August 20, 2010
The clock is ticking, slowly, the days are being checked off the calendar, the night moons are being marked off, month by month. Homecoming is a dream now, but a forseeable dream, getting closer though, tricking us into dreaming, believing that the wait will soon be over, that He will soon be home, a family that has prayed together , can be complete together. Every day we pray that he won’t let his guard down, that NOW is the time to stay focused, every minute, every day. We tell him we miss him, we understand, he has a job to do, we want him to know we love him, need him, but that we are survivors, a strong family of women, we can and will manage, handle, and take care of our own, while he does his own job, until he is home to help, share, and offer opinions for living life as a loving, sharing and giving family. Together we will lean on, love on, and support each other, while everyone heals from their time apart, in their own way.
“READ THE SHIRT”, IT SAYS IT ALL
As one son starts decompressing to make the move back to the states, the youngest son, will have a new fresh start in life, as after 5 years, 4 deployments and a back surgery, he will be coming home, starting a civilian life, and loving every minute of being back in the arms of the family.
Daddy Finding Words to say Goodbye
March 10, 2010
Today I woke, knowing one son was in a far away, cold, unfriendly land, knowing freedom is NOT free, fighting so that the familes here at home could be safe from International Terrorism on our own soil . Tomorrow, the other son has surgery to try to repair a tired, damaged, torn, but not entirely broken body, a spirit heavy from the tragedies, brutalities of a country at war. Pray for this family please.
Has it been 7 months since Rondy returned? Where does time go, I feel like my life runs in circles, that I am at the mercy of the USMC. One son returns, one readies to leave. It seems as if the family is only complete for about 4 months a year, so we must make the time count. Quick trips to visit, Holidays, watching the grandbaby , Little RED, grow, knowing because of time and distance, I miss so much, wishing it could be different, closer, close enough to run in for a cup of coffee at nite, bathtime messes, bedtime hugs, and maybe a shared cookie. Knowing that as a Mother and Grand-mother, that if I feel and dread the emptiness, and lonliness of another goodbye I can imagine how Crystal his wife, mother to Red, must feel. As a family we will be strong, even knowing a part of us is missing, waiting for the homecoming, before we have even been through the “leaving”. We love you Son, know in your heart the pride we feel, the love, and know we will wait calmly, patiently, and prayerfully, for your return. Your sister, brother, niece, your wife, loving daughter and your Mom.
September 20, 2009
Cpl Jace Schenk BACK FROM IRAQ
The BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN
Jace and Chris are home from Iraq, another prayer answered. ALL sons are now stateside, and with their 5 year tours, down now to less than one year, I’m hoping their travel days are over. Both may be broken in body and soul, but I know with the love and support of their familes, they grow stronger every day.
Please, don’t ever forget the sacrifices made from these brave men and women, and please remember in your prayers all the sons, daughters, husbands, wifes, moms, that are still serving this country on foreign soil, and remember the familes of those proud, brave ones, that gave the ultimate sacrifice, that did not come home.
ERIK GAROUTTE
10/19/2007 STILL LOVED AND MISSED
March 13-2009
One year and one day ago on March 12, 2008, One of my Heroes returned home from a far away land, a hot unfriendly, dangerous land, where he was fighting not only for the freedom of the people of that country, but to be able to leave his family here in this country and know that every day we must fight to keep those same terrorists off of the soil of the USA . Today marks a sad day, as one year and one day later that same son, leaves again, for that same Far Away land, still fighting the same battle. Rondy, my sensitive, kind loving HERO, his brother, by blood, by heart, in arms, RETURNS in 10 days, from Far away where he also has been fighting the same battle. The brothers, my heroes, will miss each other by 10 days, so the Family Reunion will be put off. I thank GOD for the safe return of my oldest, and cherish him in my heart, and know that Jace, the youngest, will be in our hearts until he is home to make this family complete. Rondy returns home to this newest family member, Acelan, his daughter , waiting to meet the Daddy that has made us all so proud.
March 23, 2009
DADDY’S HOME
MY THIRD SON CHRIS, AND LOVELY WIFE MEGAN
Chris and Jace are brothers by choice, by fate, by heart.
A truly blessed addition to any family would be Megan, who would tell you that when she married Chris, she knew she was getting a package deal, two great men of honor, who would love and cherish and care for her, share dreams with her, one to love her as a husband, one as a brother.
Erik, Gone but never forgotten. Your brothers still mourn you, and know you guard them, from God’s own hand.
March 12, 2008
Welcome Home 1st. Fast
Oct. 9, 1985-Oct. 19, 2007
CORPORAL ERIK GAROUTTE
FIRST FLEET ANTI TERRORISM SECURITY TEAM, MARINE CORP SECURITY FORCE BATTALLION, II MARINE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE
LOST A BROTHER, AND HERO OF THE HEART TODAY GOD SPEED TO YOU ERIK, OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR FAMILY AND LOVED ONES.
Hearts are weeping all over the world today for you, your family, but GOD is smiling as he now has you to protect him, and watch over us all. Thank you Erik, for such a tremendous sacrifice.
ACELAN DAWN HARVEY
OCTOBER 20, 2008
This family welcomes Acelan with great joy. Daddy is off in a far away land, but know his heart is here with his little angel. We will all be waiting for his safe return.
TWO BROTHERS, TOGETHER IN IRAQ
It’s not often in life, and I hope it won’t happen again, that 2 brothers end up in the same war zone. These are my boys, true brothers by blood, true brothers with many of the same passions for life, living and happiness and the true meaning of FAMILY. They are not serving in the same unit together, but due to 2 compassionate , family oriented Commanders, they made it happen that these 2 Marines were able to spend a few days together as brothers. They are stationed so close, but yet in terms of danger, so far apart. My message to them both, we love you, and are waiting for you both to be home.
March 25, 2008
Both my boys are home from Iraq, it has been an incredible reunion. The love these men share for each other and the bond they share with their sister brings joy to a Mom. Thank you GOD for bringing them home safely.
THIS PAGE IS DEDICATED TO MY TRUE HEROES, AND THE HEART OF MY LIFE, MY SONS SSgt. Dustin Harvey and Cpl Jace Schenk, serving this country proudly, both in the US Marines. Waiting patiently and the eternal older sister, is Heather, the mother of my first grandchild, Kahlee Austin Arthur Angel.
Graduation for Jace at Parris Island, SC………Pictured from L to R……………………. Rondy, Jace , Heather and Kahlee
He’s Not Heavy, He’s my Brother
BROTHERS, JACE AND RONDY
JACE, HEATHER AND RONDY
As a K-9 Breeder for many years, I feel great pride in these often overlooked “Heroes” who walk in front of, and beside our brave Military Men and Women, and our brave Police Departments all over the country. Very often they are first in the line of fire from IED’s, EED’s or other Explosives. They have saved many America Military lives. God Bless them for helping to protect this country.