Pictures continued

If you see someone you know then let me know. I have more that I will be posting later and Chris you still have a comment to post on what will be happening in the next couple of weeks.












David Poole reported by his Grand Father.
Larry Arnone
San Francisco

AKA A BlueStarDad (and I want to keep it that way)

Through thick and thin, after when it's over

Well, I guess time will tell. I haven't heard from my son since Feb, 29, 2008 so I am missing him and I guess thats why I am starting to rant here again. I did however get to speak with one of my son's battle buddies who is now back in Italy with the 173rd after spending many months recovering from wounds sustained from a rocket attack. I hadn't heard from Chris since January so it was good to get caught up again. Chris had some great news for me but I will let him tell you about it. Chris! when you read this then you have to tell everyone what you will be doing in two weeks by commenting on this Blog. So with that said on with my ranting. So today I was driving to work when I remembered an email I had received from Chris awhile back that contained a bunch of pictures of the guy's downrange and then I started thinking of all the nice comments on my Blog and some emails sent directly as well regarding our Men and Women serving. I have been able to make some new friendships because of it all. You know, Grandparents, Parents, Friends, Wives and just great Americans wanting information on our soldiers. Some expressing appreciation and others relating to what we parents go through when our soldiers are deployed. You all know who I am talking about, YOU my readers have always been positive with zero negative comments about the war, politics or any thing negative at all. Just prayers and great thoughts of them.

With that said, I am about to upload a bunch of pictures sent from the front by my new son Chris of all the people that he served with over in Afghanistan. If you should see your loved one or friend please let me know so that I can edit the Blog to reflect their name under the picture. Last but not least, to the soldier that reminded me that I need to expose this site to more people because we Americans need to know about life deployed in our Forgotten War, you are right and thank you for reminding me.

Hooah!

Larry Arnone
San Francisco (A bluestardad and i want to keep it that way)

Skills, Daring and pure Guts

Today a friend of mine sent me an email about this daring Helicopter rescue in Afghanistan. I had seen these pictures before from an article I had read and I remember what I was thinking that day as I read the article. I was thinking of the men and women that serve our country and all the stories that I have read and heard. One story was of a platoon of soldiers from the 2-503rd of the 173rd Airborne that had been requesting air support but no Helicopter pilot would go into the A.O. because it was to hot and then they heard a familiar female pilots voice coming over the radio asking the R.T.O. to pop smoke indicating the Platoons position. The voice was music to the R.T.O.'s ears as he knew this gal was coming in hot and would bring some heat off the Platoon so they could maneuver to flank the enemy. He had heard her voice many times taking missions other pilots would not. She rolled in and strafed the enemy position giving the platoon enough time to maneuver and flank the enemy.

I have read so many articles about heroic deeds performed by our soldiers and I must believe that these men and woman are of a different breed than when I served so many years ago. These soldiers really do go above and beyond. They are truly brothers and sisters in the Sand Box watching each others backs at all cost.

The above pictures are of a daring rescue of some wounded soldiers that otherwise would have had to travel miles via road to get treatment. Both of these shots are of the same airlift just from different angle I am very familiar with this type of aircraft and believe me this is not a very easy task. The pilot must maintain a constant on the collective so that there is no load on the building. This pretty much means that the pilot is hovering with the wheels just barley touching the roof. Not an easy task at all. Just imagine the pilot not maintaining very little weight on the building roof and poof the building collapses along with all the wounded that was there as well as the medics. These pilots are good and on top of their game.

It brings me great comfort knowing that my soldier is supported by these men and women. I salute them every day for supporting our soldiers. Who ever you are, Thank You from my heart!

Larry Arnone
San Francisco, Ca

AKA A Blue Star Dad (and I want to keep it that way)

A Prince, Promotions, Medals and a fathers love

Like all of you, I have seen the many articles about Prince Harry serving over in our soldiers Battle Space. I think his service to his country is commendable. He could have done anything he wanted, a stock broker, doctor, an ambassador any thing at all. He chose to serve his countries Army as an Infantry Officer. It is my opinion that any officer that trains with his men should be allowed to deploy with his men. I understand that yes that it places a danger to his men if the Taliban should find out he is in the country. What I find deplorable is the fact that certain news organizations chose to breach an agreement made in advance in order to allow Prince Harry the ability to lead the men he trained with. I am sure you will agree with me that the organizations that released this sensitive information was for two reasons, The reporters ego and the ability to sell more. I hope that the reporters responsible read this. I hope you can sleep at night knowing that you the reporter put British soldiers lives at risk as well as the Prince. I guess having a fallen Prince would have lined all of your heartless reporters pockets. Sorry for this rant but I really do find this so unacceptable.

I heard from my son's section leader recently that my son was promoted on March 1st to an E-4 and I could not be more happier for my son. He does in my mind deserve it I think anyways. Alex, if you get to read this I want you to know I am so very proud of you and all the men and women you serve with, Congratulations son! It is about time you have been promoted.

My son's leader also mentioned that my soldier has been awarded the Army Commendation Medal for Valor and that has me shaking in the knees because he is also in for a Bronze Star for Valor which has not been approved yet. When I see the word Valor I get a bit nervous only because these soldiers put their lives at risk every day and do so only because they care about the soldier on their left and right. I don't really care much about medals, I just want my kid home alive and well. Alex! do the right thing but at the same time, be smart and engage on your terms.

In closing, I want all of you to know that I pray for all your soldiers every day and night. They deserve so much gratitude and appreciation. They extended themselves everyday, go above and beyond the call of duty. Prince Harry, Thank you for trying to do what you feel is right for you.

A Fathers Love,

Larry Arnone
San Francisco

AKA abluestardad (and I want to keep it that way)

Rest and Bringing the fight to the enemy

I know I just posted the other day and you are probably wondering to yourselves "Does this guy need attention" lol. No, I spoke to my son again this Saturday morning 11:00 am my time when I realized it was almost midnight his time and he was getting ready to roll out of the wire to his VPB. The way it has been explained by several soldiers and not just my own that the road up to the VPB is very narrow (only six inch clearance on either side of the vehicle when driving up the mountain to the VPB. They do this under total dark out rules. Someone has to walk in front of the vehicle and guide the driver. I know that he has made it safely back to the VPB and I won't hear from him for another 20 days or so. My son now serves under a different NCO, the one he served when they were at Graf. He is excited about this but misses Upp.

I now know I have a new reader, Monita I have seen your postings on OUR special support site. Thank you for the heads up on the chocolate. I am sure it will help us all for Easter. I am not sure what you are doing in Kabul but I am sure it is all good. Be safe Please!

I tried uploading a video by D last night but it was either to long or this site did not recognize the format so I am going to post the link to it. Later in the Blog I am posting now. The greatness of our new Army is that they are truly an a Army Strong and be assured they are an Army of ONE.

Ronnie, I hope the link works buddy! For a great video click or paste and cut here http://www.300cpilot.com/~montana/dreadmov2.wmv enjoy!

Larry Arnone
San Francisco
Bluestardad (and I want to keep it that way)