tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-291064202024-02-03T00:55:06.454-08:00Task Force Phoenix 5This was created to focus on the good things we as soldiers and Americans do for other countries and people in need. My name is Todd Larkin and Im with the 1-180th Infantry Battalion in Durant, Oklahoma. Our Battalion was on a year long deployment to Afghanistan when I started this blog. Now that I'm home I will try and focus on current issues we face as Americans. This site is not associated with the US Army or the Oklahoma Army National Guard in any way.Todd Larkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517230953692989196noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29106420.post-82178515839755069052015-11-30T11:15:00.001-08:002015-11-30T11:17:09.206-08:00New BlogNot sure if I still have any followers left on here but if you are interested in my life after deployment and living as a Veteran Dad follow my new blog.. Hope everyone is well!!<br />
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Todd<br />
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<a href="http://avetdad.blogspot.com/">http://avetdad.blogspot.com/</a>Todd Larkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517230953692989196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29106420.post-31669636318885476962008-09-26T09:15:00.000-07:002008-09-26T09:16:25.255-07:00No Friend of Mine<strong>John McCain's no friend to veterans<br />BY ROBERT DIAMOND</strong><br /><br />Friday, September 26th 2008, 4:00 AM<br /><br />As soon as Thursday night, <a title="Barack Obama" href="http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Barack+Obama" target="_blank">Barack Obama</a> and <a title="John McCain" href="http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/John+McCain" target="_blank">John McCain</a> are scheduled to meet for their first presidential debate. They will talk about national security, <a title="Iraq" href="http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Iraq" target="_blank">Iraq</a>, <a title="Afghanistan" href="http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Afghanistan" target="_blank">Afghanistan</a>, the strains on our military readiness and, I hope, they will talk about our veterans.<br />As both an Iraq war veteran and a graduate of the <a title="U.S. Naval Academy" href="http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/U.S.+Naval+Academy" target="_blank">U.S. Naval Academy</a>, I am intimately familiar with John McCain's valiant and honorable military service. McCain, as far as I am concerned, is a true American hero. Unfortunately, his heroism in the <a title="Vietnam" href="http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Vietnam" target="_blank">Vietnam</a> War has been allowed to morph into a patently false "record" - ceaselessly touted by his campaign - that McCain is a strong advocate for veterans. That could not be further from the truth.<br />Earlier this month, McCain delivered his acceptance speech at the <a title="Republican National Convention" href="http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Republican+National+Convention" target="_blank">Republican National Convention</a> - the most important speech of his long political career. In a nearly 50-minute address, with millions of Americans watching, McCain could not find 10 seconds to talk about one of the most important issues facing this country - caring for our returning veterans. He did not mention the word "veteran" once.<br />In fact, the only time the issue of veterans came up during that speech was when McCain was interrupted by protesters from the group <a title="Iraq Veterans Against the War" href="http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Iraq+Veterans+Against+the+War" target="_blank">Iraq Veterans Against the War</a>. McCain dismissed them as "ground noise and static."<br />Yes, that was just the convention - and, you might argue, more about symbolism than substance. But it only gets worse when one looks at McCain's voting record. The nation's largest Iraq veterans organization, <a title="Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America" href="http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Iraq+and+Afghanistan+Veterans+of+America" target="_blank">Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America</a>, a nonpartisan organization, grades members of Congress on how they vote on legislation that "affect[s] troops, veterans or military families." This includes votes on such issues as expanded health care services for veterans and reservists, military death benefits, traumatic brain injury research and adequate rest for service members between deployments, just to name a few.<br />Of the 155 votes tracked by IAVA since 9/11, John McCain received a grade of "D." While no senator earned a grade of "A," Barack Obama got a "B ."<br />A separate veterans group, <a title="Disabled American Veterans" href="http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Disabled+American+Veterans" target="_blank">Disabled American Veterans</a> - with over 1.4 million members - maintains a "Federal Vote Scorecard." DAV is also a nonpartisan organization and says the purpose of its scorecard is "simply to report the facts - how [legislators] voted on issues important to us and our members."<br />McCain's score in the last Congress? 20%. Obama's? 80%. (In the previous two Congresses, McCain's record goes a little bit higher - to 25% and 33%, respectively; Obama's is 92% for 2006; in 2004 he was not yet elected to the Senate.)<br />What led to these scores? Among other things, McCain's vote in March of 2006 against increasing veterans' medical services funding by $1.5 billion by closing corporate tax loopholes. Obama voted for it. Another was in April 2006, when McCain was one of only 13 senators to vote against an amendment to add $430 million for the Department of Veteran Affairs for medical services for outpatient care and treatment for veterans. Obama voted in favor of it.<br />But McCain says he has a perfect record on veterans issues. He said so on the campaign trail. <a title="FactCheck.org" href="http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/FactCheck.org" target="_blank">FactCheck.org</a> decided to examine this claim. What did it find? "[McCain] said that he had 'a perfect voting record from organizations like the <a title="Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S." href="http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Veterans+of+Foreign+Wars+of+the+U.S." target="_blank">Veterans of Foreign Wars</a>, the <a title="The American Legion" href="http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/The+American+Legion" target="_blank">American Legion</a>.' But we called both of those groups, and they told us they don't even release congressional scorecards. In fact, the American Legion's constitution prohibits it."<br />My favorite was McCain's opposition to the new GI Bill that <a title="George W. Bush" href="http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/George+W.+Bush" target="_blank">President Bush</a> - after originally threatening to veto - signed into law this past June 30. The new GI Bill will cover veterans for the full cost of education at any public school in the country and many private schools (it's capped at the cost of the most expensive public school in the respective state). It provides upfront tuition payments directly to the school, a book/supply stipend of $1,000 per year and a monthly living stipend.<br />When it came time to vote on this legislation, McCain didn't show up. He stayed in <a title="California" href="http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/California" target="_blank">California</a> to attend a fund-raiser.<br />I would never challenge John McCain's proud record of service to his country. But his voting record has not helped address the shoddy state of our VA system, the lack of preparation to handle today's combat wounded who have returned home with blast-trauma injuries or the failure to provide adequate posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) screening and treatment for all our service members.<br />It's time for Americans to look past rhetoric and biography. In the past seven years, this country has sent our military to fight in two major wars. John McCain has stood up to defend those wars. He has yet to stand up for veterans once they've returned home.<br />Diamond, a native New Yorker, is the chairman of New York Veterans for Obama. He served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and is a fellow with the Truman National Security Project.Todd Larkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517230953692989196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29106420.post-35692291278754752872008-03-18T14:36:00.000-07:002008-03-18T14:49:59.924-07:005 years Later<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh69jQ-Zip6eOGsmuq2hoxe5bDM4btwU3dfv3PdbK3kv1u1cZm1dx6CQF4yDjDPQDVguen_mouhLw6qGUeRGbzv8IJHJ94Eu7AsJ25Kev56vGn24fh8y6o4vLtLqrj5RYr0kYyI/s1600-h/eticket_war_top.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179199157213621250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh69jQ-Zip6eOGsmuq2hoxe5bDM4btwU3dfv3PdbK3kv1u1cZm1dx6CQF4yDjDPQDVguen_mouhLw6qGUeRGbzv8IJHJ94Eu7AsJ25Kev56vGn24fh8y6o4vLtLqrj5RYr0kYyI/s320/eticket_war_top.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>ESPN is honoring the five-year anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq, by telling stories of 2 soldiers and their families. Their life before and after war and what tolls war takes including life. These are great stories and its great to see ESPN doing such a great thing by honoring these guys. One tells of a Soldier who lost his arm and returned home, the other didn't make it home and left behind a wife and daughter. <div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/eticket/story?page=conley">http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/eticket/story?page=conley</a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/eticket/story?page=homuth">http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/eticket/story?page=homuth</a></div>Todd Larkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517230953692989196noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29106420.post-57895404078402980082008-03-05T08:39:00.001-08:002008-03-05T08:39:54.007-08:00My View on a new President..<span xmlns=''><p>This is my own view as a person, an individual. This is not the view of the military or a Soldier, my view as an American, taxpaying citizen. (Just making myself clear and covering bases)<br /></p><p>I have watched the Democratic Primaries slide back and forth from Barack to Hillary and then last night my biggest worry/fear came true and I have this nervous feeling about it. John McCain is now the Republican Presidential candidate. WOW he's worse than what we have now for a President and if he wins the whole thing we are in for another long 4 years and with the way things are now what will our future hold as Americans? It's honestly scary to me, I mean look at the issues we are facing now recession is looking like the wave of the future, gas prices, the price of everything is going up and most important of all the war. McCain is a true supporter of keeping us in Iraq and I personally disagree with that. <br /></p><p>It's time for an end and time for a change and if its Barack or Hillary I will vote either way but we do not need another Bush in the White House we need someone who will make this country better and lead us to a better future. If you have children or grandchildren you need to vote for a change in the future. McCain will not give Americans change it will be the hell we've been living for the last 8 years. I want my daughter to grow up like I grew up not worrying about problems and current issues that adults worry about. These days too many children ask if we will be at war forever, that's all they know because that's all they see and here.<br /></p><p>I'm voting for the best candidate the person who will make the biggest change in America and the biggest change me. I do not care if they are white, black, red yellow or green. I don't care if they are male or female I just want someone who will lead us in the right direction for the right reasons. </p></span>Todd Larkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517230953692989196noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29106420.post-6061270665979456242007-06-03T19:26:00.000-07:002007-06-05T17:15:43.800-07:00Back Home and the forgotten WARWell a month back home and things are going pretty well for my family. We got a new house and did the moving process within the first couple weeks of being home so things have been busy and finally settling down and getting bored with staying home and I guess getting ready to go back to work, then <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">there are</span> times I want to continue to be lazy. I plan on starting back the 11<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> and will <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">receive</span> a promotion to full time reporter by the end of the month and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">I'm</span> looking pretty forward to that.<br /><br /><br /><br />I was planning on waiting awhile to do another Blog until after I started back to work. I decided last night I couldn't wait to get a few things off my chest. I have seen and heard a few things that I just <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">wouldn't</span> let go without saying a few things about it, because I knew you guys would give me a few words of encouragement and would be just as upset as I was when I experienced my recent rants.<br /><br /><br /><br />I guess there are somethings I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">shouldn't</span> gripe about or complain about but I feel I've earned the right to gripe about this and I've been very <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">disappointed</span> in all the people back home after all the wonderful support I got from all of you guys. I guess I got spoiled by you guys, sending all the kind words and great encouraging emails. I just returned home and things were so different with how the people treat the military and how they show their <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">appreciation</span>.<br /><br /><br /><br />Here are my examples..<br /><br /><br /><br />My <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">disappointments</span> started the day I flew home, we were sitting in the airport at Colorado Springs and one of the Flight Attendants asked if we were coming back from Iraq. I leaned over and told her "No we just spent a year in Afghanistan and where heading home." She leaned back over to ask me without skipping a beat "whats going on over there?" WOW I was stunned and when I started to explain a little thing called 9/11 an elderly couple stepped in and proceeded to tell her what was going on over there and did so ever so kindly!!<br /><br /><br /><br />A few hours later I landed in Oklahoma and was as happy as I could be for the next few minutes. Well let me back up a few days, my wife didn't know what day I was actually planning on coming home. So I wanted to s<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">urprising</span> my wife and daughter. I had made all the plans including renting a car and driving down to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Ardmore</span> to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">surprise</span> Jodi and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Bayleigh</span>. Well now I can <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">fast forward</span> to the day I landing in OK. I was greeted at the airport by one of my best friends Jake. It was great being able to see a friendly face as soon as I landed in beautiful Oklahoma. I grabbed my bags and headed to get my rental car from a "wonderful" company Enterprise. I spoke with the clerk at the front desk and he started getting me ready to head on my way.. Well that <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">wouldn't</span> be the case, after showing my ID the clerk as for 2 utility bills because I was returning the car to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Ardmore</span> Enterprise lot. I stood there wondering what 2 utility bills I would use considering I had just got back from Afghanistan. I tried my best to get past the request and after 15 minutes of no help from the clerk I lost my cool. The week long trip home and spending the day flying from Colorado was just a bit much and I lost my cool. But please give me a break where do you expect me to get a bill or how could you even expect me to bring one or expect to show one. Maybe I was just stressed or to excited to get home..<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />After the next few days passed and I got home I would notice things more and more, one day it was the local paper The Daily <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Ardmoreite</span>. They had several articles about the Iraq War and how people needed to support the Troops over there and how so much needs to be focused on Iraq. A couple days later in the same paper a local car dealership was taking thank you cards and care packages to send to Troops in Iraq.<br /><br /><br /><br />Please forgive me if I sound a bit jealous or even mean or just whatever you think I might mean. I am having a huge problem right now with all of the support for Iraq and not an ounce for Afghanistan. I know its an American War and Soldiers are Soldiers but Iraq is not Afghanistan and by far not the same War by any means. We need to be in Afghanistan and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">I'm</span> leaving that one there.<br /><br /><br /><br />Anytime a Soldier is home its from Iraq <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">every time</span> a Soldier dies its in Iraq, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">every time</span> a Soldier gets deployed its to Iraq. There is another War out there and we have our Americans losing their life over there as well. I can't see how things are so forgotten and just passed over like there is nothing going on. <br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">I'm</span> not sure if these Wars are turning into Vietnam but things are not the way they should be. These last 2 weekends have really bothered me and just adding more to my rants and raves.. The Memorial Day weekend was more about sales at the mall and parties than it was about remembering our <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Hero's</span>. My Mom planned a welcome home party for me just for that weekend and it seemed that there was nothing going on around town to remember the Troops. This last weekend just pushed me over the edge when my wife and I went to a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">concert</span>. While we were at the concert Jodi decided to ask one of the ushers if there was anything they could do since I just got back home a couple weeks ago. The lady was nice with Jodi and got back with us to inform us that she told the Promotions Director and he would see what he could do for us. So they allow some people backstage for a meet and greet and hand out some free meet and greet passes and we sit there. The show starts and a DJ from a local radio station comes out and says "I just found out that we have a couple Soldiers in the audience who just got back home from Iraq and I just want to welcome them home." Half the audience stood up and gave us a standing ovation and that was it. So I didn't just get home from Iraq and that was all they could do for us. I don't expect much and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">I'm</span> not complaining about not getting things. I just know what we've seen and what we've done and I think Soldiers deserve more than a small amount of appreciation. I've always asked for just a simple thank you and that was it and it seems like <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">that's</span> even a very big price for some people to pay considering the price the Soldiers have <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">paid</span> for them. <br /><br />Anyway I will stop the complaining and move on and just see how things go for the next few weeks. We get about 6 months off from drill so as much vacation from the Army will be pretty good and Monday I will start back to the TV Station. My vacation is coming to an end but its been a good one and I hope to keep people up to date and write <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">at least</span> one blog a week about our life and how things are going. Thanks again for continuing to read my Blog and I hope you all continue to enjoy it.Todd Larkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517230953692989196noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29106420.post-25987302942214374672007-04-27T00:12:00.000-07:002007-04-27T00:21:08.698-07:00Bye from Afghanistan<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijnzaF2L_xzjlDih1-CUlJbZXGkw270XiZ-uXT7X_LLYm4PU5bOXt0LsVBpqjPsyRtpjmHC3nVJN0KJIQ8xaNQNnEPX9IyAOxygiRuzZOyytlRUu__rO0V0MNhsGyjRFwZpXX2/s1600-h/DSC_5988.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5058004379423770418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijnzaF2L_xzjlDih1-CUlJbZXGkw270XiZ-uXT7X_LLYm4PU5bOXt0LsVBpqjPsyRtpjmHC3nVJN0KJIQ8xaNQNnEPX9IyAOxygiRuzZOyytlRUu__rO0V0MNhsGyjRFwZpXX2/s320/DSC_5988.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Well my last Blog from Afghanistan, there were times I never thought this would happen and times I wanted it to happen that day. It’s been an experience and an adventure I will never forget and will always remember some of the things I’ve seen and done for the last year. I never thought it would be like this and never thought I would do and see the things I’ve done or seen. So a year in Afghanistan and I’m heading home, at times it seems the year went by fast and then I think about how much Bayleigh has grown and I realize its been along time and I’ve missed a lot in her life and my family’s life.. So the next year you can bet I will be making up for every minute...<br /><br /><br />My Mom asked me if I could go back to the day I signed my contract with the Army and if I would do it again. I’m not really sure what I would do, I’ve learned a lot and done a lot of things only a few civilians can say they’ve done and seen, but I’ve missed a lot of things as well. It’s hard to decide but I’m glad I did this and I’m glad I had the opportunities I’ve had over here. I will miss the people I’ve made friends with. I will miss the “good kids” and the Elders. I can’t say I will miss them enough to stay any longer but its time to be with my family and friends back home. Its time to continue on with my life back in the States, there is so much I have missed and ready to do all those things as much as I can.<br /><br /><br />I have a lot of memories I will take with me, from all the Med Caps to all the lunches with the Elders. It’s been fun and I have a great story to tell when I get home and can’t wait to tell it. I will always remember the smiles from the kids when we gave them something or when we returned their thumbs up... There is still a lot of work to be done over here but I know people will continue my goal and hopefully things will continue to change for the better and will one day be the Afghanistan of the 60’s and 70’s.<br /><br />I hope all of you know how much help you gave and how much easier you made my job and time over here. If you weren’t sending boxes of clothes you were sending goodies for me. I appreciate everything all of you did more than you know. I never thought I would receive so much support but you guys are heroes and I’m so glad I had the chance to talk with so many amazing people. You guys are great and I hope you continue to help support the troops and the people of Afghanistan. Thank you all for everything you have done...<br /><br />Well I guess its time for my final sign off from Afghanistan; I plan to keep writing in my Blog about my family, friends and everything going on in my life. I hope you all keep reading and stay in touch. Thanks again for everything and thanks so much for reading my Blog. You are all great Americans and I’m so glad I live in a country that supports its military as much as all of you do.<br /><br />So long from Afghanistan...<br />Todd </div>Todd Larkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517230953692989196noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29106420.post-33479337285199904062007-04-14T01:24:00.000-07:002007-04-14T01:40:26.318-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNaHKOBOoPHFawaR-gaAnO_2Dkzoxf_7w9k60xiXGtKBd4_q3cI5GRE9WXLuxSaYPrlz_4QTLd4nwibnhWnKhY4NpOjdK1ZY7H5Yw7CY7new2IUHzyWg53E07QAUP5nufa19qP/s1600-h/DSC_4929.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5053198083735946850" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNaHKOBOoPHFawaR-gaAnO_2Dkzoxf_7w9k60xiXGtKBd4_q3cI5GRE9WXLuxSaYPrlz_4QTLd4nwibnhWnKhY4NpOjdK1ZY7H5Yw7CY7new2IUHzyWg53E07QAUP5nufa19qP/s320/DSC_4929.JPG" border="0" /></a><a 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href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2amLbc-PIZk94-YyNltm0UeYiJG53gT9BnNH5IGPJCxzMGXPfMx7sqz5pDJyATYMMOjEeXBvaTvKV6l4mGFjorxRggHZKCtKXfojshHEBeUXjWGZx6K0IkUDH-BjwzKjxXK6T/s1600-h/DSC_4807.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5053198088030914194" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2amLbc-PIZk94-YyNltm0UeYiJG53gT9BnNH5IGPJCxzMGXPfMx7sqz5pDJyATYMMOjEeXBvaTvKV6l4mGFjorxRggHZKCtKXfojshHEBeUXjWGZx6K0IkUDH-BjwzKjxXK6T/s320/DSC_4807.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Todd Larkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517230953692989196noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29106420.post-10908964884798522592007-04-14T01:22:00.000-07:002007-04-14T01:27:00.933-07:00Wrapping Up!Well my days are numbered and I love every minute that counts off the clock. We’ve been staying pretty busy the last couple weeks and I haven’t had a chance to get on here but I’m glad we are keeping busy cause its passing the time away pretty fast. I got an email a few days ago from Shaun Pierce who is the Promotions Director at 101.5 The Word. The Word is a Christian station out of Pittsburgh, PA <a href="http://www.wordfm.com/">http://www.wordfm.com/</a> and they want me to do an interview about my experience over here and the things we’ve done to help the people. I was pretty shocked to say the least that a station so far from home was enjoying what I do and the goal we are trying to reach. I got to thinking though and that’s the reason all of you read this, not because you know me but because you appreciate what we do as Soldiers and as Humanitarians. I enjoy what I do and glad that all of you enjoy reading what I do and the life I live over here.<br /><br /><br />So back to my busy week, we had 3 backpack drops mostly from the donations that all of you guys have brought in. I’m still getting box after box each day!! I’ve received stuff from Boys and Girl Scouts from around the country and things from people on other Deployments themselves. It’s over whelming what we can do as a Nation and Americans. We are the best Country in the world and I think once we get together we show that in so many ways. (I drift a lot don’t I?) So my Hero for this Blog will be all the Boys and Girl Scouts that have donated so much stuff. Cookies, clothes, shoes, school supplies. Thank you all so much for being such a big help. I hope you guys know how great it is to see kids helping in our cause and getting involved in World Problems. When I was a kid I never thought I would be sitting here today and I never knew much about the problems outside of my own, but I’m glad you kids are learning now. So thanks for the wonderful cookies the Thin Mints are the best!! And thanks for helping me out and sending all the stuff for the kids here…<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5053196597677262402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLoNHa2MNY_gW76LDRRNxQv7qL26aUNyoE7jydqSB7ia7ae2K7SUBPT02rT0yIEfmCyrJt7IUvx-d5qtnnhG4jC9fjCxkYqZRPUpzvtVLzcQ8Elp9ZkU81fuoYNML2KUaF5xFQ/s320/Hero+pic.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br />We had a big Humanitarians drop last week as well giving out food and clothing to 20 families who lost their homes with all the recent rain and flooding the country has received, but the rain is really a good thing for the country, they have had over 30 years of drought. So we handed out oil and beans, rice, flour and then shoes and clothes and blankets. Most of the shoes we gave out were what we had left over from all the shoes we bought this winter. We are trying our hardest to get rid of all the stuff we had in our Conex.<br /><br />If you still want to keep sending things here is the new address. I will be leaving within the next 2 weeks so Major Roper will fall on the privilege of picking up all the mail!! Once his replacement gets here from South Carolina I will give you his address.<br /><br />SECFOR CERP<br />Mark Roper<br />41BCT HHC 1-180 SECFOR<br />Camp Phoenix<br />APO, AE 09320<br /><br />Well a short Blog but I just wanted to give you an update and I’ve been getting lots of questions on the address. Anyway I will have one more entry before I leave country and will keep you all updated when I get home.Todd Larkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517230953692989196noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29106420.post-15592927429123179442007-03-31T23:24:00.000-07:002007-03-31T23:40:56.045-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGkJffc0Ssig4ZBMxqLQIylZnMRnfRkkjDxru2MkRqzlXpzjfNSjMlE1K3akVH_kHIhUBzdd4TSDohnXdgdwxhW8tldpLtn6xIZrGTj6TkedfFGcJMVXuPe_H34EajnqimWl5/s1600-h/DSC_4410.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5048345683914054082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGkJffc0Ssig4ZBMxqLQIylZnMRnfRkkjDxru2MkRqzlXpzjfNSjMlE1K3akVH_kHIhUBzdd4TSDohnXdgdwxhW8tldpLtn6xIZrGTj6TkedfFGcJMVXuPe_H34EajnqimWl5/s320/DSC_4410.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUgIny8O6FUyxrMb2BMI5eMcP0V-21Y-uJApLiF5K5iMe3rHAb5jy1TUs2RbJ62ot4yHu-WwPKNjXgxucujxCEQTKa615yEwxPvE-EWipWt5yrxEu_xOc7EsAc6b8aTHjLP5jM/s1600-h/DSC_4581.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5048345688209021394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUgIny8O6FUyxrMb2BMI5eMcP0V-21Y-uJApLiF5K5iMe3rHAb5jy1TUs2RbJ62ot4yHu-WwPKNjXgxucujxCEQTKa615yEwxPvE-EWipWt5yrxEu_xOc7EsAc6b8aTHjLP5jM/s320/DSC_4581.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAz6IQlTc2BStdkZHZ0HUXwvaDad0-8PmR2GLk47ROvfUdGt0zfncCrglvQ8jfErOeHFft-LrMGvHofGovbETe-XeXiPvQvtXTxtIDjs-Hqg3_x24E8CliglYrDAXyvrFO87Nc/s1600-h/DSC_4587.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5048345692503988706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAz6IQlTc2BStdkZHZ0HUXwvaDad0-8PmR2GLk47ROvfUdGt0zfncCrglvQ8jfErOeHFft-LrMGvHofGovbETe-XeXiPvQvtXTxtIDjs-Hqg3_x24E8CliglYrDAXyvrFO87Nc/s320/DSC_4587.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcYobA6B9AOIftTIkvLTX7F3z8HzVBJUGFzDq5TGiJr5MBzueUB-YVISXUMYWwSRAPJOKBNjryXaYT8_C8HvIEtpY9lQIq16-RfZoox0Q0EVCIykq_w3DMFOb4UOGOSAH1dsBy/s1600-h/DSC_4585.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5048345696798956018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcYobA6B9AOIftTIkvLTX7F3z8HzVBJUGFzDq5TGiJr5MBzueUB-YVISXUMYWwSRAPJOKBNjryXaYT8_C8HvIEtpY9lQIq16-RfZoox0Q0EVCIykq_w3DMFOb4UOGOSAH1dsBy/s320/DSC_4585.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinjMQHR517aSRvhEq5bKPzWfBAkKhIyNZ_XC64dYODlR3BNpMrPIjKHOE6hphvnrbCuDsuxFhfYUoVClHFp5glqONb0_2rodnsuShVTbK4edV7xxgouCUP0AVdxwgK6K_r7ncu/s1600-h/DSC_4585.JPG"></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0fHzt2jM_heZmuiQI5Bu97BecDuxLa8RpI_5EA6CpI12-3XBGRQW4qM_LIJCEWKXGZUWRbeHe0_-G42qmWdrExOdstGa0rlmwmGCNn1u3asFQQgPfSuM03G3xdNiP0eFP749h/s1600-h/DSC05542.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5048343463415961986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0fHzt2jM_heZmuiQI5Bu97BecDuxLa8RpI_5EA6CpI12-3XBGRQW4qM_LIJCEWKXGZUWRbeHe0_-G42qmWdrExOdstGa0rlmwmGCNn1u3asFQQgPfSuM03G3xdNiP0eFP749h/s320/DSC05542.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZuvUjO4YgoPSXgyowcIwXC5MPwBNHLBvoBzfZtj5CGy-BuJ65FAfVjQE_qrN55WPHjMlGIQgls6c-eHH9lYX-rZF3PuIYb4CPGKteUClbQz1JkvJFkS8G8G1FYA5qRpMJbGG/s1600-h/DSC05545.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5048343467710929298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZuvUjO4YgoPSXgyowcIwXC5MPwBNHLBvoBzfZtj5CGy-BuJ65FAfVjQE_qrN55WPHjMlGIQgls6c-eHH9lYX-rZF3PuIYb4CPGKteUClbQz1JkvJFkS8G8G1FYA5qRpMJbGG/s320/DSC05545.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhza6elSRt0pLEYAbr49mqk3YJNYLyEQjC9DB8XujwxS7mAN4VUAS-uoYBaXdQlMn1VXtfuPD8EEWOmKEDJZWJQivlgSMlLinaHytoc3QUaSLc94EiuFtseBKF4m5Ldn16lUag-/s1600-h/DSC05539.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5048343472005896610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhza6elSRt0pLEYAbr49mqk3YJNYLyEQjC9DB8XujwxS7mAN4VUAS-uoYBaXdQlMn1VXtfuPD8EEWOmKEDJZWJQivlgSMlLinaHytoc3QUaSLc94EiuFtseBKF4m5Ldn16lUag-/s320/DSC05539.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDeN61nNAsCs6USR1XJ68khOBmrUGElXvjFPb3t-X_9GKaD6BjlDi2R-XXfqoqK3z2JWNSIzIe008uCG4fY5PR_4aI-FES5EM5Ev-Ck7RCMaKIqgzWBQZLoJoM28Omg1M3XN4P/s1600-h/DSC05548.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5048343472005896626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDeN61nNAsCs6USR1XJ68khOBmrUGElXvjFPb3t-X_9GKaD6BjlDi2R-XXfqoqK3z2JWNSIzIe008uCG4fY5PR_4aI-FES5EM5Ev-Ck7RCMaKIqgzWBQZLoJoM28Omg1M3XN4P/s320/DSC05548.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div></div>Todd Larkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517230953692989196noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29106420.post-34183135889852289372007-03-31T22:37:00.000-07:002007-04-01T01:38:56.587-07:00Counting the days!<div>Less than a month and I will be headed home! I’m sure these next few weeks are going to be the slowest days of my life… I am ready just as ready as all the other Soldiers but holding my wife and that beautiful little girl is gonna be great. That’s all I think about just spending time with them as much as I can. If I didn’t have to go back to KXII, I wouldn’t but nothing is free so we would need money sometime... ; )<br /><br />Well the last week has been busy as I’m sure the rest of my time will be just as busy so hopefully time will go by fast with us being busy. We had another Med Cap last week and treated over 600 people. I decided not to take a whole lot of pictures and instead stay outside and help with the crowds and make sure people aren’t trying to sneak back in. I did get the picture of the baby playing on the front of one of our Hummvee’s just something that caught my eye as different but cute. Anyway we have been getting in lots of school supplies and we are doing a backpack drop today for a school with over 3000 kids. They go in 2 shifts, 8am-12noon about 2000 kids go and then from 1pm-5pm there are around 1400 kids. So lots of school supplies will be handed out within the next few days.<br /><br />We had lunch yesterday with some of the elders and they brought up their concern that they haven’t received this much help and support from any Army group that’s been here since the start of the War in 2001. It made me feel good that they know how much we’ve done for them and show us just how much they appreciate it. I know we will make sure our replacements do the same work and hopefully can do the same amount or more.<br /><br />We also had a pretty cool guest over the last few days. One of our Lieutenants has a friend who is an International IT Coordinator for Build a Bear Workshop.<br /><a href="http://www.buildabear.com/">http://www.buildabear.com/</a><br /><br />For those of you who don’t know what Build a Bear is, it’s a store usually in malls. Mainly for kids, you can pick out and design your own bear, monkey, frog whatever kind of stuffed animal you want. I have spent my fair share of money there and I believe Build a Bear has a huge Military following. I like it is because you can put a recorded voice box inside the bear and record whatever you want to say. I bought a couple for Bayleigh before I left just telling her to be a good girl or that daddy loves her very much. For just a little over 30.00 you can have a stuffed kitty cat with clothes of your choice and a voice box of your choice. It’s a pretty amazing place and just a fun 30 minutes for the family. (I should be a Build a Bear salesman!!!!)<br /><br />Anyway Vadon Willis is Lieutenant Marmen’s best friend and thought he would fly to Afghanistan after he had some work to do in India. Mr. Willis is originally from Oklahoma and thought he would come and check on Oklahoma Soldiers and brought over 200 bears to give out to the Soldiers. Things like that are really what drive us, people showing us how much they appreciate us by taking their time to show us in a big way or a small way by saying thank you. Its important for people to show a little appreciation to every Soldier they can. I’ve had my share of people putting me down or telling me I’m a baby killer or just telling me what we do is wrong. I blow it off and could care less because I know there are wonderful people out there doing the same thing Mr. Willis does. So thank you to everyone who has ever shaken a Soldiers hand or told a Soldier thank you for what they do. I’ve said before we may not all agree with the War or the Politics of War but we go out and do our job like we’re told and we’re not baby killers or murderers. We are stopping terrorism and keeping the U.S.A a free and wonderful country. I really don’t think anyone in their right mind would want to live like Afghanistan has lived the last 30-40 years.<br /><br />So for my weekly award this weeks Hero is 2 people well 2 people and a group of people so let’s just say a lot of people!! I can’t figure my self out either sometimes!! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5048376229721463314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyzRU4l33WTOGXKybufodTsoQsZg4Iw-x5acRCStrikhEESndbvFtP2qSWYzS0yZwRzerlqPOLlqQOwy6mtrQfwDEy32u3DdBdkUeIemHWD2T6dBaIT9qG-TIJAExK-3j8x1Ja/s320/Hero+pic.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div><br /><br />1: Mr. Willis for taking his time to come by Camp Phoenix and risk his life to visit us and give out bears to the Soldiers. Thanks for the visit Mr. Willis and thanks for your time and the bears.<br /><br />2: My Mom for trying her hardest to gather money for all the things I’ve been trying to do over here. She has gathered school supplies and money for shoes. She has been a huge help for my mission. Plus she’s my Mom so if it wasn’t for her I wouldn’t have the passions I have inside or the fight to do the things I do. Thanks for everything Mom and I know this year has been tough on you but I’ve learned a lot and helped a lot of people so thanks for everything you have done for me and these kids.<br /><br />Also along with my Mom, all the people in her office at the Carter County Child Support Office in Ardmore, OK. Thanks for everything guys I’m sure Mom bugged you a lot for the money and the school supplies but know that they are going to great things.<br /><br />Well another mission calling so thanks again for all the school supplies coming in!! Oh and Happy April Fools!!</div>Todd Larkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517230953692989196noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29106420.post-23912623913207051822007-03-19T23:22:00.000-07:002007-03-19T23:30:40.604-07:00<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5043890131116866514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRcl48KafVyC32EI81wB2m8brRemF9QF-OIe3JdAinyjQgUfr93PGFuz6992HBBbVfTEw_rNOPGuE0kBR7WmfaeWoUDRdoi6HtxFUxSHVLouUNxxJ_6kBZMAkyCouL3UTsB_WZ/s320/DSC_4055.JPG" border="0" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNav139VwDL5Mie6YmfjQv70HkW2yUSNjiDfEaMJpFkCOpjYZnU-CayOpPVT4UuA9SaoPN6rAV0g6WQJldK85Ejz2btr3zsIbHIKbhxj8U2z-SsCgmlROdlLxwDStX3wfd2Jj5/s1600-h/DSC_4036.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5043890126821899202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNav139VwDL5Mie6YmfjQv70HkW2yUSNjiDfEaMJpFkCOpjYZnU-CayOpPVT4UuA9SaoPN6rAV0g6WQJldK85Ejz2btr3zsIbHIKbhxj8U2z-SsCgmlROdlLxwDStX3wfd2Jj5/s320/DSC_4036.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh76Vw2iCqeGC-cEJT-41Ak9Tv6GpAzgkAGar_RDUaegIkGQ7g6CiIVQhCmv7G2zfg32o3pT-THjJ2mRZu3SlZY-Lw-SkxR8H6iCfby74fUFo65MrWPzoCQkdAzzIssGE4KJtIv/s1600-h/DSC_4022.JPG"></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiafHksD08GjG089Drvm5cq8NnYDRAaP48xogbT1BDjjlz3e5QLV-dv3WDNnD9a0Nz-b4UiqDCUP6jP4t7NaBUQiiem6BCwIR3viSoGlGO6AgOE-HxGWK2DbOYwMZlo4qKwH3eA/s1600-h/DSC_3944.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5043888752432364434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiafHksD08GjG089Drvm5cq8NnYDRAaP48xogbT1BDjjlz3e5QLV-dv3WDNnD9a0Nz-b4UiqDCUP6jP4t7NaBUQiiem6BCwIR3viSoGlGO6AgOE-HxGWK2DbOYwMZlo4qKwH3eA/s320/DSC_3944.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZbrhamZAPJkQJO6V5fEMbzZrE1JX6F7o0-gleaXVqZNaik87bsfMYdKOT2U4iDbJ0adyICFgB0unjkMDY2Qy-NlY1o5DIpSXeiHbzswoWmOSXbtZjRxQ8lE6iv3cxf8rWjl2/s1600-h/DSC_3991.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5043888752432364450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZbrhamZAPJkQJO6V5fEMbzZrE1JX6F7o0-gleaXVqZNaik87bsfMYdKOT2U4iDbJ0adyICFgB0unjkMDY2Qy-NlY1o5DIpSXeiHbzswoWmOSXbtZjRxQ8lE6iv3cxf8rWjl2/s320/DSC_3991.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgySpsgOTV9QjAyL85-WzTn1biPzEIPvdbp6N51vQBsb6RGWkkGOxSmzHcRR4ib-WwUsHnvlqMt6RPWxNr2_kpTHBdS8HO-5RN-rKa8LOP1Adajte1h5-m_NeDAiH8eHGxHbo3B/s1600-h/DSC_3952.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5043888756727331762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgySpsgOTV9QjAyL85-WzTn1biPzEIPvdbp6N51vQBsb6RGWkkGOxSmzHcRR4ib-WwUsHnvlqMt6RPWxNr2_kpTHBdS8HO-5RN-rKa8LOP1Adajte1h5-m_NeDAiH8eHGxHbo3B/s320/DSC_3952.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div></div>Todd Larkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517230953692989196noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29106420.post-20866316606195206812007-03-19T23:11:00.000-07:002007-03-19T23:19:08.511-07:00Steve Bartman or Shawn Gralla?<div>So last week I talked about the sun and how nice it had been and well for the last week it’s been raining and chilly. So I guess I can’t get my way oh well home will be coming soon less than 2 months!!! I am so ready and I know every other Soldier is just as ready as I am...<br /><br />Well I have been getting a lot of emails and comments about the letter to the Governor and I’m glad everyone agrees with me. I think Shawn Gralla is like Steve Bartman who gained notoriety on the evening of <a title="October 14" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/October_14">October 14</a>, <a title="2003 in baseball" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_in_baseball">2003</a>, for preventing a possible play on a foul pop-up in Game 6 of the <a title="2003 National League Championship Series" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_National_League_Championship_Series">National League Championship Series</a> between the <a title="Chicago Cubs" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_Cubs">Chicago Cubs</a> and the <a title="Florida Marlins" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Marlins">Florida Marlins</a> at <a title="Wrigley Field" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wrigley_Field">Wrigley Field</a>. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Bartman"><span style="color:#000000;">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Bartman</span></a><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5043885638581074802" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHqmcsUKrG9x9nQIkP5rqc6i59cbkejE1tyYzRKGDF-MQhJDYU-kz7NaPB-SLFiHFRlcu1-G03KklobO3HSgU65Sk2hckD9hlShCu9nYtEuK5jCofkWDawTKZOsSkqQgkL7HY3/s320/180px-Stevebartman.jpg" border="0" /><br />So I hope that soon Shawn will be a Wikipedia hero!! She/he already made Sarge Charlie’s -- Yellow Bellied Sapsucker of the Week Award <a href="http://sargecharlie.blogspot.com/2007/03/and-linda-gets-prize.html">http://sargecharlie.blogspot.com/2007/03/and-linda-gets-prize.html</a><br /><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Thanks for all of your support of us and the Oklahoma Governor. We cant always stand up for what people say or do to the Military but I know you guys can and you all did so thank you all very much!! So I think I’m gonna start doing an Afghan Hero of the week for people who send items or just help us Soldiers over here away from home…<br /><br />So this weeks Hero of the week is one of my favorite Blogs and one of the biggest Military and Afghanistan Supporters I have met. She sends me letters almost daily and beautiful pictures from back home. So Cynthia and Karl of Bend, Oregon thanks for everything you do for the Soldiers and for the people of Afghanistan!! You guys are our heros!! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJTjX3pex4hP8osuRv3MYFSoZI5S_a9bRYm_YwwiWrtwG1JC7pLP_g-CiM51huP3yn-iYNB0Cej7AOcxfd3hmoXP8Dd4pcB4gIMWNfK096COeEk8SIkPEQJ6jjLuUwcEUIzRB/s1600-h/Hero+pic.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5043886278531201922" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 146px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 253px" height="223" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJTjX3pex4hP8osuRv3MYFSoZI5S_a9bRYm_YwwiWrtwG1JC7pLP_g-CiM51huP3yn-iYNB0Cej7AOcxfd3hmoXP8Dd4pcB4gIMWNfK096COeEk8SIkPEQJ6jjLuUwcEUIzRB/s320/Hero+pic.JPG" width="71" border="0" /></a><a href="http://gazingattheflag.blogspot.com/">http://gazingattheflag.blogspot.com/</a> </div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJTjX3pex4hP8osuRv3MYFSoZI5S_a9bRYm_YwwiWrtwG1JC7pLP_g-CiM51huP3yn-iYNB0Cej7AOcxfd3hmoXP8Dd4pcB4gIMWNfK096COeEk8SIkPEQJ6jjLuUwcEUIzRB/s1600-h/Hero+pic.JPG"></a> </p><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJTjX3pex4hP8osuRv3MYFSoZI5S_a9bRYm_YwwiWrtwG1JC7pLP_g-CiM51huP3yn-iYNB0Cej7AOcxfd3hmoXP8Dd4pcB4gIMWNfK096COeEk8SIkPEQJ6jjLuUwcEUIzRB/s1600-h/Hero+pic.JPG"></a> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /><br />Well I have been getting a lot of email about helping out with shoes and clothes and school supplies. Keep sending is all I have to say! Anything and everything you want is wonderful, we have the room and I will keep taking packages until the day I leave and from that point I will pass over everything to my counter part and they will hopefully and maybe forcefully ; ) keep all of the wonderful people out there up to date. So send send send!!<br /><br />We had another ribbon cutting and possibly our last for the deployment. It was for the footbridge over Jalalabad Road. Its one of the busiest roads in Kabul and the cause of a lot of accidents and deaths. So hopefully it will save a lot of lives and keep kids from running across 4 lanes of traffic to get to school. It was nice to see possibly one of our last Ribbon Cuttings for 2 reasons, one because it means we’ll be home soon very soon and the other because its one more check on the list of things WE have done for the Afghans. By WE, I mean everyone back home and here. You all have helped out so much and I want to thank you all for everything you have done for us as Soldiers and for the people. They may not know who all this help comes from but they do know it’s from America. I think of it this way, if I can put one pair of gloves on a kid and one day when the Taliban come looking for help that boy will remember what we all did for him and hopefully turn the other way. It’s just a simple thought and may not happen and may not mean anything but that’s the way I look at it. One day Afghanistan will have to stand on its own feet and hopefully that day will come sooner than later but until than I think we all have and will continue to make a difference! Just to let you know about this stuff. A couple weeks ago I had our clothing Conex (shipping container) about half empty. Well about 4 days later it was almost full again, that just shows you how much wonderful support there is out there!<br /><br /><br />Well I guess I’m gonna sign off for now but thanks again everyone and I hope to see more and more boxes flood in soon. Also if you could check out Jake Hudson’s Blog on my favorite links list. He is one of my best friends back home and was also a Chaplains Assistant with the Oklahoma Army National Guard. Jake was with me in Egypt on our last deployment and I know deep down he would’ve loved to be over here with me right now. He may not admit it but I know he would like doing the work I do and also helping the Soldier in their time of need. </div>Todd Larkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517230953692989196noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29106420.post-74687237485204559582007-03-16T08:44:00.000-07:002007-03-16T09:02:19.335-07:00Letter to the Governor From Mr. Gralla of Norman, OklahomaI received an email from Sgt <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Dubb</span> today. I was shocked when I read the email and thought I better reply to the editor.. I hope everyone else will do the same!!!<br /><br /><br />This letter to the editor appeared in the Daily Oklahoman on March 14<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span>- pass it along and get everyone to write a response.<br /><br />My response is below.."<br /><br />Get back to work, governor . . . how much did Gov. Henry's trip to Iraq cost? How much did Oklahoma taxpayers pay for this trip? How many Oklahoman soldiers did the governor shake hands with? What was the dollar cost per handshake? Henry was elected and is paid to guide the state of Oklahoma. He wasn't elected and isn't paid by Oklahoma taxpayers to press the flesh and politic in international affairs in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">a war</span>-torn country. Oklahoma taxpayers deserve more effect and results from the governor for their tax dollar here in Oklahoma. Henry should pay his own way and use his own time to visit Iraq. Get back to work, governor!" Shawn <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Gralla</span>, Norman<br /><br />Send comments to:Ed Kelley, Editor (<a href="http://us.f431.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=ekelley@oklahoman.com&YY=19003&y5beta=yes&y5beta=yes&order=down&sort=date&pos=0">http://us.f431.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=ekelley@oklahoman.com&YY=19003&y5beta=yes&y5beta=yes&order=down&sort=date&pos=0</a>) J.E. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">McReynolds</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Chief Editorial</span> Writer (<a href="http://us.f431.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=jmcreynolds@oklahoman.com&YY=19003&y5beta=yes&y5beta=yes&order=down&sort=date&pos=0">http://us.f431.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=jmcreynolds@oklahoman.com&YY=19003&y5beta=yes&y5beta=yes&order=down&sort=date&pos=0</a>) Owen <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Canfield</span> III,Editorial Writer (<a href="http://us.f431.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=ocanfield@oklahoman.com&YY=19003&y5beta=yes&y5beta=yes&order=down&sort=date&pos=0">http://us.f431.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=ocanfield@oklahoman.com&YY=19003&y5beta=yes&y5beta=yes&order=down&sort=date&pos=0</a>) <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Christy</span> Watson, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Editorial Writer</span> (<a href="mailto:cwatson@oklahoma.com">cwatson@oklahoma.com</a>)<br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">My response!!</span></strong><br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">All I can say is wow and what a strong opinionated statement! I am currently stationed in Afghanistan with the Oklahoma Army <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">National Guard</span>. I was right beside the Governor for his whole trip in Kabul and was amazed by how much the Soldiers loved him being here. It was an honor for every Soldier to shake his hand and be thanked personally by the Governor himself. </span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Its not everyday that we get to see people in Politics or people who do the talking for us back home. So when someone like Governor Henry gets to visit us and spend a day with us its an honor. As far as the cost of the trip, who cares he is the Commander and Chief of the Oklahoma Army National Guard. He is our boss and he came to check on our welfare and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">well being</span>. I personally hope that Mr.<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Gralla's</span> boss comes and checks on him as much as the Governor checks on us. </span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Its important for politicians to step outside of their bullet proof world and see what goes on in ours. Its important for the politicians to see what war were fighting and what were fighting it for. I'm sorry that people are too consumed by money to see what is going on and how important it is to make a change and see a change in a country as poor as Afghanistan. I pay my taxes and have no problem what so ever with the Governor coming to visit. I'm glad and happy that every Oklahoma Soldier fighting the War on Terror in Afghanistan was able to meet their Commander and Chief. So the Governor is working, the Governor is our boss and we elected him we pay his salary so he can come and visit his soldiers any time he wants. </span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">As far as your view on the War Mr. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Gralla</span>, I feel for you, that you have never had the chance to see what changes can be made in a country that doesn't understand the Western Culture. I have stepped out of my Camp almost every day to the possibilities of getting shot, and what do I do it for? So my beautiful daughter can be free in our beautiful state and so she hopefully one day wont have to fight for our freedom, the freedom you have to write comments about the Governors trip to visit his Troops. </span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">I would also <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">personally</span> like to invite you over to Afghanistan to see what we do and what we do to protect you...</span><br /><br />Corporal Todd <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Larkin</span><br />1-180<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">th</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">SECFOR</span><br />Public Affairs NCOTodd Larkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517230953692989196noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29106420.post-3802285651199796012007-03-13T04:22:00.000-07:002007-03-13T04:46:35.188-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVzKw-zHhsilHxr-1rI7f-59w8aSTiKiBddK3N6uZ8XRN7wOLIB40GY5GA2G0vamPdaJg6QOtjhCb99xV1cfQl8s3KvFeJawdZ42_kHDMGDLNzl5qXjsCFs5m6TDAnAz8oMZIK/s1600-h/me+and+the+gov.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5041373924462086498" style="DISPLAY: block; 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MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0hR5EXqxkO7EPl-0F9ttDfOINua5UWqt20fPZ0zz3odbWX9pSvSIZ-UDls0t_DPmcxZly7Cx7TrYLz7_f4yVDybSe9bH5arlplQsAACkkafebw3ZUtosMWHHZcsVIa-Pm5MFl/s320/DSC_3038.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQzveVrK-ovqeUKu0DqfJ7VYA4awqrGYAoVeNJMC-RA0UX3YdDqtQ4mqXeN3C9cowBCuzvz-FCSqmDStUYCoCiEeHM6Neyd-P8B14iPc8IUEvu85FX5XGTEcHhIKi8UWUa3PSl/s1600-h/DSC_3095.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5041369466286033074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQzveVrK-ovqeUKu0DqfJ7VYA4awqrGYAoVeNJMC-RA0UX3YdDqtQ4mqXeN3C9cowBCuzvz-FCSqmDStUYCoCiEeHM6Neyd-P8B14iPc8IUEvu85FX5XGTEcHhIKi8UWUa3PSl/s320/DSC_3095.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbxuPX9Awc71xviNIBlHp2jMAMYfqKfBCN2wwEBQNTBUqAKXVhFiFg69T5v-qz85gfL2agovgHdKYNj6rchBqTUg7AFxY0Mj4CUr8iav9nNeuBSeUS_9xQr-fvkqnC42dMJup4/s1600-h/DSC_3059.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5041369466286033090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbxuPX9Awc71xviNIBlHp2jMAMYfqKfBCN2wwEBQNTBUqAKXVhFiFg69T5v-qz85gfL2agovgHdKYNj6rchBqTUg7AFxY0Mj4CUr8iav9nNeuBSeUS_9xQr-fvkqnC42dMJup4/s320/DSC_3059.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Todd Larkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517230953692989196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29106420.post-55859219521306168672007-03-13T04:20:00.000-07:002007-03-13T04:21:50.804-07:00Governor Henry VisitIt’s been a pretty busy week but the busier we are the faster time flies... I’m getting a little spring fever to get home and be able to play outside with Bayleigh!! The weather is warming up so we have had some wonderful days here recently making everyone’s attitude a little better (including mine!!) But it has been a lot nicer around with the sun and warm weather, the Lake Murray will be mighty nice come June!!<br /><br />Well we had a special guest Friday!! Governor Henry made a visit to Camp Phoenix and we were pretty happy to see him... He stopped by Phoenix for about half the day, had breakfast handed out some Oklahoma State Centennial coins, and gave out some awards. He informed me that he reads my Blog on regular bases, so I was pretty happy about that to say the least!! I took about 900 pictures and felt a little like a photographer for school pictures after the day was over. Every soldier had to have their picture taken with the Governor. That’s understandable he is a celebrity! It was a good day all in all and I’m really glad he cam over here because it shows he does worry about us and is concerned with what we are doing. He gave me an interview before he left to head back to Oklahoma, I’ve interviewed him a few times before with KXII but I think the interview he gave me yesterday was one of his best. He was very sincere about the soldiers and wanted to make sure that all of our families knew how much he appreciates them in their tough times without us. So I spent the day with The GOV!! I also found out my name was given credit under the AP News!! Thought that was pretty cool, any picture that made the news of the Governors visit was taken by yours truly!! Not bragging or anything but I take a pretty darn good picture!! LOL<br /><br /><br />Like I said earlier this has been a busy week, we helped move a ton of school supplies from an old school to one of the new ones we built. It made for a long day but we filled up 2, 5ton trucks with desks and office equipment. School will be starting within the next week so we will be having a big school supply drop. We are also looking at getting a road project for the school because it’s like a lake getting in and we don’t want the kids walking through the water to get into school. Well I guess I will wrap this up for the week and call it a day. Hope everyone is good back home!!Todd Larkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517230953692989196noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29106420.post-6130895624901388902007-03-05T02:04:00.000-08:002007-03-05T02:11:07.402-08:00Pics from our last HA Drop..<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038380328155458322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCb_0ummp49RAgXt717UDzpEZUSPiAcgnYo0aZBDMiniZ34z03gbyzsOOdnyJtPSS-eOaEFWuZhMwEXQLE_EOREzPvsDTq6NqRn_AgYeswDkko6Qq_m8_WvaaAE8YrlZD2NG1Y/s320/DSC_2747.JPG" border="0" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJmi_1b7Sygyzdy5pWaaTilEAXEyYvb4M205h-otWIA8y4RssiC7oEEj6teJUbsO5BkAJVe67HmWo4_8HHtjD6WTZ8K3RCFI5w1qT09prS0l0u3qbdkG2M5TVOrDSeZ_1YdB_v/s1600-h/DSC_2737.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038380697522645826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJmi_1b7Sygyzdy5pWaaTilEAXEyYvb4M205h-otWIA8y4RssiC7oEEj6teJUbsO5BkAJVe67HmWo4_8HHtjD6WTZ8K3RCFI5w1qT09prS0l0u3qbdkG2M5TVOrDSeZ_1YdB_v/s320/DSC_2737.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFgkOZXDrvBA5AmBSUwund1JBtkDgycY5jqbk6pV_GrMGOYa9DY10YQHIH3pR5Yf4NzGapAMnA9TMZ1UrGXGthb0Jse1CYDNJAOnfaY4TdPzSWDanyt7FhEeGvlYRp-fjaC7C5/s1600-h/DSC_2757.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038380701817613138" style="DISPLAY: block; 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MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilSy0Wns9ij3jqO-AEadqkSyqtrZV6knv6s34gxMIR6OGxpsTnDDsbc_DzjBI0C4AsxPazYaPBtACMJAw5F3GAchN4dsEqZJYQyDXRi-zbDxh7jbtz_xqwQNuH3kfS2BBo-gip/s320/DSC_2753.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKU3ePPBpenWc7QEnvcO7tgzeD1i7CwdpJ9uplKsS3MSqaWGyJiSwDzJ9MByBAJfYz7NHhw-EnNWR-nvi1ZUpRh0xEIILOxJNMN3dYsrBP9CkSA6N1O3DJOA2mbNn-rNCJbELD/s1600-h/DSC_2718.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038379791284546290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKU3ePPBpenWc7QEnvcO7tgzeD1i7CwdpJ9uplKsS3MSqaWGyJiSwDzJ9MByBAJfYz7NHhw-EnNWR-nvi1ZUpRh0xEIILOxJNMN3dYsrBP9CkSA6N1O3DJOA2mbNn-rNCJbELD/s320/DSC_2718.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtcUuSSmLUOwMprcFESC4v7iomLi1qjg1VsB86aRe43hk-QpS3lAvmWKRx3Zyu73bNlV4fIEoWLY5SyW_z_yQkLsJF8q_FXGpBBRJT_gPj8u5FDZOPExGR0wQm8MOt7kGtJG2A/s1600-h/DSC_2732.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038379795579513602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtcUuSSmLUOwMprcFESC4v7iomLi1qjg1VsB86aRe43hk-QpS3lAvmWKRx3Zyu73bNlV4fIEoWLY5SyW_z_yQkLsJF8q_FXGpBBRJT_gPj8u5FDZOPExGR0wQm8MOt7kGtJG2A/s320/DSC_2732.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Todd Larkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517230953692989196noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29106420.post-68274960748190310412007-02-26T21:32:00.000-08:002007-02-26T21:46:38.575-08:00A hero...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimyB1zBgmvRkSq1tpM2hyphenhyphenzrTH8GO_yAOyOSP5PoykoWcfxgICWWaiVL-QW1cYrdUpS6-0La8AC_arPgKTkMlNTUQlYii9swTEH5i8NFvowZCKg4EnhqCetblgeBTzKS26sOyd6/s1600-h/DSC_2980.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5036085552200652610" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimyB1zBgmvRkSq1tpM2hyphenhyphenzrTH8GO_yAOyOSP5PoykoWcfxgICWWaiVL-QW1cYrdUpS6-0La8AC_arPgKTkMlNTUQlYii9swTEH5i8NFvowZCKg4EnhqCetblgeBTzKS26sOyd6/s320/DSC_2980.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfsOss7G92cmpZH8Sti5kgGOgF_FdkzxIUL16_kGdrpWbBo1I9LMt93c6bsx-zncBIFjy7gtA0XM-iyRid09vLN-AqeMIpcbRKgM-FyNWvNMBTrkaVYNLNpaWrOJuEWw37xyJY/s1600-h/DSC_2942.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5036085552200652578" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfsOss7G92cmpZH8Sti5kgGOgF_FdkzxIUL16_kGdrpWbBo1I9LMt93c6bsx-zncBIFjy7gtA0XM-iyRid09vLN-AqeMIpcbRKgM-FyNWvNMBTrkaVYNLNpaWrOJuEWw37xyJY/s320/DSC_2942.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3A00OO3JSh8Xkgi4tkDQ0G6fm4oyZ3V0ybLsYqVvQokbjiZnxtXUf2Pf-kt7yC3PhllvhJ-Cb0LhxqAzL7HzlL1XiHWuacpr5egnEzsNOaJl3M-7vryqf7hd_lZ36LlM_QcCt/s1600-h/DSC_2905.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5036085552200652594" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3A00OO3JSh8Xkgi4tkDQ0G6fm4oyZ3V0ybLsYqVvQokbjiZnxtXUf2Pf-kt7yC3PhllvhJ-Cb0LhxqAzL7HzlL1XiHWuacpr5egnEzsNOaJl3M-7vryqf7hd_lZ36LlM_QcCt/s320/DSC_2905.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihTU-1oLVYBiyHq9LyryrCl-pu3ceF-t-Plq-8KPl8vvd2rYpPN56u6MFME0fSA_sMhui5Kagpr5A5I9B36tJu_vYuvHYjjNLglb52U58K1w7zo6Z9gDgy68ARwg8epHRGHEza/s1600-h/DSC_2970.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5036084371084646146" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihTU-1oLVYBiyHq9LyryrCl-pu3ceF-t-Plq-8KPl8vvd2rYpPN56u6MFME0fSA_sMhui5Kagpr5A5I9B36tJu_vYuvHYjjNLglb52U58K1w7zo6Z9gDgy68ARwg8epHRGHEza/s320/DSC_2970.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzq4wOakVp4KBV4ib_1zrQrxBpLkB6XygOkaS6guRRl1xOAYhUgBFEG5HuCPDDE8mVMm_aBz0DJ28qOuyuqTj8XeD4ng_0azoKdZqHHlOe1ROj1f8stdevCvKpgrT-r74Rwt9t/s1600-h/DSC_2928.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5036084371084646162" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzq4wOakVp4KBV4ib_1zrQrxBpLkB6XygOkaS6guRRl1xOAYhUgBFEG5HuCPDDE8mVMm_aBz0DJ28qOuyuqTj8XeD4ng_0azoKdZqHHlOe1ROj1f8stdevCvKpgrT-r74Rwt9t/s320/DSC_2928.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div align="left">Well I’m up here in Maser e Sharif for a few days covering a couple of NATO events. That got cancelled and now I’m sitting up here in a blizzard freezing my bottom off wishing I was back at Phoenix!! But I wanted to make sure I updated everyone about all the stuff going on a couple days before I left.<br /><br /><br />Saturday we had a big HA drop at a Kindergarten in Polacharkee. We handed out over 200 bags of clothes and shoes and 150 backpacks filled with school supplies. So far all the shoe money I have collected has been spent on shoes and we have bought over 400 pairs and when I get back I plan on buying about 300 to 400 more!!! I’m so happy everyone has helped out so much and I appreciate it SO SO much, thank you. Also some of the money has been used to buy medical supplies for our MedCaps. We spend about 600-700 dollars every time we have a MedCap and that is all from donations from large companies or individuals back in Oklahoma. But since we have been doing so well with the Afghan Children’s Fund we started using some of that money since we were running very low on funds for the MedCaps. I just want you all to know what the donations are being used for and that they are being used for a wonderful cause.<br /><br />I will put pictures up from the HA drop as soon as I get back to Phoenix in a few days. They are on my computer back there, but the pictures of Sgt. Hughie I took the night before we left for MEZ. Anyway school starts up in a little under a month over here after their winter break. So I wanted to put out the word that school supplies will be needed soon. Any and every type is perfect, pens, paper, crayons, scissors, pencils. Anything is useful so send what you can. I know A LOT of people have sent all kinds of things over here for the people of Afghanistan so I know some of yall are tapped out. But send what you can because every kid over here needs a pen. We plan on having a big school supply drop within the next few weeks so I will make sure you all see pictures of how wonderful it is. So for those of you who don’t know the address here it is and I hope I get as much support as I did with all the winter clothes and shoes!!!<br /><br />Michael Larkin<br />41 BCT HHC 1-180 SECFOR<br />Camp Phoenix, AF<br />APO, AE 09320<br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><br /><div align="left"><br />SGT HUGHIE<br /><br />We had Sgt Hughie’s memorial service on Saturday the 24th. I think that was one of the toughest things I’ve sat through since I lost one of my close friends in High School. Like I said in my other blog I didn’t know Sgt Hughie as well as his friends in his Company but I had met him and had a few conversations with him. But I took it hard; all I could think about was his wife and son. How they will never see him again and how Cooper will grow up only knowing his father as a hero and not ever remembering who he was as a Dad. I thought about Buddy’s mom and what she must be going through losing her son. I grew up a big Mommas boy and I know my mom would be devastated if she lost me. I feel so bad for his family, I feel bad for every family who has lost a soldier, but Sgt. Hughie was one of our guys an Oklahoma boy who was trying to do everything he could to save a fallen Afghan soldier and in the process he lost his life trying to save someone else’s. Losing Sgt. Hughie this way is a little more difficult than a car wreck or some accident. We never want to stand there and see his boots resting under his dog tags that are draped over a rifle that will never be used by that soldier again.<br /><br />This is a tough life to live and a very tough career. We know what were doing when we sign that dotted line but we never know just what it will bring until we have nights like the 19th and 24th. I did tear up and choke up a few times I’m not going to try and be a tough guy or anything like that. It was hard to see our Commanders and Sergeants get choked up and cry. That’s the last thing those guys ever want to do is bury a soldier. I don’t want to have to see that again and I hope we get through this mission and back home to all of our families without another fallen hero.<br /><br />I’m not sure if you have ever been to a Military Funeral or Memorial. But at the end of the ceremony one the Sergeants or Officers will call out the Fallen Soldiers name along with others from his squad or platoon. It’s called the last roll call… It went like this and its one of the hardest things to listen to. First Sergeant Robert Maxwell called the names of Sgt. Hughie’s fellow soldiers as they shouted, "Here First Sergeant." 1SG then called out "Sgt. Hughie." Silence. "Sgt. Buddy Hughie." Silence. "Sgt. Buddy James Hughie." Silence. The Bugler then plays taps and I always flinch at the 21 gun salute.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />IN LOVING MEMORY OF A HERO A DAD A HUSBAND A SOLDIER<br />Sergeant Buddy Hughie 19FEB2007 </div></div>Todd Larkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517230953692989196noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29106420.post-67558667366688291292007-02-26T00:27:00.000-08:002007-02-26T00:32:32.351-08:00The sadest military song!!! Played at Sgt. Hughies Memorial Ceremony..<div align="center">If I Die Before You Wake</div><div align="center">Dustin Evans</div><p><br /><br />Back home now I know you're probably sleepin' Over here it's the middle of the day I finally found the time to write a letter Sittin' here a half a world away<br />I heard about all them folks protestin' As if I really want this war But that don't stop me from believin' There's just some things worth fightin' for<br /><br />CHORUS And if I die before you wake, I pray the world will take A good look at what God's given us That we could only understand, everything is in his hands All we need is a little faith and trust I want you to know it ain't too high a price to pay If I die before you wake<br /><br />Tell everybody that I miss them And I can't wait to get back home But until then I'll serve my country And be proud to wear this uniform<br /><br />CHORUS No it ain't too high a price to pay If I die before you wake<br /><br /></p><p> </p><p>Follow this link: <a href="http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/1523151/posts">http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/1523151/posts</a> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>Todd Larkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517230953692989196noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29106420.post-75439271103343376392007-02-25T23:56:00.000-08:002007-02-25T23:58:58.992-08:00A few days!Im gone up north to Maseresharif (MEZ) for a few days I will post about Sgt Hughies memorial on the 24th and I will also post about our big HA Drop for a Kindergarten as soon as I have the chance. Keep checking back and I will update as soon as I have the time..Todd Larkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517230953692989196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29106420.post-65904037210589794762007-02-21T03:01:00.000-08:002007-02-21T19:07:59.386-08:00One of our own...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4xGb_9D_UNvd9xE2t5omPSIIXReLDxWcEZ1hT5VI5EtymBLrTRfW5ZBLhL1WJW79w6CJeBCw5lVYUM6t18WMLkvXtKYplVU1VA_V_X_08NL2kioFS0CypXgWDJGgtPf9ICdTy/s1600-h/809224516_l.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5034000622083053154" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4xGb_9D_UNvd9xE2t5omPSIIXReLDxWcEZ1hT5VI5EtymBLrTRfW5ZBLhL1WJW79w6CJeBCw5lVYUM6t18WMLkvXtKYplVU1VA_V_X_08NL2kioFS0CypXgWDJGgtPf9ICdTy/s320/809224516_l.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOWtOZYmyZJyyahCMRjuTcSar0G6S1OxRZSaDqEORnbDcSNWeXTcCSaB3uUWXghi__pYBdUrhRZIk8aZvhCelweXDSzHferNH6ypwVXX0NgHgiUg0ZGItnC-rw4WL5GCO_1gio/s1600-h/973746438_l.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5034000622083053170" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOWtOZYmyZJyyahCMRjuTcSar0G6S1OxRZSaDqEORnbDcSNWeXTcCSaB3uUWXghi__pYBdUrhRZIk8aZvhCelweXDSzHferNH6ypwVXX0NgHgiUg0ZGItnC-rw4WL5GCO_1gio/s320/973746438_l.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qdqUVKzX-qFPyofZJYU3hU24cZfzNbn3X7aoUaf07HwAZf3-noNizc_bjWHOuqM_zSuFv0oN395pW_u76Rtv73xpqgvf8CZgl0-Hu1iKT9eofAUjHA28T6joxOAYDayJgVoU/s1600-h/1498968661_l.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5034000626378020482" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qdqUVKzX-qFPyofZJYU3hU24cZfzNbn3X7aoUaf07HwAZf3-noNizc_bjWHOuqM_zSuFv0oN395pW_u76Rtv73xpqgvf8CZgl0-Hu1iKT9eofAUjHA28T6joxOAYDayJgVoU/s320/1498968661_l.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Well I’m sure most of you have heard or read about the 1-180th losing one of our own… Sergeant Buddy Hughie of Poteau was killed Monday when his squad was ambushed while patrolling here in Afghanistan. I knew Hughie just because both of us had been in the Battalion for so long and when you have been in the 1-180th for awhile you know everyone. Hughie was a great guy and always had a smile on his face or a kind word to say about anyone. I had the pleasure of riding out on a convoy a few months back with Hughie when we dropped him off out east in Nuristan. Hughie had lots of friends and the Battalion is taking it pretty hard. This was our first soldier lost in over 50 years I mean we haven’t lost a soldier in Combat since the Korean War.<br /><br />This definitely opened my eyes to a whole new world we’re in. I know War is all around us here but this is the first person I’ve known that has died in a War. Along with that Hughie left behind a wife and a 4 month old baby boy. That really hit home and really made me think about my beautiful wife and daughter. No one wants to leave their family alone and missing them. Hughie definitely didn’t want that for his family, I mean who would. We have a mission to do over here and I want to finish it out and go home to my family and hopefully never walk away from them again. I’m not scared of the War nor do I want to runaway home. I do however hope that the people, who took Hughie’s life, will find their own God and realize the pain they have caused so many...<br /><br />Here is my news release…<br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"><em>A tragic day for the 1st of the 180th in Afghanistan, as they morn the loss of one of their own. For the first time in over 50 years the 180th lost a soldier in combat. Sergeant Buddy James Huey of Poteau was tragically killed in an ambush around on Monday in the Eastern Province of Nuristan.<br /><br />Sgt. Buddy Hughie, 25, and his unit were conducting a mission with the Afghan National Army (ANA) and other US Forces in the country's Nuristan Province when the group came under an enemy ambush by Anti Coalition Forces (Taliban). Along with Hughie, 3 ANA soldiers also lost their life in the ambush.<br /><br />Sergeant Hughie’s body left Afghanistan early Tuesday morning from Bagram, Afghanistan. As for the soldiers of the 180th they will be having their own Memorial Ceremony on Friday to honor their friend and fellow soldier.<br /><br />"Sgt. Buddy Hughie was a great American," said Lt. Col. Bobby Yandell, commander of the 1st Battalion, 180th Infantry. "Sgt. Hughie was one of those soldiers that you did not have to worry about; he always did the right thing. We mourn his loss, but celebrate the life of a great soldier."<br /><br />This was Hughie’s second deployment to Afghanistan. His first deployment was in 2002-2003. Hughie left behind his wife and a 4 month old son. </em></span></div><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span><br /><p><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span> </p><p><span style="color:#ff0000;"> </p><br /></span>My thoughts and prayers are with the Hughie family and I hope that our Country will do anything and everything they can for Mrs. Hughie and their son. I hope that this week will soon be over and this will be the last Soldier we have to lay to rest…<br /></span>Todd Larkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517230953692989196noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29106420.post-81577347870157312412007-02-16T22:48:00.000-08:002007-02-16T22:54:18.285-08:00First Purple Heart In Over 50 Years!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0SUMEIJ479VvaljLyWbm4UUUMf2Yt1httasB5wS6l1bULV-SQ83IEaf4jGfkh7ZqmzJ4uyXxM3VtNUOR5gqmtgpwGvjgr7tIesSXoFbY8DaxE7Wgu3qn7f0CQVtKVxdmooBNK/s1600-h/DSC_1032.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5032392689406645842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0SUMEIJ479VvaljLyWbm4UUUMf2Yt1httasB5wS6l1bULV-SQ83IEaf4jGfkh7ZqmzJ4uyXxM3VtNUOR5gqmtgpwGvjgr7tIesSXoFbY8DaxE7Wgu3qn7f0CQVtKVxdmooBNK/s320/DSC_1032.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Private 1st Class David Anderson, of Edmond, recently received the prestigious Purple Heart Medal for wounds suffered in combat after he was wounded in a firefight in eastern Afghanistan. Anderson is currently deployed with the 1st Battalion, 180th Infantry as part of a security force for the Afghan National Army training mission.<br /><br />Anderson and several other members of his rifle company were engaged in a fire fight with Anti-Coalition Forces when he was struck in the back of the head by an RPG fragment. Anderson and most of his company have been supporting the Tenth Mountain Division and several other Coalition Forces in the Peshwan River Valley and along the eastern border of Afghanistan.<br /><br />Anderson said that he was honored to be the first member of the 180th to receive the Purple Heart in over 50 years. "I didn't do much and I'm getting this medal that heroes have gotten, it's great getting this, but I had to get injured in the process." Anderson received the medal during a Combat Infantry Badge presentation ceremony held by Company C commander Capt. Kevin Roland and 1st Sgt. Robert Williams. Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Bobby Yandell pinned Anderson as his peers looked on. "I'm honored to present one of our Soldiers with this award and I just hope I don't have to do it again, and I'm glad Private 1st Class Anderson is here to receive it." Yandell said in front of the Company. Anderson is actually a member of Company A, 1/180th headquartered in Edmond. He was attached to Company C after the unit deployed to Afghanistan last March.<br /><br />The Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the President of the United States to any member of an Armed Force of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the U.S. Armed Services after April 5, 1917, who has been wounded or killed, or who has died or may hereafter die after being wounded under any of the following circumstances: In any action against an enemy of the United States; In any action with an opposing armed force of a foreign country in which the Armed Forces of the United States are or have been engaged: While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party; As a result of an act of any such enemy of opposing armed forces; As the result of an act of any hostile foreign force; after March 28, 1973, as a result of an international terrorist attack against the United States or a foreign nation friendly to the United States, recognized as such an attack by the Secretary of the Army, or jointly by the Secretaries of the separate armed services concerned if persons from more than one service are wounded in the attack; and, after March 28, 1973, as a result of military operations while serving outside the territory of the United States as part of a peacekeeping force.<br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Cpl Larkin</div><br /><div>05FEB07</div>Todd Larkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517230953692989196noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29106420.post-54667123031693968992007-02-13T21:01:00.000-08:002007-02-13T21:28:12.600-08:00The Fuzz!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVOwohObcia2a54NpHaCQ4qwYfCcC_YHI1jdbQkU-GOOnM3YG4GAzEqyX2qr05U1wm4ogimd9WFmgBqcA17JsJV8BLtU6Nr9giW5OUhoXEmYsn6Rk78KqNBFEV40lw1h3HjCrU/s1600-h/DSC_1516.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5031256971204564546" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVOwohObcia2a54NpHaCQ4qwYfCcC_YHI1jdbQkU-GOOnM3YG4GAzEqyX2qr05U1wm4ogimd9WFmgBqcA17JsJV8BLtU6Nr9giW5OUhoXEmYsn6Rk78KqNBFEV40lw1h3HjCrU/s320/DSC_1516.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLXvch8Dm8Rd2aRV8brEsfJ7UGbYqRSC7401ypoEvuHWO9CUv34kbHj8Dy-DtMhmL5bwMxAgLXjU8v7aBmXcv74ny7X-ZAcEmxLVdTMsuZWfmW5usoYOTnkrEgIKJUj7qFEinf/s1600-h/DSC_1532.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5031255940412413458" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLXvch8Dm8Rd2aRV8brEsfJ7UGbYqRSC7401ypoEvuHWO9CUv34kbHj8Dy-DtMhmL5bwMxAgLXjU8v7aBmXcv74ny7X-ZAcEmxLVdTMsuZWfmW5usoYOTnkrEgIKJUj7qFEinf/s320/DSC_1532.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYlZS8L_487MIvZhjvf2UlT3mRXL8Gw1sDyAxuyTiblMZuN0shZOUGTjpBZl3rF3ht-ZHmqKYjLBmJjGAEeh0aoNPp_Wv1tA2NiHih0sJHDOhOwf-I29xa3pa5_Ta881AxHvba/s1600-h/DSC_1590.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5031256971204564530" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYlZS8L_487MIvZhjvf2UlT3mRXL8Gw1sDyAxuyTiblMZuN0shZOUGTjpBZl3rF3ht-ZHmqKYjLBmJjGAEeh0aoNPp_Wv1tA2NiHih0sJHDOhOwf-I29xa3pa5_Ta881AxHvba/s320/DSC_1590.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaRJWaJNtidbWm1BE8X1QJ1p_gXkQdLh1diV8OMZGaq8mzhLvM3KbCNV1puC1W1JzTSQhREi_Xws2j_q-ybJQDjgyxdoxQtBshtP_blaQUobXz5K_B-6btxpC3v6tfdSyG0p9C/s1600-h/DSC_1531.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5031255944707380770" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaRJWaJNtidbWm1BE8X1QJ1p_gXkQdLh1diV8OMZGaq8mzhLvM3KbCNV1puC1W1JzTSQhREi_Xws2j_q-ybJQDjgyxdoxQtBshtP_blaQUobXz5K_B-6btxpC3v6tfdSyG0p9C/s320/DSC_1531.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsIv7DrLaS4i-Rr1LjGaHvD8ReWZMj-7OeGLmL4s_ZiEDEiG-kAzVj42mqWbWKXQOP290yO_cKrFj93eARhjnxPPtwz4XfBhDr2L6_R002tHoBeZnTKNiANp6YNC4xJ-Vn1mLq/s1600-h/DSC_1522.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5031254978339739122" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsIv7DrLaS4i-Rr1LjGaHvD8ReWZMj-7OeGLmL4s_ZiEDEiG-kAzVj42mqWbWKXQOP290yO_cKrFj93eARhjnxPPtwz4XfBhDr2L6_R002tHoBeZnTKNiANp6YNC4xJ-Vn1mLq/s320/DSC_1522.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Cqg6Vh_vsQilfrzilfIA1mC1vAuEI_2wGPZP6iYXamcnPBfyiPKBwj5vluROx9Sqap8HWEH3boEBigiggPwj-DGTqSEweKL_21QVuG38T8biWjjo8rlAlJci8it_m-w9Q4ps/s1600-h/DSC_1554.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5031254982634706434" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Cqg6Vh_vsQilfrzilfIA1mC1vAuEI_2wGPZP6iYXamcnPBfyiPKBwj5vluROx9Sqap8HWEH3boEBigiggPwj-DGTqSEweKL_21QVuG38T8biWjjo8rlAlJci8it_m-w9Q4ps/s320/DSC_1554.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEphTgbPWS-yzfOP7Rf_a42tzUFnS7Aona0iUmvH7bwDsZOaMv1Pvhg34nkPOOHrqGaGrO_Gr7oNt1-95hhZfIxLgogOQsMnYIQo8CwZtBdMPMKhAgJ0mObluAJaYeuM4u953t/s1600-h/DSC_1505.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5031253853058307538" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEphTgbPWS-yzfOP7Rf_a42tzUFnS7Aona0iUmvH7bwDsZOaMv1Pvhg34nkPOOHrqGaGrO_Gr7oNt1-95hhZfIxLgogOQsMnYIQo8CwZtBdMPMKhAgJ0mObluAJaYeuM4u953t/s320/DSC_1505.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivVGP1fh6IuZtG3_Hy6D_vLdpzsD6JwJCsVOkmuYcYMIK6k0fbunDN8-CjCF6Cw5roS3T0lW_oCn5oulp2ILDRc09CInAZwHrRsvQ7Ku7Qu3scXzshiLENG0cC2k7CS6CN5Se2/s1600-h/DSC_1513.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5031253857353274850" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivVGP1fh6IuZtG3_Hy6D_vLdpzsD6JwJCsVOkmuYcYMIK6k0fbunDN8-CjCF6Cw5roS3T0lW_oCn5oulp2ILDRc09CInAZwHrRsvQ7Ku7Qu3scXzshiLENG0cC2k7CS6CN5Se2/s320/DSC_1513.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKd_2C0oi1Y4ybSiwXWw3zq1JA2kqY4Wrz4gFJw2suMwezK72DksrxvvN2qi0ddBhsjMKtLZmQjsZFBJ2_5gWhyphenhyphenlxTasQ_Uy2jfz-TqlI953-D1LJssjp8RTvsu0ZO8AEDzIW/s1600-h/DSC_1566.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5031252641877530034" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKd_2C0oi1Y4ybSiwXWw3zq1JA2kqY4Wrz4gFJw2suMwezK72DksrxvvN2qi0ddBhsjMKtLZmQjsZFBJ2_5gWhyphenhyphenlxTasQ_Uy2jfz-TqlI953-D1LJssjp8RTvsu0ZO8AEDzIW/s320/DSC_1566.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU5f7nic5dPQgUpEVKeKAFddYhnXFwnpjO5NJsmEdXHAAaqMPQ6zHpDzB6aUa_mEzqdCds17nujTxK9cJJqGsskx2jhcmw1HmnpnJMJfJyfa_lklTLlSmAk7FgVVs_kQUQGWvx/s1600-h/DSC_1495.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5031252646172497346" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU5f7nic5dPQgUpEVKeKAFddYhnXFwnpjO5NJsmEdXHAAaqMPQ6zHpDzB6aUa_mEzqdCds17nujTxK9cJJqGsskx2jhcmw1HmnpnJMJfJyfa_lklTLlSmAk7FgVVs_kQUQGWvx/s320/DSC_1495.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>First off I’m sorry I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">didn</span>’t post yesterday, we had a mission last till about 2:00pm and then we got back to camp the power was out. No power no <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Internet</span>. So anyway just wanted to let all of you guys know that so I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">didn</span>’t have any disappointed fans!! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">LOL</span><br /><br /><br />Well on Sunday we had our 10<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">th</span> Med Cap for the Police Officers and the family members of Afghan Police Dept. 9 here in Kabul. We also took out a lot of clothing and shoes but that turned out to be a little disappointing. I guess this was possibly one of our worst ones. We had WAY to many (military) people there that we like to call “strap hangers” they go somewhere just to be there, they serve no real purpose besides getting in the way. So as far as the clothing and shoes, well that went good but I only gave away maybe 20 pairs of shoes because that is all the kids we really saw at the Police Department. From what Ricky told me it’s somewhat Afghan Culture to not bring your wife or family around where you work. So for most of the Policemen they <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">didn</span>’t bring any of their family and we saw very little kids and women. A few of the medics were a little discouraged because we treated the Afghan National Police (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">ANP</span>) instead of a village. The deal is that most of these <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">ANP</span> make $15.00 a month starting out and the Chief makes just $80.00. So these guys do a huge public service and they make little to no money and have sometimes 7-10 family members they will support on that 15 dollars. There are a lot of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">ANP</span> who are possibly corrupt but <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">isn</span>’t that true in the States as well. So if these guys can get the things they need and don’t use their small pay check on medicine and clothes than maybe they will not take bribes or steal from villagers. There are officers in big cities making double in hour what the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">ANP</span> make in a month. And those guys are getting bribes or letting crimes slide buy. So tell me who are the real crooks?<br /><br />We are however planning a big clothing drop for a small kindergarten in a couple weeks so I plan on giving away lots of clothes for these kids. There will also be another big Med Cap soon and hopefully some more kids will be out to get some shoes that all of you wonderful Americans have bought for them. So in the next few weeks we are trying to get rid of all of our clothes and supplies we have. Like I said in my last Blog I keep getting boxes and boxes from everyone supporting my Quest!! It’s great to see the support from everyone and see how everyone wants to help out a poor country and help a guy they have never met before. Thank you all so much for everything!!<br /><br /><br />We are also planning a big Vet Cap, we plan on taking out a few Army <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Veterinarians</span> and us them and a few Afghan Vets to treat the local Afghan animals. Goats, sheep, cows, chickens and hopefully some camels (might be pretty cool) so that should be an interesting show for most of us <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Okies</span>. If anyone has suggestions or anything we may want to add for this Vet Cap let me know I’m always open to suggestions. Well thanks again for everything everyone is doing for me and I hope you all keep everything coming!! Enjoy!</div></div></div></div></div>Todd Larkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517230953692989196noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29106420.post-12759865518810919502007-02-12T05:38:00.000-08:002007-02-11T07:18:09.112-08:00Update! Stay tunedFirst off I will update my Blog tomorrow and let you all know how the MED CAP went on Sunday and how much of the clothes went out. But for right now I just want to let everyone know how great everyone has been!! <br /><br />So far since I put the info on my Blog I have received over 20 boxes of clothes and shoes. I went to pick up mail today and had about 12 boxes just for me. The mail handlers where a little upset but hey who cares about them right!! LOL Most of the boxes were from Peggy Durden who (thanks to the people of Collinsville) donated a huge chunk of money for the Afghan Children Fund. I have also received boxes from Cynthia Heeren in Oregon. So I just wanted to say thanks SO SO much for all the support so far and I hope to see more coming soon. I’ve received tons of email almost everyday from people wanting to donate something. So again thanks so much everyone and don’t forget to check the Blog tomorrow for an update and some pics!!Todd Larkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517230953692989196noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29106420.post-71665177915676054982007-01-28T00:38:00.000-08:002007-01-28T01:01:27.375-08:00Afghanistan needs shoes!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVBsNERwSShJG8yhNeOcidLBfPLqSXsA1oLlo16vUFG_yuSisgtg6lyHemlMs6vfvhcJvloZjNOkrbBx52wfNKdkIa6bSfBo4QXAMU69BTZxytReTyO1lU6_Z0gTzgvgLbCPN/s1600-h/DSC_0798.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5025003359816157634" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVBsNERwSShJG8yhNeOcidLBfPLqSXsA1oLlo16vUFG_yuSisgtg6lyHemlMs6vfvhcJvloZjNOkrbBx52wfNKdkIa6bSfBo4QXAMU69BTZxytReTyO1lU6_Z0gTzgvgLbCPN/s320/DSC_0798.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a 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href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv8qLHYn5iXgvTQ6stRdA5xZwtS7i8f8eR6QNuZ3a-iVF9VuYxKT7GPKhz-aLi9V6CGn-OXKvXaHOhiTC-vO3EedGzljyCFghbGt2xRJGWIRZggQ5wqkwkurpuJuaNyHFSBru2/s1600-h/DSC_0751.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5024999288187160914" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv8qLHYn5iXgvTQ6stRdA5xZwtS7i8f8eR6QNuZ3a-iVF9VuYxKT7GPKhz-aLi9V6CGn-OXKvXaHOhiTC-vO3EedGzljyCFghbGt2xRJGWIRZggQ5wqkwkurpuJuaNyHFSBru2/s320/DSC_0751.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgksqzv4FWSKDROZtaIR02ElrttGeoyhYm-RQ9xjVUCsYARsbhdXxk8NbWGQRsjyV000pDJHKYjpjR_wndegxK2losknYKwMT_nKRTfDzxJWbPH3e7_MNEhbADOpU36oLRhdOsG/s1600-h/DSC_0807.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5024999047668992322" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgksqzv4FWSKDROZtaIR02ElrttGeoyhYm-RQ9xjVUCsYARsbhdXxk8NbWGQRsjyV000pDJHKYjpjR_wndegxK2losknYKwMT_nKRTfDzxJWbPH3e7_MNEhbADOpU36oLRhdOsG/s320/DSC_0807.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBb7D51Pk-x_hcDlx8ra6GxVtpTBm2QXDmAEcjciPNvMbeVxz1vzlneWQZGcVDVYvljN4OTBhbc1aAuydI00aoOjKhbyi_wN0pd7WKowPOw_ViJdEQTvimd9HU_tH_4L9G_4HK/s1600-h/DSC_0812.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5024998785675987250" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBb7D51Pk-x_hcDlx8ra6GxVtpTBm2QXDmAEcjciPNvMbeVxz1vzlneWQZGcVDVYvljN4OTBhbc1aAuydI00aoOjKhbyi_wN0pd7WKowPOw_ViJdEQTvimd9HU_tH_4L9G_4HK/s320/DSC_0812.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXzETDGkn1YGZXAE2Vg7ACi4BwrdMxzORplMpgvaXj5dWj9ZYvZfLSO3f1J2IFkCUpNsLRJg2ZlT9XIOnh9VSsqaIKAl5h0-WP1w9e6eVG45u7LRddkYLHr7lVthPTCBLP47ak/s1600-h/DSC_0827.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5024998412013832482" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXzETDGkn1YGZXAE2Vg7ACi4BwrdMxzORplMpgvaXj5dWj9ZYvZfLSO3f1J2IFkCUpNsLRJg2ZlT9XIOnh9VSsqaIKAl5h0-WP1w9e6eVG45u7LRddkYLHr7lVthPTCBLP47ak/s320/DSC_0827.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Todd Larkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517230953692989196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29106420.post-3994323222053331732007-01-25T21:48:00.000-08:002007-02-04T05:18:42.224-08:00Shoes!! Are you willing to help?Well another MedCap this week and so far our biggest one seeing over 700 patients. It was probably one of the smoother ones and for the first time we used a dentist who pulled several teeth and handed out toothpaste and toothbrushes for the kids. Thinking back now I didn’t take one picture of the dentist working on his patients... I will be in trouble when Maj. Roper figures that out but maybe he will forget to look at the pics. I did however hand out some toys that were sent to me by Diane Henryson from Pennsylvania. You can see the picture of the baby with one of the toys. When I gave the baby the toy she smiled at me and kept reaching for me even though I was a stranger dressed up like a “storm trooper” she still wanted me to hold her, but I don’t think the mother dressed in her blue Burka was as willing as the baby was. All and all it was a good day Ricky brought us some potato bread, it’s like pita bread with leek and potatoes inside the bread and then deep fried. Afghan food is amazing and I don’t think I’ve found a food over here that I haven’t liked. Ricky always takes care of me and brings in food or something for me to try. He’s a great guy and I’m glad I have someone like that over here that I can get along with besides all the guys here with us.<br /><br />Back to yesterday!! I was handing out several pairs of shoes that my wife sent me. Bayleigh was highly disappointed to see other kids with her shoes from 2 years ago but she will one day realize that it was a good thing. I just can’t stand seeing these kids without shoes and without something on their head when its 10 degrees outside. I was standing beside the pharmacy and watching the kids follow right along side their mother or their brothers and sisters. Looking at some of the 7 year old girls carrying their year old brother on their back walking through the snow and mud like it’s a paved road. I looked down at one maybe 6 year old girl and saw her shoes with a split down the back because she outgrew them and instead of buying a new pair they just cut the back out of them so she can continue to wear them. Ricky told me a pair of the sandals cost around .50 cents and a pair of rain boots are just a little over a $1.00..<br /><br />So here is my proposition!! After many questions on what you can do so here is answer to all those questions. I know some people will be a little leery of this idea or just think its ridiculous but I want to do this for these kids and try to make as much of a difference as I can while I’m here. I’m giving Ricky $100.00 to buy 100 pairs of rain boots, different sizes and colors. Here is what I want you to do if you can and if you will. If you will send me a check money order or whatever to my address over here in Afghanistan and we will put it into our Afghan Children’s Fund for Shoes. It can be $1.00 or $20.00 or whatever you want I just want to see what we can do. People have already sent me clothes, school supplies, and a few pairs of shoes so I want to see if we can get some money into this poor country and get some shoes on these kids’ feet. I will make sure you get a receipt for tax purposes or just for proof, that’s what your money is being used for. I’m not begging or asking for hand outs for people who don’t need it but these people do need it. I wish I could let you see first hand, live and in color just what I see every time I go outside. I can just show you with pictures what I see and what we do and how tough it is to see this everyday. I mean the mortality rate is one of the highest in the world considering this is the 3rd poorest country in the World. So if I can keep a hundred kids feet dry during the winter with $100.00 than maybe I can keep half of them from losing toes or even their feet from frostbite than maybe I’ve done some good. I’m just asking for a little help from the people who read this and haven’t helped out already. I just want to make a change for as many kids as I can, and hopefully some of you feel the same out there as I do...<br /><br />.50 cents = 1 pair of sandals<br />$1.00 = 1 pair of rain boots<br /><br />Michael T. Larkin<br />41 BCT HHC 1-180 SECFOR<br />Camp Phoenix, AF<br />APO, AE 09320<br /><br />Make Checks Payable to:<br /><strong>The Afghan Children’s Fund</strong><br /><br />Or you can just send clothes and shoes you dont use anymore!!<br /><br />Thanks for your help and please remember you don’t only help out these kids but you are also helping save soldiers lives.Todd Larkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00517230953692989196noreply@blogger.com8