If You Don't Believe In Prayer, Positive Thought and Miracles Maybe This Will Change Your Mind

In April 2008 I was in Washington, DC for a weekend with Wounded Warriors of the 173rd, 2-503 and great friends. On Saturday night as I was walking a cross a parking lot towards a restaurant to have dinner with friends I received a phone call telling me that my father had died. It was TOTALLY unexpected and more of a blow than I could ever explain.

I flew home the following morning and, with my brothers, began making arrangements to bury dad. I can't remember a time when my brothers and I have ever come together so well and effortlessly.

On the day of Dad's funeral my brothers and I sat together on two front pews of the small country church that Dad had grown up in. As a child he took us there every Sunday. On a "good" day there were 40-50 people in attendance. OK, I'm probably stretching those numbers. The pew wasn't long enough for me, all of my brothers and their wives. I'm not even sure how or why I ended up on the front row next to my sister-in-law Cheryl. Actually, at the time I didn't even realize why Cheryl was sitting on the front row.

The service began. I can't remember any order to the service but I will never forget when Cheryl stood up , took a step and turned to the congregation. Recorded music began to play and then Cheryl's angelic voice filled the sanctuary. I wish I could remember the name of the song but I cannot right now. There wasn't a dry eye in the house by the time she was half way through. It wasn't just the words to the song; it was her voice and her love for Dad that came through as she sang. I don't know how she made it through. I didn't know she was going to sing but am so thankful she did. Cheryl was a single mom when my brother met her and fell in love. She worked long hours to raise her daughter on her own. When she and my brother married he adopted Tiffany. Cheryl never had the opportunity to attend college until a few years after she and my brother married. For 3 1/2 years she drove 1 1/2 hours each way to attend university majoring in vocal music and graduating TOP of her class.  We could not have been more proud of her.

After we buried Dad we were all on "remote control". Or so I thought. Cheryl and David weren't. They were making and keeping doctor's appointments AND keeping a secret from all of us. Two weeks after Dad's funeral they shared devastating news with us. Cheryl had been diagnosed with late Stage 4 Inflammatory Breast Cancer.  We were beyond devastated.   The original prognosis was MAYBE 6-12 months but only if the chemo held the cancer at bay.  The thought of remission or cure was never even discussed.  Although the cancer had spread throughout Cheryl's body the good news was that it had NOT attacked any organs.  The bad news was that scans showed tumors on her bones throughout her body including on her skull.  The Oncologist told David to make the most of every day; to take trips they had wanted to take. 

Cheryl began chemotherapy in May 2008.  She has been on WEEKLY treatments since then.  TWENTY SIX MONTHS of weekly chemotherapy sprinkled with blood transfusions at least once a month and often twice a month.  Her first course of chemotherapy was called "Red Devil".  It more than ravaged her body but not her spirit.  "Red Devil" is so harsh it cannot be given more than, I believe, 6 times.  Over the past 2+ years her chemotherapy drugs have changed.  She takes handfuls of pills though out each day.  She has lost her hair 2 or 3 times, lost any sense of feeling in her feet and fingers.  Has had a mastectomy.  The drain from that was in for months.  Since she had to continue on chemo her body wouldn't heal.  She has endured infections that required hospitalization and intrevenous antibiotics.  And she even had to have her gall bladder removed.  I have NEVER heard her complain.

I had the privilege and pleasure of taking Cheryl to several chemo treatments.  It was always a long day.  Four hours drive each way along with the treatment time.  On the days she required a blood transfusion the days often stretched into 20 hours or longer.  But I enjoyed EVERY trip with her and miss not being able to go (work has me geographically too far away).  Cheryl told me from the start that she was going to beat this.  Even on her worst days she ever gave up and never allowed any of us to.  Her mother, sisters and extended family along with our family and her church and friends wrapped her in love and support.  There were so many days when she encouraged us.

At each treatment we met with the Oncologist after her blood was drawn and analyzed.  Cheryl was diligent about writing down her "numbers".  Her memory came and went depending on the type of chemo treatment but she always remembered to write down those numbers.  After treatment we would often go to a favorite restaurant of Cheryl's.  She didn't always eat so much but we had tons of fun.  Many times we would stop at The Fresh Market - one of our favorite places.  I remember one time when we stopped at a bakery and bought more than either of us needed to eat.  Then we shot across the interstate to Starbucks.  For an hour and a half as we drove to her house we ate and drank and laughed.  We tried the confections each of us had chosen.  And we laughed like school girls.

Cheryl's a shopper.  Am am NOT!  One day she required a blood transfusion after the chemo treatment.  We drove over to the hospital for the type and cross match.  Our cousin Jane brought us sandwiches.  Cheryl was finally put in a room but the blood took hours to be delivered to the floor.  We decided to stay the night because it was getting so late in the day.  The first unit of blood arrived and was hooked up.  A cot was brought in for me to sleep on.  And THEN Cheryl announced, "Oh!  Dillards is having a shoe sale.  We can have breakfast then go there before we go home tomorrow."  Uh oh!  That would take up the entire next day.  I love her dearlybut I don't shop with ANYONE!  I made a bee line for the nurse's station and asked if there was any way they could push the second unit of blood in faster so we could go home that night.  They looked at me like I was crazy.  I dropped Cheryl off at 12:30 a.m. and made it home around 3:00 a.m.  Several months later I told Cheryl why I had done that and we still laugh about it.

So many have done so much to help out from cooking meals to taking Cheryl for her treatments.  Twenty six months folks.  EVERY week.  It has taken a toll on David and Tiffany, too.  Last November while David and Cheryl were at her mom's for Thanksgiving we drove over and decorated their house for Christmas.  On Christmas David smoked a turkey and the rest of us made way too many other dishes, packed the car and went to their house.  Tiffany and her husband came and brought Cheryl's and David's precious grandsons and we had a wonderful day.  Cheryl wasn't feeling so well but was such a trooper - as always.

About two hours ago David called as he and Cheryl were on their way home after today's chemo treatment.  God has truly blessed us and answered the prayers of so many on behalf of Cheryl.  When all of this began Cheryl was given two sets of numbers called "cancer markers".  I don't really know the scientific explanation but I do know that for one set the normal number is 35.  Cheryl's number was 162 when she was diagnosed.  Today it was, drum roll please..............30!  The other set's "normal" number is 4.5.  Cheryl's was 38 when she was diagnosed.  Today? 4.3.

Cheryl isn't cured.  She's not even considered in remission yet.  But now, more than ever, I am convinced that she WILL beat this.  Prayer, positive thoughts and miracles.  I believe in them all.

David said they called Tiffany on the way home tonight.  She told her oldest son the good news.  He's 6.  He asked, "Momma, does this mean Nana can ride her bicycle with me again?  Will she be able to go on walks with me?  Will she stop being old?"  We all laughed. 

For those of you who have kept Cheryl in your prayers - THANK YOU!  It's been a long haul and it's not over but for once we see that light at the end of the tunnel and it's so bright.

National Geographic "Fans React To Restrepo"

This must have been shot the night of the "Restrepo" screening at the National Geographic building in Washington, DC.  Listen to what the public has to say about this film the GO SEE IT!

LTC Roy Lombardo (Ret), who was the 173rd, 2-503 Battle Company Commander in Vietnam (and I'm THRILLED to say very dear friend of mine) looks quite dashing at 19 seconds in and 57 seconds in. He's an incredible man who works tirelessly to keep the "older" HERD in touch and to support and encourage the HERD from the GWOT.

Remembering PFC Juan Restrepo

7 October 1986 – 22 July 2007

From Long Island Girl

"...Juan Sebastian Restrepo was a devoted father to Adriana, a loving son to Marcela Pardo, a brother to Ivan and Pablo, a best friend to Jorge. He was also a combat medic and paratrooper in the United States Army, loved by his battle buddies. Remember the man behind the name. Honor his sacrifice". -Joanne

Joanne has a wonderful tribute to PFC Restrepo here.  Please take a few minutes to read about this great Hero and always remember his sacrifice as well as that of every American who has given their life for this nation.

Restrepo Sneak Peak July 12, 2010 at Fort Benning, GA

Thanks to the generosity of a retired airline employee friend of mine I was able to hop a flight to Columbus, GA for the screening of Restrepo.  Another great time with amazing people.

I met Kanani of The Kitchen Dispatch and John & Judy Coffee of Coffeepot for the first time.  All people I've been in touch with for months but never had the opportunity to meet.  A GREAT start to the time there.  I also met Laura Kim who National Geographic Entertainment hired to promote Restrepo.  A very energetic lady.  What a pleasure to meet and spend time with these great people.

Tim Hetherington, the co-Director on the film with Sebastian Junger, and SGM LaMonta Caldwell were supposed to be present for the screening and the Q & A afterwards.  Due to thunderstorms along the east coast neither of their flights made it to Columbus on time.  SGM Caldwell as 173rd, 2-503, Battle Company 1SG during the OEF VIII deployment during which Restrepo was filmed.

When we walked into the Carmike Windsong Theater at Fort Benning the first thing I saw was this display:

A big "THANK YOU" to the manager of the Carmike Windsong for setting that up.  I wish I had written her name down.  Very nice lady!

There was a nice crowd for the Sneak Peak but a few empty seats.

Since Tim and SGM Caldwell weren't able to make it for the Q & A COL Bill Ostlund (Battalion Commander of 2-503 during OEF VIII) joined MAJ Dan Kearney (Battle Co Commander during OEF VIII) for the Q & A.

COL Bill Ostlund & MAJ Dan Kearney during Q & A after the Preview

It was great to see a lot of "old friends" at Fort Benning.  I'm happy I had the opportunity to be there to share this Sneak Peak with them.

Me, Kanani and COL Ostlund after the screening.  It was a HOT day in Columbus!

Restrepo is still showing at the Carmike Windsong on Fort Benning, GA.  If you haven't seen it PLEASE go.  To read review either google Restrepo or go the the facebook page to read what many are saying about it.

To find when Restrepo will open in a theater near you check the "Find a Theater" tab on their facebook page.  Additional cities and dates are being added each week.

Post about the Restrepo screening at Fort Campbell coming soon.  Meanwhile...go see Restrepo, go to the facebook page and "Like", pick up a copy of Sebastian's book WAR (the companion book to Restrepo).  Also keep your eyes open for Tim's book Infidel due out in October (I think) and available via pre-order now.

"WAR" Book Signing in Memphis, TN with Sebastian Junger

NOTE:  While I began writing this the day after the book signing I got distracted by a few things.  Sorry it isn't "on time."

On June 14th Sebastian Junger was at Davis-Kidd Booksellers in Memphis, TN to read from and sign copies of his book "WAR".  I was thrilled that I was able to rearrange my schedule to make the event.  There was a nice size crowd there to listen as Sebastian talked about the time he and Tim Hetherington spent with Battle Co, 2nd Platoon, 173rd, 2-503 in Afghanstan during OEF VIII (2007-08).  At one point the bookstore had to bring in more chairs for seating.

I took my copy of "WAR" with me but I hadn't read it.  I just hadn't been able to open it and start.  I was more than pleased when Sebastian pointed out that nothing in or about the book is political.  It's simply the story of the men of 2nd Platoon and how, during their 14-15 months in Afghanistan, particularly their 12 months at OP (Outpost) Restrepo, they coped, reacted to their surroundings and to each other.  Since beginning to write this post I have read "WAR".  It was not an easy read for me.  Unlike many who have reviewed "WAR" I wasn't able to read it in one sitting - too much to absorb and too many memories.

I am pleased with the manner in which Sebastian approached this book.  In my opinion it is honest, straight forward, respectful and real.  I more than highly recommend it for everyone to read; not just military personnel and their families but EVERY American.

Sebastian and me after the book signing

Sebastian with his 2-503 Throw.  Do you have one?  If not you can order one here

After the book signing we went to grab a burger, beer and fried dill pickles.  Sebastian had never had fried dill pickles.  Maybe he'll put those on the menu at his NYC restaurant and bar The Half King?

I had never met Sebastian before that night and was more than anxious about doing so.  Not because of his "fame" from "WAR", Restrepo, "The Perfect Storm" and his other writings but because he's a writer/journalist and I'm not usually a fan of writers/journalists.  I even told him that at one point.  But I was so off base about Sebastian.  I'm thankful that he afforded me the opportunity to spend time with him and get to know him.  Sebastian is the real deal.  His respect and love for the men of the ROCK is profound.  Within minutes I felt totally at ease with him and as if I had known him for years.  It was refreshing to be able to sit and talk with someone about our military personnel the way we did.  About THEM.  Not about war.  Not about politics.  Not about politicians.  About the warriors, their spirits, their ethos, their characters, their families and their struggles.

At dinner after the book signing

I am forever thankful that Sebastian and Tim were the ones who embedded with 2nd Platoon. I can't imagine any other civilian (and I daresay many military) writers/journalists who could possible have gotten it "right" the way they have.  I am equally thankful that I had the opportunity to get to meet Sebastian and spend a couple of hours with him.  Thank you Sebastian!

Buy the book folks.  Read it!  And go see Restrepo.  If it's not currently scheduled at a theater near you here's what you can do (via Kanani at The Kitchen Dispatch) to help make that happen:


Post the name of the theatre with a contact number on the Restrepo Facebook page. If you have the name of the manager, GREAT. Then, call the theater manager --especially if it's an art house committed to bringing in independent films. Ask for the manager's email. Then send them this link: http://www.restrepothemovie.com/,  Tell them the Press Kit may be accessed through the site.
Sebastian, if you are ever back in Memphis I owe you some real BBQ.

RESTREPO Special Screenings & General Release Information and Dates

DO NOT MISS THIS MOVIE!

National Geographic Entertainment ACQUIRES AWARD-WINNING 'RESTREPO' FOR U.S. THEATRICAL DISTRIBUTION.  (Excellent information at the link)

From May 2007 to July 2008, Hetherington and Junger dug in with a platoon of men from Battle Company, the Second Platoon of the 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, based at Restrepo. Named in honor of the platoon's medic, PFC Juan "Doc" Restrepo, who was killed in action, "Outpost Restrepo" had no running water, no Internet, no phone communication, often no electricity or heat, and it was attacked as many as five or six times a day.

Hetherington and Junger ate what the soldiers ate, slept where they slept, went on every patrol and by the end had been completely accepted into the platoon. Their cameras never left the Korengal Valley as they shot 150 hours of combat, frustration, routine, jokes, terror and bravery during daily life at the outpost until the men themselves were finally shipped out. The two journalists went on to conduct in-depth interviews with the platoon members back at their home base in Italy.

Second Platoon's 15-month tour of duty also serves as the basis for a new book by Junger called "War," which will be published in May 2010 by Twelve, a division of the Hachette Book Group

WINNER of Grand Jury Prize at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival

WINNER of the Golden Rock for Best Documentary Feature Film at the 2010 Little Rock Film Festival

From the 2010 Sundance Film Festival  - Accepting the Grand Jury Prize: Documentary for Restrepo, veteran journalists and first-time filmmakers Sebastian Junger and Tim Hetherington honored both their immediate subjects – the soldiers they filmed in Afghanistan’s Korengal Valley – and others who’ve fought overseas. "I’d like to dedicate the prize to the Restrepo generation," Hetherington said, "and to the hundreds of thousands of men and women who come back after serving this country and are invisible."

REVIEWS - Click on individual links for entire review

The New York Times - “Restrepo” avoids the conventions of documentary film: there is no back story, no drive-bys with experts for context, no underlying ideology or obvious message. The viewer is dropped into war, with a hard jolt, and resides, along with 15 soldiers from Second Platoon of Battle Company of the 173rd Airborne Brigade, in a remote and raw outpost called Restrepo, so named after one member of the platoon who is killed early in their rotation

Documentary.org - The end result of Junger and Hetherington's approach is a film about all wars--a film that transcends Outpost Restrepo as it puts you in the boots of these soldiers who spent every day, for 15 months, trying not to do anything to get one of their brothers killed as they counted the days remaining before they could go home.

Courtney Keating (16 years old) - Restrepo beautifully shows the unbreakable bond that these men form. They behave like a family, love each other like a family. And the bitter reality when a family member dies is not overlooked - remorse and pain is not avoided; emotions are not hidden. This is real, and this is what our soldiers go through. In addition to fighting and mourning with each other, the guys, well....had their moments. They made immature, inappropriate, and ridiculous jokes. They did unbelievably silly things, and it's hilarious. In what's considered the deadliest valley in Afghanistan, the spirit they had is uplifting. The film captures it all. From grief to joy, it captures it all.

Red Bull Rising - About 90 minutes later, even the combat veterans among us called the film "eye-opening."
 
Said one staff sergeant: "I wish I'd had something like that to show my soldiers before we left for Iraq." An Afghan-theater veteran observed how well the documentary depicted the mountainous terrain as an ever-present enemy. Another commented: "It's a good reminder that this uniform gets dirty ... and sometimes bloody."

The Kitchen Dispatch - From Surgeon's Wife to Army Surgeon's Wife - The movie ended, but I couldn't move. Sebastian Junger and Tim Hetherington had just taken the mantle from Ken Burns as documentary makers extraordinaire with Restrepo. This war documentary is a gripping chronicle of the lives of a platoon through some of the heaviest fighting in the Korengal Valley, Afghanistan.

This is what Restrepo does so very well. Hetherington and Junger aren't afraid of the human condition through tough and dangerous times, through this the viewer witnesses the weaving of bonds between men who are very different from one another. This bond, strengthened by a commitment to survival is everlasting and sacred. It's something outsiders have a difficult time understanding, but Restrepo conveys it with love and honor.

Film Journal International - Shot in and around an Army outpost in the Korengal Valley, Restrepo offers an unprecedented look at soldiers on the front lines in Afghanistan. The battle footage is raw and terrifying in ways rarely seen in documentaries before. By avoiding overt political statements, the filmmakers aim for a broad theatrical audience rather than one that has already chosen sides. Restrepo, which will eventually be broadcast on cable, isn't for or against the war in Afghanistan. But it does make clear that waging this war is difficult, if not futile.

Stewart Nusbaumer for the Huffington Post - This documentary has everything -- fire fights, silence, drag-butt humping up and down mountains, intense camaraderie, crushing boredom, near paralyzing fear, horsing around in the all male environment, anguish, and of course death. All delivered to you right in your face.

If you are against the war in Afghanistan, this film will not make you for the war. If you are for the war, this movie will not turn you against the war. But what it will do is bring you closer to the reality of war in Afghanistan , and closer to those fighting that war.


 

OP Restrepo - Photo by Tim Hetherington

Information about "Sneak Peaks", general release dates and locations and "how to get Restrepo to your town" below the jump. (Click on Read More)

Feelin' the Love From the 2-503 Chosen Few Down Range

A few weeks ago I asked one of the 2-503 Chosen Co men I am supporting to "put my name on one of those rounds"  A couple of mornings ago I woke up to find the following picture on my Facebook wall:

The Soldier pictured is from the 173rd, 2-503 Chosen Company aka the "Chosen Few" aka the "Punishers" currently deployed in Afghanistan.

Written on the grenade is "LETA sends her regards f**ker"  (The last word is actually spelled out).

For those of you who are serving, have served or have a family member or close friend serving you can probably imagine how touched and honored I was by this incredible photo.  Jim Hanson, retired Special Forces, saw the picture and thought it was so insanely cool he wrote about it on Blackfive.

Several of "the Bella Moms", who are friends of mine, LOVED the picture and wanted to send their "regards" to the enemy, too.  The Bella Moms are a group of moms whose son's served in OEF VIII with the 2-503 Chosen Few.  Several of their sons were Wounded in Action, others, very sadly, were Killed in Action.  At least one of the sons is back in Afghanistan for this deployment.  So the same Soldier who sent me "my" photo arranged for one for them, too:

The caption for this photo is, "Shrapnel- The Bella Mommas want YOU!!!...dedicated to the Wives, Mothers, Sisters and Supporters of the Chosen Few's Fallen..."

I am forever grateful for the men and women of this nation who choose to serve our country and do so in such a difficult circumstances and, sadly, without the support from many back here that they deserve.  I am also grateful for their families who sacrifice so much and to those whose loved ones gave their lives doing what they believed was right - to defend our nation.

It should be no secret to those who know me or who read this blog that I do what I can, along with many great Americans, to let these men and women know we DO care about them and appreciate them so much.  And it should also be no secret that the Paratroopers of the 173rd, 2-503rd are incredibly special to me.

Vega - YOU ROCK!  Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!