Dear COL Jenrette, Maj. and Amanda Kelly, and all those at LWMA:

I just wanted to wish everyone a happy and eventful Memorial Day.  We had a special ceremony here at the camp, enclosed are a couple of photos. There have been 4,546 military deaths since 2003. Placards were posted at the ceremony of all those who have died as well as 4,546 flags and flowers. I found two friends from my Officer school on the wall: 1LT Ashley Henderson and 2LT Matthew Coutu, both just 23 years old, and both full of life and dedication to their country. During the ceremony we were reminded that in WWII, over 10% of all Americans were in uniform. Today, only 0.6% of Americans serve, which means never have so few protected so many in our nation's history.

I want everyone to know that on this day I'm both proud and humbled for the opportunity to serve our country, especially in light of all those who did not make it home--like Ashley and Matt--so that the rest of us can freely choose how to live our lives. I know many of you have friends and loved ones in the military as well and I want to thank you for supporting their service. And I also look forward to coming home in about six months.

Speaking of "so few serving so many," I am also truly proud of how COL J, et. al, have turned around LWMA in such a short time. Thank you all so much for your service to our school!

I will try to have a web photo gallery set up soon to share more photos from Kuwait (we're having serious internet issues here). Until then I hope everyone has a great time of relaxation and reflection this Memorial Day weekend. And congratulations on a fantastic year at LWMA.

Take care,

CPT Antony E. (Tony) McCarty

Base Defense Team Leader

Camp Buehring, Kuwait

Lyman Ward,

My name is Peggy Pelletier, mother of Kirby Wasson. I thought that yall migh enjoy know what one of your students is doing.

The picture below is of Kirby with an Iraqi child. His unit had just finished searching the house for insurgents.

Spc. Kirby Duke Wasson of the 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, U.S. Army

Stationed outside of Baghdad, Iraq

He is trained for driving Strykers but his was blown up again. He is currently a Dismount on a Stryker crew. They go into houses and other buildings clearing out Insurgents. He's been blown in to walls and stuff like that many times already and has only been there for two months. But looking at the picture that the AFN (Armed Forces Network), Combat Camera posted on the Internet  re-enforces my belief that we, the U.S. Military, are needed there in Iraq. Being his parents and military veterans we are very proud of Kirby.

Have a good day.

Peggy Pelletier

ps: I saw and advertisment for Lyman Ward during the ball game. It looked good.