The Boys from Bloomfield

Stay safe and know that you are coming home to a welcoming and grateful community.

I am sure they will all be freaked out at first when the see the Afghani soldiers holding hands and skipping down the streets.

My brother was.

Godspeed and be safe - you are the finest.

I'll pray for their safety and their victory.

Thank you for serving our country.

I know that all these comments are heartfelt and sincere, but from experience, I have to tell you that there was nothing anyone could say that felt comforting when my son was in Iraq. It was The worst of times...

Honestly, Late I cannot imagine it. I don't think I would function very well. I take it he was uninjured and otherwise ok? The service of the families left behind is often overlooked, we shouldn't do that.

I admire these young men and women. I was a C.O. from 'Nam cause I didn't believe in the stoopid war. But at the core I was a coward. I know men like cathar served bravely in Nam amd Late's son in Iraq and for that I forever grateful.

Late,

What was your son? Army/Navy/Marines/AF?

What was his unit? Special Forces/Airborne/1st Cav/Engineers?

My brother was in Afghanistan and Iraq. He's back in a SF unit in Boston.

MMMC and ROC,
My son is a captain in the AF. He did return safely (thank you for asking ROC) and he is stationed at McGuire.This is the most we have seen him since he started his career nearly 10 years ago at The Air Force Academy. He will be leaving the AF in May.

Iceman, I don't think I served "bravely" in Nam. I served with the intention of returning home. And I don't know about the self-appellation of "coward," either. To work, say, in a hospital as one's alternative service, that takes commitment. (You did, however, miss a fair bit of beer drinking and general revelry thanks to the Army, nyah nyah.)

Late, I commend your son. He obviously served his 6-year commitment post-Academy with honor and competence, I'm just sorry he's leaving the Air Force, it's tough to lose such well-trained exemplars.

late , I was thinking of you this morning, as a matter of fact, after reading the article-since you had recently disclosed that he was serving -I am glad to hear he is safe and will be out soon. And as always my prayers are with those who serve and their families.Thank you.

Does anyone know how many Afghan civilians have been killed by U.S.? or U.S. soldiers?

ugh...here we go...

QA-

NYTimes Online: 6 Jan 2006. The past year has been the bloodiest since 2001 as the Taliban and al-Qaida militants stepped up attacks. About 1,600 people were killed. Ninety-one American troops died in combat and accidents, more than double the total in 2004.

Oh I am sorry Quaker Oats, did you say you wanted to play Dodgeball???

This articles incorrectly lists John Armellino as a Major in the U.S. Army. John is a Major in the United States Marine Corps.

Semper Fidelis,
John Armellino
Major, U.S. Marine Corps

Major JA: I hope you register with: http://www.anysoldier.com/. I'd be happy to send you a box of whatever you need/like.

If and when you have internet access (like some do) please keep in touch with us!!

I beg your pardon. I meant: http://anymarine.com/

Godspeed!!

just wanted to say I hope this trip goes well and seafe. I want to return home safe to my family and friends. I miss everyone. I am in training right now to head on over to the sand box in Afgan. When i return i will run for an office spot in bloomfield. God bless you all.