Another reason they serve our country.

Man, is this another boy I need to watch over in the future?

This picture is of my nephew Nick performing Flame Guard at the New Mexico Military Institute in Honor of his Grandfather's birthday. A really good kid with a huge heart. He looks up to his cousin Alex. Nick is a proud cadet who communicates with Alex when he can. N.M.M.I. has Nick on very regimented schedule and he only has a few minutes every night to write his entire family. Nick! if you are reading this be sure to write Alex once a week. I love you and am very proud of you.

Love you buddy,

Uncle Larry

This is another soldier of the 173rd

David Poole is the Grandson of MSG Ronnie Somerfelt (Ret) of the U.S. Army. Ronnie Somerfelt who served his country for 24 years on active duty has asked me to post David's picture. I am very proud to do so. Ronnie and Cheryl. l want thank you for your support. My prayers are with your boy David as well as all our men and women serving The United States of America.

PFC David Poole, doing what most won't! Serve their country!



AKA Bluestardad ( I want to keep it that way)

Larry Arnone

San Francisco, Ca

A surprise call from a very important man in my life

Today I heard from my son Alex. I guess SFC Upp put in a request for a Satellite phone and it was approved. Alex called me on that phone and it was music to my ears. My son is my everything and I want him home safe and sound. I know that many of you that read this site have seen this before but all I wish for is the safe return of our boys. I guess Alex's OP has been under heavier attacks lately. So much so that he called pretty shaken. Lord, bring them all home safe and sound. Please! Please send me photo's of your boys and I will be happy to post them.

A Fathers Love,

Larry Arnone
AKA Bluestardad
San Francisco, Ca

If I can only take over my son's commitment

I sit here this evening after a full week of no contact with my boy Alexander Forbes Arnone. He serves in the Army with the 2nd to the 503rd Inf. BDGCT. I haven't spoke or received any snail mail in a week now. I have been thinking of time I have served with the Army and now I find myself wanting to trade my son's contract for my service. It would be easier to live with. I know my son is more fit but.... OK, I maybe able to bring more wisdom to the equation. I really hate this, the fact that my only seed is overseas facing an enemy that has no civilized rules of engagement. If you are a recruiter reading this then sign me up please!

A Fathers Love,

Larry Arnone
AKA Bluestardad (And I want to stay that way)
San Francisco, Ca

Ahhh Gold mine

OK, I found a much clearer photo of Alex, at least I am pretty sure it is him. Second row from the front (row two) Second soldier from left to right. I am almost positive that it is him. I was able to speak to Alex today not once but twice. He is back at the FOB refitting and then back out to his OP. He mentioned that the medics have issued the insect repellent with 100% DEET to help fight the fleas.

In a later conversation with my sister (who is very close to Alex) I learned that she and her son both received letters from Alex today. When Jennifer read them to me I about lost it. The letter to her son Nick who is currently a cadet at the New Mexico Military Institute made me proud of Alex. He spoke of the importance on Team work, completing the mission, never accept defeat and lastly never leave a fellow soldier behind. It is clear that my son is now a man and a role model to someone. I am sure there are many soldiers out there that display the same qualities, it has just taken a little longer for my boy to display these qualities. Don't get me wrong, I have always been proud of Alex, it's just taken him a little longer to turn his accomplishments viral.

I guess this blog may some day be about my nephew if he should choose to follow the path of the Military. I guess it follows in our genes.

Go Sky Soldiers,

Larry Arnone

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

I guess now Nick's Uncle

San Francisco, Ca

Some of the soldiers from Destined

New pictures have just arrived from Afghanistan. These men are about to be awarded the coveted CIB (Combat Infantry Badge. On this day they are now all veterans of combat. They now walk side by side as equals.