O.K. the forgotten war has really hit home

In my previous posting I had cut and pasted a fathers letter to friends and family. I am not sure if it was a friend or family member who was ( I'm sure ) trying to be compassionate. Here is the kicker ( You ready for this ) The Title actually read "

A letter from a Father who's son was shot in Iraq

I changed it to read Afghanistan knowing better as it is obvious in the letter as the Dad is speaking about Chosen Company of the 2nd-503rd 173rd ABCT and the date on the post. I can't believe they confused the country. This kind of stuff just burns my ass. Makes me want to take out an add on the first page of every major newspaper in the country saying "U.S. Forces arrive in AFGHANISTAN for combat operations in retaliation of 9/11/2001 7 YEARS AGO and they are still there". Ahhhhh! I'm still waiting on a wheels up from my boy which reminds me, please remember tomorrow July 31st. Take two minutes of your day and remember a Sky Soldier that fell on this date. 1LT Ben Hall of the United States Army Platoon leader, Destined Company, 2nd-503rd P.I.R. 173rd ABCT Vehicle Patrol Base Serey, Kunar Province, Chowkay Valley, Afghanistan.

Thank You,

Larry Arnone
San Francisco
AKA A BlueStarDad (and I want to keep it that way)

.Another fine trooper and "Wheels up"

We have all been under incredible duress these last few day's wondering if our soldiers of the 173rd ABCT were involved in the latest tragedy this past weekend. It is now clear who has and to those of you that had loved ones or friends involved my heart goes out to each and everyone of you. I personally am pretty sure that my soldier is O.K. but I do still remain in a state of being on pins and needles until my soldier messages me "Wheels Down" on returning to Italy. A message very much like a mother received last year "wheels up" from her son on deploying to Afghanistan. I will get to that quote in a moment. I was able to speak to another fine soldier from Destined Co. that is currently at Walter Reed having surgery for injury sustained during military operations in the Kunar Province not long ago. SPC Matt Sexton is such a fine soldier and good friend of my own. He was surprised when I called but happy as well. You see, I want to know all those soldiers that my son has called friends. It brings great pleasure in hearing all the missions they were on or even the nights out in Italy. I feel even more closer to my son at a time we are separated while he does something he believes in. In any case, Matt! I hope your recovery is swift and you are able to return to your battle brothers soon.

O.K. on the wheels up part of the posting (deep breathing here) as I sit here typing I find myself so fortunate that my son has only received minor injuries sustained during combat operations where many others have sustained much more serious wounds and unfortunately so many have made the ultimate sacrifice. Lt. Ben Hall notified his family that his aircraft was wheels up on deploying to Afghanistan as a young officer with Destined Co. of the 173rd ABCT. I am speaking of LT. Ben Hall who hailed from a distinguished Military back ground. His sister contacted me today after stumbling across my Blog. It was such great pleasure hearing from her. We are approaching the anniversary of Ben Halls death while serving with his men in the Kunar Province of Afghanistan. His family is so kind which reflects exactly Ben's personality and leadership. Since my son did look up to this Officer and formed a friendship in that they had some awesome conversations on many subjects and has help Alex map out his destiny I ask that all my readers please take two minutes on the 31st of this month and pray for Ben and his family. Can we make this happen people?

Longing for the return of my Son,

Larry Arnone
San Francisco, Ca

AKA A 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)