For those who have asked about Pendleton, like location, size, etc., here is a quick tour.

Camp Pendleton, home of the 1st Marine Division, is located on 125,000 acres (and 200 sq miles) between Oceanside and San Clemente, CA.  Its western boundry is 17.5 miles of shoreline through which thousands of motorists pass every day along I-5.

The northern sector of the shoreline, with Dana Point seen in far left background, and the San Onofre Nuclear Plant background center.  A helo takes off from one of the training area LZ's (Landing Zone)

Mainside parade ground, with Chapel and Commanding General's HQ about 12 miles inland.

Oldest structure on the base, The Ranch House Chapel, built mid 1800's, next to Ranch House where last Mexican Governor of California, Pio Pico, resided.  I was married there in 1951.

Carts at Pendleton Golf Club.

View from elevated 11th tee.

Group tees off on number 10.

Parade deck one foggy morning, on Camp Horno LZ, home of the 1st Marines.

Colors pass in review at Camp HornoCeremony.

Part of vast training area.

Pendleton, far as the eye can see, in center is firing demo viewing area, Cone Hill.

Every Marine "grunt" will remember the demanding terrain of Horno Ridge.

Tour is over, time to meet at the bar.

Because of our soldiers who fought for our freedom and are still fighting so that others in the world can live like we do. Don't forget them today as you spend time with your friends and family.

I know I posted these along time ago but I thought they needed to be pulled out for today. We found out my brother Jim is going back to Iraq in November for a 2nd tour, please keep him and all our other service members in your thoughts and prayers. Thanks!

These photos were taken by Jim on his last tour in Iraq, he had over 1,000 photos and lost all but about 25 that were on his site so these are kind of special to our family.

Jim and his troops

Signs

The reason why they are there.

Sunset in Iraq

My Hero

Daily life

Thank you!

Hope you all have a safe and happy 4th of July!

I spent  Monday at a Memorial Service conducted by the local Marine Corp League. and Young Marines. To see the youth, current  Marines and the veterans join together in remembrance is touching.  The youth are learning self-discipline, leadership, teamwork and so much more.  They are learning history.  They are seeing the sacrifice made by our veterans.  They are discovering the true meaning of the values Honor, Courage and Commitment.

Young Marine Obligation
From this day forward, I sincerely promise, I will set an example for all other youth to follow and I shall never do anything that would bring disgrace or dishonor upon God, my Country and its flag, my parents, myself or the Young Marines. These I will honor and respect in a manner that will reflect credit upon them and myself.  Semper Fidelis.

I am a big fan of military planes.  Here are some shots that I got from Luke Air Force Base just outside of Phoenix AZ, about ten minutes from my house. Here is a shot of an   F-16 Landing . Do you remember Fat Albert? .  I always love to see the Thunderbirds in action . Here is an old plane that I believe is a Japanese Zero.  Close up of a  Propeller .  It is a rare site to see an F15 in the Phoenix area.  Ever see an F16  crossing rail road tracks? .  This is  one lethal plane with a 30 cal. gun . Shooting F16's at night was a lot of fun F16 nose at night  I've got Missle lock  This F16 was parked in it's hanger

you've made life much sweeter
form the moment we met
our days togehter,
are 2 precious 2 forge,
you bring such happiness
by the little thing you do,
i thank the lucky stars
just because of you..

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We got to see these incredible guys do something they call Fast Roping.  This is the quickest way to drop a team out of a helicoptor.  But what if they need to load back  UP? Not a problem for these guys!  They just climb up the Rope and get back IN! And it is really amazing to think how that pilot has to hover just off the ground all that time, and keep it steady.  But steady is the name of these guys game.  American Heros.  This One is married to our daughter, and he is the best!

During this theme we are saying thanks to those who inspire our love and knowledge of photography. But today, I say thanks to those who have served our country, protected our freedom, and guarded our rights and priviledges to dream, to live and be who we are.

Each night we sleep not just under a canopy of stars, but beneath the wings of the guardians of our peace. Luxurious homes, cars, assorted indulgences too numerous to name are the symbols of our prosperity. But never let us forget the Flag, the greatest symbol of what our fore fathers valued most... and the ever vigilant soldiers, both past, present, and future, that guard that symbol and all who live beneath its colors.

I honor your courage, your vigilence, and self sacrifice. I salute those who paid with their lives, and those still who carry the scars.

Today I went to welcome home our soldiers. We here in Ohio had lost 14 men from this battalion alone. I came to take pictures but really got caught up in the emotions of it all.
I recalled how all I wanted was my now husband to come home from Veitnam to take me to my prom. He did, Thank God.
I shook hands with some, said Thank You to many more and Welcome Home to others. Please say a thank you to anyone you know or meet that has served us proudly, especially a Vietnam Vet. Military Men Presentations Presentation of the Flag Thank You Welcome Home