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300,000 points and our son out of Iraq!

Sergeant Tarren James Peterson Hooray I did it; I hit 300,000 points on the same day that our son is getting out of Iraq from his second tour with the Army as an Intelligence Analyst! I just got the call that his welcome home ceremony will be at 3:00 this Saturday. Okay I have to be honest 300,000 points pales in comparison to getting our son out of Iraq but I am going to discuss both in this post.

I started Active Rain 2 years ago in January. My friend Mary Warren had been talking to me about blogging and I actually started on a different platform with her. I think I was about one week in to my blogging experience when I saw a comment on this other platform about Active Rain and so I did a Google search and checked it out. I think it was Maureen McCabe whose comment I saw and I was intrigued with a point system. At the time I was two years in to having my own brokerage and to be honest I was a little lonely. I've always been a carrot grabber and Marchel Peterson loves to grab carrots so this point system fulfilled something that was missing in life. As an added benefit 2 years later I can say that I have learned so much about blogging, SEO, real estate, inspections, lender issues yada, yada yada plus I now have friends all over the United States and Canada.

If I could come up with one word that would describe my climb to 300,000 AR points it would be "Consistency". I don't know that I have EVER wrote 10 post in a week but I consistently write 3 to 4 post a week. I am also consistent about commenting on 10 post a day; probably a lot more. I have not had a ton of featured post. Out of my 350 post I think 18 have been featured. Actually there are a few more that aren't showing as I regularly write for localism and it use to be that when a localism post was featured you got the points but no one else knew about it. I'm glad there is now a featured localism because like I said I'm a carrot grabber.

I was doubly blessed to be involved with Karen George's great blogging experiment and was blessed to get to know Karen through the experiment. At the time anyone could join her experiment but she did have a cutoff date for joining. This was just one of those right time, right place things that happen in your life. Karen is no longer here to share with us as she passed away from breast cancer this last year and if you have not I would highly recommend going and reading all Karen's post she wrote. She knew her search engine optimization and was willing to share her knowledge. Her husband Michael is keeping her blog alive. Thank you Michael!

So thank you Active Rain for all you do and making this forum possible. I have learned so much and met so many people.

Okay now I'm back to the part of our son getting out of Iraq. When our son was getting out of his first tour of Iraq I had just hit 50,000 in AR points and when we found out that he was going to get the stop/lost and go to Iraq again I had just hit 100,000 AR points so it only seems appropriate that I should hit 300,000 as he gets out again. I have always kept track of events by my children's ages but as they have become young adults that has become harder so now I have a new way of keeping track; AR points. You will find a "50,000 points and our son back in the United States" but you won't find a "100,000 points and our son going back to Iraq post" but I know. I somehow couldn't bring myself to write that post.

I have had a lot of people ask me if we are a military family and we really are not. What we are is a family that is proud to serve their country. Between my husband's family and my family I can proudly say we have had someone fight in almost every military conflict since the Revolutionary War. There are a few exceptions I don't think we had anyone fight in the War of 1812 and we missed the first Gulf War.

Our son decided to join the Army right out of high school and went in as an Intelligence Analyst. He was Tarren Peterson's deployment to Hit Iraq stationed in Germany and has spent most of the last 4½ years out of the country. His first Iraq deployment was in a small town called Hit Northwest of Ramadi. It was where the insurgents came through from Syria. The conditions were AWFUL. He lived in a room with about 30 other soldiers. They were often not able to bathe for a week at a time. They were mortared the entire time that he was there and he was constantly pulling guard duty as he was low in seniority. He got tired of MRI's so I and my Mom would send him care packages about once a week. He asked me to send some bowls and I sent two collapsible bowls. He informed me that they didn't have water to wash the bowls and he needed disposable bowls. I was mortified my son didn't have water to wash his bowls.

He was supposed to get out of the Army this last August but when he got back from his first tour his unit in Germany was dissolved and he got put in to a unit at Fort Hood that was heading back to Iraq. So he got the infamous stop/lost. I do have to say this tour was night and day different from his first tour. He had one roommate and they worked opposite shifts so he basically had his own room. The food was decent although he still enjoyed getting a goody package but we did not have to send the basics. He was able to take showers every day; which was HUGE. He had wireless in his room; he had to pay for it but it is worth it to be able to keep in contact. I talked with him on Instant messenger on almost a daily basis.

He will be getting out of the Army May 1^st and plans to start at the Community College this summer. He is considering Ocean Engineering. I think he had enough of the desert. I am so proud of him he took this extra tour like a man. Now I on the other hand I took it like a Mom. I am so happy it is OVER!!

I have to be honest it took a little bit of maneuvering to get to 300,000 on the same day that our son got out of Iraq. I realized at the first of the year that it could happen but I would need to slow my points down. So if you received comments from me that were very small that was what was going on. I found it to be almost as hard to not get points as to get points. I guess it made me feel like I was doing something getting ready if nothing else. I had a neighbor that said that went really fast. My response was "No it didn't!" I guess it is a matter of your reference point. Saturday at 3:00 PM WOO HOO!!!

Posted by Marchel Peterson Spring TX Real Estate E-Pro ABR on 03/06/2009 05:31 PM

Comments (128)

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128 Comments on 300,000 points and our son out of Iraq!

MAR

Marcel, oh Happy Days for you and your family to have your son back on the US soil and safe. Bigtime Congratulations on the 300,000 Active Rain points.. that too is HUGE. Welcome home soldier!

That explains it. I noticed you weren't posting but figured you were getting prepared for your son's Welcome Home. Congratulations on the 300,000 points and on your son's returning home!

Marchel, how exciting for you and your family! Give Tarren a BIG HUG from me and a very big THANK YOU for defending our country. God bless him! And..congratulations on the 300K mark!

Marchel, you must be sooooooooooo happy! Every day I make a point to find myself some great news. Yours was my great news for today. Cheers.

Thank you Lord for bringing him home safely! Congratulations to you too Marchy! What a handsome young man...he favors his mom. I just know you all are celebrating! Hugs! Deb

Congratulations my friend. I've been wanting to read this post for a while. So nice to see you timed it so perfectly. I'm even more happy that your son is getting out. Thank you, Mama for letting your son serve his people.

How fabulous for you! I expect we won't hear from you for a bit as you spend time with your son. Don't worry...we'll be here after he is done being hugged by you :)

Marchel, I feel every bit of your pride you have for your brave, generous and courageous son. How lucky we are to have young men like him to serve our Country. Thank you also for explaining the Karen George situation/legacy. You did a great job combining the stories. I came onto A.R. only last August so I did not know. Thanks for a wonderful post and I am so happy for you that your son is home safe.

Marchel - Congratulations for reaching the 3000,000 point mark; what an accomplishment. I believe we started about the same time but I didn't blog much in the beginning. All your hard work and effort has paid off with that point goal. Now for your son, thank you lord for answering all the prayers and for keeping him safe and returning him to his family. I know you are very proud of him and the service to which he dedicated himself.

Howdy there Marchel

Heres a double congrats to you my friend.

IU also know you have worked very hard to get to the 300,000 mark, will done.

Glad your son is back home with his family. Tell your son, a retired SEAL salute's him for his service to our Country!

God Bless America

GAIL, I'm counting the hours until Saturday. It is a relief to know that he is out of Iraq.

SHIRLEY, It was almost as hard to not get points as to get points. I'm thrilled that he is almost out of the Army.

LINDA, I will give him that hug. I'm thinking tomorrow is going to drag. I'm so excited about Saturday though. This will be our first time to go to a welcome home ceremony. His last time he was coming home to Germany.

S.A.PHILLIP, Thanks for sharing in my JOY!!

DEB, I can't wait until Saturday to see him. It won't be long now!! I have only been able to communicate via instant messenger it will be so good to hear his voice.

MELINA, We will have him in the car on the 4 hour drive back from Fort Hood but after that he will get his wheels and I'm sure he will be off seeing his friends. That is okay though; he deserves some R & R.

LOREENA, It did take some timing to get the two to fall together but it gave me something to do as I waited. I am proud of his service to our country but I will be so happy to have him living home again. He is going to live with us for a year and then probably go to Texas A & M.

JANE, Thanks I am proud of him. I'm glad I was able to clear some thing up about Karen George. If you have not read her post I would recommend it. I learned so much from her. She was very sharing!!!

CARL & CEIL, It has been a journey and I have loved all the people that I have met along the way. Now as far as the son I can't wait to see him. I was so happy when I got the call today telling us when he would be arriving.

DALE, Thank you, Thank you!! We won't see our son until Saturday but that is in less than 48 hours.

Awesome post my friend and glad your son is safe and healthy. I too miss our dear friend Karen and think of her more than anyone knows.

Marchel, Thank God your son is safe and on his way home, I'm so happy for you. Congratulations on achieving 300,000 points too.

Welcome home, Tarren!

I pray that your transition back to civilian life will be marked with peace and support...

And for the day when our tanks will be turned into tractors (to paraphrase the prophet Isaiah).

Marchel: I have been watching you every few days to see how you were doing as to pulling all of this off on March 5th. I remembered some time ago when you said that was your goal... sooo... Congratulations on your 300,000 points on Marth 5th.

And... I am so pleased for you and your family that your wonderful, brave son will be safely back with you. You must be so very proud. My best to all of you... you will be in my thoughts. Take care...

Marchel, - I am really happy for you; having your son home is the best present you could get. Congratulations also for reaching the 300,000 mark. And you and I connected through Karen's experiment, she was such a giving person.

Hi Marchel,

So good to hear about your son's return! Congrats to all of you. It was so nice that you also acknowledged Karen George, she was such wonderful giver. Like other (I'm sure) I learned a lot from her knowledgeable/well written posts. She is missed.

Hi Marchel, Congratulations on both of these milestones but I venture say, with all the love I have for AR, it is awesome the returning home of your son. Wonderful for you and your whole family. Congrats.

That's great news. I'll be glad when they are all home!

MAR

Marchel, How true that not only children enlist, the entire family enlists. Congratulations to you for making it through. We are deeply endebted to all the families. Thank you. kate

Great news! Thanks for sharing it!

Marchel...CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! Im so happy for you! I know the feeling of a loved one coming home from Iraq! And 300,000 points is huge!!! What a wonderful day for you! Im setting some goals with AR too and like you were in the beginning, Im learning slowly but surely. I will check out your friend Karens blog too, she sounds like she was a very neat lady!

Marchel--Congrats first on your son coming home! We are all blessed that such brave young men as yours sign up to protect our freedoms! And congrats on your 300K too...but nothing really compares to your son coming home. :)

Welcome home, Tarren! Your mom's quite a blogger. Marcel, you have reason to be proud of your accomplishments!

Mike in Tucson

Marchel - That is so awesome, on both counts. Congrats - I'm happy to hear that you will see your son again soon!

Marchel - Thank your son for the job he has done for our country!! You must be one proud mama! Congrats on the $300K.

Hugs to you Marchy! You know how happy I am for you. Congratulations on the 300,000 points also! You go girl.

Later in the rain~Deb

Goodspeed and congratulations!!!!! What a happy day for you. Thanks to your son for his service in defending our freedom.

Marchel, our thoughts have been with you lately as his return got closer! The points are just a bonus! We are very happy for you!

Marchel, congratulations on getting your son back. Mine spent his quality time in the Marine Corp doing two tours in Ramadi. Please thank him for his service for me.

Hi Marchel... First, Congratulations on hitting 300K! That's a huge accomplishment! Second, thank you (and please thank your son) for all your personal sacrifices on behalf of all of us. This American certainly appreciates it!

That's Great...Please thank him for his service. We owe our guys and gals so much!

Marchel, I am so happy for you that your son is coming home. It's such a blessed feeling when they return. No less exciting 300k points!!! WooHoooooo! Congratulations!

Marchel, I salute BOTH of you! How interesting with the numbers, too... the 300K points and the welcoming ceremony at 3:00...very cool! What a wonderful way to "watch the clock" while your son was away. We are so fortunate for his serce for our country...please THANK HIM fo me too! And I'm so happy he's returning safe into your fold.

Your pride is evident and your happiness well deserved. Enjoy the time and remember to cherish every day!

Marchel ~ As a Mom, I am so happy to hear that your son is coming home! As you say, that pales in comparison to the 300,000 points, but Congratulations on that milestone! All the best to your son in his future plans. Thank him for me (as an American) and give him a hug (as a Mom)! : )

I have to say this is my favorite post of the entire week. Congratulations on your achievements. And thanks to your son and family for his serving in the military.

Congradulation on the points and a "big Thank You" to your son.

Bud Hunsucker As a 24yr veteran of the Navy, I salute your son for serving his country and two (2) tours in IRAQ. No doubt he's a different young man to you than just a couple of years ago. I believe one benefit gained by the young men and women who've experience the last 5 years in uniform is they will carry that experience into their future in a positive and beneficial way for society. Congrats to you also, 300K, WOW! I just started and I'm in disbelief!

Congrats on the 300,000 points and Major Congrats on your son coming home! Thank you for your sacrifice of him being a world away and many many thanks to your son for serving our country and preserving our freedom. That is a precious thing and I for one, am most grateful! Please convey my gratitude to him for his service. :o)

No matter what...both are wonderful celebrations indeed! So glad he's coming home...and congratulatios on a milestone well earned!

Congrats on everything! This is so exciting. My broker's son just got back from his 3d mission to Iraq! These men and women deserve a big THANKS!

Marchel ~ Wow! That's overwhelmingly good news all the way around. I love the idea that you're tracking such life changing events with points - those are big milestones. Congratulations and all the best to you and your family.

Congratulations on today's events. I can't imagine how you must have felt. But thankfully, prayers have been answered and he will be leaving Iraq. My thoughts will be with you.

Hi Marchel,

Please tell your son a big THANK YOU from me and my family. We appreciate his service.

Also, congrats on your 300K. At my current pace, I will catch up with you in about nine years! :)

This is a wonderful day for you and your family Marchel. Your son has made us all proud glad you have him on his way back.

applause Congratulations and welcome home, Tarren - Thank you for your service to us all.

Marchel - Reaching 300k is nice, but having your son out of harms way safe is way better !!

Congratulations on both.

I am interested that we charge a fee to our soldiers for internet access in their quarters in Iraq. I do not approve.

Congratulations on reaching 300k pts! But more importantly I'm glad your son is on his way home and he's safe! Thank him for his service to this country!!

My brother got two tours as well. I am glad your son is back home safe. I hope they all come home soon.

Hi Marchel

I haven't met you yet as I'm pretty new to the AR game. I loved your post! Our son is in the army and getting out soon so we know what that is like. He only went in and out of Irag for short periods of time but nevertheless we were always so happy to know he was back in the states and safe.

Congratulations on the home coming....what a fine son you have!

Congratulations to you on the 300,000 points. I've only got about 296,000 points to go to catch up to 300! See you on the journey

Anna Banana, Phoenix AZ

Please thank your son for us. I'm glad he is coming home safe. Congrats on your points too.

Congratulations on your son coming home. I know how much you must have missed him.

Wow Marchel - Congrats. I know your son served us/his country admirably but what I want to know is how in the H_____ did you rack up 300k - Now that is impressive.

Anyway, you're off to a great weekend so thanks for sharing.

Cheers

At least you have 18 featured. I have more posts but less features. Congrats on your son coming home

Congratulations Marshal

Congrats, i'm just getting started here on AR and only have a 1,155 points, but i'm proud of those.

Do you have any friendly tips on how you managed to get to 300,000 points.

P.S. you must be so happy your son is coming home!!!!

Marchel,

All I can say Is YES, YES, YES, YES, YES, YES, YES. I am so excited for you that your son will be home soon and what a great accomplishment on the 300k points.

You deserve all of this and more.

Congratulations.

Marchel~ You are in heaven I know, I can only imagine your excitement and relief! Congratulations on your points and blessings gor your son's happy homecoming!

Congrats on getting your son out of Iraq. I am sure it has been said, but I would guess that there are about 136,000 A|R members that are proud of your son and his service.

Oh, and getting 300k points is cool, too.

GEORGE, Thanks! I miss her also.

DEBBIE, I just looked and the ceremony is now at 6:00 PM tomorrow evening instead of 3:00 PM. Oh well I have waited this long.

JOEY, MY Women's bible study is on Isiah. I guess I will have to look for that paraphrase. Just curious which verse is it.

KAREN ANNE, I am so excited. This has been a long year. Funny he was safer this time but the time seemed to drag for me.

JENNIFER, Thanks! Karen was such a giving person. I feel blessed that I had the privilege of knowing her (well Internet knowing).

LYNDA, I'm getting so excited. I wish the plane was going to be on time but oh well I have waited this long. I can wait a few extra hours. Karen was an extremely giving person. I also learned so much from her.

WILLIAM, My AR points pale in comparison. It did give me something to do while I waited though.

CINDY, I agree! I think it is going to be quite some time before that happens though.

KATE, Thanks! You are right the family is a part but he had the hard part (eating and sleeping sand).

TARA, I'm glad your loved one is back from Iraq. Do check out Karen's blog she was so sharing with her knowledge.

Congratulations on BOTH pieces of news! I never had a child in the military, but my husband deployed to Vietnam several times, and there is nothing quite like the relief of knowing it's over and he's headed home.

TERI, You are right the AR points pale in comparison to getting our son home. I'm excited that we get to attend the ceremony this time. His last tour he arrived back in Germany.

MIKE, You are one to talk. It seems we rounded that 300,000 about the same time. I have totally enjoyed your post!

JASON, Thanks! Wow you have now passed me by 100,000 points. Those points are just trivial to me in comparison to getting our son home. Trying to coordinate the two did give me something to do as I waited though.

KIM, I am a very proud Mama. I'm so happy that all he wants to do is go to college now also. He was so not ready 4 1/2 years ago.

DEB, I enjoyed talking to you today. Thanks for the heads up!! I took a sewing break like you recommended. My husband is still out hunting those pigs.

J. PHILLIP, Thanks! I can't wait to see him.

DENISE, Two tours in Ramadi!! Thank your son!! My son's first tour was in Hit Northwest of Ramadi but the rest of the brigade was over in Ramadi.

RUSSELL, Thanks! I'm getting very excited. It will be so nice to be able to pick up the phone and call him.

STEVE, Thanks on both! I'm proud of his service but this Mama is glad that he is about to get out.

RANDI, We do owe our guys and gals so much. Freedom is not FREE!

Congrats Marchel! It is no small feat to hit that many points and is evidence of hard work. Your son's tour being up is no small feat either! I am so happy for you! Please thank your son for his service!

Marchel, Congrats! on Both! Thank your son for his service he is a Patriot! My husband has done two tours - like your son one that was horrid and one that was a little better. You know its better when you don't have to send so much in a care package like you said!

Marchel,
That is fantastic news! I am so happy for you and all your family. I cannot even begin to imagine what a relief it must be for you. Enjoy and spoil him.

Oh, the 300,000 points---congratulations on that too.

CONNIE, It is a blessed feeling when they return. I will be so happy to see him!

MARA, I guess it gave me a goal while I waited for the tour to be over. For whatever reason this tour has seemed long to me. Probably because I know that he should have been out in August. Like I said he took the extended tour like a man.

GARY, Thanks! I am very proud of him.

KATHY, Thanks! I'm so excited that he wants to go to college now. I guess he always knew he would go someday but just wasn't ready at 19.

TERE, I'm honored that my post was your favorite or the week.

ANN, Thanks! Less than 24 hours until we get to see him.

BUD, Thanks for your 24 years in the Navy!! You are right he went in to the service a boy and is coming our a young man.

JEANI, We have so many young men and women who protect our freedom.

SALLY, You are correct they are both wonderful celebrations.

JOAN, WOW three tours! I'm glad this will be his last it is nerve racking.

I wish I had known about blogging while my son was in Iraq...2004 and 2006. It would have helped with those sleepless nights. Ramadi is where my son spent both his tours. I agree with you, the time did not pass quickly!

Hi Marchal! We are all so happy for you! Congratulations. Thank you for sharing parts of your life with all of us, for you took the time to include us into your world and now it's Active Rain's Son who is out of Iraq... and we ALL got 300,000 points!

Your post is so touching, and such a blessing... I thank God for you Marchal and for your/our son, all of the graces, mercies, and faithfulness God has shown in it all. I also have prayed for a victorious landing, reunion and the fellowships that follow.

Congratulations to the 300,000.

...and tell your son THANK YOU for making our home a safe home.

Welcome Home Specialist Peterson!

Marchel, Good for you on both accounts! I cannot imagine how hard its been for you. Take care, Mindy.

Double WOO HOO, Marchel! I am so happy for you - my 2 son-in-laws are heading for AFghanistan in a couple of months - I am already planning their care packages.

Hope to see a post about his arrival Sat - with pics!

Marchel - I am very happy for you and your son and your family. I know you will enjoy the upcoming months together. Congratulations. Also on your 300K pts...

Wow . . . a home coming of magnitude, and the need to connect it to Active Rain points? There must be some new medical diagnosis about to be entered into the (ICD-9-CM) to correctly categorize this neurological phenomena.

Marchel, Oh, I am so happy for you and your family. Thank goodness for your son to be home and with all of you. I did not know Karen, but remember when she passed away. Very sad and inspired by the AR community coming together at such a time.

Congratulations on your 300,000 milestone. That is a lot of work and dedication to make to far.

CONGRATULATIONS ON BOTH, but most of all about your son's safety! My son came home several years ago and life is so wonderful now that i know he is safe!

Marchel,

God bless you. Please thank your son for me for serving our country. Congratulations on your 300th post....now take some time off and spend it with that precious child of yours.

Now that's results! Positive ones.

Marchel, I have been waiting for BOTH these events for you and couldn't be happier. You are truly one of our shining Texan Active Rainers and I am so happy for your family with your son.

Great news Marchel- I just read your waitg post the other day. God Bless your son for his service. So nice to hear he is homeward bound. Congrats on the 300,000 points. Job well done.

Hi Marchel,

Congratulations on 300k! I hit mine last week. Woot! :-)

-Keith

Thats great that your boy is coming home please tell him thanks from Missouri. Congrats on your 300K. I have a nephew in Iraq that we send care packages to also. He just went 4-5 months ago so it will be a while. Thanks for the post.

Marchel - first - congratulations on having your son home again, second: congratulations on getting to 300,000 points!! AND THIRD! CONGRATULATIONS ON THE GOLD STAR! A featured post. 300K is still a long way away from me...I've been posting regularly for almost two years. This is such a great and positive post. ;-)

Oh, I almost forgot....busy reciprocating are you?

How absolutely wonderful. To great things in one short day. I am glad to hear your son will be home safe.

So glad to hear about your son. And I miss the days of Karen's great blog experiment. It was a terrific time - not only to learn how to blog for google but also a great way to build up a buddy system.

ELIZABETH, I have found it harder to remember those dates as my children have become young adults. The AR points has been a nice way of remembering.

GENE, He is in the sky as I am writing this winging his way towards Fort Hood. It is an 18 hour flight so I guess I shouldn't complain about the 4 hour drive to get him (lol).

BRUCE, I have never thought of myself as anything but slow and steady as far as points go. The points just accumulate with consistency.

TED, I wondered if anyone would notice that little comment about him having to pay for his Internet. I don't approve either!!

ED, The points pale in comparison.

SHANE, I personally think for a 4 year enlistment one tour is enough! I was proud of how he it took it though.

ANNA, You will enjoy the AR journey. I know that I have. Thanks for your sons service also. So when does he get out?

JAN, I'm thrilled he is coming home!!!

DEANNA, I have missed him but instant messenger sure helped. When my Dad served in World War II he was in about that same amout of time as my son and had no contact from anyone that entire time. That was before he met my Mom. Thank goodness those times have changed.

OMEGA CAPITAL, The points were accumulated over a 2 year 2 month period. For me the key has been consistency.

Marchel: First of all.. CONGRATULATIONS on your son comign home...

How is Mary Warren.. I miss her comments.... Also it was sad to hear about the loss of Karen. She will be missed

Marchel,

Glad to hear that your son will be at home again and safe! Congrats on your 300K achievement as that is really something else! I am sure you are on cloud nine right so go and celebrate for the big and little things happening in your life right now. Take care and happy blogging!

This is great news on both counts -- and especially about your son. All the best.

RUSS, I love getting a feature but oh my keeping up with the comments!! I'm sure I couldn't do this every day.

SUE, Thank you!

STEPHANIE, For me the points have been making 3 to 4 post a week and making my 10 comments a day. I will enjoy seeing your points accumulate.

REBECCA, By this time tomorrow evening he will be with us. Now we could be in the car on the way back from Fort Hood as his plane is now coming in late. Oh well I've waited this long. It is an 18 hour flight.

LAURA, Yes I am EXCITED!! It has REALLY dragged since the holidays but it is FINALLY here

LANE, I am so relieved to get him out of Iraq. This tour has been better than the last but there's no place like home and he is ready to come home.

MARGARET, I thought most Vietnam Vets only had one deployment. Thank your husband for us. Two deployments to Vietnam WOW!!! I have an older sister who had a lot of friends in that war. I am 5 years younger than her and missed most of it. I do remember us wearing those MIA bracelets in Junior High.

LIBBY, It has been a journey for sure and my son has been on a journey at the same time. I'm continuing with my journey but he will be starting a new one.

JO, You truly know what I am talking about. A few times my son hinted that one of those packages would be nice but he really didn't complain about the food this time.

CYNTHIA, I have some beef tenderloins in the freezer in preparation. He loves steak!!

Congratulations on the 3,000 points, but the morst important thing is that your son is coming back home in the very near future!! You and your family have to be sooooo proud and thankful.

Marchel -

Congrats to you on your milestone - I am just south of 200M, and it's been a long way up - but still going.

We're proud of your son's patriotism and contribution to his country! Glad he is back and safe!

DEAN & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO

Hi Marchel -- Congratulations on your points achievement and even more importantly, the safe return of your son.

What wonderful news I feel your joy and happiness.

Congratulations on the 300,000 points, what an achievement and on your son's returning home safely, an accomplishment to serve our country on 2 tours, Tell your son that his service has been greatly appreciated and thank him for him,

Marchel- I am delighted for you and your family! Thank you for being a family who gave/gives, so that we can enjoy the freedoms that we do. Great work on the 300,000 points!

MAR

Marchel... this is fantastic news... I know you're so happy to have him home. The 300K points is nice, but it doesn't hold a candle to having your baby boy home! :)

Marchel, your son is a great american for his having served his country. It is exceptionally honorable to know he went on 2 tours. I"m sure you are very proud as you should be. It's wonderful to know he's back home and safe. Now you can relay your blogging experience with him in person. The best of luck to your son in the near future and congrats to your points.

Sincerely, Castellum.

That is wonderful news about your son coming home safely.

Gosh I wonder what I was saying about points two years ago in January...

Having your son home is way better than the points.

It's always interesting to hear whats going on overseas straight from the "boots on the ground." Glad you son is coming home safe and sound!

Marchel,

Congratulations and am so glad your son is back safe and sound! My daughters sister-in law is having twins and her husband made it home for a 2 week leave to be her with her!! He has never seen her pregnant. We are thrilled he was able to be a part of it! Enjoy his return and your milestone!

Marchel, this post is so exciting to me. Mostly I am thrilled for you son coming home. ( you knew that) That is so exciting and I know as a mom with sons in the military the relief you are feeling.

Being in Karens experiment was a turning point for me in blogging. I, like you am still close to all the people that jumped in and followed her experiment. Some aren't here much but we are still close.

Third, Congratulations on the 300000 points. It's funny you had to slow down. LOL That has to be the first time I have EVER heard that one!

Fourth, a feature...

Marchel, (as you said, from one carrot grabber to another), HOW WONDERFUL!

Marchel, Congratulations on both fronts. There are not too many of us 300K'ers and I can remember when I came back from my tour of duty... Thank you for your son's service to our country... HooAH!!!

Thank you for your son's service and thank God that he made it home safely. Our country is better because of the work that he has done over there.

Congrats on both of your good news items. The 300,000 is a major accomplishment. And your son is truly a hero, serving his country. Have a great 2009.

Congradulations! As an "Army Mom" I know just how you feel, what a relief. And great work on AR too!

Marchel-so many great accomplishments and your timing well awesome! Congrats on your points and congrats that your son is with you! Tell him I said thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Boy am I happy for you. What a wonderful weekend!

HI Marchel, better late than never for me to comment! I have been following your post for over a year now and have been with you on vacations....thought of your son and daughter as they travels and prayed for his save return on each of his assignments to the Middle East. My mother mentioned to me how difficult it was to have a child in a war zone. For us that do it...we don't think much about the thoughts of those left behind. It doesn't matter about the points...you got em all at once when he came home! By the way congrats on hitting 300,000 it is a big milestone...and another well deserved feature!

NORMA, Which branch of the service was or is your son in? My son was in Hit which is Northwest of Ramadi for his first tour. He was at that time stationed in Frieberg Germany but the rest of the brigade was over in Ramadi. I do think the blogging has helped pass the time but you are right it does not go fast.

DIANE, Those prayers are appreciated. Especially that one for a Victorious landing. We are leaving the house at 12:30 today to head for Fort Hood. At this point the ceremony is scheduled for 6:00 PM this evening.

BETTINA, I will tell him!

JOHN, This last tour he made lemonade out of lemons and he is now Sergeant Tarren Peterson. Had he got out at his normal time he would not have made Sergeant.

MINDY, Instant Messenger was a God sent!!!!

KATHY, I am looking forward to the upcoming months. He will be on leave from April 4th to the 27th and then out of the Army May 1st.

VIRGINIA, Oh my two son-in-laws heading for Afghanistan. I was always amazed at how fast those care packages got there. I really liked that new larger size flat rate package and thought it was really cool that they give a $2 discount when it goes to an APO address.

CARLA, It does seem to be some kind of viral infection; doesn't it! The first two times it happened naturally. I have to admit I slowed the points down so it could happen the third time. It does help me to remember the date though.

AUDREY, I didn't feel I could talk about the points without bringing Karen up as she was such an inspiration.

LISA, I can't wait to be able to call him whenever I want. He is probably going to get sick of Mom calls (nah I think he will be happy to get them).

Marchel - Since you asked--The Marines. He was squad leader for one of the most successful teams at finding and detonating IEDs--a horrifically dangerous job. It is wonderful to have him home. Congrats to you and your son too.

Marchel, WOOHOOO, Congratulations on the Feature, the 300,000 Points and most of all your son leaving Iraq and coming home. I know today, you're watching the clock waiting for 3:00. Y'all have a great weekend and family reunion!

JULIE, We leave in an hour for Fort Hood. It will be a long day as we are driving back after the ceremony but not nearly as long as it has been for him. Driving back he will be with us, HOORAY!! He gets 4 days off and then will head back to Fort Hood. I'm thankful he is based close enough for us to drive.

ANDREW, That is POSITIVE RESULTS!!

GARY WOLTAL, I'm thrilled to put it mildly!!

SHARON and GREG, Dundy is here waiting for him. After the loss of our Abby he was online from Baghdad finding us a dog. I'm sure they will be great friends.

KEITH, Congrats to you on 300,000 also.

CRAIG, Keep those caring packages going, I know it means a lot to your nephew!! One of mine at Christmas took a detour but they enjoyed it after Christmas just as much if not more!

TERI, Thanks and Thanks! Woo this is taking me a long time to respond back let alone start reciprocating. I will when I get time though. I'm sure that once our son is home and gets his wheels he will be out visiting friends; which is okay he deserves it.

CHRISTINE, It was two great things in one day and today will be even better as he lands on Texas soil!!!

KAREN, Thanks! I feel so blessed that I was at the right time right place to get in Karen's experiment. We did meet a lot of friends and as you said many of us have stayed in contact. I have to thank you for finally making HTML tables easy for me. I have passed that email you sent me on to quite a few people.

ROLAND, Mary is doing good. She has been working in the school system there in Las Vegas. We were doing a bible study on-line together but we had computer & life complications and have not finished it. I guess we need to make it a goal.

JASON, Only 6 hours left to go until the ceremony. I've never been to a welcome home ceremony and I'm so excited to be close enough this time to attend. His last tour he came back to Germany.

BOB and CAROLIN, Both are good news but the points pale in comparison to getting our son back on Texas soil.

ROBIN and SUE, We are so proud of him. He went in to the Army a boy but is coming out a young man!!

DEAN, Thanks! We are so excited about seeing our son! By the way I remember checking out your website when I had Kathleen designing my point 2 site. Nice job!!

CHRIS, Thanks to both!

KATHLEEN, Thanks and I'm one proud Mama!

JESSE, You know it the points pale in comparison!!!!!!

CASTELLUM, When he has some spare time I will have him read through this post. He responded on my post about losing our dog Abby (from Baghdad) and his grammar was so good I thought it was our daughter. He has grown up.

MAUREEN, I wish I had understood the points system. I would have put your name down as inviting me but I just Googled and signed up. I'm not sure what you said but it obviously stuck. Thanks for mentioning the rain way back then. You are right the points pale in comparison. We leave in less than an hour for Fort Hood.

MICHAEL, You are getting the word straight from the boots. I can't wait for those boots to hit Texas soil in just 6 hours.

DORIE, How exciting that he was home for the big event!! How much longer is his tour?

MISSY, I know that you know my relief. Today is a little surreal. Our daughter called at 6:00 this morning as she was leaving on a flight to Kuwait for a 7 day trip. As you know she is a flight attendant for a company that moves our troops. Anyway long story short my children are passing each other in the sky. One of the way to Kuwait and one on the way home from Iraq/Kuwait!! If you had told me this would be happening a few years ago I would have told you that you were on crack (lol).

ANDREA, How fun to see your smiling mug!! I had no idea why some people had pictures and others did not until I read your post. By the way I had three post to respond to before I posted this post to make 300,000 points and yours was one of the post. You truly understand my carrot grabber comment (lol).

MICHAEL, Thanks for your tour also! Was it Vietnam?? We have so much to thank our VETS for, FREEDOM IS NOT FREE!!

MARK, They did catch a lot of bad guys over there. Now as an Intelligence Analyst I still don't know exactly what he did but I do know that several times his intelligence was responsible for catching bad guys.

ERICA, Thanks!! All those who serve our country past, present and future are truly hero's.

ARMY MOM, Thanks and thanks to whomever you have serving also!!

MIDORI, Being that carrot grabber that I am getting the points to coincide with his homecoming at least gave me something to do as I waited. I'm not very good at waiting so at least I had a goal.

NORMA, It is a wonderful weekend and the weather is even co-operating.

GARY WHITE, I have appreciated you being along with me on this journey. I have especially appreciated your sharing of your Vietnam experience with me. The waiting is almost over. We leave in 20 minutes for Fort Hood. By the way my daughter is on a plane on her way to Kuwait for a troop flight. Very surreal to have my children passing in the sky once again. This also happened when he was on his way home for his R & R in November.

NORMA, OH MY!! How scary for a MOM. My son's brigade replaced a marine unit on his first tour that was in Ramadi. I wonder if this was the unit they replaced. That tour was AWFUL. They were mortared the entire time they were in Hit. (The rest of the brigade was in Ramadi). He would have been there in I think 2007.

JUDI, It is now 6:00 but that's okay what's a few hours. We have waited this long! I'm THRILLED!!

Congratulations on the 300,000 point mark! Thank your son for me for serving our country. If it were not for men like him, we would not have the wonderful things we all enjoy.

Marchel, I am sure that Tarren is home and enjoying his steak dinner by now! How good you will all sleep tonight!

Welcome home Tarren! Thank you for your sacrifice!

wow... 300,000 points... that is SO far away from where I am. :-) Not that I was competing with you or anything. But as you stated, this is nothing compared to the news of your son coming home. That is awesome. Congrats on both.

MAR

Congratulations on reaching 300,000 points!

Welcome home to Sergeant Tarren James Peterson, and thank you for your service to our Country.

I have just three more things to day:

The Petersons rock!
The Petersons roll!
The Petersons rule!

RUSSELL, What a relief to have him home. He is home for the weekend from Fort Hood. Now I just need to pray about him on the road (lol). He's actually a good driver it's those other drivers I worry about.

MAR

Wow! Getting 300,000 points and a son back home all in the same day. Congratulations!

JIM, Those points pale in comparison to having our son back in the USA. It does give me a way to always remember when he got out of Iraq though.

MAR

Marchel I am sure you are thrilled to have your son home! Congrats on your latest Milestone.

MAR

Marchel, I am glad to hear that Tarren is home.

MAR

Oh no I missed your 300,000.... I am sorry but I am also thrilled to hear the news, he is out of Iraq!!!!!!

Your accomplishments here on AR is unreal. It has been my pleasure to follow you on here. I wish you more and more success in the next years to come. Marchel you make an impact on so many peoples lives. You have shared with, prayed for, and continue to post some of the best on here. Keep it going, you will be at 600,000 in no time. :)

BILL, Thrilled to have him home is putting it mildly. I still get so excited when I see his car with the cover off of it!!! Only a little over a month and he will be out of the Army.

BOB, You are too nice! You were the first person who commented on one of my blogs. I couldn't figure out how you found me (lol). I have enjoyed getting to know you and sharing our sons tours of Iraq. Keep us posted on Cynthia.

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