Here are some updates for everyone---please bear with me as I know these will be rather random and subject-jump as well and this also comes with a huge warning. This is a longer-than-heck post!! Bring coffee, Mt. Dew, wine, beer or something if you attempt to read it all!!

I took time to go back and re-read all of your posts of support---thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I really wish there was some way to convey how much I appreciate everyone's messages and well-wishes and for you all letting me share. Dr. Watson, your comment about me letting everyone into our lives was very kind. I would completely understand if everyone said---enough. With that said, if you do not want to read all of this---I would not be offened at all. I just want to be sure I "give back" what I can to those who want to know "what the real deal is" with all of this. (At least what I know and waht I am able to share.) I know there is a lot of random stuff in here but one of my main messages is that it isn't always easy raising kids at the time. One parent especially took me under her wing years ago and said to treasure the days when they are all asleep under your roof---I did at the time and then learned to adjust to knowing that they were either asleep under my roof or that I knew they were up on campus at school. Then as long as they were on American soil....then it became as long as I knew they were all okay and on American soil or in a safe zone. Right now, I treasure every single hour I know they are all right here here safe and sound in Ohio again. Thank God for that, truly.

First, to see Greg flash his lit-up smile as he saw us when he got off the plane is one I will never forget 'til the day I die! Four other soldiers got off the plane way before Greg---all lower rank that Greg let take the first class seats that were offered to them. I know I'm probably prejudiced, but Greg was the one who finally came off the plane beaming from ear to ear! We are all sooooo dang proud of him. And as we walked away from the gate, I realized the rest of us made this complete circle around him like we were all Secret Service or something! Then it was on to BW3's for beers and wings--instead of steak---for now. We hung on every word Greg had to say! lol

Saturday, I made Greg and Beth the biggest saisage and pancake breakfast I could come up with! =) Then Beth (Greg's wife) really wanted to show Greg and me what is really important to her. She works for the vet that we take Gunner, Rattle (Gunner's brother) and Beth's dog, Roxy to. Beth takes care of the 35-40 abandoned dogs her vet takes in at the clinic in Lancaster but they also work with all the dogs in Franklin County---so we went up to the Alum Creek location.

HOLY cow. The number of rescued and abandoned dogs was staggering and completely disheartening. So two main things happened while I was getting a huge education up there----we walked back out of the inside kennels (hundreds of dogs in there) outside to where there were some tents set up for more dogs....I said, "You know---this would be a PERFECT place for a letterbox--to get everyone up here to see..." and TWO people turn around and say, "YOU'RE a LETTERBOXER?!!!" I'm not sure what happened to Greg and Beth for the next 10 minutes or so?! =o) The other thing that happened I will share below.

Sunday our two oldest sons and Greg and Beth were here and Greg took time to show my oldest son, Brad, and me about 4 hours worth of pictures and videos! Wow--we learned so much. Brad takes it VERY hard that Greg is doing what he does and is at such risk, and so I was especially glad he was able to hang in there. First, it is jaw-dropping to see the poppy crops the Taliban grow?! Very healthy fields like we see here of corn or soy beans?!

Here is a link from yesterday's Military.com web site, ironically about the "explosion" of heroin from there ~ http://www.military.com/NewsContent/0,13319,144999,00.html?ESRC=eb.nl I don't even know what to say about the article---but there it is. Greg said it is amazing to see how DIRT poor the Afghan citizens are---and then he showed us the billboard ads for cell phones. He said the minute they see ANY--one with cell phones---they know it's the Taliban---period. The troops consider the Taliban street smart and then some.

Next---again, it was readily apparent that the Canadian troops are the American troop's best friends ~AND so are the Canadian reporters!! Some of the photos that the Canadian journalists took were STUNNING. As Greg and his (howitzer) gunner crew fired.....there were some pictures taken that had some of the same effects as watching Apollo launch. Their clearly superior camera lenses were able to capture not only the exact moment the howitzer fired---but also the sucking up of the air and dust on the ground all the way around their feet and equipment. I am trying hard not to push Greg, because we are VERY lucky he was willing to start talking about all of this so soon after getting back---but I hope to get some of these pictures so that I can print them.

A Canadian journalist also went out with them on one mission and filmed an entire feature segment at 3 am of Greg and his Sgt. First Class (Gunner) Holt talking about what was going on, how they aim the howitzer etc---all under night vision lenses---so that erie green color. Greg was very lucky they gave him a copy of the final project.

There were also many other videos....it is so obvious that soldiers are working hard--when they get some down time--to put together exceptionally well-done videos of what they are seeing from their position, from their location and from what branch of the military they are in. There were 3 videos that were so well done that they looked professional. One from some Marine buddies of Greg's in Iraq that clearly shows what they go through and what Greg and his platoon went through during his second deployement to working in the streets of Baghdad. Yes, they can be graphic at times, but I told Greg a long time ago---I want to know as much of the raw truth as he is allowed to share with me. He's my son and if I am going to stand beside him 100% and I want to know.

I am thrilled to say that for his 3rd deployment as a combat soldier on the front lines, he is doing exceptionally well not being jumpy around family!! In fact, he is doing far better than after returning from his first deployment. He has learned that skill of shifting gears--again at least around family.

Being in public or even smaller groups--he is doing okay but hits a limit quickly. Up at that dog shelter at Alum Creek---all it took was 3 or 4 people coming into the room of kennels where we were---plus the dogs barking and one smacking his tail repeatedly against the metal wall---and that was it---he was out of there in seconds---and that is okay. We go out of our way to cut him slack and just follow his lead 100%, period. It seems different wars generate different triggers with soldiers. With Iraq and Afghanistan---most combat soldiers say it is being in crowds, loud noises and driving (roadside bombs). Greg is struggling a bit with that---but if you didn't know about it you wouldn't notice. He said for him, it is hardest thing to deal with.

He is also definitely having sleeping/nightmare issues and those major challenges with the malaria pills. I can't remember if I already shared about those pills or not...so I'll skip that for now. BR1---yes, you were correct. Greg did not sleep worth 10 cents the first night---actually, neither did I. Sometimes the fear of what didn't happen hits hard and I think that is what happened for me. I had major anxiety attacks---which is not like me. Greg isn't having combat nightmares for the most part---which is excellent. He is mostly having malaria pills-induced halucinations. I hope and pray that Greg's sleeping will get better within a week or so, so that he gets some quality rest while he is home but since he still has to take his pills while he is home---it is unlikely it will get better.

Okay---random comment!!! Speaking on behalf of the female gender---the size and nastiness of ALL of the bizzare and freaky animals, wildlife things over there would be enough to send me over the edge?! Greg has an entire FILE on his desktop with nothing nasty looking creatures just from Afghanistan?! I saw all the other ones from Iraq before---this was an entirely new file?! Those were some bad-*** looking THINGS!!! Pardon the implication there---but it is true! At this point---I don't know who is more glad he has a tent now---that zips shut!!!

One video in particular was so enlightening. It was the real deal during a mission and was at the second FOB location. Greg had said how proud all of them were at where they had starting shooting the howitzers and what loads they were using---so that their targets were only 1500 meters away. By the time this video was shot of all the howitzers and gunner teams were lined up...they were firing at targets approximately 11 miles away?! They had driven the Taliban back that far!! Watching the syncronization of these teams---Canadian and American working together---was impressive! The pile of "brass" or shell casings was even more stunning?! For anyone who shoots guns---this sight brings a whole new meaning to "cleaning up your brass"! EVERYthing gets burned after---so nothing can be used by the enemy against us.

Canadian howitzers kick butt---and so do their soldiers. Canadian road vehicles do not apparently. I say that will all respect. We have issues with American equipment, obviously. One of the "funny" videos was one Greg took as the last vehicle in a convoy. OMG---talk about getting stuck?!

Tons of amazing footage of Blackhawks and Chinooks from the ground and also from inside. Many carrying supplies to drop to them.

Those mountains in Afghanistan are stunning to see---and dangerous. NO wonder we heard news reports that terrorists use those mountains to put distance in between themselves and those who want to capture them!! Greg did get an opportunity to go climb one?! It was excellent to see the rest of the terrain to better understand what soldiers are up against---and what the Afghan farmers are up against---then ultimately why the Taiban do not resist growing unending Poppy crops for big bucks. A huge perspective was seen through these photos---and one I had not understood at all before.

Sure enough---there was the tent I bought in NC for Greg! It's a DANG good thing I did not spare any expense!! Tents we all use here would be shredded in a week---if not the first sand/dust storm.

The donuts at the Tim Hortons food trailer look just like ours here at home! I guess you cannot say that about the other food trailers---but it is still far better than the MRE's!

BTW----it was not his Class A uniform Greg came home in---it was his BDU's or camo's. I don't know why I misunderstood that---but I did.

Okay...about the sneaking into Greg's room to watch him sleep...three things. First, he is now married--lol--and so that would not be appropriate?! Skipping point number two and going to number three---I did do that when he came home after his first deployment to Baghdad. He was not yet married. We were not allowed to meet them at Fort Bragg then when they landed...and they had to stay at Bragg for 2 weeks for debriefing and anger management before getting their leave.

I went down to (Boy Scout summer) camp---spent the night---and as I was coming home and back into cell phone range---I had a voice message from Greg saying he had wanted to surprise me and was home already!!!! OMG---you have no idea how sick I was he was home and I was not, how happy I was he WAS home and how daggone fast I drove the rest of the way home!!!!!!!!!!

It was the crack of dawn in the morning yet....I got home---saw Greg's truck and was ginning big time---tiptoed upstairs opened the door to his bedroom....stepped over the TON of gear on the floor and slowly bent over to give him a gentle kiss. As I was doing this I was taking in the fact one more time---just how "ripped" my military son was as we ALL had noticed when he came home from jump school! I just kept thinking how much he had changed-----and just as I got to his face which was slightly turned away from me---he SLOWLY turned toward me--opened up his eyes and said----uh....Mrs. Funk---YOUR son is in his OTHER brother's bed?! OMG---I nearly died!!!!!!!!! I fell backwards over that Army gear I forgot I had stepped over and woke the entire household up---Greg came running to see what happened?!

Turns out Greg had brought his best buddy home with him---JAKE---all 6'3" and a farm boy from IOWA?! Okay....so I learned a few things that morning---never do that again----and never sneak up on a combat soldier when he's sleeping!! I now can only have memories of doing that in the past when my boys were small!!! But what I do get---is next!

BRAD's BACKYARD BIG-BAT-BASEBALL: Say what?! All three of my sons were born within 4 years. I always wanted my boys to be close--especially in their adult years. All three played baseball since they were little guys. One thing they LOVE to do is play my oldest son's version of baseball in the backyard with one of those oversized plastic bats and woffle baseballs! They wrap the woffleballs with duct tape (yes---it came from my letterboxing stash!!) and then these 8-strike rules etc. ( I still can't follow all of their rules.) Well this weekend---it was like old times and they played for hours smacking the heck out of these balls--and the bat too---it was just so nice to see them play like kids (they are 26, 25 and 23) leaving the stresses of each of their careers behind for a while! Just like any mom, cooking for my kids and having them all home is just the best ever. Knowing they can all have a time out and be safe---this is heaven to me and a greatly appreciated reprieve. I'm positive having so much support from all of you has given Greg an extra advantage in his confidence to do his job while on missions and also coming back home---where he may not always be well-received. I see a difference and I'm positive you have all added very much to that. God Bless each of you!! If there is ever anything I can do for any of you or your children---please know I am there for you as well!!!

Warm hugs to all!
Trailtracker

TT, your post brought me to tears several times. It sounds like Greg is an amazing man and that you are very proud of him - as well you should be.

uh....Mrs. Funk---YOUR son is in his OTHER brother's bed?!

LOL! That is priceless.

Bless you all,
mercs

Barb, you are one of the few people that can make me laugh and cry at the same time. Hugs from all of us to you and yours! DrWatson

Hallelujah! Thank you for sharing. Yup, me too, wiping some tears from my eyes. I have, obviously,
just a fraction of the joy you do that Greg is home.
Your stories are precious. You know, you are a writer.

Oops, when I said about peeking in on him, I forgot he was married.
Now, the story about bending over to givehim a kiss and waking the
'other' soldier is priceles, it is a good thing he woke at
that point and not a spilt second later. He would have been very startled
and no telling how he would have reacted.
Hope all goes well. Hope that Greg's body adjusts to the malaria pills without any reaction and he
gets much needed and well deserved sleep.
Enjoy enjoy enjoy.
God bless you and your family.
hugs,
Deborah

Who could have possibly not have read the entire letter. Sorry, I had to wipes my eyes and blow my nose. Thanks for sharing all of this with us. I hope to someday meet Greg.

Hales Angels

so glad all is well! and so much for sneaking up on sleeping soldiers! lol!

Barb, you are one of the few people that can make me laugh and cry at the same time.

I concur DrWatson! I was just about in tears...up until the "Uh...Mrs. Funk..." part and then I laughed so loud my own son came to see what was going on!
MHD

What a great guy that you talk about. I never knew what all of our soliders go threw, what an eye opening experince. Hope you enjoy him while he is here. Thanks to him and all of the other soliders. Poohbear

TT, you brought back some of the memories. After Devil Dawg returned from his first tour of Iraq, I flew to California to surprise him. We spent 3 days together 24/7 touring southern CA, and I watched him sleep every night. And he couldn't sleep in a bed - he slept sitting up in a chair. The second time he came home with us I couldn't look at him enough to make sure he was home safe again. Seeing him and his brothers together again just broke my heart. He's living at home going to college but I still just watch him sometimes. You will too, every chance you get. Bless you all and here's a big hug for you from one military mom to another.

Cheryl
Team Mad Dawg

Thanks for the honor to be apart of all of this. I am humbled to say the least. Give my best to greg and let him know that our prayers go with him wherever he goes.

hawkeye

TT,
I have problems with driving and speeding...also with fireworks and crowds...and the story about Mrs. Funk, your son is in his other brothers bed is funnier than my drunken brother story...I sure do miss BW3, and my kids are hot wing snobs, so no hooters for them...Glad he made it home...be safe...BR1

Barb, you are one of the few people that can make me laugh and cry at the same time.

I concur DrWatson! I was just about in tears...up until the "Uh...Mrs. Funk..." part and then I laughed so loud

Oh Barb, I'm having the same reaction; tears and bursts of laughter. And as a previous post mentions, you are a good writer. You should consider writing a book, from a mother's perspective; seriously! I've been thinking about you and your family often these past several days. You are loved by so many! God Bless you, Greg, and the entire Funk family!

ps - I don't know how to the "quote" thing correctly. Ugh!

You all are just the--best--ever! Thank you for your reassurances through these posts and private messages that I have not offended you and that you are not ready to send me packing for sharing what I have!!!

Team Mad Dawg---I totally get what you are saying---all of it. Yes, I do tend to look at Greg or watch him a LOT. I also tend to just casually reach over and pat his back, his shoulder, his arm, his leg....anything I can just to make sure this is the real deal. I can't really remember if I started that before he deployed the first time, but I know for sure I did after. I am very lucky he tolerates me doing that! =)

I'm so glad many of you found that uh....Mrs. Funk-Jake...story so funny! I almost deleted that. I just was not sure I was explaining well enough. I'm so glad it came out okay!! It was the full gammet of emotions that you expressed prefectly, Dr. Watson!! I have to tell you that word spread back to the barracks at Fort Bragg on that one---MUCH to Greg's dismay!!

BR1---I forget if I already told you this or not, but Greg went out of his way to explain why he gets so jumpy driving---and that definitely came from Iraq. And yes....Greg agrees with you completely about fireworks. How sad you guys may never again be able to enjoy fireworks unless you watch on tv with the volume off. It does not seem fair. We are all very grateful that Greg has not lost his interest is shooting guns and in hunting because all 5 of us at least target shoot. We are trying to fit a trip to do some skeet shooting before he goes back. I'm also very glad to hear you still like to hunt as well! BIG HUNTS--to boot!!

I heard on the news today that Bravo Company of the National Guard (from MN???---I didn't hear the entire news segment) just got back from the longest deployment in the history of our any of our nation's military units----deployed to Iraq for 22 months! And that was AFTER they had just returned home from Bosnia! God Bless those soldiers and their families too! One soldier said the best way to sum up how they feel right now is tattered and in pieces. I think it is even more important to mention that these are not fully enlisted soldiers, either. What a tremendous sacrifice.

I have decided to print out copies of all of your extraordinary posts and messages and make a scrapbook of sorts for Greg!!! I have been relaying every ounce of every message from each of you to him, but I think this would be a wonderful keepsake for him and ensure that each of you know he got your messages!!! Maybe I should make a second copy so the soldiers in Afghanistan see as well!

Today, Chicken Soup for the Soul has an incredibly insightful story about a Vietnam Vet and his father and grandfather---also Veterans. It definitely helps me better understand the reluctance some veterans have in being willing to open up and share. Here is the link--- http://www.beliefnet.com/nllp/ChickenSoupSoul.aspx?date=8-08-2007&WT.mc_id=NL49

Hawkeye (GA) Keepersofthelight04 (BR1's family from NC) and our Cincy folks---I hope you all have not melted today?! The heat index was through the roof for you all!! BR1---as always I hope you and your guys have some refuge from YOUR heat as well!!

Trailtracker

TT - I wish I had read this from home. As it is, you have me crying at my desk at work. Well, except for your Jake moment, which made me laugh out loud. I envy your sons, they have a super mom. You have raised them to be great men and you should be proud.

I have been praying for Greg and the other soldiers and I'm very happy to hear he's home and safe. Without your posts to remind us of what the soldiers are going through, it's easy to put 'war' thoughts out of our minds. I am thankful that you keep us posted and want to share a piece of your life with us. God bless you and your family!