Posted on 07/31/2007 2:50:48 PM PDT by the right reverend
I’m extremely excited,” Ruoff said. “The anticipation is absolutely killing me.”
(Excerpt) Read more at jdnews.com ...
“I’m extremely excited,” Ruoff said. “The anticipation is absolutely killing me.”
He didn’t have to wait much longer. The 2,200-person 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit boarded ships Monday and Tuesday and will push off later this week for a scheduled deployment.
It is the first deployment for Sgt. Jorge Palatino, who will leave behind his wife, Maria, and 6-month-old daughter, Anna.
Tuesday, Maria Palatino said the family was “sort of in denial.”
It’s hard to fathom Jorge will be gone for roughly seven months, Maria Palatino said.
Lykke Morales — whose husband, Staff Sgt. Carlos Morales, left last week with the advance party — said she also is still in denial, and probably will be until the unit reaches the Middle East.
Though this is Carlos Morales’ second deployment, it is the first since the couple had identical twin boys.
“We’re going to miss him and worry about him until the day they’re back,” Lykke Morales said.
The unit is slated to travel through areas in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, working as a theater reserve and “911” force, said Capt. Clark Carpenter, public affairs officer for the MEU.
“We’ve trained for dozens of (types of) missions and are proficient at dozens of missions,” he said. “We are prepared to undertake any mission that is asked of us.”
The unit trained over the course of six months, giving the Marines and sailors a chance to ready themselves for a variety of tasks, but also proving frustrating for some service members and their families.
Ruoff said he was happy to finally be done with the training and get out to sea for the real deal.
“To the best of our ability, we’re ready,” he said.
Though Ruoff wants to “see the world” and calls the sunset as seen from the ship “the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen,” he also hopes the unit will serve some time in Iraq. “I want to get it done,” he said. “I want to go.”
Ruoff is not alone in looking forward to his first deployment.
Cpl. Jesus Murillo said Tuesday he was excited to leave and not too worried about leaving his wife of a year and a half — though he quickly added he may become emotional as soon as he boarded the bus.
“I’m a little scared, but I’m also happy for him,” said his wife, Jessica Murillo. “I’m a little mad actually, because I know he will be having fun.”
Commander Bill Appleton, the unit’s chaplain, has been deployed at least five times and said he was ready to get “rocking and rolling.”
“I don’t know that they get any easier,” he said, “But you are more prepared over time.”
For Sgt. Ezekiel Kitandwe, Tuesday felt like “just another day,” even though his sister had flown in from Uganda to see him off for his first deployment.
Kitandwe said he asked to deploy — even moving from a unit at New River to Camp Lejeune to be able to go overseas, he said.
“I just needed to get some sand in my boots,” he said.
Murillo said he also is happy to get his chance.
“Not getting deployed is like being the fat kid who never gets picked for dodge ball,” he said.
Liberals couldn't ever understand this concept. they hate dodgeball. They'd rather join the drama club and chase other guys for dates.
HAHAHAHHAAHa...exactly.
Eternal Father, Strong to save,
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who bid'st the mighty Ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep;
O hear us when we cry to thee,
for those in peril on the sea.
Eternal Father, grant, we pray
To all Marines, both night and day,
The courage, honor, strength, and skill
Their land to serve, thy law fulfill;
Be thou the shield forevermore
From every peril to the Corps.
How do you even begin to try to explain that need to serve to someone who doesn’t possess a single bit of that value in their soul???
OOOOOOrrrrrraaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!
I’m so proud to say my husband was a Marine.
BUMP
We all are!
He still is, bless you.
Why thank you Sir.
STAY SAFE MARINES and send the enemy straight to Beelzebub's lair!
BTTT.
God bless your troops.
Where do we find these guys? I am in awe of their bravery and dedication. Their families are to be commended for their understanding and patience. God Bless them all.
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