My last post was the day before my older brother died. since that day, 17 August, I have been busy on many levels of which I hope you'll be able to imagine. While I don't want to write more on this, I do want to move on and get back to blogging. Can't tell you how many times I came back to my page and just stared at my last post and just didn't have the energy to write. But o.k.......time to pick up and get back on the horse. My older brother would have said "o.k. enough already...move on".

'Nuff said.

I wanted to get back into blogging again by reaching down into my "Corps" and kicking some memories or experiences . Maybe even share some views on this "war". For now, I just wanted to express to you all how quiet the town of Oceanside, California was when I was out there earlier this month. For many people there, it isn't so much about the politics of the war as it is to see their loved ones or friends come home. See...for a town like that the decision is made and the majority of the local economy rides on those Marines.

Two thirds of the base is empty (so I am told) so you can only imagine what that does to the local shops. But obviously it isn't about the economy. It's about getting into harm's way.  Oceanside is used to seeing MARINES rotate and have it's gaps between the rotations and sure that hurts a bit (local economy). However, its different when Marines rotate into combat...once and then twice. Now you've got some kids who turned into Marines and in short order have been exposed to the horrors of Iraq...some twice already. Those guys come back ten years older than before they left. For the two timers....they got the keen sense of what they're getting into. Like it all seems clear and they seem much more...steady ?...calm...? something like that. I wonder if you can understand this. 

I don't want to get into the politics of it all but instead want to wish my fellow MARINES  well and safe home.

Thanks to you all for taking the time to read this post and I hope to get back into the swing of this site soon. I gotta work on getting those rotating pictures for the profile again and some other stuff.

the stuff you dont' see in the news

Semper Fi