After flight cancellation & a delay, he's home! When we got home at 02:30 this morning, laying in bed, listening to him unpack and settle in for the night, Alex asked me to pinch him so he could verify that it all wasn't just a dream...
my husband and I skype all the time and he always has connection, not always the best and i lose him sometimes but for the most part it works very well!
Lina40 - please accept my family's condolences on the loss of your nephew. My heart breaks for your family. I've been preoccupied and am sorry for the lateness of this post.
Donna - hang on to the times you've had. Chris speaks highly of Steve.
Outrageous pic Kathy!
Well, Tuesday afternoon will see us at RDU once again saying "see ya soon" to Chris. 26 days haven't been enough....yeah, am greedy.
Chris should be in the air, headed back to play in the sand with his two & four legged buddies! Was a great, but, all too short leave. As he says, " Hey, it's all good".
Thanks to you all for your strength & kindnesses.
Donna: He wasn't so "Gary Cooper" once he was home. lol
He told a friend, " Hey, I play with dogs & good people all day at work! What a great job!!" I pray he's able to go to K9 school after his tour in the sand. I don't think he's ever pinned so many hopes & dreams on anything before this. He would be crushed.
He's got another year in the sand. Yes, he got back OK. We got a very verbose text, "I'm here." Back to being Gary Cooper! lol
Yep, guess he has "dog envy"! He so wants to take up "leash". He spent lots of time with Ms. KC. He'd give her a command & told me I'd slacked on her training. Showed him...I'd give the same command, which would be followed. Guess who's dog she has become? She didn't like it when she checked his room the night he left. She did her usual bed check & not finding him, she came to me to find out why. She was a sad fur ball. Hmm, come to think of it, so are we.
Someone in my flight to FL said, " well, that's what they signed up for." came soooo close to needing an Air Marshall & EMS. grrrrrrrrrr. Dumbass, unfeeling, uninformed........
Jaw still hurts from clenching, fingers wanting to wrap around things, tongue has bite marks. They shut up when someone called attention to my "Blue Star" pin. If only jets had trash shutes! Donation!!
Am unaware of chapters. Stupidly just thought it was a pin to shoe respect for our people deployed out of the States. Guess I need to do further homework! Hope I didn't step wrong?!
OK! I didn't want to be disrespectful out of ignorance. I'd understood that the wearer had to be considered close family to the person deployed on active duty. I also have a matching pennant in a window of our house. I got both online by Googling "Blue Star pins & flags". Thanks for the help!! : )
I love the "guy & his dog" shots! Both handsome!
My Service Pins & flag have are gold edged, red bordered, white field with a blue five point star edged in gold. It has a black rubber tac to pin it down.
About the Service Flag
The Service flag is an official banner authorized by the Department of Defense for display by families who have members serving in the Armed Forces during any period of war or hostilities the United States may be engaged in for the duration of such hostilities.
The Service flag, also called the Blue Star Flag, was designed and patented by WWI Army Captain Robert L. Queisser of the 5th Ohio Infantry who had two sons serving on the front line. The flag quickly became the unofficial symbol of a child in service. President Wilson became part of this history when in 1918 he approved a suggestion made by the Women's Committee of the Council of National Defenses that mothers who had lost a child serving in the war wear a gold gilt star on the traditional black mourning arm band. This led to the tradition of covering the blue star with a gold star on the Service flag to indicate that the service member has died.
During WWII the practice of displaying the Service flag became much more widespread. Most flags were hand made by mothers across the nation. One of the most famous flags was that of the five Sullivan brothers who all perished on the U.S.S. Juneau.
The Blue Star Mothers was founded as a Veteran Service Organization and was part of a movement to provide care packages to military members serving overseas and also provided assistance to families who encountered hardships as a result of their son or husband serving in the war.
In 1960 Congress chartered the Blue Star Mothers of America as a Veterans Service Organization and in 1966, the Department of Defense revised the specifications for design, manufacture and display of the Service flag.
The Department of Defense specifies that family members authorized to display the flag include the wife, husband, mother, father, stepmother or father, parent through adoption, foster parents, children, stepchildren, children through adoption, brothers, sisters and half brothers or sisters of a member of the Armed Forces of the United States. The flag should be displayed in a window of the residence of persons authorized.
The Service flag may also be displayed by an organization to honor the members of that organization serving during a period of war or hostilities.
The Service Flag is an indoor flag and should be flown facing out from the front window of the home or organization.
If the U.S. flag is also displayed with the Service flag, the U.S. flag should be of equal or greater proportions and should take the place of honor above the Service flag.
Each blue star on the flag represents a service member in active duty. A gold star is displayed if a service member is killed in action or dies in service. If several stars are displayed by one family the gold star takes the honor of being placed at the top. The gold star should be slightly smaller than the blue star to create a blue border surrounding the gold star.
Display of a Service Star Banner is done during times of war. Once again families are displaying banners at home.
Flags may be purchased on the internet at ServiceFlags.com
Heidi-my son will be heading there in October as well. I, too have lots of questions.He is supposed to be there 2 years-has anyone experienced that ever changing after they get there?
Thanks Leta! Got photos done while Chris home in July. He so hates a photo op, but did it for Al & I. Nice kid!!!! Got my hair cut & donated last Feb & with photos figured it was time to change my profile!
Jane- haven't heard of less time on the two year up. Chris signed for two years while at MA school when he was "voluntold" to go to Bahrain.
I think that is what happened with my son too. I believe Guam and Japan were out there too-he is excited. I want to learn what I can to be even more supportive. I hear most of the sailors who have been there enjoyed their time.
I'm so glad you saw the item! Leo got the spotlight, I'm glad they noted his two legged buddy!
Thanks about the hair! Donated it on the 10th anniversary of my friends passing. Chris did his in her honor also just prior to HS graduation.
My son just arrived in Bahrain on Sunday. He's been told he'll meet his crew and stay only until October. Is that really how they do it? His crew is on 9 month deployment and should return to San Diego in October so he'll only spend a month or two there and come back for 9 months. I've also been told not to think about visiting him there. I'd love to go but I've heard conflicting stories about whether or not you should.
Letzfly - very expensive to visit. Don't think there is a "lodge" there.
MA Chris talked about overcrowding shortly after he got there. Ole "Gary Cooper" hasn't mentioned it of late. It would seem the powers that be weren't watching close enough. Shame someone gets dumped for shortsightedness on their part. Chris loves his job.
Tammy My son is a mineman. His crew was out when he arrived but he said they are to return tomorrow. He was told he will join them and stay until they go back to San Diego in October. Then he'll be there 9 months.
I have lots of frequent flier miles, that's one reason I would consider the trip. I've been lucky to talk to him almost every day but I'm sure that will change soon.
Chris talked about Italy as being one of his picks. He got stuck at Milan's airport on his way home on leave! Said there were lots of pretty women.
Oooh! It's official, finally. Chris rocked his advancement test & is MAPO3. He scared us with a Skype call over the weekend, never Skypes. He looked tired but great to us. After some idle talk he showed us a packet containing his uniform vestments. He was so happy! One of his bosses came by his room & had tossed it at him with congratulations. For a guy who was a "disinterested student" in the past, his score sound like he'd really gotten interested!! Yea!!!!!!
I got a call at 4:45 am, he doesn't get the 10 hour time difference?!?! He said he's going to Iraq tomorrow. He also said he flies back to San Diego 10/7. Not sure what base, he was moved to 32nd St temporarily before he left. Seems strange that they sent him for only a month but I won't complain.
Hi Ladies! :) My daughter just finished IS A school, then she has C school and THEN she is scheduled to go to Bahrain Dec. 29th. She is VERY excited.. I am excited for her, but wish she wasn't going to be sooooooooooo far away!!! Any advice or info you want to pass along would be great! Thanks!
Happy Labor Day ladies!
Mom2 - Welcome aboard, hope we can help! Feel free to; ask, rant, cheer, "b", moan, & chime in. This bunch had been my touchstone for the past 15 months & I couldn't have made it without them. Enjoy!
We are from the Northeast, so I the climate there is going to be a HUGE change for my daughter!!
How long are most of your sons/daughters stationed there? My daughter doesn't know yet how long she'll be there. Do most of your sons/daughters come home on leave, or is it too far and too expensive? Have any of your visited them there?
MA Chris is from NC & deployed there June of 2010, for 2 years. He came home in July on his first leave! Cost him $1.200. We don't plan to visit. We're awaiting word on his next adventure!
We are from Upstate NY. Yea, I checked out tix and they were running around $1200... I can't imagine going so long without seeing her.. this military life is hard to adjust to! Thanks for the welcome all!!
To our sons & daughters, sisters & brothers, moms & dads, etc. who served & serve now to protect & defend the freedoms we enjoy...
We thank you. We treasure you. We honor you.
9/11 We can't forget. We won't forget.
In our hearts. On our minds.
Fair winds and following seas to our loved ones.
Haven't heard if "he's gone to the dogs"! Got everything crossed that will cross! Been very "Gary Cooper" lately. No word since news of getting MA3. Makes me nuts with the suspense.
trashline27
Jul 3, 2011
chriscwick
Jul 4, 2011
chriscwick
Jul 4, 2011
chriscwick
Jul 5, 2011
chriscwick
Love & thanks to all, Chris & the Guys (NC3)
Jul 8, 2011
jennnyj
Jul 9, 2011
chriscwick
Donna - hang on to the times you've had. Chris speaks highly of Steve.
Jul 12, 2011
chriscwick
I know your feelings are hurt now, he'll "get it" one day.
Jul 19, 2011
chriscwick
Jul 24, 2011
chriscwick
Well, Tuesday afternoon will see us at RDU once again saying "see ya soon" to Chris. 26 days haven't been enough....yeah, am greedy.
Aug 1, 2011
chriscwick
Thanks to you all for your strength & kindnesses.
Aug 2, 2011
chriscwick
He told a friend, " Hey, I play with dogs & good people all day at work! What a great job!!" I pray he's able to go to K9 school after his tour in the sand. I don't think he's ever pinned so many hopes & dreams on anything before this. He would be crushed.
Aug 3, 2011
chriscwick
Yep, guess he has "dog envy"! He so wants to take up "leash". He spent lots of time with Ms. KC. He'd give her a command & told me I'd slacked on her training. Showed him...I'd give the same command, which would be followed. Guess who's dog she has become? She didn't like it when she checked his room the night he left. She did her usual bed check & not finding him, she came to me to find out why. She was a sad fur ball. Hmm, come to think of it, so are we.
Aug 5, 2011
chriscwick
Aug 8, 2011
chriscwick
Aug 9, 2011
chriscwick
Aug 9, 2011
chriscwick
Aug 9, 2011
chriscwick
My Service Pins & flag have are gold edged, red bordered, white field with a blue five point star edged in gold. It has a black rubber tac to pin it down.
Aug 10, 2011
chriscwick
The Service flag is an official banner authorized by the Department of Defense for display by families who have members serving in the Armed Forces during any period of war or hostilities the United States may be engaged in for the duration of such hostilities.
The Service flag, also called the Blue Star Flag, was designed and patented by WWI Army Captain Robert L. Queisser of the 5th Ohio Infantry who had two sons serving on the front line. The flag quickly became the unofficial symbol of a child in service. President Wilson became part of this history when in 1918 he approved a suggestion made by the Women's Committee of the Council of National Defenses that mothers who had lost a child serving in the war wear a gold gilt star on the traditional black mourning arm band. This led to the tradition of covering the blue star with a gold star on the Service flag to indicate that the service member has died.
During WWII the practice of displaying the Service flag became much more widespread. Most flags were hand made by mothers across the nation. One of the most famous flags was that of the five Sullivan brothers who all perished on the U.S.S. Juneau.
The Blue Star Mothers was founded as a Veteran Service Organization and was part of a movement to provide care packages to military members serving overseas and also provided assistance to families who encountered hardships as a result of their son or husband serving in the war.
In 1960 Congress chartered the Blue Star Mothers of America as a Veterans Service Organization and in 1966, the Department of Defense revised the specifications for design, manufacture and display of the Service flag.
The Department of Defense specifies that family members authorized to display the flag include the wife, husband, mother, father, stepmother or father, parent through adoption, foster parents, children, stepchildren, children through adoption, brothers, sisters and half brothers or sisters of a member of the Armed Forces of the United States. The flag should be displayed in a window of the residence of persons authorized.
The Service flag may also be displayed by an organization to honor the members of that organization serving during a period of war or hostilities.
The Service Flag is an indoor flag and should be flown facing out from the front window of the home or organization.
If the U.S. flag is also displayed with the Service flag, the U.S. flag should be of equal or greater proportions and should take the place of honor above the Service flag.
Each blue star on the flag represents a service member in active duty. A gold star is displayed if a service member is killed in action or dies in service. If several stars are displayed by one family the gold star takes the honor of being placed at the top. The gold star should be slightly smaller than the blue star to create a blue border surrounding the gold star.
Display of a Service Star Banner is done during times of war. Once again families are displaying banners at home.
Flags may be purchased on the internet at ServiceFlags.com
Aug 10, 2011
chriscwick
Aug 11, 2011
chriscwick
Aug 11, 2011
chriscwick
Aug 15, 2011
Jane-Adam's mom
Aug 16, 2011
chriscwick
Jane- haven't heard of less time on the two year up. Chris signed for two years while at MA school when he was "voluntold" to go to Bahrain.
Aug 16, 2011
Jane-Adam's mom
Aug 16, 2011
chriscwick
Aug 18, 2011
chriscwick
Thanks about the hair! Donated it on the 10th anniversary of my friends passing. Chris did his in her honor also just prior to HS graduation.
Aug 18, 2011
chriscwick
Aug 23, 2011
chriscwick
Aug 27, 2011
letzfly Ship 11 Div 365
Aug 30, 2011
chriscwick
MA Chris talked about overcrowding shortly after he got there. Ole "Gary Cooper" hasn't mentioned it of late. It would seem the powers that be weren't watching close enough. Shame someone gets dumped for shortsightedness on their part. Chris loves his job.
Aug 30, 2011
letzfly Ship 11 Div 365
Tammy My son is a mineman. His crew was out when he arrived but he said they are to return tomorrow. He was told he will join them and stay until they go back to San Diego in October. Then he'll be there 9 months.
I have lots of frequent flier miles, that's one reason I would consider the trip. I've been lucky to talk to him almost every day but I'm sure that will change soon.
Aug 31, 2011
chriscwick
Oooh! It's official, finally. Chris rocked his advancement test & is MAPO3. He scared us with a Skype call over the weekend, never Skypes. He looked tired but great to us. After some idle talk he showed us a packet containing his uniform vestments. He was so happy! One of his bosses came by his room & had tossed it at him with congratulations. For a guy who was a "disinterested student" in the past, his score sound like he'd really gotten interested!! Yea!!!!!!
Aug 31, 2011
chriscwick
Sep 1, 2011
letzfly Ship 11 Div 365
Sep 1, 2011
chriscwick
Stay safe, well & happy!
: )
Sep 2, 2011
Mom2aSailor
My daughter just finished IS A school, then she has C school and THEN she is scheduled to go to Bahrain Dec. 29th. She is VERY excited.. I am excited for her, but wish she wasn't going to be sooooooooooo far away!!! Any advice or info you want to pass along would be great! Thanks!
Sep 5, 2011
chriscwick
Mom2 - Welcome aboard, hope we can help! Feel free to; ask, rant, cheer, "b", moan, & chime in. This bunch had been my touchstone for the past 15 months & I couldn't have made it without them. Enjoy!
Sep 5, 2011
chriscwick
Sep 5, 2011
chriscwick
Sep 5, 2011
Mom2aSailor
We are from the Northeast, so I the climate there is going to be a HUGE change for my daughter!!
How long are most of your sons/daughters stationed there? My daughter doesn't know yet how long she'll be there. Do most of your sons/daughters come home on leave, or is it too far and too expensive? Have any of your visited them there?
Thanks for the welcome girls!!
Sep 5, 2011
chriscwick
Sep 5, 2011
Mom2aSailor
Sep 6, 2011
chriscwick
Sep 9, 2011
chriscwick
We thank you. We treasure you. We honor you.
9/11 We can't forget. We won't forget.
In our hearts. On our minds.
Fair winds and following seas to our loved ones.
Sep 11, 2011
Mom2aSailor
How long have your sailors been stationed in Bahrain? My daughter thinks hers is a 1 year stint.
Sep 13, 2011
Mom2aSailor
Anyone have an IS in Bahrain?
Sep 14, 2011
chriscwick
I do so love the homecoming countdowns!!
Sep 14, 2011
chriscwick
Sep 15, 2011
chriscwick
Sep 17, 2011