Pictures from Iraq

Dave called Kelly Friday morning. He and his company were at Al Asad for a few hours because they are making their own supply runs now. It was also an opportunity to eat some fresh, healthy salad and get a haircut. Best of all, he was able to make a long phone call to Kelly on a REAL phone. What a blessing!

Kelly said that Dave asked her to pass along his gratitude for all the care packages. They not only meet many physical needs, but help him remember that he is loved and cared about by many people. Thank you, everyone!

The latest newsletter (for June) from the Charlie Company commander is posted online. The link is:
http://www.iimefpublic.usmc.mil/Public%2FIIMEFpublic.nsf/sites/1bn2mar

Dave mentioned to Kelly that uniform regulations are being enforced much more strictly. No more mustaches and no more bandanas around the head to keep the sweat from dripping in their eyes. He's had to learn how to hold his mouth "just so" when he breathes, in order to avoid getting a mouthful of gnats.

Best of all . . . . Dave mailed Kelly the memory stick from his camera, and she sent us a few photos via email. Here they are:

This first picture was taken in April. The rest are from early to mid-May. Clicking on a picture will show you a larger version.















Thank you for your continuing to support Dave and ALL of our troops through prayer!

Call from Dave

We were blessed this morning with an early phone call from Dave! Yea! He was trying to call Kelly, but her phone was turned off during church services, so we got a turn. :-) He sounded very tired, but it was amazingly wonderful to hear his voice.

He appreciates all the support he's been getting - motomails, letters, packages are all wonderful. For those sending care packages, Dave says don't send any more shirts or underwear, but he still needs socks. He also now has access to a microwave, so microwavable foods like EasyMac are good to send. And he no longer wants toys to give to local kids.

Dave sounded very tired. The extreme heat is very wearing, and they are constantly going out on patrols. In the mornings, when it's time to get dressed, his cammies are still wet from the previous day's sweat.

Unfortunately, the battalion chaplain does not visit their outpost, so there are no worship services or prayer support for the guys in Dave's company. He says he's on his own for prayer, which is discouraging.

We didn't discuss timetables for his return but I know we are all looking forward to the end of this deployment. One of the things he's looking forward to when he gets home is being able to cook healthy meals.

Dave said that yesterday he was thinking a lot about the two weddings he was missing. Two good friends, Jon Hansen and Reeve Farmer, both got married. Dave wished he could have been here for those two wonderful events. And yes, Jon, we did tell him about the Star Wars music! :-)

Thank you all for continuing to write to Dave and pray for him as this dangerous time continues.