FReeper Canteen ~ Hall of Heroes: Mark Thompson ~ 17 July 2017

Serving The Best Troops and Veterans In The Whole World !! | StarCMC and The Canteen Crew

[Kathy in Alaska]

 

Our Troops Rock!  Thank you for all you do!

For the freedom you enjoyed yesterday...
Thank the Veterans who served
in The United States Armed Forces.

Looking forward to tomorrow's freedom? Support The United States
Armed Forces Today!

---

~ Hall of Heroes ~

Mark Thompson

Info from here.

           

"It was nothing like I expected," admitted MAJ Mark Thompson of his months spent in Baghdad, Iraq last year, his first deployment.

Stationed at Victory Base Camp (VBC), MAJ Thompson spent a portion of his time in theater in a place most would not imagine of someone deployed with the 11th Military Police Brigade: near a playground.

Originally deployed as a MP Task Force/Brigade G2 (Intelligence officer), MAJ Thompson was remissioned soon after arriving in Iraq. He was selected to serve as commander of a high-value detainee facility located at VBC.

U.S. soldiers had previously built a children's playground right outside of the detainee facility, set within the center's secure grounds. Said MAJ Thompson, Iraqi children visiting loved ones detained in the facility would come play atop the seesaws and swings, interacting with the troops in the process.

As commander, the playground - and the opportunity it provided to reach out to the Iraqi youth- unexpectedly became one the biggest tools for boosting morale amongst the soldiers. "Once I see kids playing, I want to play too," laughed MAJ Thompson, father of a 12 year old son. "I'm the biggest kid."

He, as well as many of the other soldiers under his command, often found themselves kicking soccer balls around and enjoying an unanticipated taste of home. Amidst their regular tasks in theater, MAJ Thompson'’s soldiers also collected toys and school supplies for the Iraqi children who had seamlessly become a highlight of their deployment. Their dedicated work with the local kids was one that many back home would not automatically have associated with the operations of the detainee facility.

"We were changing the negative stereotypes some were lead to believe about Americans," noted MAJ Thompson, who received the Bronze Star for his leadership in Iraq.

During his ten months abroad, MAJ Thompson also encountered another group of individuals that made an impression on him as not only commander, but as an officer in the Army.

"There are a lot of civilians paying prices as well there," said MAJ Thompson of the non-military serving abroad. "I truly appreciate all of the sacrifices they make. They truly support us."

Since returning stateside to Fort Dix in New Jersey, MAJ Thompson has once more found himself in a leadership position. He is now Commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, U.S. Army Support Activity. Yet again he is responsible for ensuring soldiers' safety and morale, just set against a different backdrop.

"The mission is different, but the goal is the same," explained MAJ Thompson.

And the larger goal, as always, remains taking care of his fellow soldiers.

Please remember the Canteen is here to honor, support and entertain our troops and their families.  This is a politics-free zone!  Thanks for helping us in our mission! 

[MS.BEHAVIN]

He seems happy and is so playful and is eating well.
He has started to groom himself, (washing his face, etc.)
So cute to watch the gains he is making!
I just adore him and he is healing the hurt from the
death of Minette.

I just love him to pieces!
;0)

[MS.BEHAVIN]

Lucky you!
(Don’t rub it in, Sis)
I am wicked jealous, but at least retirement
is in sight!
Hope I can retire at 65, just 3 years to go!

[MS.BEHAVIN]

I’m off to me bedchamber!
Must work on the morrow!
Love to all and hugs alla’round!

[radu]

AAAAAAWWW!! That’s too sweet. He weawwy wuvs his mommy.
Makes me hot to see him wrapped around your head like that. LOL!

Sophie and Lorien sleep on each side of my head while Holli sleeps on my chest and Willow on my stomach. Had to turn the fan in the bedroom up to medium to help keep my cool while I sleep. Looking forward to releasing those girlies into the rest of the house and it won’t be much longer.

[MoochPooch]

Evening, Kathy! Like the bio!(I see he’s a southpaw like me.)

[Kathy in Alaska]

Suzye is her 7a to 7p caretaker and she is excellent with Mom. I’m 7p to 7a.

Suzye said it is time to get a hospital bed. So I am trying to get the prescription for Medicare without an in-office visit, which, if they insist, will require an ambulance.

I have a pad on the bed that ding dongs when she sits up. It’s a toss up if she remembers to push the call button.

And the most help of all to me is that Suzye has been down the dementia path before and lets me know how I can handle certain things.

[radu]

I was away from the computer checking on Armand, the playing with the kittens a little and didn’t realize it was so close. Snoozed and losed on that one. LOL

They ARE excellent parents. Jasper’s really good at keeping the pantry filled and that isn’t easy when feeding 5 hungry little mouths plus Didi’s.
Wish I’d been watching when the intruder showed up. Bet that was fun to watch. Didi doesn’t take any guff off anyone.

It would be awesome if we can keep Armand going. He keeps me torn on the decision by eating sometimes, like a short time ago. He ate almost a half can of food.

I’m thinking of having the vet do a complete blood panel to see what shows up. If kidney and liver functions are good and his white cell count is ok, we’ll go from there. He isn’t showing any typical signs of kidney or liver failure but he’ll be 13 next month and the functions should be checked. Buckwheat didn’t show any of the typical symptoms either and his kidneys were failing.

[radu]

It IS fun to watch them grow up and do “adult” things like washing their little faces and such, isn’t it?
And loads of fun watching them play. They aren’t quite coordinated and stumble all over themselves at times, then look around like “Wha’ happened?” hee!

Glad he’s helping to heal the hurt. It’s hard losing a beloved pet after 16 years and it does leave a hole in your life.

[radu]

Good night and pleasant dreams!
Have a good week!

[E.G.C.]

A very pleasant good Monday morning and ((HUGS)) to everyone at the Canteen and to all our military at home and abroad. Thanks for your service to our country and thanks, Star for this morning's thread.

How's everyone doing this morning?

[Jimmy Valentine's brother]

Nice to read about someone doing good.

[luvie]

Thinking about you and your “baby” Armand. I hope the vet can do something for him.

I got busy watching some old “Closer” and “Cold Case” episodes and then it was waaaaay late! LOL!

See you tonight?

[luvie]

Do any of these Night Owls remind you of yourself?
Me? I'm a tea-sipper! LOL!
But it HAS to have caffeine!
Even now that I'm retired. Oh, yeah!
Anyhoooo.....🦉.....y'all have a Mahv'lus Monday!
...and a Wonderful Week!
((((hugs))))

[luvie]

I do love my kitties! Here is Miss Ginger....