Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Wednesday Hero

Cpl. Jason L. Dunham
Cpl. Jason L. Dunham
22 years old from Scio, New York
Rifle Squad Leader, 4th Platoon, Company K, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines (Reinforced), Regimental Combat Team 7, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced)
April 22, 2004
U.S. Marine Corps.

For The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Corporal Jason L. Dunham, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Rifle Squad Leader, 4th Platoon, Company K, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines (Reinforced), Regimental Combat Team 7, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), on 14 April 2004. Corporal Dunham's squad was conducting a reconnaissance mission in the town of Karabilah, Iraq, when they heard rocket-propelled grenade and small arms fire erupt approximately two kilometers to the west. Corporal Dunham led his Combined Anti-Armor Team towards the engagement to provide fire support to their Battalion Commander's convoy, which had been ambushed as it was traveling to Camp Husaybah. As Corporal Dunham and his Marines advanced, they quickly began to receive enemy fire. Corporal Dunham ordered his squad to dismount their vehicles and led one of his fire teams on foot several blocks south of the ambushed convoy. Discovering seven Iraqi vehicles in a column attempting to depart, Corporal Dunham and his team stopped the vehicles to search them for weapons. As they approached the vehicles, an insurgent leaped out and attacked Corporal Dunham. Corporal Dunham wrestled the insurgent to the ground and in the ensuing struggle saw the insurgent release a grenade. Corporal Dunham immediately alerted his fellow Marines to the threat. Aware of the imminent danger and without hesitation, Corporal Dunham covered the grenade with his helmet and body, bearing the brunt of the explosion and shielding his Marines from the blast. In an ultimate and selfless act of bravery in which he was mortally wounded, he saved the lives of at least two fellow Marines. By his undaunted courage, intrepid fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty, Corporal Dunham gallantly gave his life for his country, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

Monday, March 8, 2010

News from Iraq

I had every intention of blogging more while Shay was in Iraq. I figured I would need the outlet because I would not be in communication with her as much as I am accustomed to. The wonders of technology have proved this to be incorrect. She has been able to call me often. In the beginning it was every day. Now that she is in a routine it is not so often. But I can read about her on facebook and get that connection us moms live for. Luckily this deployment is proving to be quite boring. She says it is like Groundhog Day (the movie) every day. Get up, go to gym, work, get off, shower, eat, watch movies, etc. You get it. She hates it but I consider it better than the alternative. Soldiers Kyle and Chris post about explosions and missions. Being "gone" for long periods of time. Not getting to shower. All the things that make moms worried. Sometimes their messages are cryptic and cause concern. I guess it is just their way of dealing with it.

I have wonderful friends in the Air Force Moms and Dads group and this blogging community. Shay has received several packages and is working on getting thank yous out to everyone. I offer my personal gratitude to all of you.

Puppies are getting big. They are 9 weeks old now and the first two should be leaving on March 20th for their new homes. Cream girl is going to live in South Carolina and the little guy is going to be co-owned by me and my co-breeder but will live with her in Ocala. That way I still get all the glory of co-owning him. The bigger boy, Baskin, will be leaving mid April to live in Jacksonville, FL with a nice young Navy couple. Their last name is Robbins. Get it? Baskin Robbins.... Lastly, the brindle girl will be living in Clearwater, FL but will be co-owned and shown by me. She has potential that I don't want to miss out on.

My older girl puppy, Yummy, has been diagnosed as being deaf. Took us 9 months to figure it out because she reacts and watches her brother closely. This means that I can't show her or breed her and because she needs and deserves more one on one attention then I can give her she is going to live in Vero Beach with a couple that has a Rottweiler and she works from home. That way someone is home with Yummy all day. I am going to miss her terribly. This breeding stuff is hard. Hubby and I are going to take a break from it. We bought motorcycles and want to be able to take trips. Can't do it with puppies around. At least with the older dogs (we will still have 4) we can get the dog walker to come let them out for potty breaks or I have a sitter that can stay at the house if we want to go away for a weekend.

Well, that is about it. Most of you who read my blog (when I post) also are friends on facebook so you already know most of this. It just came out in little bits over the last few months. This could be considered a recap for you.

Gotta get to work.