On drums...

Hi Guys,
It's been a while since you've last heard from me, so I feel an explanation is in order. I haven't been playing drums or doing much about drums online since my son shipped out to Afghanistan with the USMC in late September. Most of my online time has been spent searching for news articles concerning the activities of NATO in Sangin, and Facebook, communicating with other Marines,their wives and parents. There's not a lot of news in the mainstream press, so I have to hunt for it.
On November 4th, 2010, two of my son's men were shot and killed in cold blood by what's being called a "rogue ANA (Afghanistan National Army, the locals that our guys are embedded with) soldier". These men were 20 and 22 years old. One young man grew up in the town where I own my home. We met with his parents and attended his memorial celebration last Saturday, and in a few hours, Audrey and I will embark on a twelve hour road trip to Williams, Arizona to attend the services for the other young man. My son asked me to attend these memorials because he cannot, and being where he is, I cannot refuse him.
For those of you who are devout, your prayers are appreciated, for all the fighting men out there. My son is 26 years old, with a beautiful wife, twin sons, and two baby daughters, one who was born mere days before he left for Asia.
As for me, I will pop in from time to time. I miss playing drums and I miss hanging out here. When times get better, I will be back.
All the Best,
Brian

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Drums and No Money will get Me through Hard Times better than Money and No Drums!
-A Recovering Drum Addict

Brian - I'm very touched and sad to read this!!!
We too have some soldiers (4% of the total active army) down there - which I think is more than all of our neighboring states. And their mission is mostly securing convoys and troops escort, so they get under fire a lot...
Actually, we're in the TOP 4 countries in deployment, although we're still not a NATO member (due to the name stupidity dispute with Greece - Greece for example IS the biggest NATO country in the region, and their ISAF forces are only 0,011% of the total active army).


VERY SAD to hear about the 2 soldiers... They're doing a very noble thing down there - too bad politics (all over the world) tries to present that in a bad light...
One thing I've learned from analyzing these top-heads (from 3rd world countries) - they don't wanna change for the better since they like to keep their people in a miserable state - that way they can steal all they want... Bustards...

Stay strong and think positive Brian... And GOD BLESS YOU ALL - especially those away from home!!!

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Goki - short from Goran

Let the good drums roll!!!

Brian, what is your son's name?

Many prayers for your son, and for you and Audrey. I only need imagine your concern and desire to know more about what's going on. My godson (The Majah, his mom calls him), was in Iraq for two years during the worst of the fighting there, and has returned home to his wife and children, praise God.

Remarkable what a change the internet has meant for communication with family and friends in harms way, but it doesn't alter the concern we have for every man and woman fighting.

Thank you for taking the time to let us know what's going on, and any way I (or any of us, I'm sure) can be of help, just give a shout.

And thanks for your thoughts, Goki. Couldn't agree more!

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Gregory

Continually Praying for you and yours Brian.

Stay strong Brian, give your family as much love as you can from home until you are together again

Thanks to All of you for your prayers and thoughtful insight. We just got back from Arizona. Really tough weekend for Audrey and I. My son's name is Richard. Those of you who know me know the rest of his name. I'm probably being a little over protective, but I don't want to print his last name here at this time.
Kind Regards,
Brian
PS; If anyone would likw to send a letter (or anything else) out to him, please PM.
BWS

_________________
Drums and No Money will get Me through Hard Times better than Money and No Drums!
-A Recovering Drum Addict

Ah just read this after I wrote you a PM.
What would he need mostly Brain?
PM me the address.

Hi Guys,
Chemical hand & foot warmers, Twinkies, ( really!) Full Size chocolate bars, the chocolate milk you buy warm off the shelf in the grocery store, Instant Oatmeal packets, Dehydrated foods like Ramen (chicken only) and beef jerky, Copenhagen Long Cut, magazines, notes of encouragement & prayers, homemade cookies, ground coffee, sugar/ketchup/mustard packets. Believe it or not, you'll need a customs form from the Post Office. You don't have to get crazy detailed (snacks, baby wipes, etc.) and You don't need to spend a lot, just getting a box of stuff they can't otherwise get makes their day. On the other hand, these guys all share the fun, so whatever my son can't pack with him goes to other Marines who need it. Thorlo (888) 846-7567 (ask for Lisa)will drop ship second quality combat boot socks for $5.00 a pair. I'm trying to send 1-2 boxes of stuff a week. The USPS has free priority mail cartons which ship for $2.00 less to soldiers overseas. These can only be sent to APO/FPO addresses. The postage is based on US-bound flat rate.

I've PM'd Richard's address to Kelly. PM me or post here if anyone else wants Richard's address.

All the Best,
Brian

_________________
Drums and No Money will get Me through Hard Times better than Money and No Drums!
-A Recovering Drum Addict