Heading to the Sand Box

[Seeley]

Just thought I'd let everyone know that I'm heading out to the big sand box by the end of the month. If anyone would like to write to me while I'm over there, E-mail me and I'll be sure to send you my FPO.

[Joseph P Carey]

Bring along an extra flak jacket for you butt, and keep your helmet on tight. I will not wish you good luck, because that is usually bad luck, instead, I will say, "Don't be a hero, and do the job until it is done! Come home when you are done with it!"

[CAR]

Seeley, Look forward to hearing from you when your able. Kick some butt, be proficient, watch your six and work as a team. You'll be in the air conditioning before you know it.
Semper Fi young Brother.

[JAMarine]

Have you made it home yet? I'm expecting a call from you.

rich

[jinelson]

Shawn your a Marine now well trained, highly motivated, locked cocked and good to go. I have no doubt in my military mind that you will get some and git er done. Follow your NCO's closely and take care of your brothers as they take care of you. You have always made me proud, now its up to you to uphold our traditions. May God go with you and your unit and help you accomplish your mission. OORAH!

Semper Fi Brother

Jim :marine:

[Seeley]

Thank you all, I appreciate it. JAM, sorry I didn't call you. I was really quite occupied with my family and Amanda. I appologize.

[Osotogary]

Shawn-
Your unit may wind up being on the authorized MOTOMAIL mailing list. It that turns out to be so, your friends, relatives, loved ones etc. will be able to write you and you should receive their one page letter in about two days...I believe. Check out MOTOMAIL. It is free.
By the way...take care and do what you were trained to do the very best that you can.
Gary

[marinemom]

Shawn - keep your head down, drink all the water you can get your hands on - and if you are close to the 3/1 area, see if you can get over and see tigger.

Come home safe!

[radio relay]

God bless, and come home in one piece!

[MillRatUSMC]

What can one say, to belay your fears?
Do what your trained to do, cover you fellow Marine 6 as he or she will be covering yours.
Some already told you "Don't be a hero." others had advice drinking plenty of water.
Most likely many Marines in your unit are veterans of the big sand box, so they will pass on any information they have gather before.
One uses the word "fear", its not all bad, it will keep you on your toes.
So its in that context that I'm using that word.
A lack of fear is insanity.
Twice, I went to Vietnam, I knew more the second time than my ignorance of the first time.
Still it didn't make it any easier.
I just relied on my training.
God bless you and Amanda, that one special lady.

Semper Fidelis/Semper Fi
Ricardo

[Seeley]

I'm signed up for MOTOMAIL now, so if anyone wants to send messages to me from there while I'm in Iraq, feel free.

http://www.motomail.us

[KingDonkeyPunch]

Hey man,
Be safe out there. I want to see you come back boot-side down.

[HardJedi]

take care seeley. I can't add alot to the advice you have already been given by others. Just know this, ( which I am sure you do already) there are alot of us here who are proud of our young Marines and stand behind you all. ( wish I could still stand beside you, but the body just won't do it any more)

take care, Marine.

[devildog12874]

Good hunting & God speed

[DBROWN72848]

Remember, heros are made not planned.. Just do your job and
be safe.

Good luck............Dan.

[Seeley]

Well, I figured that the best thing I could do to prepare myself for deployment was to re-dedicate my self to God thismorning at church. Its a good feeling 'ya know.

[rsta]

With God and the Corps, you are set to go, my friend. Be careful over there.

Bob

[mrbsox]

Well done !!

GOD, COUNTRY, CORPS :marine:

Now, run the good race, fight the good fight.
And remember, that your cause is just, and right. All things work for the good of those that believe.

Get some,
and don't worry about taking their names.

[Osotogary]

Good work, Seeley! You have done what you have decided needed to be done.

Was wine served while you were in church and did you go to the back of the church, put on a fake mustache, and head back in line for another sip?

Take care now and always.
Gary

[calisc2]

Good job Devil-Dog I wish I would have done the same before I went. Things seem to be clear now but I wish they could have been clear then. Meaning life in general. God will open your eyes so that you can understand the situation a little better. I'll pray for you tonight.


P.S. I emailed you my E-mail address so I can support
you with mail.

[Seeley]

Thanks to everyone. You guys have always been there for me, even before I was able to sign those papers. I've been here since I was 16...dang. That's 3 years now.

[dcline]

Eyes and ears don't lie. SF

[greensideout]

Seeley, I just started a book, "The Faith of the Amercain Soldier" by Stephen Mansfield. He writes, "A nation's warrior code is an extension of it's soul, the embodiment of it's highest ideals." He traveled to the battlefields of Iraq and other military locations to find what frames the moral perspectives on war, on killing and on the possibility of death. You may want to find a copy. If you can't and want to read it I'll send you mind. Take care brother.

With God and Marines on your six, you are covered. :marine:

Semper Fi,
GSO

[Seeley]

Well, TMO is here to pack up our stuff we're not taking to Iraq. I'm taking my laptop and my digital camera with me, so I'll be sure to post some pictures from "over there" once in a while. I might not be able to get on again for quite some time, so I guess I'll see you all when its done. Semper Fi, and God bless!

[Osotogary]

Seeley,
As always, take care and do what you were trained to do the best that you can do it. I look forward to seeing your posts once again. This is your time.
Until later, may God bless you and keep you.
Gary

[OLE SARG]

Seeley,
My Grandson, Brandon Lane, left for Kuwait City early this morning and is going to be with the 22nd MEF in Fullujah. He is with Motor Transport and will probably be assigned as a Mechanic with their MT Division. If you get that way look him up.

Take care and like Gary said, do what you were trained to do the best you can do it.

God Bless you guys and you all will be in our prayers.

SEMPER FI,
OLE SARG

[mrbsox]

Gods Speed my young Brother !!

GO with the knowledge that your cause is RIGHT and JUST. Keep yer 'top knot' tight, yer powder dry.

As a technical instructor, the first step in diagnosis is
VISUAL INSPECTION !!
Watch every thing, Learn what is natural and what isn't. Watch the locals.... THEY KNOW !!

And keep the pictures in coming in.

Semper Fi.

[Seeley]

Well, I'm outta here! See you all in seven months!

[yellowwing]

Kick ass and take names! Semper Fi :marine:

[Osotogary]

Don't even bother with the names. Save the ink or graphite for writing us.:)
Take care.

[david fox]

Good luck and stay safe Marine. My son goes over with 3/7 India (29 Palms) in a couple of days. Keep your head on a swivel and stay alert.
GMC Fox, USCG

[003XXMarineDAD]

Be safe and God Speed Seeley. Get er done .

[THATFEMALE]

LCPL,

Shame we haven't had the pleasure of meeting each other in person since we've been balls to the wall close. LOL My detachment will be leaving with 1st Tank, Bravo company coming up really soon. Enjoy your head start! Word has it that alot of us over at Pendleton will be going to get things done. Doesn't matter what the MOS. Well it's already been said throughout the post, so I'll just say, "Hold down the fort until the WM's get there!" Semper FI Marine. :marine:

[yellowwing]

...then you can watch over this young buck! Semp Fi!