if they don't have them, they "BUY" from their buddies and since they are such a hot item--they pay alot to each other (no such thing as borrowing them! haha) They are unable to get them there--only through care packages.

So--Dave went to the corner store to get some, and the lady there said, "You are not taking up smoking, are you?" So--for all of you embarrassed to go buy them--just remember, you'd rather be here buying them, then sitting over in Afghanistan! (if you find it in your heart to send some--any non-menthol will do!)

Other than than--he's doing great. On the base they even have a Burger King and Subway! Once he leaves that base though, I think it will be very primitive!

The other thing he requested is games and movies for PSP--if anyone has used ones they are no longer playing or watching--please send!!!

That's all I know for today! Thanks to everyone who has written and said they'd send packages! He also told me "moto mail" was up and running--I think that was a BIG hint!

Fun in Mexico

We are back safe and sound from Mexico. Everyone had a great time! Lot's and lot's of sun--85+ everyday with never a cloud in the sky! 7 days of laying in the sun!!! Girls met lot's of other teenagers to "hang out" with and had a lot of fun! Now it's back to reality!!! Click on the link to the right for more pictures!

More Deployment Pictures

These pictures are from a website from when his unit landed in Maine. There were people there to greet the troops and take pictures for the families. How cool is that?

Jared Has Deployed

Jared left early Saturday morning, April 5th. His girlfriend, Stephanie, was able to be there with him when he left. She lives in Washington DC and flew out to say goodbye. We have heard that they all arrived safely and will be on a base in Afghanistan for the first month. The "mail system" is up and running and they can receive letters and care packages. I have had many family and friends asking for his address so they can send packages.....one caution I have been warned of is that everyone wants to (and does) send packages right away when soldiers deploy, and then, after awhile, people don't send things anymore and soldiers don't get much mail or packages after being gone for awhile.

In hopes of making sure this does not happen to Jared, and that he continually gets packages, I would love to have a "sign up" list of people wanting to send care packages and then make sure that someone sends one each week, rather than everyone all at once. If you'd like to send him a package, let me know, and I will tell you what upcoming week to send it--how does that sound???

I will post a list over to the right of things that deployed soldiers want/like/need. Also remember that lot's of cards and letters are always welcome!!! Would love if everyone would make a commitment to send a letter at least once a week!!

I will post hear whenever we hear any news!!!

Jami & Jesi Water Polo

Here are the announcements from the school this week:

GENERAL SPORTS ANNOUNCEMENTS

MONDAY:
The Women's Varsity Water Polo team traveled to Grand Haven this weekend and finished with a 2-2 record in the Buccaneers tournament. After losing to Jenison 9-2 and Ann Arbor Huron 9-3, the team then bounced back by defeating Grandville 7-2 and Forest Hills 9-1. Scoring goals for the team were: Paige Lindberg (7), Emily Ludema (5), Jesse Bolhuis (3), Nicole Pellegrini (2), Glynnis Kimberlin (1), Amanda Haveman (1), and Jenn VanKampen (1). In goal, Paige Hubbard made 31 saves.

WEDNESDAY:
The Varsity Water Polo team improved their record to 4-5 with a 9-3 victory over Forest Hills. Scoring goals for the team were: Jesse Bolhuis (3), Emily Ludema (2), Kayla Hubbard, Jenn VanKampen, Nicole Pellegrini, and Jami Bolhuis. In goal, Morgan Gonzales made 7 saves.

Check out the pictures to the right for Jami & Jesi playing. Jami is #13 and Jesi is #9 (#8 in a couple pictures)

Jared Leaves For Afghanistan

Jared will be leaving probably on Saturday, April 5th (plus or minutes a couple of days--you just never know with the military.) Please keep him in your prayers, and I will keep you updated on what I hear from him through this blog.

Anna Plays Waterpolo

If you come live with our family--you have to love the water! The girls talked Anna into playing waterpolo on the high school team. She had no idea what it even was, but since she loved sports, she decided to give it a try. Click on the link over to the right to see some pictures of her playing--she is number 7.

Current News

Girls are both playing waterpolo right now. They are both on the varsity team. Jessica is one of just 2 sophomores playing varsity. They lost tonight, however, after the game, the coach pulled Jesi aside and told her she played a great game. She listens to him and does exactly what she is told. Jami is playing awesome! She is definately one of the best on the team this year. This was the first game this season that she did not score--however, she had several shots on goal--they just never went in!

Almost Ready!

OK--I think I have this blog almost ready to go "live." If you want to know every time I add something new, you need to sign up to the right--subscribe to this blog. You will receive an email through "feedblitz" when ever something new is added.

Hello Family

Something new and different to keep everyone up-to-date on our family! Since Jared will be leaving in April for Afganistan I thought this would be the easiest way to keep in touch with everyone! As we get news from Jared, we will post here. And, as long as I created this, I will share other "happenings" within our family!