WebWalker's Blog

David is certainly getting a certified Tour of the mideast, although it's not the recommended way to sightsee. He's been moved to another location *again* -- this time he does have some email access, so you can write to him using his old seymourjohnson.af email address... I think he is getting lonely - he called on a sat phone the other day "just to hear [my] voice" so any emails you can send will be appreciated I am sure, especially with the holidays fast approaching. Here's what he had to say in his last email: Hey, use this address from now on... david.whetstone @ seymourjohnson.af.mil Well, at least for a while. I'll let you know when I can use my BIAP address again. Lance, I'm representin back in M-City dude! Talk to you all later. -Dave [I added spaces in his email address to foil spammers; when you send an email just delete the spaces from the email address.]

The letter hanging above PFC Joshua Sparling’s bed at Walter Reed Hospital isn’t very long. It appears to be from a kid, but you know it really isn’t. Quoted below, it reads verbatim: Dear, Soldier Have a great time into he war and have a great time dieing in the war from Solider Miguel P.S. DIE. Fox News reported that this letter was the only thing hanging on Joshua's wall. Miguel doesn’t speak for many of us. Well, for Cindy Sheehan perhaps and the Code Pink sickos who hate soldiers. But even those who oppose this war cannot possibly echo such cruel and insensitive sentiments as this, can they? Here’s the deal. When you are sending out your Christmas cards, why not add these wounded warriors to your address list to remind them we do give a damn and have not forgotten what they do for us. Better yet, drop them a note along with the card. Send your get well and holiday wishes to: Joshua Sparling C/O Walter Reed Army Medical Center 6900 Georgia Avenue NW Washington, DC 20307-5001 ...

The following is just in from Rickey. We are all doing the "Happy Dance." Miracles still happen! This evening, Lori suddenly woke up and stayed awake. The doctors took advantage of her being awake to give her large doses of medications to reduce the ammonia level, and it apparently worked. You can imagine my surprise when the phone rang around 9:00 tonight and it was Lori on the other end. I cannot express my delight. She's still quite weak, and still a bit unsteady, but she's back with us! Lori has a full time sitter with her in her [hospital] room, and is never being left alone, at least not for some time to come. We understand even the doctors celebrated Lori's return. Thanks to all of you for your prayers and well wishes. It's time to go get some sleep.

This is just a quick email to let you know what’s going on. We finished with Mahmudiyah (or FOB St. Michael) on the 6th of December and arrived here in BIAP (Baghdad International Airport – Center of Operations for the Air Force). While waiting here for a convoy or flight out of here back to Ali, SrA Acosta was involved in a tragic accident. He is still with us, and is rapidly improving as the days go by, but he is obviously unable to continue here in BIAP. SO, obviously they needed a replacement for him and I volunteered to stay. It was a rough few days starting out because of the general mood everyone had, plus the shoes I had to fill. Everything is running smoothly now; I have an outstanding team chief and life is good. I will not return to Ali and am now assigned to the 447th so that means just use this email address from now on. More as it comes, love you all, bye! -Dave ((To send Dave an email, us the address below but remove the spaces... I put them in to foil robot spammers.)) ...

Our good friend Lori Gans is currently in the hospital with a very serious condition, and is fading in and out of consciousness. Everyone is praying for her that she will have the will to live, and that God will help her hurdle the obstacles placed in the path of her health. Rickey and Lori, know that you are in our thoughts and hearts every hour of the day!

This is a poem written by my good friend Frank Zellner, who lives in Pagosa Springs, CO. Click on the image to see the photo larger. I thought you all might enjoy pausing and reflecting with him. I did. A WALK IN THE WOODS by Frank Zellner 2005 I awoke this morning to a beautiful fall day, and decided a walk in the woods would be like play. I put on my winter coat as I walked through the door, My eyes feasted on the woodland beauty and my spirits did soar. I chose a path littered with red and golden leaves, as I walked the wild roses grabbed at my sleeves. I took a deep breath and sucked in the fall air, and suddenly had not a worry nor even a care. And after I had walked for almost a mile, I came upon a bridge that had been there for a long while. The bridge reminded me of God's hand, held out to help us as we journey this land. As a lingered atop the bridge that day, I saw a small chipmunk scurry away. I heard the scream of the eagle as he flew overhead, and I watched a small s...

Great News. We have a new email address for Dave, plus a new snail mail address for him. So if anyone wants to send him a card or package, just give me a phone call or email and I will give you the address!!! And thank you all for supporting our great troops, David included!! It's the land of the free BECAUSE of the brave.

Here are some new dates to add to the Calendar. Just learned about them! December 24 -- Rickey Lynn's birthday December 25 -- Lori and Rickey's anniversary Jan 3 -- June's surgery