Merry Christmas to all the families who have warriors deployed.

This is Bluestardad over,

Merry Christmas Dad! Merry Christmas son and to all of your battle buddies. That was the conversation I was privileged to have with my warrior today. It was 0030 hours his time just coming off of guard duty, tired and weary. We chatted about what he needed and about the conditions he is operating under. He is the section leader now and now that they are at the COP they are using that time to train up up some of the new guy's in his section before going back out on patrol. In all he sounded pretty good and upbeat regardless of his minor injury.

I have had several people that have commented on my last posting and I would like to address two of them. Judy, who's son has served with the 173rd on multiple deployments in both Theaters of operations. You are feeling me on that call I got. I can only imagine what you went through.

To J who commented about her newly deployed son with the Herd. First let me tell you that your warrior couldn't be with a better unit in my opinion that performs airborne operations. As a former warrior from above, the 173rd rules the sky's hand over.

First what to send them, Letters is the first thing they need, lot's of them so get his address and give it to his friends family alike. Go to the post office or go on line and order a box of 25 flat rate cartons FOR APO'S as you get to send a larger box and you save $2.00 for each box. Send him things that remind him of home. For instance my warrior played ball for a number of years and loves Sunflower seeds. Only send enough that will last only a few days as you don't want them to hump all the stuff you send all over Afghanistan. Batteries are huge, both A's and D's. J, if you write me at my personal email I can get more in depth depending on his unit and what he does. You can reach out to me that way I can find out what your soldier really needs based on his mission. We also have a awesome support base that you can join but I need to know what exact unit your son is with so I can provide you with the proper info.

Last but not least, whenever your cell phone rings and the ID shows only 4 or 5 nombers, take it. It's your soldier or even a area code you are not familiar with. You can contact me direct at larryarnone@gmail.com. I am always available to my son's brothers parents. I will be happy to provide my cell via email. We have many sites for support and Blogs by our warriors themselves. Stay tough J, you are not alone.

This is Larry Arnone
AKA Bluestardad ( and I want to keep it that way)
San Francisco, Ca
OUT