thought you all should see this.

Some Devin related pics.

GeeGee's Baptist Home Roll of Honor

Devin’s Grandmother assembled this “Roll of Honor” at the Baptist Home in Rhinebeck NY to honor the loved ones of residents and employees who are serving in the Armed Forces.

This is the vehicle that is replacing the Hummer in Iraq.

Army’s new runabout in Iraq! (courtesy of wikipedia)

Shalom all!

papaj

Hey there!  Sorry I’m so slack about posting, like Lynn, I’m not very good with technology!  I am glad to hear you made it to the desert.  I can only imagine what it must be like over there.  I wouldn’t have suspected it would be so cold.  Be on the look out for a box.  I haven’t quite mailed it yet, but I have the best intentions!  Let me know if there is anything specific you want/need.

Things here are going well.  We are getting ready for Christmas.  The boys are very excited.  I had to stop using the old, “do you want me to call Santa?” when they are naughty because I don’t think that will work for me in February or June!  We sure will miss you over the holidays.  We will have a big time next year when you are home. 

We are very proud of you.  There isn’t a day that goes by when I don’t wonder how you are, or where you are for that matter!  Please just be safe and smart!  I’m sorry I didn’t get a chance to talk to you before you left.  I had all these great things I was going to say in the voicemail, but I started to cry when I heard the beep!  Typical, I know!

Take care dude and we talk to you soon! We all love you bunches!

Devin's in Iraq!

Hello everyone, hope all is groovy in the hood. Things are good here. Can’t post on the Internet where I am or what I’m doing. Just know It’s sandy, windy and cold as hell.

Thank you for all the support! It feels good to know that I have family and friends to come home to. I have guys with me that don’t have families waiting for them. I feel great about the guys I’m with. You know it’s true what they say when you make a bond with the guys you’re in combat with. It’s a different kind of bond. I know that the guy next to me will take one for me if need be and I’d do the same, well… most of the guys!

I really don’t know how to reply to y’alls comments. I was never really good with words. Just know all of y’all are here with me… freezing our asses off right now B/C your 1st Sgt told you to pack them and send them ahead of you and now you don’t have them, so we are all cold as hell and you can’t say anything B/C he’s the 1st SGT. hahaha

Please every one keep writing B/C it’s nice to hear from home and to hear what everyone is doing.

Jarrett, you are with me bro, in this foxhole we dug all damn day! Grammy, thanks for the letters, I have them with me and please keep them coming. Papa, I feel honored to be following in your footsteps. Cat, Thanks for being my motorcycle buddy. Maybe we can hit a race when I come back. Lynn, I love you for being the great and loving Aunt a nephew always needs and tell Pat I won’t let him down. We will finish the job he started all those years ago. Karen, tell the boys I’ll send them some “way cool” stuff from the sand box and tell Troy to keep it up with the hunting. I look forward to having some deer when I get back.  Maybe we’ll take out his 4 wheelers.  

Mud and Dad… I don’t know what to say… some kids don’t get the chance to grow up like a normal kid should. I guess I was one of the lucky ones and Mom, thanks for giving Dad that second chance on your first date.

Love everyone from the “Box”

PFC, Carey

1-505 PIR 82nd Airborne Division

Hey there nephew, I finely learned how to put a message on your web site. You know your Aunt Lynn, not very bright with a computer. OK, about you, Pat and I are very PROUD of you. You know that Pat is especially proud, for you are doing what he did for 27 years. He was right where you are in 1991 in Iraq. There’s not much for me to say except that we love you. Please be safe over there, don’t do anything stupid and come home to all of us in one piece.
Love You Nephew,
Aunt Lynn

Well…here we are.  My little brother going to War.  I guess i have got a lot of emotions flying through my head.  

I wish I could follow him. I wish that I could share a foxhole with him.  I wish I could be there to kick anyone’s ass that has the yarbles to mess with MY kid brother.  I guess thats the Big brother in me.  Only i am allowed to pick on him, beat him up, or otherwise give him hell.

I guess I should realize that he can take care of himself from now on.  We’re not 12 years old anymore.  I dont have to defend him from the bullies on the bus.  He is now going to defend ME from the bullies in the Mid- East.

So here it is.  Devin…I am more proud of you than any big brother has ever been.  I’m proud of the man you are.  I am proud that you are my brother. 

I have a set of your dog tags.  I’m not taking them off till you get home.

better hurry…cause they chafe like hell

jarrett

DD,   You know we all love you. You know we are all so very proud of you.  What you need to keep in your mind, is far more scary than where you are going…..VERY IMPORTANT. If you don’t be careful, if you get even a scratch on your beautiful sweet self, there will be a long line to kick your bloomin arse…. THEN  We’ll make you spend loooong loooong days in your fathers company (with no Mud for a buffer) and  with no breaks!!  24/7.     (Love you big brother, but that should scare him safe….

When we can I’ll send PICS of the winter here in Colorado.  Snowed Thanksgiving night and all day Friday, cold as heck Saturday and it was 60 and breezy today.  I love it here.  Have pics of my ‘house of misfit pets’, too, of course.

Post when you can and please be safe. We love you and pray for you and all your mates. HEY, if it occurs to you, tell us what all you guys can have and share….and who has no one writing to him/her and we can introduce ourselves and spread around the friendship, pride, THANKS and wishes.  It’ll be fun!!  My co-workers at the PD can ‘adopt a soldier’!!  COOL!  I’m sure you’ll be a bit busy, but when you can…..

Love you DD and our thoughts are with you all, ‘n hey, just cuz everyone else jumps outta planes, doesn’t mean you gotta be a lemming….

Yer favritist Anty on yer Pa’s side, ever ever ever,

The Cat

Devin, we are so incredibly proud of you!! Okay…well, actually Austin and Dylan just think you are waaayyyy cool!!!  They especially like to see your pictures. I think Troy is just jealous that you get to carry the big guns and throw grenades and stuff )  Or maybe the truth is he is jealous that I think you look smokin hot in that uniform – hee hee!

Your mom and dad do a fantastic job with this site, we’re so glad to be able to keep up with you and all of your achievements! Life here for us is ordinary, we certainly aren’t doing anything nearly as interesting or honorable as you so I will just tell you that Troy and I keep you close in our thoughts and prayers and will continue to do so.  Stay safe, remain strong and full of courage, keep positive thoughts and continue to smile!  Always, always remember that we are here at home supporting you. We miss you, we love you to pieces and we are sending BIG cozy bear hugs your way!!  Thank you for your service, sacrifice and dedication!!!  With much love and admiration – Troy, Karen, Austin & Dylan ♥

Well we’re coming down to the wire. Devin says that he could ship out anytime after this weekend so Cindy and I are leaving in the morning (Friday after Thanksgiving) for three days at Bragg. This will more than likely be the last time we see him for a long time. There’s a chance that he may get some leave time during the next year and we may be able to see him then. He gets a free round trip and is trying to decide what to do. So far Ireland, Australia, Hawaii, and Niagara Falls have been mentioned.

I’ll update this when we get back and have some more info. PLEASE get beck in the habit of writing. He should be able to access the Internet from Iraq so this will be a great touch of home and family. Cindy and I intend to get involved with support groups and I urge everybody to get as involved as you feel up to. Our soldiers deserve it!

Take care! Love y’all!

papaj

Well, it’s been awhile since I’ve updated info here. I’ll spend a minute bringing everybody up-to-date and then give a little of the projected schedule as we know it.

As y’all know, Devin graduated Airborne and joined the 82nd at Ft. Bragg, NC. While there he received the news (tentative as all in the Army is) that his division would be deployed to Iraq, possibly by the end of November or early December. He spent about a month at Bragg and then left to go for a three week training exercise in Ft. Polk, Louisiana. (How they got Louisiana to look like Iraq is beyond me, but they did!) He’s back at Bragg now.

So… that basically brings us to the present day. My intention is to start this up again to keep everyone informed of all news Devin throughout the next couple of years. I hope everybody will get themselves back in contribution mode and help keep this blog dynamic. Devin’s intention is to schlep his NEW laptop to Iraq with him and hopefully be able to stay in touch, both by email and possibly by updating this site. I hope he’ll be able to send a bunch of pics during his deployment.

I’ll write again when there is more info available.

Love y’all!

papaj

Hey –

Heard you’re off to the East soon.  Good luck, stay safe, and let me leave you with a bit of Kipling:

“Ship me somewheres east of  Suez, where the best is like the worst

And there aren’t no Ten Commandments an’ a man can raise a thirst;

For the temple bells are callin’, and it’s there that I would be –

By the old Moulmein Pagoda, looking lazy at the sea.  ”

See you when you get back !

Luv an’ stuff –

Grampa (and Grammy, too)

Gee, Dearest J&C, you really done GOOD!!!  I know you’re not too proud or anything…… 

Ddl, You are Impressive!  You did all this and will continue to, all on your own drive, energy and ambition. VERY impressive.  We have an ‘Armed Services”  board at work and I have added your picture. We all pray for all of “you”. We pray for your safety and we are grateful for your service.  Thank you for your letter.  What can I send you that you can keep??   Congratulations on your ‘graduation’. I am sorry I cannot be there to share in your happiness, so I am sending Grammy and PaPa to cover the hugs and love. 

You are thought of everyday and you are soooo loved by soooo many.  Enjoy your family time and Grammy is bringing a hug from me, be sure to take it.  Yesirree, very proud, very proud…..  Love you,   Cat

Hey y’all! Check out these Devin pic’s posted on the Soldiers Chapel web-site!

Count down 6 rows, last pic in line is of Devin. First & second in row 7 also.

If the above link doesn’t work in your browser, get a new browser! Go to SoldiersChapel.info > Click on 2-58 in the upper left corner. > Click on “Wilson Village and others” and then follow above directions!

That’s our boy … er… Soldier!

Now… get off your butt’s and write him a note!!! We’ll be bringing him home this weekend after graduation and before Airborne for awhile and he’ll be able to read your postings so PLEASE WRITE!!

Thanks and Love y’all!

papaj

Hey, PFC –

    We checked out the pictures of your time with your folks and printed our a couple.  Grammy is framing them, so you’re in her “rogues gallery” now. 

     Sharp uniforms.  Quite a difference from the older-style fatigues and “class A’s” they used to have.   Some of the dress uniforms I’ve seen are really fancy.  We’ll have to see when you get out of basic. 

     Sounds like the real training is about to start  for you with all the rough stuff slated for the next few weeks.  Getting into the REAL army now.  I keep telling people that the purpose of a soldier is not to spend his time marching in parades and spit-shining his shoes; it’s to fight for his country.  So — best o’ luck.  Hope to see you when you get some leave. 

Luv an’ stuff

Grampa (and Grammy, too!)

Heard you had a great weekend.  Your mother kept raving about how great you look and  how you’ve “matured”.  You looked real “spiffy” in your uniform I always knew you were handsome.  There’s something to be said about a man in uniform, and it’s all true.  All ladies like men in uniform, even us old grandmothers ! 

Looking forward to seeing you; maybe on your next leave. 

Keep up the good work — we’re proud of you. 

Luv

“GiGi”

FINALLY!!! We got to see our boy… wait… Strike that!!! MAN! And WOW has he changed! In this post you will find a link to some pic’s from our visit. I just threw it together to get them online and available to all so there is no commentary. When I find the time I’ll add info.

View Gallery Here

1st shots are of Devin and his “battle buddy”. This is mandatory for all leaving the base. Devin teamed with PFC Alan Buckalew (Buck) and it was a good choice. Cindy and I really liked this young man and feel that he embodies what a “dedicated soldier” and a buddy should be. His family wasn’t able to make the trip (they live in the frozen arctic somewhere in Minnesota, which I believe is just a little right of the North Pole!) but they should be proud as hell of their soldier! We bonded instantly, and he was a pleasure to have with us. He, like Devin, was not interested in “partying”, but rather indulging in their “freedom” by having a few good meals, shopping for needed items, and just relaxing. Both he and Devin are focused on their goal and, on a number of occasions, voiced their satisfaction with their decision and commitment to “be all they could be”! I wish they were going to be serving together after basic, but they are going on to separate stations, Buck to infantry in Texas, and Devin’s staying on at Benning for Airborne training. Whoever teams with “Buck Nasty” (his nickname in the platoon… I’m assured it is a good nickname) I am sure will be getting great “battle buddy”!

For a couple of weeks now Devin has been the platoon guide… “PG”. This has earned him the nickname ”papa golf”. He calls cadence when they are training in formation and has had to learn all those step keeping ditties you hear in the movies.  His drill Sgt. has stated that he is “squared away”. I’m assured that is a good thing also.

Back to the pic’s… After the pic’s of the guy’s there is a pic of one of the Airborne jump towers. There was a cluster of three or four of these at the Benning training facility. ( As an aside, when he graduates  he will walk across the street to a barracks for “Airborne Hold”, until a spot opens up. It could be one to three or four weeks.) Next follows their barracks, obstacle course and PT (physical training) facilities. Pic 027 is of the graduation field.

Last are the guy’s and a couple of our goodby schmaltzy stuff.

We had a GREAT visit and are as proud as parents can be. If these two guy’s are representative of the new group of soldiers coming up… the country is in good hands! (How’s THAT for patriotic rhetoric!)

Love y’all, and take care! PLEASE write a comment on the pics and contribute to the site often!!!!

papaj

To all,

Thank You for every ones support as I take care of something I believe in very deeply. I have had nothing but support from my family and friends, with the exception of one.

It seems that every one knows that I will be stationed at Fort Bragg with the 82nd Airborne. While I’m in Airborne school I will have the chance to continue my training and attend RIP (Ranger Indoctrination Program). Not really sure what I want to do as of now. After RIP I will have the chance to attend Ranger school. If I don’t go this route I will be deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan with in 30 to 90 days of completion of Airborne school.

I’m am now on a 36 hour pass from basic and am spending it with Mud and Dad. It’s a great relief to get away for a bit and to spend it with mom and dad is just that much better. We have five weeks of basic left before it’s all said and done with. On Monday we have a ten mile ruck march. Then we will be training in urban ops and then FTX (Field Training Exercise). It’s what we have been building up to for the past 10 weeks. Six days out in the field preforming missions and rucking 25 to 30 miles. When we finish we will be real infantry men.

Thanks to all for being there and I love every one. I will see all of you soon!

PFC Carey

P.S. Thanks Papa for the Bill Mauldin book. It is a big hit with the men in my platoon!

Hey little bro!  Forgive me for not having written sooner.  I only hope you get to see this post this weekend.  I’m so excited…I’ve never ‘blogged’ before!  I hope I’m doing this right!

We have really enjoyed getting your letters.  Evan has been all about some Uncle Devin lately!  Our neighbor has this riding toy airplane (imagine pedals) and it says Army on it.  I told Evan that it is the kind of airplane Uncle Devin rides in. Evan then said “I’m going to the Army with Uncle Devin.  We’re going to ride airplanes together”.  It was really cute! Of course I didn’t tell my baby that you would be jumping out of the airplanes.  There’s no telling what he would have said or done after that! It sounds like you are really getting into the tough part now.  But at least you are half way through boot camp, YIPEE! We are thrilled you are going to be in North Carolina, you will only be about 5 hours from us!  Plus, we have good friends in Raleigh, which isn’t too far from Fort Bragg (if I am remembering my very limited NC geography correctly).  But my NC geography knowledge is basically limited to the names of cities on the big green signs on I-95! We will have to make a trip up there to see you. We are sorry you won’t make it down for the ‘lightning McQueen’ party.  We will see you later that week though, then again  at mom and dad’s two weeks later.  Well, mommy duty calls…hope you have a great weekend off.  We’ll talk to you soon!  We love you bunches!

Y’all keep your phones close 4-26/27. You never know who might call…!

papaj

Of course… with all things Army, that could possibly change. But for now we’re thrilled for him and us. North Carolina is doable. (He/we were afraid it might be Alaska)

It looks like we’ll finally get to see him this weekend. Pretty much confirmed if he doesn’t get in trouble. A mid-term break is usually standard proceedure. Buncha rules and verbottens he has to navigate but I’m sure he’s looking forward to 36 hours off-base. Some FAQ’s HERE .

There is also some Benning info HERE . Cruise around, there’s some good information there.

There are some new pic’s on the Soldiers Chapel website under the 2-58 Alpha heading, Couldn’t see Devin in any but at least you can see what his platoon is doing.

Y’all check back next week for pic’s of our weekend with Devin! I’ll post ASAP after we get back!

Love y’all!

papaj

I hear they’re gong to let you go free for a few hours this weekend.  GREAT !   Wish we could be there withyyou,  but I’m sure you’ll have a ball anyway.  Maybe we’ll see you on your next leave.  Do you know when that’ll be ? 

We hear that you’re going to North Carolina from here.  That certainly beats Alaska; at least you’ll still be on the east coast. 

Anyway, enjoy your weekend with your parents.  They are soooo looking forward to it !

Love you much,  

Grammy (and Grampa)

Hey, PFC –got a “Devin-o-gram” from your folks yesterday; seems they’re going down to see you next week.  Great.   Don’t do anything to lose the time off now.

Sounds like you’re getting along pretty well; he says you’re headed for the 82nd Airborne.  That’s the guys who lead the charge and jump first, right?  Well, you’re joining a long line of real soldiers there. 

Hope you enjoyed the cartoon book we sent; it was the infantry “bible” in WWII (the BIg One).  Bill Mauldin traveled all over Italy and France and Germany  with the infantry and drew the cartoons as he went.   

All is quiet here; Spring has sprung and the grass has riz (wonder where the birdies is?)  and we’re getting the yard squared away.  Grammy is sporting around in her new car, and I’m putting around in my old junk as usual.  Got to get the electric scooter out of the garage and get it running pretty quick.  I’m a charter member of Hells Angels Senior Division, you know.  Motorcyclists pass me by and bust out laiughing.  That’s OK — it’s pretty hard to break my old bones traveling at  5 mph. 

Hope to see you when you get home; we’re saving our pennies for the trip South some time soon. 

Meantime, stay safe –and that’s an order !

Grampa   

Hey Everyone,

So Devin is in the Army and going Airborne on top of that! WOW! I’m very impressed. Becoming an American Commando and learning to be a hunter from the sky. I would guess that if you can get thru the idea of jumping out of perfectly good airplanes everything else is (relatively) easier.

Devin, Good job son. Give it your all, all the time. Hold back nothing. Listen and learn during the “on the ground” training, it will save you much grief when you start jumping, and move you ahead quicker. Know that you will make mistakes, everyone does; doing your best, though, will keep them small. And remember good men learn from their mistakes and become better through them. Good luck to you, we are all pulling for you; and know, above all, that you are loved!

Devin called today! (Cindy’s PISSED!!! she’s in Charleston and missed the call!)(That’ll teach her to leave me!!! )

Anyway, his 36 hour leave is still up in the air and no details yet. He sounds GREAT!

HE gave me a link of some pic’s the Chaplains corp. took. Click here and navigate into the pic archives. (Numbers at page top. These will change as new are added and old fall off) He’s in Alpha Company so cruise all archives under the Alpha headings. See if you can pick him out. Pics can be zoomed in on but they seriously lose resolution.

I think I picked him out in a few but will have to verify with him. But at any rate it feels great to be viewing those who are with him and knowing he’s there whether or not I can identify him. Let me know what you think you see!

Link is also posted in the “Links” section so check often for new pics posted!

 Love y’all!

 papaj