Posted on 05/10/2005 6:20:44 PM PDT by Graybeard58
I just returned from Texas today, where I had the distinct honor of visiting with "WNeighbor"
While there I presented her with a plaque honoring her and her contributions to the troops in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
It consists of a slab of marble with an inscribed bronze plaque (As pictured) From my son Steve ("smaagee") He "borrowed" the marble from the wall of Saadam's palace in Tikrit on the day Saadam was captured.
He shipped it home via the U.S. mail hidden in some books. The slab had survived 2,000 pound bombs but the postal service managed to damage about a fourth of it. What he was able to salvage he had cut in three pieces and inscribed to "300winmag", "HairOfTheDog" and "WNeighbor"
My wife was in Texas on business so I joined her there and it was just a few miles to "WNeighbor's" so I was able to deliver it in person.
I will never forget the contributions made by the three mentioned F.R. members to my son and members of the 724th Transportation Company and from many others at F.R.
I am sorry I wasn't able to deliver in person to Washington and Michigan but my heart was there.
Please remember Matt Maupin, a member of the 724th and the only U.S. Soldier in this war listed as P.O.W./M.I.A.
ping
Thank you Graybeard AND especially thanks to you smaagee!!!
I love my plaque and will always keep it and treasure it.
It was great to meet with Graybeard and the Mrs. We had a lovely visit and I *so* hope we are able to do that again.
I uploaded the pics smaagee sent of the Palace it came from
The Palace:
You know what I love about this photo? That it's crooked. It's like the old Batman show on TV... You knew you were in the villain's house because it was crooked. ;~D
Okay ya'll, the secret is out now. You can see why it was so all-fired important that I get down home last Saturday! :-)
Updates on our project(s) available at The Hobbit Hole Blog (bloggit hole?)
Smaagee, just as I said in the HH all afternoon, thank you, and I feel just "as tickled as 2J" that you would give me this. I feel truly unworthy of such a thing but I wouldn't give it up for anything!
Thank you so much. Thank you for your friendship, Thank you for your service to country, and thank you for making us feel just a little bit connected to Iraqi Freedom.
I won't repost the pic of mine, since it's the same as WNs. I'll treasure it. :~D
And Graybeard, your sone is a very nice person. You should be proud.
Er... your 'son' is a very nice person ;~D
thanks feather!
I was pretty tickled just to be getting to go spend some time with Graybeard. But, to have him give me this gift from Steve was incredible!
I still have 3 guys I'm trying to take care of over in those desert places. Keep prayers up for 'em! :-)
Thank you Alkhin! But, you KNOW it wasn't just me. I had lots and lots of help.
OUTSTANDING!
Please remember Matt Maupin, a member of the 724th and the only U.S. Soldier in this war listed as P.O.W./M.I.A.
You were in on this too ya know - thanks for your help and contributions.
The truth comes out. Hah! That is truly a great honor. Vey, vey hugh.
Oh feather! That is wonderful!!! The best news we could have any day is that Matt is alive and coming home!
Yes ma'am. This is why this trip just couldn't wait. But, the gift was a surprise. I thought I was just going to meet Graybeard and Mrs. Graybeard. :-)
That is soooooooooooo awesome! What a keepsake!
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