On the Offensive

I am writing tonight after preparing care packages that will be sent to my son. After reading the many reports of attacks on our Outpost (OP), Forward Operating Bases (FOB) and let's not forget the Vehicle Patrol Bases (VPB) our fine Col. Chip P. has put the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team on the offensive. Some of you may or may not know but the Brigade has two Marine units attached to them. One is used solely for training the ANA throughout their Area of Operations (AO) and the other is used for offensive operations in the Shurvak, Narang, Korengal and Chowkay Valley's. I am glad the the Col. is bringing the fight to the enemy and foraging good faith with the local populace. My soldier (at last reported via phone) is currently at location 10 on the FRG site training up some National Guard Unit guys on Mortars. It looks like he may be out of the fight but I am sure he will be in it soon. It has been two weeks since I have heard from him but as I tell many parents "No news is great news" I still hope to hear from him soon.

I trust my son's life with Col. Chip P. He seems to be a commander that knows how too command a team of soldiers that can make an affect on the population and accomplish a mission. I will be honest with everyone here, This deployment has not been easy for me as I am not a reader of the magic ball and can determine the future. Many of you are doing many things in the background in supporting our soldiers and I want to thank you for that. Tankerbabelc is also doing many good things and she can be found on the VOX blog site.

I want to thank the following readers for your support during the history of this Blog, since the deployment. Vickie C. you have been great and I truly hope that we cross paths some day. Ronnie and Cheri S. love you guy's! Mel, well you know how I feel. Barb, you are awesome and so many others, thanks for staying in touch. Our guy's will be coming home soon. One last reach out is to a Mother, that I had corresponded with just before she lost her son too this war. Mrs. Miracle and a Father of 1st LT. Ben Hall who died protecting his men on July 31st and I want to include the other 31 families who have sacrificed their loved ones in this battle. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU HAVE SACRIFICED I will always think of your loss, and this country's loss. My words will never be enough. As I close I want to thank all of the family members that have loved ones serving in this war. It's not fair that they serve such long tours but I go to bed each and every night knowing they are making a difference, They are the cream of the crop. AIRBORNE!

Best Wishes,

Larry Arnone
San Francisco

AKA ABlueStarDad ( I want to keep it that way)