IN THE CORPS

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 2006

To everyone back home:

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I'll  be back  with an update on what happened here for New  Years.

 

FLICKR PHOTO: PSALMS 21

The picture speaks for itself.  Click here to see it on Flickr.

"MERII KURISUMASU!"

For those who are not Japanese, that means MERRY CHRISTMAS!

I'll repeat what I posted on my other blog:

Enjoy the time you are able to spend with loved ones at home this holiday season and never forget the servicemen and servicewomen of all military branches who cannot be home with theirs.  From Ramadi, Iraq and Kabul, Afghanistan to the Marines of 2/5 currently in Okinawa, Japan... Marines, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Coast Guardsmen are deployed throughout the world fighting to defend our freedom and the freedom of other countries! 

Take a moment to think about why we celebrate Christmas, as well. This day is in celebration of something very special that took place over 2,000 years ago, the birth of Jesus Christ, so with that, Ill say one more "Merii Kurisumasu!" or "Merry Christmas!"

The image above also represents Merry Christmas.  It's known as Katakana.

Well, Christmas just isn't the same without family and loved ones, but we made the best of it... we did the next best thing... Bowling!  What do you expect?  Apparantly, you've never been on Camp Hansen.  There's really nothing else to do. 

To add to the Christmas Spirit, we went ahead and did the ole Secret Santa thing.  Since the guys were complaining about money... we made the minimum limit of $5 and maximum of $10.  Most of the guys went the typical PlayBoy Calendar or Liquor route and a few... and I mean a few... actually put a little effort in finding a good gift. 

I like mine!  It's actually pretty practical, a keychain.  It's got the Eagle, Globe and Anchor on it, so that was cool.

I sorta messed the whole "Secret" part right off the bat by yelling out the name I picked out as soon as I pulled it out the hat.  Don't ask why I did it... I still don't know either. 

Going back to the bowling alley... Sergeant Fields received a bottle of Crown Royal... surprise!  Before the Marines all left that night, the entire bottle was empty!  So much for drinking in moderation.

Here's the only picture I was able to take before they all disappeared on me. 

Click Here to view the pic.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!

Just want to take a moment to say:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!

I know how you are about your age, so that will remain unannounced...

You're the best!  I miss you and can't wait to see you!  Have a great day!

CREATED A FLICKR ACCOUNT

I created a Flickr account to upload all the pictures I take while deployed.  I've also started to uploaded pictures from our last deployment to Ramadi, Iraq.  Great pictures... brings back lots of memories! 

Click Here to view my Flickr account.

My wife, Joann, is also uploading the pictures she takes back home, so this is pretty cool!  She has most of them set as private though... she doesn't feel comfortable letting the whole world see pictures of our kids yet.  Totally understanbable.  Be sure you mention who you are if you want to take a look at them.  You'll have to be added as a "Friend" or "Family". 

If you're a spouse back home and take lots of pictures, you should try using Flickr.  It's easy and FREE!

Enjoy!

I'VE ARRIVED IN OKINAWA, JAPAN

Quick post to let everyone know I've arrived in Okinawa with all my fingers and toes.  We flew in to Kadena Air Force Base and were transported to the beautiful land called Camp Hansen, which is where the entire Battalion, now known as Battalion Landing Team 2/5, will operate out of until we load the ships these next few months.  From time to time we'll return to Okinawa, but the majority of our time will be spent on ship and all around the world, so everyone's looking forward to that.

The last time I was here at Camp Hansen, it was for Sergeant's Course at the Staff Non-Commissioned Officer's Academy.  I had a good time at the course.  It was definitely a motivating one!  That's it for now... next post, I'll let you all know how the living conditions are and what there is to do for the Marines while we're out here. 

TODAY'S THE DAY... I LEAVE THE US FOR THE NEXT 7 MONTHS

Well, the day has finally arrived.  Today is the last day I'll see my wife and kids for the next 7 months.  I feel like I just got back a few months ago from my 1st deployment to Ramadi, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.... Oh wait, I did just get back a few months ago from Iraq.  I try not to focus on the fact that I'll be away from my 3 beautiful kids and wonderful wife.  Doing that will only distract me and during a deployment, distractions are your enemy.  Well, at least the kind that lower the morale and overall effectiveness of a Marine on deployment. 

Not to say, I won't miss them.  Heck, I already miss them.  Looking on the bright side, at least my family is here, able to see me off this time.  During my last deployment, my wife and kids stayed home in Midland, TX, so I had to say my last good-byes over the telephone.  That sucked.  I regret not making more time getting my personal life in order before this day.  Unfortunately, I ended up working up to last day before I got on the bus to the Air Force Reserve Base, where we waited for our flight out to Okinawa, Japan.  Preparing a Battalion for deployment has got to be the biggest headache.  It honestly takes months of training, preparation and coordination... and this is my second deployment.  For some, this is actually their 3rd deployment with 2d Bn 5th Marines, so after a while this really begins to get old, but hey... it's what Marines do!

To my wife, Joann:  I truly don't know how you do it, but you always seem to pick up all the little pieces I drop here and their and make sure those things get taken care of.  I honestly do not know what I would do without you in my life.  From raising our 3 kids and keeping our household together, to working a full time job on top of all that you somehow manage to do this and still have room for hugs and kisses.  You have my deepest respect Joann and for all that you do, THANK YOU AND I LOVE YOU.  I WOULD BE LOST WITHOUT YOU.

To my daughter, Sierra:  You really are the gift that God sent to Mommy and I.  From they day you were born you've managed to keep that glowing attitude of yours even after all that you have experienced in your young life.  I hope you always have that burning desire to know God and live a life that reflects God's word.  You amaze me at how mature, loving and smart you are.  Sierra, words cannot describe what you mean to me, so for now, I'll say I LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART AND YOU'RE ALWAYS ON MY MIND WHEN WE'RE APART.

To my boys, Nicholas and Johnathon:  Nicholas, you're a spitting image of me when I was your age.  So much so, it's scary!  I already miss coming home and the first person to always say hi to me is you!  No matter where you are in the house, you always make sure I can hear you say hello.  Take care of Mommy, Sierra and Johnathon while I'm gone.  Give them lots of hugs and kisses for me every day for me and don't forget to tell them they're from me.  I'll see you soon.

Johnathon: You're definitely the one with the bad streak in you and it shows on a daily basis, but that's what makes you so unique and different from your brother and sister.  You add that excitement and craziness to this family.  I miss watching you dance to every single beat you hear... from the silly commercials to the CD's that you've heard about a million times already.  I know you're too young to understand this, but I pray that you calm down a little, for Mommy's sake, while I'm gone.  Do me that favor and when I get home, you can rev that engine back up again and I'll handle it.

Mama, I didn't forget about you.  How could I forget my best friend, the only person in the whole world I can honestly say I trust.... well, Joann too, but she can be pretty mean when she's angry.  = )   Don't worry... I'll be alright and before you know it, you'll have all your kids and grand kids so close to you, you won't know what to do with them.  I LOVE YOU!

Tata & Annis:  I'll miss you both very much.  I'll keep in touch as much as I can.  There's always e-mail.  Tata, it won't hurt to actually write a few yourself.  Don't forget about that business idea I mentioned.  It's going to happen...  Annis, I've always said you are the best thing that has happened in my dad's life.  I don't know where he would be in his life had he not met you.  He's definitely changed... for the better.  I am so very sorry Renee is no longer with us.  She was so young, smart, beautiful and full of potential.  May you cherish the time you had with her and know that God now has a wonderful angel with him.  You're in my prayers Annis, I love you and I'll miss you.

To all my family and friends... See you all soon and keep us all in your prayers.  Don't be afraid to drop me an e-mail here and there.  You're always welcome to post comments on this blog, as well.

INTRODUCTION TO MY "IN THE CORPS" BLOG

Q: Who Am I?

A: My name is Sammy Villarreal. I am a Staff Sergeant(SSGT) in the US Marine Corps serving on active duty. I've been in the US Marine Corps for about 9.5 years now. Currently, I'm stationed with 2d Battalion 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton, CA. I've been with this unit almost 2 years now. You're probably wondering what this blog is all about. Well, there's a few reasons I created this blog and what I plan to use it for.

Q: What's the purpose of this blog?

A: Good question. Currently, my unit is deployed with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, which means, once again(more about that later), I will be away from my family for the next few months.  With this blog, I hope to be able provide everyone with photos, video clips and entries on what I am experiencing. 

MISSION OF THE "IN THE CORPS" BLOG

The mission of this blog is to provide a means of communication for family, friends and loved ones of mine and the Marines under my charge during times we are away.

DISCLAIMER: This blog is not affiliated with the Department of Defense (DoD) or any branch of the Armed Services and inclusion on statements on this blog does not reflect endorsement by the DoD, any local government or their agencies.  Keeping Operational Security (OPSEC) in mind, no sensitive information regarding operations of the 31st MEU, Marine Corps or any other armed forces will be posted here.