The Visit with Sarge

Everything went according to plan last night. It was sure great seeing Tom again, and being able to catch up on all that has happened since his last visit. Having spent a little time with his brothers, and knowing that they will get him all to their selves on Saturday, it was time for us to go. The first order of business was to get to Rock for our first beer together. What a milestone moment

Later The Doctor and his son showed up. We lived not too far from each other for awhile, so our boys got to know each other very early on. They hadn't been able to chat in probably 10 years, so this was quite the reunion. Both these young men have turned into outstanding adults.

Of course the conversation turned to politics and both these gentleman seemed very engaged in the process. While The Doctor and I don't always agree on ideology, we did agree on advice to our sons. Ask Questions. Keep asking questions until you have enough information to make an informed decisions. Ask questions of those both on the Right and the Left. But keep asking questions. If you do that, you will feel comfortable and confident in whatever decisions you make.

Sgt. Tom and I then ventured back over to St. Paul for this week's Drinking Liberally. Sgt. Steve Sarvi, Democratic candidate for the 2nd congressional district was there to discuss his campaign. He has just wrapping his Q & A when we arrived but I could see Tom listening intently. We made it over to the candidate where they greeted each other and started talking a foreign language. Not in the literal sense, but if you put too service men in a room they start talking with acronyms I don't even understand.

But then Tom started asking questions, questions he had asked me about how things are in the Middle East and Iraq specifically. Did I say how important it is to ask questions? In this case they were all relevant as Tom has received orders and will be going to Iraq in August for a 6 month stint. His time will be spent in the green zone primarily as an aircraft maintenance inspector.

The highlight of the evening was when Sgt. Sarvi pulled me aside later to compliment me on what I fine young man Tom has become and to not worry about his impending journey to Iraq. I knew already that Tom had turned out just fine, but it is always nice to here it from someone else.

Tom stops by again on Saturday. I will only see him briefly as he collects his brothers for the day. It is their turn to catch up and it will begin with lunch with GrandMa and GrandPa. They too are eager to see their grandson and catch up on time that has passed by.

Veteran's Day Reply from Sgt. Tom

I sent Sgt. Tom a Veteran's day Thank you. Here are excerpts from my letter, and his response:

I just wanted to take the time to tell you how proud I am of you, and all the armed services who are, and have, defended this great nation of ours. Hardly a day goes by were I am not thinking of you and praying for your safety.

I had several people come up to me yesterday asking about how you were doing. It is nice to know they have you in their thoughts as well.

Thanks dad that means a lot.

So your last E-Mail said you reconsidered re-upping so you can go to school. Did the desert change your mind? As for a school, the U of MN has a great program *wink* Would LOVE to have you back in the state. We miss you to death!

The desert didn't really affect my state of mind, it was more looking at the way the machine affects the people who have been in for a long time. . . . On the other hand you also get stronger in other areas. I guess its a hand off. I look at it as I did my time, now its time to move on. With the new GI bill taking effect in Aug 2009, I will be properly equipped to move on to the next level. If you ever have time to kill you should Google "new GI Bill" (ed- I did). They started a site for it. Its pretty good stuff.

I would like to be a structural engineer, or do something in developing more efficient alternative energy. I'm not sure but I will figure out as I get further down the path. Right now I have 9 months left on my contract. pretty crazy to think its been near 5 years since I got out of High School.

The Boys passed all their classes first quarter, which was a relief. Things were kind of touch and go for awhile there,

Well I am glad the boys got through the first quarter, I just wish they knew what I know now. The value of an education. If I have gotten anything from the Marine Corps its an appreciation for higher learning lol.

Well I gotta run dad, It was great hearing from you.

Love your son

Tom

That's my boy, I am so proud of him!!

Proud Marine Dad!

A Visit from Sgt. Tom

My son is coming into town this afternoon. I haven't seen him in some time. He turned 21 last May, so this will be my first opportunity to sit down and have our first beer together. We are tentatively planning on meeting up with The Doctor and his son at Rock Bottom for an early dinner. Then I hope to make it to DL at the Chatterbox to hob nob with another Sergeant, Sgt. Sarvi, candidate for 2nd District Congress.

Sgt. Tom was a Right leaner last time I talked to him in person. I am curious to see what he has to say regarding the current situation after almost 4 years active duty. We'll have plenty of time for that this evening.

Tomorrow, my parents will hopefully get a turn in and take him out to lunch and then Saturday he will take his brothers for the afternoon for some long overdue sibling catch up time. Maybe if we keep him busy enough he'll realize he needs to come into town more often.

For now, I just want to give him a big ole hug and THANK him for his service!

Flash

Sgt. Tom, Retired!

As of last Friday, my son has completed his service with the United States Marine Corps. He currently is attending Engineering classes in Southern California. I hope he will find some time in his busy schedule to come home and visit his family.

The Sargent's 5 years in the service included time on the Iwo Jima and a deploy to the Al Asad airbase in the Anbar Province of Iraq.

I thank the lord for his safe return, and honor Sgt Tom's commitment and dedication to country. He now moves on to the next chapter in his life.

Semper Fi.

Next, my soon to be senior in high school, enlisting in the Air Force. Then the following year my youngest boy will sign up with the US Navy; like his grand father and Great Grand Father.

I honor and support their decision to serve or country.

Proud Marine Dad!

Tom's Boots are on the Ground

My son, Sgt. Tom, is in Iraq:

Hey Dad just wanted to drop you a line and let you know I'm alive! Just got settled in out here in Iraq. Its not to bad. Pretty hot and the sand storms suck but other than that its not to bad.

It's been pretty quiet out here. In the few days I have been here I have heard nothing in the way of combat, explosions, and hardly any aircraft flying around. I am at Al Asad Airbase. its in the Anbar providence about 80 miles east of Iraq.

So whats new out there? how are the boys? Well keep in touch the more news i get the better lol, It gets pretty stagnant out here! Love you dad! later!

-Tom

He is in for a 6 month stint. It will be a LONG 6 months for me.

Proud Marine Dad!

Support Steve Sarvi

I'm a little late to the game, but noticed a little ground swell on the local left leaning blogosphere in support of Sgt. Steve Sarvi.

I first met Steve, electronically, here at Centrisity. He was active duty and stumbled on this little blog site during the end of his deploy. Once he made it back to the states we exchanges some E-mails, and it wasn't long before I was reading about him in the paper as he announced his candidacy.

When my son Sgt. Tom was in town last February, it was also the night Sgt. Sarvi was attending the Drinking Liberal gathering at the Chatter Box. I got a shot of them after they discussed what may lie ahead for my son during his 6 month deploy set to begin in just a few months.

So if you find it in you heart, or in your pocket book to place a few coins in the coffers of this honorable man who now is destined to become our next Congressman from the 2nd, hop on over to his ActBlue page. I know he would be grateful . . .and so would i!

Flash

Happy Birthday Sgt. Tom!

Marine Sargent Tom is . . . holy crap 23 ?!? Seems like just yesterday I was teaching him how to walk.

I hope you have a GREAT day Son!

Proud Marine Dad!

My Guitar Hero

Part of a message from Sgt. Tom I received today:

You may be a little proud of me, I learned to play the guitar out here, I'm not good yet but I have all of the basics down. I'm working on "Tom Sawyer", "Limelight", "Farewell to Kings" Well see if they are recognizable by the time I get home lol. Probably not though. Rush is pretty complicated for only being a 3 piece band.

I am so proud of him for so many other reason, but nice to see a chip off the old block showing.

Flash

The Whole Famn Damily

With Sgt. Tom home for the Holidays, we had a chance at a complete family photo. So from left to right is the youngest, the Sgt., Me, the Lovely Mrs, the future airman and Doc.

I'll have some health care stuff later in the week, but for the most part, I will be laying low.

Have a beautiful and joyous Holiday Season!

Flash

Golden Boy

My youngest is 17 on the 17th, today. No, it doesn't make me feel old, but it does put a generation of fun into perspective. I have been involved in the raising of kids since April 1987, when I first met Sgt. Tom, only 11 months old and not even walking yet. The Sgt. turned 24 last Saturday.

The Birthday boy is still a work in progress, eying the Navy, but not realizing the importance of getting through academia first. He'll get it, or the natural consequences will take over.

I don't mean to wish my life away, but the next 13 months will be a count down for us *laughing*

Happy Birthday, son!! Have a GREAT day today, then get your school work done *smile*

Dad!

Airman Update: Classes Begin!

Coming off Basic Training in August, these well training and prepared men and women are eager and ready to begin their new paths. And then it all comes to a screeching halt. A hurry up and wait situation where significant downtime is experienced following an 8 1/2 week adrenaline push. That's what happened to my son.

He arrived at Keesler AFB (Mississippi) immediately after graduation weekend. A 16+ hour bus ride to his new home. However, there was no opening in his classes, so duty assignments like Security, loading dock, and PT conditioning was his world . . . but no classes. That all changed this week.

After 6 weeks of waiting, with early signs of frustration beginning to set in, he began his next step in his journey. The Airman is going into Cyber Systems Operations, so his class schedule start with Cyber Systems Basics, Windows & introduction, and high tech classes that will prepare him for his first duty station.

Anticipated Graduation is the 2nd week of December, where God willing, he'll get some much needed leave including about 2 weeks of uncharged leave as part of the Recruiter Assistance Program. IF the timing works out, it will be a very merry Christmas at the Flash homestead.

Now that he has begun Tech School, within a few weeks, we may found out more specifics of where his first assignment will take him. HE is hoping for over seas, Japan or Germany, but he he will go where he is needed, and serve out country proudly.

My son, the Airman . . . I'll keep you posted.

Flash
Proud Air Force Dad; AB Nick
Proud Marine Dad; Sgt. Tom (inactive reserves)
Proud Dad; Josh and Bob

Remembering Ansel

About 10 years ago I got knee deep in my genealogy again. I was once again scraping and scrounging to find my roots. Persistence allowed me to make several connections, one of which was the resolution to the old Eaton family story that we were descended from the Mayflower. Although not definitive, strong circumstantial evidence supports the claim.

Along that road of research, I met Ansel. Ansel is my Great Great Grand Uncle on my mother's paternal side. Ansel was born in upstate New York on Jan 6 1840. On August 15, 1862, he enlisted in the service at Fort Snelling. He was a private of Company E, 9th Regiment of the Minnesota Infantry (click to enlarge):
Ansel returned home safely, and married a fine young Southern MN lady, Sarah Oliver, of Blue Earth County [MN Marriage Records (to Sarah OLIVER, 28 Jun 1866, at Shelbyville, Blue Earth County, MN]. They had several children (9 according to my records).

Sarah passed in 1909, and Ansel was alone. He spent his final years, battling cancer, in a Soldiers' home in Cumberland Wisconsin. In late August of 1917, Ansel decided to travel to St. Paul, to visit with long lost friends from his days in the Civil war. A newspaper account at the time describe his jubilation upon meeting his friends after so long. The excitement got the best of him. He died of a heart attack that day.

Ansel was laid to rest, in an unmarked grave, at Oakland Cemetery here in St. Paul, just a few blocks from where I currently work.

In 1878, lots were set aside in the "Soldiers Rest" area for the free burial of Civil War veterans and the Army provided the headstones. Lots were also designated for free burial of Spanish-American War dead and veterans. The St. Paul Firemen's Association bought a group of lots in 1868 for burial of their members and a lifesize statue of a fireman was erected in 1890.

He's in good company.

I visited the sextant of the cemetery to find Ansel, and was able to locate his plot. After all these years, he was still unmarked. I worked with the local Civil War historian (Pat Hill) who was working to identify and gather paperwork to get as many stones as possible in place for the 150th anniversary of the Cemetery, in 2003. It was not very long before Ansel was properly marked.

I visited him this morning, and placed a small bouquet of flowers at his head. It was the least I could do, to remember one of my ancestors on this important day. In the past I have listed all my family who have served, or are serving, in the armed forces.

Take a moment to thank a vet, and just a bit longer to pray for those still in harms way, especially, my son Sgt. Tom.

More later.

Flash

Thanks for your Service!

I special Thank You to the newest Veteran to be, Airman Nick!

He is currently excelling at Keesler AFB on track for Tech School Graduation in mid December. He will then get a couple weeks off for Christmas Exodus where we'll have much to catch up on.

He had an opportunity to go to Japan for his first assignment, but decided that getting more training and being involved in the meet of the Air Force beet going over seas to a Sit down Help Desk Job. He's got 6 years, I am sure he'll get to travel some over that time.

Also a salute to Sgt. Tom, who continues to enjoy his inactive reserve status. He is attending College in San Diego and actually called last night. He needed to check up on his brother still at home.

Thanks, gentleman! You have made me very proud!

Dad!

Other Veteran's Day Posts:

2009
2008
2007
2005
2004

Sgt. Tom; 4 Weeks to Deploy

I heard from my son this weekend. He is shipping out to Alaska for a few weeks then off to Al Asad airbase in Iraq for 6 months. He is as ready now as he was when he visited last Spring! In the note he references the Parade pics from the 4th:

I'm Doing pretty good. I am about 1 month out from deploying. However I am heading to Alaska on Sunday and I will be deploying from there. I will send out my address as soon as I have it. I saw those pics pretty cool! However I will have to show the boys proper rifle and sword carries OOO-RAH!!!! LOL. You guys looked good!

He also hyped on the NEW GI Bill, you know, the one Obama supported and voted for, where McCain didn't even bother to show up for the vote, but made it clear he would have voted no anyway:

The marine corps. is treating me pretty well, my MOS bonus just went up for re-enlisting. Oh and the new GI bill is great. So the plan is to do one more enlistment and get as much college done in that time

That's my boy, planning ahead and looking towards the future.

I wish I could have seen him before he got so busy, but he'll keep me posted. I'll be sure to share with you any news I get. I have been hesitant posting a service flag on Centrisity, but once his boots are on the ground, it will go up for sure!

Flash
Proud Marine Dad!

Pins and Needles

From Sgt. Tom:

I am so close to being back in the states!!!! ARG!!! this is driving me nuts!

Sometime next week if all goes well. When the service star on the right disappears, you'll know he is back in the good ole US of A.

Proud Marine Dad!

Sgt. Tom is Home . . Almost

Just got the call from my son. He is on a brief layover at the HHH Terminal here in the Twin Cities. So close but yet so far. He is on his way to California where there will be a debrief and then much deserved time off. No time frame yet on when he'll be back in Minnesota for a visit, or maybe more than that.

Thank to all for your kind words of support.

Proud Marine Dad!

Season Begins

So much going on, domestically, with kids and conferences along with Holiday Prep. Break doesn't start for us just yet. With the late Labor Day, we still have Monday and Tuesday next week, then the rest of the week, along with the following week, as our break.

Tonight I will get one of the best presents ever, a date night with my lovely bride. We'll have dinner downtown at our favorite haunt, and then, hopefully, a show . . or maybe just a moonlit walk down Nicollet, nothing in stone yet. The boys will be fine, we have something special planned for them as well . . . lets call it a special surprise!

More later . . .

Flash

UPDATE: The Special Surprise has arrived, Sgt. Tom is home for the weekend!

Merry Christmas from the Flash Fam

The picture of the homestead looks strikingly similar to last year's. The only significant change is a slightly larger flag, and the service star in the window. I sent Sgt. Tom Holiday wishes last evening, and received them in return this morning

Things out here are very bland, not much changes from day to day. Everyone is a lot more reserved today though. I think they are all thinking of their families and what this day normally means to them all. I know it makes me miss home a little more. I can't imagine what the people who have kids here are going through. Well give my brothers Hugs for me and tell the family I said hello and I love and miss all of them.
-Your son

We are about to begin the traditional gift ritual.

Last year we just huddled the gifts under the radiator, as the Christmas tree is out on the porch for all to see. But this year, we decided to convert one of our tropical trees into a festive one. And of course, the stockings were hung from the window with care: So now we sit around the tree, read Luke 2:8-14, and then share family and fun. Soon after the pasture will be laid out for grazing, and as soon after noon as possible, a little sip or two of Holiday Cheer *grin*

From my family to yours, all the best this Holiday season, and joyous New year.

Kurt 'Flash' Schiebel and Family

The Bird Flies in Iraq

Marines being Marines. Looks like, considering where they are, that things are at least someone palatable.Sgt. Tom is on the far left.

Flash

Tapping Weather

The heck with the groundhog, stay tuned for the real first sign of Spring . . the official tapping of the first Garage Keg.God knows I have had a Winter worthy of an early Spring. Also, with Sgt. Tom expecting to get his travel papers soon and a scheduled return to the states next week, I'll need to be ready for the celebration.

I was soooooo tempted to pick up a keg last Saturday, but knew the cold snap was coming. However, with the front moving in later in the week, and an optimistic extended forecast, this just may set up the earliest Spring in my history living in the Midway.

Here's a view from last Fall, with Kurly ready to go.

Flash

UPDATE: A Keg of Natty Ice has just been ordered for Friday Pick-Up.