Yipee!!

Soph has found a new level of fun on her Giddy Up Play mat. (I honestly never thought I'd ever be writing a sentence like that one...lol). I noticed that she has been interested in brighter colors lately and her eyes are following objects....so it was time to buy a toy.

George saw a picture and said that he'd like one for himself. So, in case you are stuck thinking of the perfect birthday gift...look no farther!

She really seems to enjoy seeing herself in the mirror.

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Dear Family and Friends

With little fanfare, yesterday marked the halfway point in our deployment to Afghanistan. The boys are still doing great, and continuing to make a difference in the various jobs that we do. We are also getting more of the team out on leave right now, and everyone will get home before the end of October and the beginning of November. So after you see your Soldier, all we have to do is get through the "shorter half" as my wife Nikki describes it.

1SG Walter is starting his leave just in time. I am happy to announce the birth of his third son on 27 July at approximately 8h00 PM EDT. Both Deborah and Evan are doing great, and from the pictures, his two other sons are going to be proud older brothers. 1SG Walter should be home in a few days to spend two weeks of sleepless nights with his family.

One thing out of the ordinary this past week was the death of the former King of Afghanistan, Zahir Shah. The King had been deposed over 30 years ago by the first communist dictator of Afghanistan and had lived in exile in Italy until the fall of the Taliban. When he returned in 2002, he was treated with respect, but to his disappointment, was not asked to participate in the government. Our 1st Kandak provided security in the Kabul area, and his funeral was non-eventful.

Some of our guys have been assisting in the relief of our second Marine team. We are happy to be continue to be working with a new Marine team, and they are off to a good start. We wish our old 2nd Kandak Marines a safe journey to their homes -- they have a long trip back to Okinawa. About a half-dozen other members of the 1st Brigade Team, Guardsmen from Utah and two USAF intelligence analysts, are also getting ready to depart.

This coming week will be -- yes, I am going to say it again -- business as usual.

Enjoy the rest of your summer,

GEORGE M. SCHWARTZ
LTC, AR
Team Leader/Senior Mentor
1st Brigade, 201st Corps (ANA ETT)