3.5 weeks and counting buuuut...

Soooo it's been 3.5 weeks since I heard from Chris last.  I "knew" the last time we spoke that the lull in communication was coming, but it doesn't make it any more fun.  To be honest after week 1.5, the worry was significantly trumped by, "I just want to hear his darn voice" which took affect and continues to rein.  No news, is good news =).

Oh, and I officially 100% stay away from googling Afghanistan news articles... well maybe not 100%, but I would say a good 85%.  A girl's got to do what a girl's got to do to sleep at night.  For the record, if there is an article you find via your own google ventures, never hesitate to send to me because there is a 99.9% chance that I already found it (even with my reduction in googling) or it's only a matter of time until I do =).

I decided this evening to dabble/ try and pick back up my love for Brian Williams and NBC Nightly news... lasted for about five minutes.  It's not that I am avoiding reality - trust me, I am aware of what's going on in the world, I would just rather read it via my own inner voice than hear it via someone who gets paid for their "mastering" (depends on the network) in tone of voice (not knocking the talent by any means, I fully appreciate it and if I do say so, myself can be pretty good at myself when necessary).  

I am sure everyone has read or seen on the news today (and everyday) - the reports on the number of American's who continue to give make the ultimate sacrifice.  (A report that I fully appreciate and think is absolutely necessary.)  

I understand that it's the media's job to "report" and attempt to do so in a "bipartisan/unbiased" fashion (which we all know is rarely the case) and, in my opinion, regardless of what your views are of the wars in Afghanistan/ Iraq if there is one issue that can be given good heart felt bipartisan/unbiased coverage, it's "supporting our troops."  Not supporting the war, supporting our troops.

For the record, I realize my usage of "it's a bipartisan issue" is fully loaded and it can be argued 10,000 ways as to why it is or why it's not a bipartisan issue (trust me I would be happy to give it a go), but my point or question is - the media sticks it's bipartisan/unbiased tone wherever it sees fit (sarcasm) - would it really be all that difficult to report the number of American's who continue to give make the ultimate sacrifice and end with something like, "thank you for allowing us to keep protecting our freedom" instead of just moving right along? 

Just a thought.

Back to the main reason for my post - 3.5 weeks (since I heard from Chris last) and counting buuuuut... no news, is good news and a happy note: today was the official last day to ship packages!  I use an "!" because that means we will be getting a more narrowed down home coming window soon!!!  Hooray Hooray Hooray!  

Thank you soooo verrrryyyy MUCH for sending packages - it truly keeps them going.  If you have sent packages within the last month, rest assured he has probably gotten them/ will get them.  I will inquire and let you know when I hear his precious voice again (yes, Marines are precious when their wives say so =)). 

It's sleepy time.  Thanks for reading and I hope you have a great night!

~Elizabeth

Geeeeeeting Closer!

Happy Tuesday!

Although, it's been two weeks since I have heard from Chris (no news, is good news), I got the package cutoff date, which meannnnnnsssssss we should be getting a "coming home" date soon!  Hooray!!!

Please send all packages prior to September first.  Any mail received in country after September 15 will be forwarded to the states.

Mail is truly a part of what keeps them going =).

THANKS to EVERYONE for sending packages the past couple of months!

Have a great night!

Weekly Update Is Back!

Sorry for making you squint.  I am still trying to figure out how to better enlarge the image below.

 

For better viewing check out the facebook group: 3rd Battalion 7th Marines, The Cutting Edge.

Chris is with Lima Company.

3/7 Rockin' It

Afghan soldiers, Company K Marines patrol through Sangin

Article Link: http://dvidshub.net/news/54503/afghan-soldiers-company-k-marines-patrol-through-sangin

Regimental Combat Team-2, 1st Marine Division Public Affairs

Story by Cpl. Ned Johnson

Date: 08.13.2010

Posted: 08.13.2010 02:43

News ID: 54503

SANGIN, Afghanistan – The morning started with a huge explosion as a platoon crossed a creek into unexplored territory.

With heavily armored vehicles as their guide, Marines with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 2, cleared several compounds, looking for improvised explosive devices and signs of insurgent activity.

Marines patrolled the unknown area alongside the Afghan National Army and placed the ANA soldiers at the front to help them establish a relationship with the people.

“Our mission was to push further into enemy territory, show our force, and clear compounds known to be used by the Taliban,” said Lance Cpl. Brennan O’Boyle, an infantryman with Company K, 3rd Bn., 7th Marines.

“Whenever we went into a compound that was occupied, we made sure to send the ANA first,” said Staff Sgt. Armando Hopkins, a platoon sergeant with Company K, 3rd Bn., 7th Marines. “We want the people to see that the ANA is here to help them, which means the Marines are also here to help.”

With Marines tracking closely behind, the ANA came to the first compound.


“We found nothing in the first compound, but after we had been there for a few minutes, two rocket propelled grenades were fired at us,” O’Boyle said.

Not long after the rockets were fired, that compound became worth the risk.

“While we were there, a male who lived in the house told us he knew where a Taliban safe house was located,” said O’Boyle, a 23-year-old native of Chicago.

After the first compound was clear, the Marines continued on to more compounds. A few compounds later, the mission would pay off.

“In one of the compounds we found several improvised explosive devices,” O’Boyle said. “There were multiple artillery rounds that were filled with homemade explosives and primed.”

The IEDs were not wired to explode, but stored like a weapons cache, according to Hopkins.

“We were able to destroy the devices and monitor that compound with future patrols”, Hopkins said.

Moments later, an ground-shaking controlled detonation rocked nearby compounds. This startled the Marines but they continued to push forward. Throughout the day Marines came upon more compounds and continued to clear.

With each compound cleared and relationships established with a few locals, ANA soldiers and Marines headed back to base.

Marines had inspected the compounds for insurgent activity, but that was not the only goal of the mission.

“We also checked the compounds to make sure they were not booby-trapped for the safety of the people and Afghan National Army,” said Hopkins, a 26-year-old native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Hopkins said the mission was a success, but it won’t be the last time Marines clear that area.
“We are still going to police the area,” said O’Boyle. “We want to keep the locals happy and safe as best we can.”

It's Not Official...

Until you have a Wedding (vow renewal) Website!

http://www.theknot.com/ourwedding/ElizabethCourtmanParks&ChrisParks

A Month in Pictures =)

Hello blogger friends!  I hope everyone is doing well this, Wednesday, August 11!  Phew, another summer month down, but I can officially say 2 month(ish) until Chris gets back!  Whoooo!  As was the month of June, the month of July proved to be … hmmm… never a dull moment …

July 1: My Birthday!!!


A week full of celebration: Aqua al 2, Art and Soul, Strawberry Cake, Cantina Marina, Cap Lounge, Uncle Julio's, Clarendon Ballroom.


Thanks to all of my amazing family and friends for making turning the big 2-6 fabulous!

July 8 - 12: Mom and Em Came to Visit!!!


Nats Game, Natural History Museum, VIPs at the Marine Corps Evening Parade, Getting Organized, Shopping and best of all Love Love Love.

July 12

Happy: Dinner and catching up with a friend in town from Auburn.

Sad: Thanks to a torrential downpour and a drain that could not handle the flood behind my apartment, my apartment flooded...

Happy: None of my stuff (with the exception of few suitcases) was damaged

AND

I don't have nearly as much stuff as I thought I did considering everything I own (with the exception of a few pieces of furniture) fit in my bathroom and my kitchen.

Special thanks to Honey G. and K. Chandler for giving me a place to live during the week I was homeless =).

July 17 
Friend's Birthday Party on a Rooftop Overlooking the Capitol.
Best view in the city.  
I love when this city humbles me =)

July 19
New Carpet!!!  

July 18
A jump start, a new tire, a new alternator and a new serpentine belt all in one day!
  
I now know allllll about my alternator/ serpentine belt because I would not let them work on my car until they explained ever single detail to me.  


Happy to share my new found knowledge =)

July 20

A 3 hour Urgent Care experience (I developed a sinus infection/ cough at some point) that you probably would not believe if I told you... 

A Glimpse: 

The Doctor saw me and then sent me for a chest x-ray... she said she would be right back to give me my prescription... she needed to run to the bank...

July 23
Dave Matthews Band at Nats Stadium
Floor "seats" Ruled!!!
***Photo taken by yours truly, pretty proud of myself =)***

July 27
New Orleans for Work

July 28 - 31
Home to Fairhope for Vow Renewal/ Party Planning 2011!

August 1

Flight from P'Cola Delayed 2 Hours.

Finally board the plane and take off.

Mid ascent and shortly after a strange noise...
flight attendant SPRINTS from the back of the plane to the front...

My heart stops and the two men sitting in front of me look at each other and almost simultaneously say, "that's not good."

Context Clues:  Flight Attendants briskly walk back down the aisle with stacks of napkins - HUGE sigh of relief, clearly someone was sick however, not nearly that cut and dry...

Long Story Short:
After the Flight Attendant's panicked request over the intercom, "is there a Doctor on board, we have a sick passenger,"

the flight (headed for Charlotte) was diverted to ATL for an emergency landing because of sick passenger,

Then Discovery: sick passenger is not only on tons of meds and weighing all of 110lbs, but she also downed 3 White Russians during the 2 hour delay in P'Cola,

Emergency diversion to ATL - Cancelled
We finally made it to Charlotte where I sprinted to make my flight back to DCA, but I made it =)

Ahh the joys of travel these days...

At least I had plenty to keep my mind off of Chris =)?

Whoooo for only having a few more months until he gets back!

From CO and Sgt Major

****I have edited portions of the letters below for security reasons, but I am happy to share the edited content with those that are interested just shoot me an e-mail.***

Chris is with Lima Co.

From the Battalion Commander: 

Hello 3/7 Families:

Since the last letter I wrote, the battalion has been assigned a new area to conduct operations. The battalion’s new area is around ****.  Our mission remains the same: in partnership with Afghan Army forces, we provide security to the honest Afghan civilians who are trying to live a life without being strong-armed by insurgent forces.  The men have worked hard and have succeeded in moving equipment, vehicles, sustainment goods, and alike over a large distance to our new operating area. When fighting is required, your men have displayed the highest levels of bravery I have witnessed in combat.  Sergeant Major Black and I are proud to walk amongst the men in all the companies’ operating areas as they continue to display a high level of professionalism and proficiency.

Lima Company has been operating in another area for the past month and I am happy to report they will be moving and rejoining us in our new area in early August.  I continue to receive praise on the performance and professionalism of Lima Company by leaders of units they have worked alongside.  

I know the communication with home continues to be a challenge.  Most of your Marines and sailors are operating in an expeditionary manner and have been laser-focused on the mission.  I have the upmost confidence that spouses and parents understand this challenge and will be patient as we are working on acquiring more phones once the men get some rest and refit time.  I thank you all for your strength, your commitment, and for all that you do while your loved ones are deployed.      

Men in this battalion have given their lives for the freedom of our country.  I tell you with pride that the men of this battalion are more committed to the mission than ever and they continue to press on with resilience.  I have never been as honored in my life as I am to be associated with the warriors of this battalion.  Until they return, know that the Marines and sailors of 3/7 will continue to do great things here in Afghanistan.

Semper Fidelis,

LtCol Clay Tipton

 

From Sgt Major: 

Hello Friends and Family of 3/7,

Where to start? The battalion has been very busy this past month or so. We have moved to ****, another place that needs our attention, and have been involved in some significant operations that have spread us over a very large piece of the country. The Marines have performed superbly during this time and it is not surprising they are none the worse for wear.

For the folks back home, time should be ticking by pretty fast now. The next big goal for all of you is Labor Day weekend, the start of school and the end of summer. Before long, we will begin to see Marines being sent home on the advance party to prepare the battalion for its return and to send some of our great Marines to schools to prepare the battalion for the next training cycle.

It is during these last couple months, that I encourage everyone to take an interest in making preparations for our return. Lori has information that will help guide everyone through this time and I highly encourage everyone to take the time to read some literature or if possible to attend some classes on what to experience when we get home. For the families and wives that have not experienced a deployment before, there are some unique and humorous things that occur when Marines get home.  Something as simple as watching TV will appear to be the most amazing thing the Marines have ever seen. You may catch your Marine gazing for long periods of time at the tube with their mouth wide open and completely speechless. Try not to interfere or you may startle them and interrupt the moment. There is also some emotional transition as the Marines will be changing from seeing other Marines 24 hrs a day to seeing you. This is a welcome time and what we all look forward most to.

I have waited until now to begin to talk about the Marine Corps Birthday Ball. For many, this is a wonderful and fulfilling experience. The time to celebrate the birth of our Corps is one of the longest and most cherished traditions we have. It is a time to celebrate our history, our fighting spirit and our appreciation for the patriotic deeds and sacrifices of our Corps. This year the Ball will have a significant undertone as a Homecoming and a celebration for the sacrifices some of our Marines have made during this deployment. We have gone all out for the Ball this year by having it a Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas.  We have also worked very hard at keeping the cost low and Cesar’s Palace has worked to make a truly memorable experience for all.  Lori and GySgt Smith will be putting out more information on the website pertaining to the Ball, but rest assured, the Marines are overwhelmed with excitement to attend this special evening with their loved ones and with their fellow warriors that they have endured a very challenging and arduous deployment with. I am sure that we will all have a wonderful time.

Lastly, I would like to remind everyone that although the days until we get home are getting shorter, there is work to be done both here and at home. We will be working very hard right up until the time we come home. Lt. Col Tipton and I are impressed everyday with the performance of these great young American’s. Their endurance and mission focus is unmatched. We ask that you continue to provide them with encouragement.

See you all soon.

SgtMaj Black