Ring Ring

"This is Blue Star Dad go ahead"

Hey Dad it's me. "Hey Son how are you? I'm good, I am just checking in with you to let you know that my team and I are at the jump off point for our next deployment. (rest of conversation omitted)

That was a week ago and now they are in country waiting to move to their AO. For OPSEC reasons I will not reveal their AO but no matter where their AO will be I know one thing for sure, It is cold so I went to the store to start stocking up on materials for the care packages I will be sending to my warrior. I have to laugh though, the first thing on my list to buy some good old Panty Hose to send for the cold days facing him. At this point I am wondering how many of you are confused as to why I would send Panty Hose to my warrior. Well, many of you may not know this but Panty Hose can really keep you a bit warmer. Yep, cheap, light weight and so much warmer.

So here we go again, another deployment knowing that my son and his fellow warriors will be facing the enemy 24/7 365. Our guy's have it real rough especially after I just reviewed the new R.O.E. that have been established for them. Thanks to a couple of wonderful people that gave me a heads up on the new R.O.E. Cheri and M.S.G., I am with you all the way though out this deployment. Keep your chin up Cheri.

There are some new members on my warriors team that I am not familiar with but if any of you are reading this hit me back with your address so I can send you a package or two. So you know who you are with my Warrior is SGT Arnone with Battle Mortars. That should help some.

I hear there has not been much chatter with the FRG but am sure that will start to change. As I said before there are many new members in the unit but I hope over time many people will be googleing their warriors unit and will stumble onto this Blog. If you do, feel free to drop me an email and we can exchange contact information. Believe me when I say this, it does help being able to communicate during a tough deployment. Also if you are called a brother by my son you are always a son of mine, reach out to me so I know who you are.

I know it has been a very long time since I last posted and I am sorry for that but many of you that follow this Blog already know that I use this Blog as a tool to help vent my frustrations during deployments, we are now deploying and I am back.

I want to take this time to thank some individuals and organizations for all their time and effort in supporting not only OUR unit but all the others as well. Leta (Tankerbabelc) Mary Anne, Uncle Jimbo, Blackfive. A huge thank you to Soldiers Angels Germany and the many Veterans Hospitals serving our military. I also would like to thank I.A.V.A. for their continuing fight to help our veterans.

Digging in,

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

Out

A grin from ear to ear

I sit here trying to think of what to write while at the same time I just want to shout. I think I'll choose the later. I am pleased to announce that my soldier is wheels down in Italy! Yeah baby....Hot diggity dog!
I guess I will actually be able to sleep through the night at last. Alex never called me from Manis so I hadn't received my long awaited "wheels up" call from him but thats O.K. He called and said "Hey Dad, guess where I am" I swear I was jumping up and down in my office. The office must have thought I went over the deep end. When I got off the phone with him I let out a huge and long sigh of relief and man that felt great.

You know on refection of the past 15 months, it has been this Blog and a few others ( You all know who you are ) that have kept me sane. I think I will continue this Blog even while Alex is in Italy now. He did re-up to stay with the Herd and last I heard Alex was approached by his N.C.O. asking Alex if he wanted to transfer to one of the line units. He explained that by doing so Alex would operate I believe ( it's been a very long time since I've served ) a M224 60mm mortar system as opposed to the 120mm mortar system. He also mentioned that Alex would move up in rank a lot faster. I have mixed feelings about this but then again when I reflect back in the day when I was serving I went full out so I suppose I can understand my son in his thinking. I remember the day we were at the recruiters office and they gave him his MOS ( Job ) options from Artillery to re-arming gunships and he said "Hell no, if I am going to do this I am going to do it right, put me in as an 11B Airborne Infantry" his recruiter didn't want him to do it but Alex insisted. I still stay in touch with his recruiter, he is a pretty good guy and father.

Well, I guess this will be the turning point of my Blog now that our guy's are back in Europe. I promise never to forget those that have fallen. It really has been a hard deployment but even more difficult for many families who will not hear those great words "Hey Dad, guess where I am"

Relieved,

Larry Arnone
San Francisco

AKA Bluestardad ( and I want to keep it that way )Publish Post

The soldiers of today and their resolve

Hi all,

It has been a few days since my last posting and I am sorry. I have been in a bit of denial over the July 13th incident. Many of our soldiers of the 173rd ABCT have now returned and we only have a few more to get out of there. Let's keep our fingers crossed until they are all back. I came across this video today and watched it several times and many tissues later I am sharing with you. Go ahead and cut and paste and see who our Army is. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKsfbT6Ljeo My next posting will be much more interesting, " I promise!

Larry Arnone
San Francisco

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

173rd Airborne heading for home

Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Saturday, July 12, 2008

Dave Melancon / U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Dave Garver, 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne), his wife, Jill, and 15-month-old son, Payton, leave for home following a welcome home ceremony held for about 250 Vicenza, Italy-based 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team soldiers Thursday. Dave Melancon / U.S. Army Family members greet returning Italy-based 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team soldiers during a welcome home ceremony Thursday evening.

With the advance parties safely home, the bulk of the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team’s six battalions are starting to return.

After a trying 15 months in eastern Afghanistan, U.S. Army Europe’s only airborne unit should be completely redeployed over the next several weeks.

Many of the returnees have spent two of the last three years supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

More than 250 members of 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne), returned to Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy, on Thursday night, bringing the number of safely returned troops to 530, said Jon Fleshman, public affairs officer for U.S. Army Garrison Vicenza.

The 530 are about a quarter of the 1,900 due back in Italy by the beginning of August, Fleshman said, adding that another group of paratroops is due Friday.

Also returning Friday is a large group cavalrymen from 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment, stationed in Schweinfurt, Germany.

A Grandmothers encouragement to me a Dad

O.K. That sounds weird, let me explain here before I go off. My son hangs out when he can with a particular soldier from the same unit (173rd Airborne Brigade) when he is re-fitting at his FOB. They mix it up a bit and and have fun with Xbox when they can. I guess they have become some good friends and hope they stay in-touch with each other over the years. Old Army friends are always good to have. I am sure Ronnie and Cheri will agree since they have been through a life time of service to our government.

I have made a point of making my views known recently and I feel bad because I didn't want it to get political but now it has since my last two postings. Our soldiers deserve the best equipment and support. I guess being out of Iraq is a good thing on a time line. I feel we need more troops in Afghanistan to finish the mission. If you agree then please shout out.

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

Grand Parents, Parents and Soldiers

I recently corresponded with a Grandmother of one of our Sky Soldiers and have determined that while our soldiers worry about their positions and safety but most of all, their return to home. I am glad that they have made a difference to a country that is in turmoil. Afghanistan deserves a new start don't you think. I have been watching a mothers Blog about a son that has made a sacrifice for Afghanistan. His name is Kevin and I wish him a good recovery. No matter what, I will keep him in my prayers. My son is so important to me and yet at times I feel guilty knowing that mothers like Leslie is going though so much pain. I pray that my son will return unscathed and continue to serve. Leslie and Breezy, I am so sorry for your sorrows and hardships. May the Lord help you in your hardship.

Men like Kevin continue to make this country a Great Nation and a Country to look up too.

Larry Arnone
San Francisco
AKA a Blue Star Dad

Everyone please pray to your higher power for this family

Hi Folks,

I am sorry it has been awhile since I have posted but I have been tempted to share some information that is exciting but at the same time I must honor a request from Rock 6 and remember OPSEC how ever there is something I want to share with everyone that everyone needs to know about so that we can support one of our own Sky Soldiers. The following is a cut and paste of a mothers Blog and can use our support. Here is her link to her Blog http://www.lesliekamm.blogspot.com/

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Day 22 - June 22, 2008

My mom and my nephew, Anthony, came today for the week. I am so glad. Much needed because the doctor's visit didn't turn out to be a good one like we had hoped.

So apparently Kev has meningitis. I asked Breezy and neither one of us had heard that word spoken before, so I guess when the technical name was given - it went right over our heads.

Unfortunately, the docs have tried all the antibiotics they have for it, and so far nothing has worked. Kevin is on the last one possible and tomorrow they are planning to do a spinal tap to get a sample of the fluid to see if it is working. We will know if it's not within 24 hours and if it is in 3 days (I think I got that right). Now the downside to this is that this antibiotic is so incredibly strong, it is causing some degree of kidney failure (docs exact words). This is really scaring me. The doc says it's one or the other as they are both as serious as it gets - meningitis or kidney failure. Gonna stick my head in the sand on this one, at least for the night.

Kev also started coughing up orange stuff this afternoon. We know that as of this morning it was the right white/brownish color. The docs are running tests to see what could be the problem.

As for the grafts? Kev needs only 5% of his body grafted yet. Assuming all goes well with the antibiotics, that may be done later this week. I hope so. The sooner it gets done, the sooner we go to Tampa to the brain trauma hospital.

I'm a little worried about Breezy too. She is starting to crack a little. She has so much going on. Her boyfriend, Alan, is leaving for Iraq next month. Tim is here. She misses her friends. She misses her job. She is scared financially. She just misses her life (as I do and I can damn well say that Kev does). All of this - and the terrifying reality of Kevin's situation also. It's just too much for anyone to handle and I can only hold her as she cries, just as she does for me. Keep her in your thoughts, please. She needs strength vibes sent her way.

So I think I am going to wrap this up for the night. I am just tired and want to go to bed early.

Posted by Leslie Kamm at 11:09 PM

July 27, 2007 not to be forgotten

A fellow blogger shared this PBS special with me. This is a total tear jerker so (as she wrote) keep the Kleenex tissue handy. You WILL need it as this is the most heart felt story. Chris is a true American Hero. He served with our sons of the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team. PFC Christopher Pfeifer, your mission has been completed, rest in peace Paratrooper.
You need to cut and paste to your browser.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_tAge6pEVE

Humbly,

Larry Arnone
San Francisco

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

Memorial Day Tribute to all our Fallen.

I sit here in front of my computer after attending my Daughters graduation where she received her BA in Asian American Studies thinking of Memorial Day, what it means to me and how to honor it. So in memory of all the men and women who have fallen protecting my beliefs, rights way of life and freedoms I want to express my condolences to the Parents, Wives, Husbands and Children of the Fallen, Thank you for your sacrifices. A very special Thank You to the Families and Friends of the Fallen from the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team who have lost their loved ones during this deployment your sacrifice has been huge.

I also want to take this a bit further personally. To the families of Joseph Miracle and Benjamin Hall. My son went through Basic and Jump school with Joseph and speaks of him often even today and the fine Officer Ben Hall who even though was not in my sons chain of command sought Ben's advice on his future with the Army. These men has made an impact on Alex and I want to recognize this. On behalf of my son and the rest of my family, I want to Thank You All! I found this video on the net and found it very fitting to post here and thought it great to
close with. I hope you enjoy it.

http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=173rd+airborne+brigade&hl=en&sitesearch=#q=memorial%20day&hl=en&sitesearch=&start=50

Larry Arnone
San Francisco

Bluestardad (I want to keep it that way)

If you read this, you WILL forward it on. You just won't be able to stop yourself.

This was sent to me by a Mother of a Trooper serving our great Nation with the 173rd Airborne. I just had to post it.

The average age of the military man is 19 years. He is a short haired, tight-muscled kid who, under normal circumstances is considered by society as half man, half boy. Not yet dry behind the ears, not old enough to buy a beer, but old enough to die for his country. He never really cared much for work and he would rather wax his own car than wash his father's, but he has never collected unemployment either.

He's a recent High School graduate; he was probably an average student, pursued some form of sport activities, drives a ten year old jalopy, and has a steady girlfriend that either broke up with him when he left, or swears to be waiting when he returns from half a world away He listens to rock and roll or hip-hop or rap or jazz or swing and a 155mm howitzer.

He is 10 or 15 pounds lighter now than when he was at home because he is working or fighting from before dawn to well after dusk. He has trouble spelling, thus letter writing is a pain for him, but he can field strip a rifle in 30 seconds and reassemble it in less time in the dark. He can recite to you the nomenclature of a machine gun or grenade launcher and use either one effectively if he must.

He digs foxholes and latrines and can apply first aid like a professional.

He can march until he is told to stop, or stop until he is told to march.

He obeys orders instantly and without hesitation, but he is not without spirit or individual dignity. He is self-sufficient.

He has two sets of fatigues: he washes one and wears the other. He keeps his canteens full and his feet dry.

He sometimes forgets to brush his teeth, but never to clean his rifle. He can cook his own meals, mend his own clothes, and fix his own hurts.

If you're thirsty, he'll share his water with you; if you are hungry, his food. He'll even split his ammunition with you in the midst of battle when you run low.

He has learned to use his hands like weapons and weapons like they were his hands.

He can save your life - or take it, because that is his job.

He will often do twice the work of a civilian, draw half the pay, and still find ironic humor in it all.

He has seen more suffering and death than he should have in his short lifetime.

He has wept in public and in private, for friends who have fallen in combat and is unashamed.

He feels every note of the National Anthem vibrate through his body while at rigid attention, while tempering the burning desire to 'square-away ' those around him who haven't bothered to stand, remove their hat, or even stop talking.

In an odd twist, day in and day out, far from home, he defends their right to be disrespectful.

Just as did his Father, Grandfather, and Great- grandfather, he is paying the price for our freedom. Beardless or not, he is not a boy. He is the American Fighting Man that has kept this country free for over 200 years.

He has asked nothing in return, except our friendship and understanding.

Remember him, always, for he has earned our respect and admiration with his blood.

And now we even have women over there in danger, doing their part in this tradition of going to War when our nation calls us to do so.

As you go to bed tonight, remember this shot. . .

A short lull, a little shade and a picture of loved ones in their helmets.

Prayer wheel for our military... Please don't break it Please send this on after a short prayer.

Prayer Wheel

'Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands.

Protect them as they protect us.

Bless them and their families for the selfless acts

They perform for us in our time of need. Amen.'

When you receive this, please stop for a moment

And say a prayer for our ground troops in Afghanistan, sailors on ships, and airmen in the air, and for those in Iraq.

There is nothing attached...

This can be very powerful...

Of all the gifts you could give a US Soldier, Sailor, Coast guardsman, Marine,

Or Airman, prayer is the very best one.

Larry Arnone

San Francisco

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