You may remember that he returned a short while ago to San Diego under the end of the stop loss. All duties have now been completed including the package to attempt to be assigned to full time Reserve here in Norfolk, VA.. He still wants to make the Marines a career and hopes he will have a decision in mid August as he is on terminal leave until Sept.

Last week Micah, another Marine son flew to CA and helped Jon FINALLY return home to VA with his car and remaining belongings. After a two day..44hr trip they pulled in last evening at 4am!! Wonderful!! It is the first we have seen him since his wedding last Aug 2nd!! His wife, who did go to CA for a short time when he first returned, has been living with us since last year.

With the help of friends, our home/neighborhood boasted yellow ribbons, flags and posters all over the place. He was so surprised and we were blessed.

Thank you all for your support of the PFs. He already has shared with us about many events in Iraq and his great colleagues in the squadron. He still misses flying!! And, he is quick to tell all here to keep those yellow ribbons and flags flying for those still there.

A funny...he had sent us an incredible wooden model he bought in CA of a CH46. It is so detailed and awesome. The second thing...after hugs..was head straight toward that model and inspect it!! 'Sure enough..his brother had the rotors backwards...snicker!! He fixed that and continues to 'Crew Chief' that CH46. Today he took it off the mounting and placed it on its wheels saying..that for him it finally has landed at home.

May that same story be true of all in the squadron soon. Prayers continue for all the PFs and PF families.
Caroline Barnes and Family

7/29/03 7:58:48 PM Central Daylight Time