Holidays are here!

We hope everyone has a safe and fun holiday season with your families and friends! Haven't posted in a while as we've been pretty busy. Currently we're preparing for the holidays and trying to choose a name for our coming baby boy! Yup, #2 is due March 3, 2009! We have it narrowed down to 4 choices. We're both excited, and so is Thane. Julie finally got over the sickness a couple weeks ago and is hoping it doesn't return. Work is still going good. Still no permanent schedule, but I'm currently on days 0700hrs - 1900hrs.

It's going to be...

A BOY! Yup, we just had our ultrasound appointment and it will be a boy. Now we need to find a name....... For the record, Julie was happier than me on this one! :p haha

Further news reports...

FLINT JOURNAL

Click the above link for the editorial in the Flint Journal 9-15-08

Two More Counterterror SEALs Die in Afghanistan September 14, 2008 Two more Navy SEALs from an extraordinarily elite and supersecret counterterrorism unit have been killed in Afghanistan, following the death two weeks ago of a SEAL from the same clandestine unit. Details were - not surprisingly - vague. There is no direct evidence they died fighting in the new CIA-led offensive against Al Qaeda and the Taliban along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. But their loss in Afghanistan is certainly significant and a real blow to their fellow operators in the Joint Special Operations Command, which includes the Army’s Delta Force. The two SEALs were killed September 11 somewhere “in Afghanistan,” according to military press releases, and were part of the shadowy Naval Special Warfare Development Group, the elite counterterrorism force once known as SEAL Team 6. Typically, the military identifies which Afghan town, district, city or province where American troops perish. But for the third time since August 30, when Petty Officer 1st Class Joshua Thomas Harris, a Bronze Star recipient, was reported killed after being swept away during a combat river crossing, the precise location of the latest “DEVGRU” combat casualties is unknown.. Killed last week were Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator John Wayne Marcum, 34, and Chief (select) Special Warfare Operator Jason Richard Freiwald, 30, the Navy said. Each man had served in Iraq and Afghanistan and was a highly decorated SEAL. Before Harris, no DEVGRU SEAL had fallen in Afghanistan since March 2002, according to a review of Operation Enduring Freedom deaths at iCasualties.org. Marcum earned four Bronze Star medals with the combat “V” distinguishing device, as well as the Joint Service Commendation medal, four Combat Action ribbons and a chestful of other decorations in his career. The younger Freiwald had also earned a Bronze Star and Combat Action ribbon, the Navy said. Sadly, both SEALs leave behind a wife and daughter. The Naval Special Warfare Foundation, which accepts donations, will likely provide support for each family. - James Gordon Meek

Loss of a good family friend...and a Nation's HERO

Two Dam Neck based SEALs killed in combat Posted: Sep 13, 2008 09:18 PM EDT

Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator John Marcum

Updated: Sep 13, 2008 10:15 PM EDT
Special Warfare Operator Jason Freiwald
Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator John Marcum
CORONADO, Calif. - Two U.S. Navy SEALs died in Afghanistan Thursday night from injuries they suffered on September 11 during combat operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator John Wayne Marcum, 34, and Chief (select) Special Warfare Operator Jason Richard Friewald, 30, both distinguished and highly decorated combat veterans, were fatally shot in Afghanistan during a battle with heavily armed militants.

Marcum and Friewald were forward deployed to Afghanistan from the Naval Special Warfare Development Group at Dam Neck in Virginia Beach.

"The deaths of SOCS Marcum and SOC Friewald are tremendous losses for Naval Special Warfare and the United States, " said Capt. Scott Moore, Commanding Officer of NSWDG. "These men were true warriors, dedicated to their country, their fellow SEALs, and the cause for which they were fighting. They died while taking the fight to the enemy, going in harm's way with the selflessness that resonated in their character and made them giants among men.

SOCS Marcum and SOC Friewald were American heroes who put their lives on the line, completing multiple combat tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. They served with honor and distinction. The thoughts and prayers of the Naval Special Warfare community are with their families."

Marcum, a native of Flushing, Mich., was a graduate of Flushing Senior High School. He enlisted in the Navy on August 5, 1991 and reported to Recruit Training Command in Orlando, Fla., on the same day.

After completing basic training he attended the Navy and Marine Corps Intelligence Training Center, Dam Neck, Va., before reporting to Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training at Coronado, Calif. BUD/S is the first step to becoming a Navy SEAL and is six months of the most demanding training in the military. Upon graduation from BUD/S, Marcum attended Basic Airborne School in Ft. Benning, Ga. He then reported to his first permanent duty station at SEAL Team 2 at Naval Amphibious Base, Little Creek, Va.

Marcum completed many rigorous qualifications at SEAL Team 2 to prepare him for combat, including sniper training, DoD Hostage Survival School, and SEAL diving supervisor. Marcum distinguished himself during multiple combat deployments in support of Joint Army and NATO operations. In March 2000 Marcum transferred from SEAL Team 2 and began the demanding selection and training program at NSWDG. His training included military free-fall parachuting; emergency medical response, Survival, Escape, Resistance and Evasion courses; advanced pistol and rifle; and several other courses. Marcum completed the arduous training and received orders to Naval Special Warfare Tactical Development and Evaluation Squadron 2.

Marcum is a highly-decorated combat veteran and received numerous awards, including four Bronze Star medals with combat "V" distinguishing device; Joint Service Commendation medal; two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation medals; Army Commendation medal; Joint Service Achievement medal; two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, four Combat Action ribbons, and a multitude of personal, unit and campaign decorations.

Marcum is survived by his loving wife, Cynthia; his daughter, Madison; and his sister, mother and father.

Friewald was born Dec. 20, 1977 in Utica, Michigan where he later graduated from Armada Senior High School. He enlisted in the Navy on April 25, 1996 and reported to Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Ill., on November 5, 1996. After completing basic training he graduated from the Navy and Marine Corps Intelligence Training Center, Dam Neck, Va., before reporting to Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training at Coronado, Calif. Upon graduating from BUD/S, Friewald completed Basic Airborne School in Ft. Benning, Georgia.

He then reported to his first permanent duty station at SEAL Team 5 at Naval Amphibious Base, Coronado, Calif. He served at SEAL Team 5 for two years before transferring to SEAL Team 3 in Coronado. While at SEAL Teams 5 and 3 he completed numerous qualifications to prepare him for combat, including sniper training, Arabic, and tactical rock climbing, to name only a few.

Friewald also distinguished himself during multiple combat deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In March 2005, Freiwald transferred from SEAL Team 3 and began the demanding selection and training program at NSWDG. Friewald completed the arduous training and received orders to Naval Special Warfare Tactical Development and Evaluation Squadron 2.

Friewald is a highly-decorated SEAL combat veteran including the Bronze Star medal with combat "V" distinguishing device; Joint Service Commendation Medal with combat "V" distinguishing device; two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation medal with combat "V" distinguishing device; the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medal; Combat Action ribbon, and numerous personal, unit and campaign medals.

Friewald is survived by his loving wife, Stacey; his daughter, Jasmine; and his mother and father, Terri and Richard Friewald.

"Seven years ago this week, terrorists attacked our nation. SOCS Marcum and SOC Freiwald willing placed themselves in harms way to prosecute our enemies to the farthest corners of the earth," said Rear Admiral Ed Winters, Commander, Naval Special Warfare Command. "We owe them and their families an eternal debt of gratitude for the sacrifices they have made. Their unwavering courage and commitment to protecting our nation will never be forgotten."

Another Navy SEAL assigned to Naval Special Warfare Development Group, Damn Neck was killed in Afghanstan on August 30. Special Warfare Operator First Class (SEAL) Joshua Thomas Harris, 36, a highly decorated combat veteran, drowned after being swept away by turbulent waters while conducting a river crossing during combat operations.

Naval Special Warfare Command is the Navy component of United States Special Operations Command and the special operations component of the United States Navy. The command supports, trains, equips and deploys maritime special operations forces to meet the operational requirements of combatant commanders. These special operations forces include more than 8,400 active-duty and reserve SEALs (Sea-Air-Land) and Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewman (SWCC) operators and support personnel based primarily in San Diego, Calif., Norfolk, Va., and deployed all over the world.

Expecting!

Maybe you guessed it...? Yes, Julie is expecting again! She had the joy of morning sickness again, all day every day, just like as with Nathaniel. She is having her 1st check-up next week. She is about 14wks now!
The vette is once again rolling as I took it off the jacks for the 1st time since X-mas. The suspension has been replaced, new tires mounted and it has been re-aligned. There are a few small parts needed for finish-up, the fan shroud needs installed, and it needs to be driven a bit without the sway bars to allow the new suspension components to settle in to allow the ride height to set in.
I am now in the 2nd phase of field training which is just 4wks, and followed by the final 3rd phase of 2wks. I will be going to 3rd phase this coming Wed and will be on evening shift 2PM-2AM.

One less drunk.

One less drunk on the road earlier this morning. Just before 1AM this morning I saw 4 vehicles leaving a parking lot near headquarters driving erratically. I immediately pulled off the road into a service station parking lot and blacked-out to wait and see their direction of travel. They proceeded past me heading east on Rt.7/E. Market St. past my location. As they passed I observed each of the vehicles. The first vehicle that caught my attention was the 4th which was rapidly speeding up and slowing down behind the other 3. I pulled out behind them and followed them to observe their driving behaviors. Then my attention was drawn to the 2nd vehicle which was within 1 car length of the 1st requiring it to repeatedly hits its brakes to keep from hitting the 1st. Vehicles 2, 3, and 4 were following 1 as they mimicked its lane changes and speed. As we approached the town limits I made my decision to initiate a traffic stop on the 2nd vehicle. As I pulled-in behind it they all moved into the center turn lane to head north of Rivercreek Pkwy. Due to construction I informed dispatch of the traffic stop and vehicle identity prior to lighting it up. Once we began to exit construction I lit up the lights and pulled him over. Upon interviewing the driver and getting his OL I ran his information through dispatch and wrote a warning for his driving behavior to document the reasonable suspicion for making the traffic stop. I then had him step out of the vehicle to perform SFST's due to having bloodshot eyes and having the smell of an alcoholic beverage on his breath and person. He failed 4 of the 5 tests given, and I was estimating his BAC to be 0.10 where the legal limit is 0.08. He then refused the PBT but agreed to take the Intoxilizer5000 at headquarters. As I took him out of the vehicle at headquarters I saw a clear Ziploc bag fall from behind him and heard him say, "Oh, shit! Fuck!" I had missed a bag of marijuana that he had shoved down the rear of his pants. Lucky for him he took it out as if it would have been found at the ADC when committed he would've been charged with a felony rather than a misdemeanor possession. He was then found to have a residual BAC level of 0.08 using the Intoxilizer 5000 by a certified officer. It's funny how they all say that they only had 2 or 3 beers over 4 hours prior to being stopped! Upon weighing the bag it was 13g (1/2oz) which is enough to charge PWID (possession with intent to deliver). However, we did not find other baggies or devices consistant with PWID so I charged simple possession. I then took him to the ADC to see the magistrate and be committed until he was sober for release. He also was served with a 7-day administrative license suspension with a court date in late August.

New world-class cyclist in training!!!

Nathaniel told me to take off his training wheels today. All I had to do is hold his bike so he could get on and take off! He even rode around the neighborhood and climbed all the hills, and they are BIG! He's not even 4 years old!!!
1st time without training wheels!
Mommy helping out.

Do you smell something funny?

Saturday and Sunday were days for the wacky-tabacky.
I assisted in CASE - Possession of Marijuana- Officer’s M, S, and Wellisley responded to The Hampton Inn in regards to a loud noise complaint. Upon further investigation Officer M. seized 20 grams of marijuana and released Mr. S. on a summons charging possession of marijuana.

My CASE - BURGLARY / POSSESSION- Officer Wellisley, Sgt H and Ofc S responded for a complaint of burglary which occurred earlier in the day. On scene we met with the homeowner who was identified as Ms R, and her daughter, Ms AR. Ms AR advised that she was out of the residence from 1000 hours until 1900 hours, on today’s date. Ms R advised that she left early in the morning and returned around 2130 hours. Ms R stated that after she returned home her daughter advised her that her television from the master bedroom was missing. Ms R stated, that upon further investigation she discovered that a 30gig IPOD, 36” Visio flat screen TV, and a white Macbook laptop computer had been taken from her residence. Ms R also stated that containers in the master bathroom holding her jewelry had been gone through; however nothing was missing. Niether could not verify if the home was locked. It was stated that their two dogs were in the back yard. Digital cameras, a second larger flat screen TV, and a second laptop being located in the same locations as the missing items, in plain view, were not taken. I then advised Ms R that I would like to search the house to ensure it was clear and safe. Ms AR then stated that she already went through the entire house while carrying a b-b gun and did not find anyone inside.
Upon entering the home it was checked to ensure that it was clear. It was pointed out by the Ms R that the Macbook was sitting on the floor in the living room plugged into the wall next to the couch, the Visio flat screen TV was on a cabinet in the master bedroom, and the IPOD was in a docking station in the master bedroom on the top of another cabinet. When attempting to open a locked room in the basement Ms AR came running down the stairs from the living room and stated “I’ve already checked that room. Nobody is in there.” However, the room was locked from the inside. Once inside the room drug paraphernalia and a floor container being used for growing marijuana was found in plain view. An exterior door to the room was found to be open allowing access to the back yard of the home. There was also a secondary entrance to the locked room through an unfinished area of the basement that contained the furnace and a storage area full of boxes and containers. In the basement bathroom wood, plastic, and metal smoking devices were found in plain view on the sink, in the vanity, and on the tub.
In speaking with Ms AR, she named three suspects/friends that are frequently in the house. Mr K, Mr S, and Mr J. Upon running checks on the suspects their information was found.
Consent to search the home was then obtained from Ms R. A thorough search was then conducted in Ms AR's bedroom and the basement of the home. In the basement empty bags of garden soil were found next to a wooden structure on the floor filled approximately half way with the soil. Aluminum foil was found on a desk, a single pill in a bottle, that Ms AR noted as her prescribed Adoral, two digging hammers, numerous items used as smoking devices, and artwork on the wall of representing smoking marijuana and a written note stating "Bombing for piece is like fucking for virginity". A wooden smoking device and a metal smoking device, that was made into a necklace, were collected as evidence along with two clear plastic Ziploc bags containing green plant-like remnants which tested positive for marijuana using a field test kit, 908 Duquenoislevine Reagent – Marihuana-Hashish-THC. The metal smoking device on the necklace was handed over by Ms AR as it was on her person.
Prior to searching Ms AR’s room upstairs, she was asked if any contraband was present. Ms AR stated that the only thing in her room was a bag of gummy bears soaked in alcohol. Upon searching Ms AR’s room a bowl was found in a desk at the foot of her bed containing gummy bears soaking in a clear liquid which emitted an odor of an alcoholic beverage. A follow-up was performed with Mr K and his mother. Mr K stated that he had not seen Ms.AR for about one month. At that time Ms AR discussed with him her intentions to grow her own marijuana plants; she just needed to get seeds. Mr K stated that he told her he did not know anything about how to grow them. Ms AR told him that her mothers previous boyfriend, who is in Minnesota, told her how to grow marijuana. Mr K stated that he has since made efforts to be clean of any wrong doing and that he is in no way in volved anymore. Upon requesting permission to search for the stolen items from Ms Rs’ residence in Mr K’s room mother agreed and signed a “permission for search” card. Upon searching Ms AR’s room nothing was found.
A follow-up canvas of the neighborhood will be performed on Wednesday July 9, 2008 in reference to any suspicious vehicles or suspects entering or leaving the home.
All items that were seized from Ms R’s residence have been entered into evidence. I will be dropping off copies of my reports to Juvenile Intake on Wednesday July 9, 2008 to obtain petitions.
Case pending petitions.
TOT CIS.

What'chya gonna do...

WOW! The 1st 2 days on patrol seemed like an episode of COPs! Mon and Tue were non-observational days for me, as I was a ride-a-long with my FTO (field training officer) and just playing the role of cover officer.

Drunk in public, Obstruction of justice, Use of force- While on extra patrol in the area of 22 Plaza street Officer S. came in contact with three subjects drinking in a drainage hole in the area. Officer S. arrested Mr. A. and Mr. S. charging the following above.
== My FTO and I were just finishing a business check (getting a drink), at 7-Eleven just across the road from headquarters, when a citizen approached us and stated that he could hear singing in the manhole next to his parked vehicle. We then walked around the building to where there is a known hang-out for drinking and defecating. This location is where there is an entrance to a storm sewer drain tunnel. We found 3 Hispanic males drinking in the tunnel entrance. There was a mtnbk, 2 cases of Corona, and a pile of human feces near them as they were drinking. My FTO ordered them to come out with there hands up, to which they ignored his command. He then drew his weapon, as he had resistors not showing their hands, and told them again. At this point 2 of the 3 fled down the tunnel. He quickly apprehended the 3rd who resisted again and they managed to avoid the feces, but fell in the running water with beer bottles breaking. They both were cut up by the broken glass. He cuffed him and then placed him on the ground instructing him to not move as I retrieved the evidence. I then covered the arrestee as my FTO began tending to his injuries. At this point Mr. A. decided to get up and I immediately escorted him back to his seated position on the concrete from which he did not move from that point forward. Our K-9 officer was able to extract 1 other from the tunnel, but the 3rd escaped. We took both to jail for DIP and resisting. Just a couple of hours later the K-9 officer witnessed a drug transaction and radioed for backup. We were instructed to go "code" to his location just 4 blocks from headquarters. On-scene we found him with 2 suspects proned out at gun point in the parking lot. My FTO and I then each took 1 suspect and cuffed and searched them while the ofc provided cover.

DUI - Officer F. arrested Mr. W. for DUI. (BAC was .09)
==My FTO and I were on-scene and provided support for Ofc. F. and observed the field sobriety tests. They were not done to the standard that were were taught in the academy, but the Ofc was able to conclude that the driver was intoxicated.
FELONY ELUDING / DUI Sgt. H. arrested Mr. M. for the above charges after observing a vehicle driven by Mr. M. driving recklessly in the area of Battlefield Parkway near Chadfield Way. The vehicle proceeded into a cul-de-sac, over the bike trail, stuck a tree and continued on for several blocks before coming to a stop.
==My FTO and I were directed to run "code" to assist in the stop. As we made contact the vehicle just came to a stop and the Sgt had his weapon drawn. We quickly exited the cruiser, as we were facing the suspect directly from the front, and re-positioned to the side and rear with our weapons drawn. He was then ordered to get out of the vehicle and lay face down on the road. He was then handcuffed by my FTO as the Sgt and I kept him at gun point.
Starting next shift, this Friday 4 July 2008, I will be taking the lead and driving the car and being primary for all calls for observation by my FTO. My shift is 1900hrs to 0700hrs.
Below is a graduation pic of me and my cousin, Sgt. Kieth "Sig" Sigulinsky of Ranson PD, Ranson, WV.

It's official!!!

Yes, it is official! I took the final exam and the VA state board exam and have now passed everything. I finished with a final overall GPA of 92.85%/100%. I will be sworn-in on Thursday at 1PM and issued my badge and gun. Friday is the ceremony, in which my cousin Keith will be handing me my diploma!

Now that I do not have to study for a bit I have a little free time. I started working on the car again and have finally pulled-out the rear trailing arms. One is complete, and the other will be soon (hopefully tomorrow).

Finishing touches.

Well, next Thursday I will be a sworn police officer in the Commonwealth of Virginia. This week is a week of practical applications and today we are covering response to terrorists. Today's class is very dry, and instead of letting us go home early they are giving us extra long breaks and lunch. We'd all rather finish-up early and leave!

This Saturday I've invited my fellow students to our house for a cook-out. So, we've been working around the house to get it ready. Tonight I have another section around the house to place mulch. I've already gone around the deck and it is looking pretty good.

The bike is running great. I'm getting close to 60mpg! Last Saturday 2 other recruits and I attended a charity ride hosted by my department. It was round-trip from Leesburg, VA to Gettysburg, PA. I rode over 300mi total. It was pretty hot, temp reaching 105, but the last 2 days have been hotter with the temp reaching 107 yesterday! Luckilly the humidity has gone down a bit. If this were back home in MI they would be having the normal brown-outs they always have in the dog days of summer as everyone kicks on the AC.

I've started re-installing the suspension on the vette, but I still need to get the trailing arms removed, cleaned, painted, and re-installed. The mounting bolts and shims are pretty much rusted together and may require them to be cut out. I'm hoping to have a friend help me since I will definitely need a 2nd pair of hands when trying to cut and remove the parts.

Below are some pics from the Oleoresin Capsicum Extravaganza which was the Friday before the holiday weekend, May23.

12th Anniversary!

Today & Tomorrow, is our 12th anniversary. Today my friend Matt and I drove to the east coast, Milford, DE, to purchase my new/used motorcycle. With the gas prices climbing to $4/gal it was time to spend some money to save some money. I bought a 2004 Yamaha FZR 600. It had just 5,759mi and looked to be used very little. I put 250 miles on it today! Already starting to get comfy on it. An academy friend said that he'd meet up with me to show me the tests given my the VA DMV so I can practice before my exam. Once I start my normal shift I plan to attend a motorcycle safety course, as I should learn a few things and it will reduce my insurance a little.

Outstanding service!

Wow, did I find another great friend with the restoration of our vette! I took my differential covers in on Tuesday afternoon and I get them back today complete! I had 2 bolts that snapped off and the guys at Datalux removed them. I kind of bribed them with donuts! haha Then David Clark took them home, cleaned them, and painted them. The before and after photos are below (also in the photobucket). If you need anything powder coated he will beat everyones' prices for sure! Let me know and I'll send you his contact info. He is located in Bunker Hill, WV just off of I-81.

Only items left to remove prior to re-build are the trailing arms. My good friend Matt will be coming over tomorrow and after dinner we will start that process.

I know, it's been a long time!

We both have been very busy! I'm now just over 1 month from graduation. The vette is in peices waiting to go back together, and we're working hard on the house and yard. I'll be posting soon, I hope. I will be uploading some new pics to our photoalbums on Photobucket.

One step closer

We're one step closer to getting the house finished with new paint. Bart finished-up the painting job left-over from X-mas break by completing the last 2 walls in the great room, now that all of the X-mas items are packed away for another 11months. Julie is glad that it is now done. The remaining rooms to be painted are Thane's room, guest room, toy room, master sitting room and bathroom, guest bathroom, theater room, and the open basement once it is finished with drywall and the ceiling is painted.

Bart is also just 2 weeks away from his 1st day due to report to HQ at the Leesburg PD. He is very excited to start. He is currently trying to tie-up loose-ends at his contract job and finish a couple of key items so they can be ready for his departure. They have also stated that they would be looking to use him for some side work once he gets out of the academy. The academy is M-F from 0730hrs-1530hrs beginning 04Feb08 until the end of Jun08. He will then be working a 2 week cycle of Mon-Tue, Fri-Sun, Wed-Thur on a 12hr shift with 1 day being 8hrs to get 80hrs in 2wks.

Been a short while since our last post...

Well, not much changed here, except for the weather. It was 60-72 degrees here for almost a week, but today it is back in the 50's. Bart got in 4 straight days of mtnbiking Sun-Wed. On Tues he was climbing the fireroad at Cacapon State Park in WV at night when 2 BIG black bears decided to join his trek up the mountain! They lead him for about 50yds before they jumped back off the road. A tad spooked, all he could think to do was sound loud and mean so he yelled out, "GO BACK TO SLEEP YOGI AND BOOBOO! YOU SHOULDN'T BE AWAKE YET!" haha Riding his SS with a 32/16 it is over a 4 mile climb and they showed up at mile 3! Needless to say, he slammed a PowerGel after that to get going up the mountain! haha Here's the ride file:

Today we spent the day doing some cleaning and setting up Thane's new fish tank. We moved his fish to a 20gal tank from Mamma and Pappa. Julie bought him a castle to put in it along with a new hood and an under-gravel filter system to help with maintenance.