"Next year Afghanistan..."

As I sit here and write, I continue to reflect on the presidential speech that just ended a few moments ago. Exactly 18 minutes of conversation from the US president. He praised the building of Iraq, the democracy of Iraq and the lowrise of troops that have left Iraq two weeks ago. Iraq now has lead responsibility for their government. Scary when I think about how just seven years ago the roads were covered in blood in Iraq. I pray that soldiers who have spent the majority of their lives on four deployments can now say that there has been a drastic improvement in this country. However, I am happy to know that the combat in the Iraq war has ended. It's now time to worry about energy reform, education, and economy right here in our own country.
I found it interesting that there was no praise for the initiation of Mr. Bush, but its seems Obama wanted to feel the divisions that "It is now time to turn the page. We will be partners with Iraq and Afghanistan even when we are gone." How do I interpret that? Is this a political statement towards Democrats or does he really mean it?
My mind ponders. Mr. Obama goes forth to say that the military will next move out of Afghanistan in July 2011. Our US has paid a huge price to put Iraq into a democracy. Nearly 4,400 soldiers have sacrificed their lives while serving in the Middle East. 1.5 million have served our country in Iraq 2 million if you include Afghanistan. Pretty astounding when you put it into measure. I was amazed to hear what our country does and will continue to do for our veterans....PTSD (1/5 of veterans suffer when coming home), disabilities, brain trauma, etc. For the first time in years, our government will continue to strengthen the GI Bill after 9/11 to help those who served with healthcare, support, and full education reform so that veterans no longer have to suffer. 450,000 have filed some sort of disability when returning from war. It has costed close to to 3 trillion dollars.
This nearly marks America's longest war. As we continue to see our troops serving our country now in Afghanistan please remember the troops are our steel in our ship of state. Obama states: "more than ever our nation needs to come together."
Please keep Jon in your prayers as he continues his missions this week. He called tonight to say that he would be going on a longer mission for the next few days that could last well into the double digits of hours.
Love and Prayers,
Kristine

New Record...

Today marks a new record in my book. Not such a great record if you ask me. Five entire full days since I have talked to Jon. I have been quite saddened the past few days. I keep thinking that we will talk soon, but in reality our schedules are so opposite these days who knows when the next time will be. This is the first time I have ever went this long without talking to him. I remember saying a few months back that two days was the most.... ugh. Therefore I am not adjusting very well to this whole new "routine." Life is keeping us both very busy. What I would do to hear his voice, to say he is okay. He called yesterday and of course I was at work and could not answer. A sweet, loving message saying that he was heading to go on missions. I just wanted to hear his voice and say good luck and to be safe before he left. As I write, I feel guilty about that missed call. Until I hear from him again I can only wait hours or even days until I know that he is safe. I miss Jon terribly and have not wanted nothing more lately then to have him home safe and able to be with family and friends.
I sit and watch the news lately knowing that our president recently exported combat troops for Iraq. The joy they must feel to be reunited with their families and loved ones after a long journey. Jon however has to stay in Afghanistan until July of 2011. Why can't this "war" just end entirely? The innocent lives lost, the challenges, the disabilities....etc. It's a constant battle I keep asking myself. I hate worrying on an hourly basis. Guessing the unknown.
I am quite sure Jon is okay. Only two months until he is home. :) The fun and excitement we will have. I know that he is going to want his mother's homemade cooking, his aunts cookies, his families love, and plenty of rest and sleep. All of which he deserves entirely! Beckers farms, skiing, NYC, and adventurous journey's are all to be had in less than three months! When I think of it in this context... I am overjoyed! I cannot wait. PLEASE keep Jon and his unit in your prayers as they begin more missions more often. I pray for his safety and that he continues to put God in the focus of all that he does.
Love and Prayers,
Kristine

Jammies for GI's

What a great experience! Yesterday my daughter and I got to help out a friend of mine whose mom started an organization to help wounded soldiers. About five years ago, my friend Jeremy was injured while serving our country overseas in Africa. Due to the hazardous chemicals and damage that was done; he had to be transferred to a hospital in Germany where he layed for days on end without any new or clean clothes to change into. It was then that his mother linked with an individual in the military hospital to find out what the true needs were of the injured military. He began saying that they needed clothes, and personal belongings. Upon hearing the news, Cheryl was eager to send clothes to her son's stationed hospital to not only help him but also help others in need. When arriving at the post office, the clerk submitted by saying that it was going to cost over $500 to send a few boxes. At this time the money was coming out of her own pocket. However, she did it anyway knowing that there were many soldiers and military men and women who were in need of just clean pajamas and belongings. After a few years of sending packages overseas and beginning her own business, she now has started an organization that takes donations and send them overseas.
Lastnight, Morgan and I had the distinct pleasure to help out Jammies for GI's. After experiencing the trauma and heartache her son went through and still suffers from today, I felt that it is always good to give back no matter how busy we are in our in our daily routine (work, family, school, parties,etc.) Instead of making excuses, allow your children and spouse be a part of serving as well. What a great experience!
Prior to going, Morgan put up a huge fuss about going and was hesitant about going because it was going to be so "boring." However, after arriving it was clearly inspritational to see how many people truly care not only for our troops but more specifically our injured troops locally and globally. These troops come from overseas and are stationed for months without leaving or having changes of clothes or personal care belonging that are just for them.Everything is shared and multiplied in the amount of users. It is heartwrenching and beakoning to even fathom the treatment they receive after serving our country for months, years, and decades.
This organization allows us to give back to others. We were able to package bags and care items with local veterans that would be driven down south to be hand delivered to injured soldiers. All in doing so, there was live new coverage on our local news stations and Morgan and were there up close and personal: 2, 4, and 7. www.wkbw.com/news/local/Tonawanda-Mother-Sends-Jammies-To-Soldiers-101044059.html

If you are interested in volunteering or sponsoring this organization, please visit http://www.jammiesforgis.com/

Love and Prayers,
Kristine

Hmmmm....

Good evening! Sorry once again that it has been awhile. Sometimes not posting is great news...which is this case is the truth! But it has been beyond busy. Jon is doing very well. He seems to be staying busy and is enjoying watching all the great movies he can get his hands on. Each time I talk to him he is very positive...which in the past was not always the case. I love talking and hearing from him on a regular basis. Two months ago, I was preparing for a monthly letter or message in my inbox...and now the luxury of 4 or 5 times a week has been simply bliss. :) Jon still continues to get bored and has recently said that he is happy to start doing something soon. With that being said, Jon will start his next mission a week from today. He does not know how long it will last. So the anxiety will soon come back as we awestrickenly wait with anticipation until we hear from him again. I know that he will be safe. It seems with everything that has been happening, the military is smartening up and getting things they need rather than doing without.

Sorry I post a lot of pictures and sometimes videos. I am a very visual person, and those who don't know me quite that well yet; I LOVE photography. There have been so many pictures in the military that I have seen and just have such meaningful words behind every one. Photography to me is art. Any picture...any style. I love it all. Posting these on here convey a message from me or thoughts I am thinking. :)

Anyhow....I hope to continue to post more as Jon gets a little more busier. I know that my next semester will be pretty busy. I start back at work tomorrow and will be teaching second grade. I'm excited for a new adventure and a continued opportunity to make a difference. Our first expedition will be citizenship, government, and voting. I hope to be able to incorporate Jon's unit somewhere in our service learning. What a great connection right in our own backyard. With that I will also be finishing up my Masters in Literacy and doing a tutoring practicuum twice a week. However, at night I tend to try and relax. That rarely happens. Therefore, I am hoping that coming to this blog will ease the stress of my everyday concerns. Please continue to keep Jon and his unit in your prayers as he starts his next mission. I pray that God will continue to put his grace and protection over him and keep him safe.

Love and Prayers,

Kristine

Coming Home...

Cannot wait to see Jon! To stop blog music...scroll to bottom of page and hit stop on music playlist before clicking play on video.

Love and Prayers,

Kristine

Build and Fight...

Just wanted to share some photos I found on the various things that have happened over the past few weeks at Jon's Batallion. Absolutely stunning photos!

Heroism

What a great summer it has been! The sun is shining and family and friends gather near to be together. Lately I keep pondering. I keep reading stories....following blogs...and just feeling plain out bummed. As I gather with my friends, family, and Jon's family I keep thinking how Jon must feel not to be able to do all these fun things that we have all been doing. I know and support his choice in the Army...but at times I feel bad talking about everything we have been doing all summer. He has missed so many things over the past few months: Parties, festivals, pool parties, amusement parks, beaches, birthdays, and just well spent quality moments. Today I sat with Chris talking about transition. As I looked around I wondered what others thought or the transitions that they have experienced in life. We all know Jon wants to be rambo deep down inside and is eager to earn his "purple heart." However, we just want him to be himself before he left without any injuries and transition very well back into life after this amazing journey. I pray for Jon everyday more than once for this specifically.
I also keep asking: Why is it that a soldier longs to earn the purple heart to be considered a hero? He was a hero to me as soon as I met him. Determination. Honor. Integrity. Strength. Courage. What labels a hero to others? Do we have heroes? Gerald Gillis recently wrote that our societal view of a hero is the fame and fortune of Hollywood. They get the lights and all the attention and rarely see the good will of people being seen. Or sports players who make millions and receive light for going to the Super Bowl. Why not our soldiers? Sleepless nights, horrible conditions, fear 24/7, risking their life, and fighting for ours. Soldiers come back with PTSD and some will never be the same because of the sacrifices they made. How many soldiers can you honestly name who have recieved light because of their heroism? Only six since the war on Iraq and Afghanistan began. How many of the six have you seen coverage on? How many do you know the names of? This shows me that our society doesn't value true heroism. But....we still have heroes. How about the pilot who landed the plane into the Hudson safely with a full crew of passengers? He got full coverage. Or those who contributed to Haiti Relief? Where is the coverage for the heroes who battle cancer, raise their children with one parent and get a career, those who work three jobs to support their family, who give up their time to do missions overseas, and most importantly those who are in uniform and are heroic than any other previous generation. Gosh I love his words and encouragement and that's what prompted this post. He truly has things well said.
I sit here thinking about all the opportunites that Jon has missed out over the past few months...but know that no matter what, he is doing what he's always wanted to do...and he will always be a hero in my eyes...along with every other soldier and veteran who has served the good ole' US of A!
Love and Prayers,
Kristine

Winning or Politics?

Good evening! I hope your week is treating you well. The weather has been absolutely stunning here in Buffalo! It's been awesome to enjoy a great summer for once without rain! I wanted to share something I listened to tonight on 99.5 Christian Radio. There was a gentleman speaking about our current war in Afghanistan. How everyone is so quick to blame Bush for starting this whole thing and throwing soldiers into Iraq and then over to Afghanistan. However, has anyone sat back and thought about Obama? This post may get to some of you based on your beliefs....but it really got to me while sitting in the madness of traffic on the Grand Island bridge this evening. Bush had sent our troops overseas to win! However, it seems that Obama has troops over there for a political war...not to win. If this is the reason (or as I am recently seeing it), then I feel like this is turning into the Vietnam all over again with the casualities so easily being lost. The Vietnam lost 58, 159 U.S. soldiers. It's been nearly nine years since this war began. I pray that Washington and Administration can see the real light to this war and quickly bring our troops home. The stories I have been seeing, hearing, and living, are just not right. If we have a purpose to be there...it needs to be to win. It seems like now if they shoot us, we shoot them back. If they bomb, we bomb them back. There seems to be no true fight other than politics...this may just be the "glamour" that I am only seeing from Media. Who knows?! Either way, I needed to vent.
Better news is that Jon is doing well and he will be home in three months! Ahhh...I cannot wait! I hope everyone enjoys their weekend. I hope to update as often as possible...however, teaching will be getting the best of me in the next coming months! Continue to keep Jon in your prayers as well as the rest of his batallion.
Love and Prayers,
Kristine

A Rough Start...

Boy Oh Boy! What a day it has been. I woke up to messages that alarmed me and news that scared me entirely! I cannot begin to tell you how gut wrenching it is to hear that the love of your life is in danger. I got a message this morning saying that KAF was under attack from insurgents. My immediate response is "Why?" However, I'm recently learning that instead of blaming others...to go forth and seek and praise God. So as I went about my daily routine, I thanked God for his abundant blessings in my life.
I could not stop thinking about Jon's safety. To know that I cannot pick up the phone, drive, or see him immediately in such a time of diar need...left me with uncertainty for most the day. Apparently there was an attack on Jon's base early in the middle of the night. I kept asking who, what, when, why and where? Thankfully Jon called home to let us all know that he was safe! :) Apparently they were all awakened to missle attacks in the middle of the night. I'm sure they knew that they were coming soon since there hadn't been one in nearly a week. Sure enough they arrived full force with a tractor full of explosives that breached the perimeter wall of the base. According to news reports, Talibans have attacked from the North end in the past. However, they attacked from the South lastnight. This is a huge worry and is now leaving new development and new precautions to take into consideration. The fire lasted nearly an hour and everyone at KAF took the steps needed to safety. Thankfully there were no captures or killings. Everyone in the 20th batallion is accounted for! I can only imagine what they think before they put there head to their pillow after a hard day at work : What went wrong? How did we do? How can we do better? That sort of thing. I will continue to praise God for his blessing and protection on Jon and the rest of the soldiers. I know that it has been a pretty emotional day for me and an ever stressful journey for them. This signals a pretty clear intent to not go "quietly into the night."
Love and Prayers,
Kristine