Heard from my nephew in Iraq!
Posted By: ClinicMT on 2007-06-24
In Reply to:
I have written briefly about my 19-year-old nephew who is involved in this latest operation in Baghdad to route Al-Qaeda insurgents. Since it had been announced that his Division/Brigade was one of the primary groups in this action, we've all been just sick with worry. I just wanted to let you guys know that I had a very brief "I'm ok" email from him last night. He can't really say what he's doing or anything (naturally) but we're just sop happy to hear that he's okay. I can't think when I've been happier to open an email in my life! So I just wanted to share that happy news and to thank those of you who are praying/sending good thoughts/etc. for all of our troops. It means more than you can possibly realize.
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Holiday gift for nephew in Iraq
I'd like to send a gift/gifts to my nephew in Iraq. This is his first Christmas away so I know it will be hard for him. If possible, I'd like to include something personal just for him and maybe some stuff for his buddies to share. I asked him point-blank what he'd like and, typical guy, he says "anything" which is of NO HELP at all. I have no clue what they're allowed to have or not have.
You guys have any ideas? Thanks! 
iraq/daughter
Bless your heart.....I hope she fares well....I've a young man who was in Behran at the height of it....came back somber and shell-shocked and can be called back up any day now. I don't think it's right to be expected do 3 tours of duty with this "volunteer" army,navy, marine corps,air force, coast guard, national guard. Send the big-wig politician's kids in to do it, darn it! Perhaps you're daughter willl reconsider. My prayers are with you. Cat
Iraq gifts sm
Again, cannot emphasize enough the importance of these guys and gals giving their lives so we can live free. Just imagine some terrorist knocking at your door! Gosh, these guys are OUR guys who are offering their lives for us, and will not ask for a thing. The operative word here is NOTHING, is which they ask for. Let's send them lots of SOMETHING! My opeative word is FIRST which is them. Let's get some dialogue going. No negative postings please! Let's just emphasize our GUYS AND GALS who will not be home for CHRISTmas!!!!!!!! I'm ready to give, are you?? Only legit please, we have a brain!
My son served in Iraq and he said he liked
The deck of cards I sent the best! That was sort of an add-in at the last minute to fill space in the box, yet he got the most use out of that.
He also liked the puzzle books and hard candy.
I used to pay my nephew to ..sm
Take care of my sheltie for part of our vacation because my DH would come along to the beach for a few days and then he'd be home the rest of the week we were gone. I'm glad DH didn't go last year because my dog died while I was gone. I don't know what my nephew would've done.
if you have family in Iraq or Afghanistan,
and particularly if you are a Christian: I have a friend (a ranch wife) who has a number of things going on (for one, menopause, another feeling isolated) and she has all of her 4 sons serving right now, one in Afghanistan where things have been getting heated. She is very emotional, upset and i was wondering if any of you might be able to send (via e/m to me which i will forward) any words of encouragement. She was told by another friend, she didn't "have enough faith" which for the devout person she is, i think really hurt. I am just hoping someone in a similar situation who has a special understanding, maybe could help lift her spirits and encourage her. Thanks for caring.
I would love to, but my husband is in Iraq :(
no message.
My nephew is so cute :-)
He's about 6 month old now. I put him down for a nap and he refused to put his legs flat so I could cover him, so I put the blanket over his legs the way he was. He proceeds to put a foot on each cheek, reaches between his legs and pulls the blanket up to his chin. He looked some someone with fake legs with his feet like that. I was tearing up laughing. Such a cutie pie. lol
My nephew did the same thing
but he came around eventually. Have you tried any of the books for kids like "Everybody Poops"?
Nephew and car -- sorry it is long
My nephew is a Police Captain and this is what he has done with his boys. Oregon also has a law stating that for the first six months of having your license you can only drive with family members in the car, which they did. They had an older car that needed some fixing up and so and my great nephew (his oldest son and I) I went to junk yards, got the pieces that were needed, and then he and his step grandfather put it together and made sure it was mechanically safe and that was his car. Because he was in the Honor Society, he got a cut in his insurance but if he ever dropped his grades he would have to pay the difference. He had a part-time job while playing baseball and making All Stars and got a college scholarship for baseball and paid for his gas and running around. Then when he graduate and started college he got his own car and could not believe it but this kid does not care about fads or whatever and got a Ford Taurus because it was in good shape, could haul his baseball equipment and had air condiitoning. He paid for it himself with graduation money, jobs, etc. He is still doing well. The second one was basically the same. He drove the older car that we fixed up when David got his new car. Again they were not embarassed or anything. They just wanted transportation. He then got a part-time job, he was not in sports so could work more, saved up money and bought an older Blazer because he is fisherman and wanted the 4-wheel drive. But he again has good grades, and stays out of trouble. But they are responsible for the up keep on their cars, etc. I think it all depends on the kid and what they are involved in and so on. They appreciated everything that we all did to help them, they take care of their vehicles and are proud of what they have done. But I think that by running errands and doing things for you she is paying for the car and upkeep. If she is busy and has good grades and stay out of trouble, help her all you can. If her attitude is great, again help her. Just as long she doesn't expect it and appreciates what you have done. And not one of them have gotten a ticket or been in an accident and are 18 and 20 now.
ever thought of donating to the troups in iraq? sm
most of the time the only way they have of contacting family at home is by using calling cards. great donations/gifts to send overseas. i know a few and that is all i ever get asked to send.
Question for sending to troops in Iraq (sm)
I want to send my cousin a care package for Christmas but want to know if there is a list of things I cannot send. Can anyone help me out?
TIA!
Letter or card writing to Iraq sm
Get an address for someone in Iraq and have them all write a letter or draw a picture for them.. All it will cost you is to buy some paper & envelopes and provide a stamp, won't cost much more for material than most projects. There was an address on here and perhaps she will e-mail you. My brother never forgot that my son's class did this for him. At that time the postage was free, not so with this president, I assume. I put postage in mine to Iraq, didn't ask.Dont know what the postage is today - it should be free but I seriously doubt it.Perhaps some parents would donate stamps as well.
Have guy cousins in early 20s and my nephew
is 17. They shop a lot at Macy's. We're in the NY area. Apparently certain brand names are "in" like Ecko, Sean John, Polo, etc. but can be very expensive. As far as hairstyles, maybe check out the hairdos on some of the clothing/store websites. Here's one from Macy's. If I lived near you; I'd help with the makeover :) Sounds like fun. lol
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/index.ognc?CategoryID=11345&PageID=11345*1*24*-1*-1&kw=Sean%20John&LinkType=EverGreen
On behalf of my nephew and other GIs overseas, THANK YOU
My nephew reports to me that the anonymous gifts to guys in his unit have been pouring in, lifting their spirits and reminding them of why they are so far from home at this Christmas season. Obviously, I don't know who all of the packages are from but to any of you who have remembered any of our servicemen and women overseas, thank you from the bottom of my heart. These kids (and they are mostly kids 18-25, in my nephew's unit at least) have seen awful things and mostly have to always be on the alert - how BEAUTIFUL that they have been remembered. 
Troops in Iraq throw a puppy off of a cliff.
Marine Corps Base Hawaii is investigating a shocking video of a smiling Marine throwing a puppy off the top of a steep hillside in Iraq into a gully below.
The video today gained widespread attention and condemnation on the Internet.
"The video is shocking and deplorable and is contrary to the high standards we expect of every Marine," the Kane'ohe Bay base said in a release.
Base officials said the video came to their attention this morning. An investigation has been initiated. Maj. Chris Perrine, a Marine spokesman here, said "it's looking like" the Marine is based out of Hawai'i.
"We do not tolerate this type of behavior and will take appropriate action," the base said.
Two Marines are seen in combat gear smiling as one holds a white-and-black puppy by the scruff of its neck. The dog seems to be about 8 weeks old and is motionless as it is held.
"Cute little puppy, huh?" says one Marine as he smiles broadly.
"Oh so cute, so cute, little puppy," says another in a child-like voice.
The Marine holding the puppy is then seen throwing the animal overhand into a desert-like gully below. The animal yelps until it thuds to the ground at the bottom of the gully.
"That's mean," one Marine says afterward.
The 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment of about 1,000 Hawai'i Marines recently replaced a sister unit in Iraq, the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment.
Marine Corps Base Hawai'i said the vast majority of Marines "conduct their duties in an honorable manner that brings great credit upon the Marine Corps and the United States."
There have been numerous stories of Marines adopting pets and bringing them home from Iraq or helping to arrange life-saving medical care for Iraqi children. Those are the stories that exemplify what we stand for and how most Marines behave."
======================================
The video is here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlCiUMoFu84
(Safe for work because it's blurry, but still very disturbing)
Some people have claimed it's possible the video is fake, but it doesn't seem likely.
Really, really sick.
This kind of twisted lack of humanity seems to stem partially from the brutal brainwashing soldiers go through in bootcamp, combined with the severe emotional stress of the field.
Whoever those guys are, I hope they're both discharged immediately, but I also hope they receive serious emotional help.
My husband I have, many times. Gas gouging, oil, immigration, Iraq. sm
he calls about anything he feels they should know about. You would be amazed at how easily you can get through to talk to them. If they are not there, their aide will take a message and you either get a phone call back or a letter.
In Michigan we have Carl Levin, Debby Stabenow, and Vern Ehlers. Their aides and my husband are on a first name basis. Literally. The aides are the front line of the reps and sens etc. They DO make note and you DO get a letter in the mail about your phone call. It doesn't really change anything, but at least the elected officials are aware of what the temprament of the voting public is.
My SIL changed a couple weeks before she had my nephew.
She had to work it out with her insurance who would be paid what but if you aren't comfortable, don't go back. I'd complain to the hospital about the nurse too.
Clueless too and that's what I need to know! I snooped on my nephew's my space...uh-oh
I didn't sign up or anything - I just did a Google of his name with my-space and found it that way...he's not private. He's 18. So how would it/he know who I am? Anyone?
And the best is when I told my sis (his mom) and she said YOU DID?!?!?!?!?!??
I said, didn't you?
She said yeah.
LOL!
Just took my 10 y/o nephew to see The Last Mimzy. What a great movie
t
That's for sure, but my nephew's wife is a school teacher and
actually lost a job some years back because she took a child by the shoulder to calm him down after disrupting the class. They are not permitted to do anything, and God knows so many of the homes these kids come from don't offer any kind of structure or discipline. It is a shame, but we are just letting the morals and beliefs we once stood for be taken over by thugs. The neighborhood I grew up in as a child was once a very nice neighborhood. No one dares go there now. It is in bad shape and filled with drugs and violence. It breaks my heart. 
Update on son graduation/nephew wedding
For those of you who may remember - my son is graduating high school this year and my nephew decided to get married in the same month. I had received an email from my SIL stating that my son's graduation best not interfere with her son's wedding. (longer story - that's the condensed version).
Anyways, my son's graduation is May 15. While at my SIL's today, they announced the wedding is May 11. SO, definitely no conflict (whew) but after a few minutes I realized that the 11th is on a Monday (apparently it's cheaper to get married during the week). And the wedding is in another town which means trying to get off work, get changed, gather all the kids, travel out of town (hour and a half away) and then get back home since the kids have school the next day and the adults all have to work the next day. (definitely not going to stress about it though and will be planning my son's graduation party for the following weekend  )
Thank you! From a Mom who had 2 daughters, serving 3 separate tours in Iraq - twice over Christmas.
.
Warren Jeffs' nephew speaking out - see yahoonews
Apparently the boys, including himself and his brothers, are also molested by this monster. So he is just a horrible child molester who has brainwashed women into giving birth to new victims for him!!!!!
US Soldier Kills 4 Fellow Troops Before Killing Himself At US Base In Iraq
***UPDATE*** The Associated Press reveals more details about the shooter:
The suspect had been disarmed after an earlier incident at the center but returned with another weapon, according to a senior military official in Washington, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation into the shootings was ongoing.
***UPDATE*** The American soldier who shot dead five fellow soldiers at a U.S. base in Baghdad is in custody.
"The shooter is a US soldier and he is in custody," US marine corps lieutenant Tom Garnett, a US military spokesman in Iraq, told reporters.
The New York Times adds some perspective to the tragedy:
The killings appeared to be the worst case of soldier-on-soldier violence among the American forces based in Iraq since the invasion more than six years ago.
The shootings, which took place at a stress clinic, highlight the problem of post-traumatic stress disorder among U.S. soldiers, notes the Guardian:
Stress is one of the biggest killers of US soldiers in Iraq. About a fifth of all US troops are thought to be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, contributing to high divorce and suicide rates. An estimated one fifth of the 4,292 members of the US force in Iraq have died from non-combat causes, either in accidents or from suicide.
***UPDATE*** According to Fox News, White House press secretary Robert Gibbs Monday relayed President Obama's response to the tragedy. Obama expressed shock and sadness and is promising to fully investigate what exactly transpired at Camp Liberty, so as to prevent such incidents in the future.
***UPDATE*** AP has another update. The shooting was at a 'stress clinic':
Pentagon officials say five Americans are dead after a U.S. soldier opened fire at a U.S. base in Baghdad. They say the attacker is in custody.
The officials say the shootings happened on Camp Liberty at a stress clinic, where troops can go for help with the stresses of combat or stress from personal issues.
One senior military official in Washington says it's unclear whether those killed are workers at the clinic or were there for counseling. He says officials also are unsure whether all the dead are members of the military.
***UPDATE*** ABC News reports that the U.S. soldier who attacked fellow troops on a U.S, base in Iraq has killed five of them and is now in custody. Initial reports suggested that he had turned the gun on himself after his rampage.
***UPDATE*** AP now reports that the U.S. soldier who went on a rampage against his fellow troops in Iraq may have survived the incident:
Pentagon officials say five U.S. soldiers are dead after an American soldier opened fire at a U.S. base in Baghdad.
The officials say the shootings happened Monday at Camp Liberty near Baghdad's airport.
One senior military official in Washington said it was not yet clear whether the shooter was among the dead. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the circumstances surrounding the deaths are under investigation.
Initial reports indicated the Army soldier shot several others, then turned the gun on himself. But it was unclear whether he, too, had died.
***UPDATE*** CNN reports that 3 other U.S. soldiers were wounded during the friendly fire incident that has left 5 U.S. troops dead. An American soldier killed 4 of his fellow troops before killing himself.
According to the Washington Post, it is the single greatest loss of life in a single incident involving U.S. soldiers since a truck bomb last month took the lives of 5 American soldiers.
***UPDATE*** CNN has just sent out a breaking news alert reporting that senior defense officials have told the network that a US soldier killed 4 of his fellow troops before killing himself. Check back for more information.
McClatchy is reporting that a shooting at a U.S. base in Baghdad has left 5 soldiers dead. The shooting occurred at Camp Liberty, a base near the Baghdad airport.
What would you all do? My SIL is making my DH attend my nephew's HS grad in Texas this June...sm
We live in Illinois.
He would be taking my youngest son with him also. The total cost of the trip for the two of them would easily be $2000 since my DH does not get paid for taking time off work. If he takes this trip that would mean no vacation for me or my other two kids next year since that's pretty much all we can afford is one vacation a year. She is insisting her only brother (DH) be there at the actual ceremony which is on a Tuesday evening. Then afterwards they plan on going out to dinner to celebrate - no party that would be it.
I would rather we go the following week, drive the entire family and stay the week and celebrate the whole week with them. My son graduates high school in two years and I don't expect her to be at the ceremony for that. We probably wouldn't have enough tickets for her anyway.
DH doesn't have the guts to tell her "No" since she's laying the guilt trip pretty thick.
Do you think we are obligated to go to the ceremony? She has more than enough family members that live over there that could attend (grandparents, aunts, uncles, her other children).
Thanks for any input.
Admit it that YOU put yuor nephew's and your SIL's inheritance share into your POCKET.
It is me who 'got it' very clearly.
I've heard of tops and also heard it is a good group.
Just heard
Very sad indeed.
Never heard of it until now....sm
it sounds like something you'd find in the south. I'm not sure if I like the sounds of it or not!
wow, never heard of it, but thanks!
x
I heard, so sad. I liked him.
yep, once heard it said that if you
expect nothing, you are never dissappointed, so I have learned to expect nothing, and in return, I am always surprised, which makes even the smallest of niceities someone does or says much more appreciated by me. We are to be happy givers, actually expected to give until it hurts, and not to expect anything in return, amen.
You have heard exactly what I have
over the years. I have heard so much of this I probably would swat my children out of their seats at the table if I ever heard these gross sounds. I also hate to hear yawning while dictating. Reminds me of the time I used to work outside my regular job and had a physician who was a terrible dictator in the hospital and at his office (this was a group of physicians, otherwise would not just have worked for him) and one day he dictated a letter to his bank about his account and you got it, every word was letter perfect, perfectly understandable. I think most dictators find the job of doing their reports not high on the totem pole. That is why we as transcriptionists have to put up with all this crap noise they send our way. Sneezes, snorts, eating, drawing on a cigarette (yes, years ago that 1 for me), coughing, smacking, chewing, and yes, that occasional bowel movement thing-- my mother would have killed me if I ever did this!! I learned well at her knee, still am very cognizant of others in a family/social setting.
You said if you really WANT to, well heard the
same subject on weight loss from my aunt. A lot of elderly people's appetites wane and now she talks about a person, all you have to do is push away from the table. Hmmm, sounds a lot like what you are saying. If you really want to. Ok, I am trying now- I want to be beautiful, thinner, rich, and so on and so on. Hey, I really want this so I guess it can come true, right? Like I said, lot of people just do not understand. Maybe she has a good friend somewhere that will understand.
From what I have heard,
they have great personalities. I believe that smaller dogs do need to go out more frequently for a longer period, but if you work at home, maybe this won't be such an issue.
That being said, any puppy takes a lot of time and attention, and if that is going to stress you out, say you have kids and a busy life, the puppy stage can be rough. Thank goodness puppies are soooo cute, LOL. My neighbors are working with a puppy, and unfortunately they got it at 6 weeks. They were really bleary-eyed there for a while, and thought we were really smart to get an adult dog.
Make sure you go to a good breeder. This is a good place to start:
http://www.bichon.org/breeders.htm
They are not more expensive than a "backyard" breeder who is out to make a buck. The less responsible breeders tend to give themselves away by using terms to make their line sound special, but usually mean they are outside the breed standard, or breeding for looks over health. Depending on breed, they may use words like "teacup" "giant," or even "hypoallergenic." Bichons may cause allergies for fewer people, but that doesn't help if you or a family member just happen to be allergic. So what out for such buzzwords designed to sell. A good breeder is going to have questions for you about how ready you are to take on a puppy of their breed, and they will also tell you that if at any time, for any reason, you need to get rid of the dog, call them - not a rescue, not a shelter. They will always take their dog back because they really care about the dog.
If you get one, we want to hear all the puppy (or dog) stories. :oD
Never heard of this...
but will go to Lowe's tomorrow and check it out. That might be something that works in conjunction with the other ideas.
you *heard*???? LOL.........
You *heard that AL Gore's documentary had no facts in it*? And I quote you on that.
Believe half of what you see and nothing of what you *hear* - go do your own research for crying out loud!!!
At least Gore CARES!!
Has anyone heard (sm)
how the poison got into the wheat? Last I heard it was a poison that is not used in this country. 
Just heard from my son
they are finally on the bus and on their way home. We live about 1 1/2 hours from Tech. There is where my son plans on going to college. He actucally told me he loved me on the phone.
I heard that
 on the local news - it is utterly unbelievable!
Um, TOM? Never heard of it.
No hits on my abbreviation site, either.
No, have not heard.
Don't remember the 1997 thing either. Well if it worked back then, I would give it a go, but I feel it is a lost battle. I hate the prices where they are. $2.77 for me at the Gas N Go in NJ. $35.00 just the other day to fill her up.
I heard that!
Also have 2 boys and 1 girl - she is the middle child and has been a challenge since she was a baby. Tonight is the PROM! OMG will I be glad when tonight is over! With my son, it was rent a tux, order the corsage take some pictures, have a good time, be careful with my new car.
With my daughter, it is shop for dresses, shop some more, pick one out, have the store hold it, forgot a 50% deposit, go pay in full, wait a month for them to press it, shoes, slip, find a belly button ring that doesn't show quite so much through the fabric of said dress, purse or no purse, order flower for boyfriend AND also corsage for daughter because boyfriend doesn't feel like ordering corsage and his mother won't do it for him, nails, hair, makeup, be careful with my car (boyfriend is 17 and does not have his license).
Did I mention I will be glad when tonight is over. Truly love her to death, but yikes! Talk about high maintenance.
I have heard it's not at all
uncommon for an older child to go back into diapers and back on the bottle when another baby comes along for the same reason - a plea for attention. My husband is only a little older than his sister, and that's what he did.
So your son simply needs more of your time and attention. I hear 4 and 5 are the most fun ages anyway. :oD
I heard that too...sm
Boy, I hope not...that'd be too weird. I won't watch it either if that happens...
I have never heard of her. I just
read on a spoiler thing something about her and was wondering who she was?!
Never heard of that . .
just the Plott, which was just recognized by the club. It is a short-haired beautiful hound. You may be right, as there are unusual breeds, not yet recognized by the clubs. If you ever watch Crufts Dog Show in England you will see some dogs we do not yet recognize in our clubs.
Thanks for this, I have never tried it but heard about it
and now of course never will try it. I never thought of the fumes, probably would have if I had tried it.
Never heard of it. Do
you get them in stores or have to order them?
Tell me more, have not heard about
NM
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