A mustache contest in Iraq
Not too long ago, I shared a letter with you from my driver, Rock, who is serving our country as a Marine in Iraq. I just received a new email from him and I would like to share this one with you, too. I am so relieved that he is safe and that his return is approaching. I am also glad that these troops are finding humor in a difficult situation.
Hi Martha,
Here are some pictures of Camp Korean Village, Iraq. It is getting a little cold here. Last year, the base received three-inches of snow! As for entertainment, we are having a "mustache" competition. Marines buy into the competition with ten dollars and there are a number of stipulations. I know I will not win because I look extremely weird with a mustache. I might shave it of tomorrow, so there goes my ten dollars! At least I lasted for seven days!
I look forward to going home everyday and leaving this place forever. There is no place like New York City. Hope all is well.
Take Care,
Rock Pereira.
Message to Rock: thank you for all you do, and please come home safely. And please pass along thanks to the servicemen there (especially the Marines) for their service and devotion. You are all appreciated here in the USA.
Amy
Posted by: Amy in Houston | November 6th, 2008 at 6:21 pm
Hi Martha, Thanks again for sharing an email from your fantastic driver, Rock. It is so great that he is doing OK and having a little fun while serving in Iraq. I will be so happy when all of this is over and he can have his wish granted to be able to come back home. Thanks for the pictures that included the two new ones of him in Camp Korean Village. Please let him know how much all of us appreciate what he is doing and that we also await his safe return to the great USA. I also want to tell you how much I enjoyed your show today about you fabulous trip to the Yucatan Peninsula. It was one of your best shows. Have a great weekend and a safe book tour. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | November 6th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
I was hoping for more mustache shots. Maybe Rock will send some photos of the results of the competition, even though he is not a contender.
I am so grateful to him and all the others for their service.
Posted by: Elizabeth Gage | November 6th, 2008 at 8:43 pm
Thank rock for me for his service...and let him know our President Elect has promised to bring him and his collegues HOME SOON!
Posted by: Rod | November 7th, 2008 at 12:55 am
Having been an "army wife", there is no one who can appreciate the return of a man (husband)more than I; Martha, he needs pampering, so pull out all the stops! God Bless him!
To Rock: Thank you, Sir.
Posted by: Kate Meade | November 7th, 2008 at 3:02 am
Enjoy all your blogs but have been anticipating one that has to do with the new puppy (one of Paw-Paw's grandsons). Could you please update us about that please. Deanna
Posted by: Deanna Fenninger | November 7th, 2008 at 4:20 am
The troops serving this country deserve all our praise. It's great to hear they are able to still find humor while there!
Posted by: Sarah | November 7th, 2008 at 5:05 am
...how nice of Rock to think of you, Martha, and jot you a little note and keep you in his loop! I hope he returns very soon, too - safe-n-sound! Whereas he's not considered a veteran yet, this coming Tuesday is Veteran's Day, and I hope all of us will have a contemplative moment on Tuesday to remember those who have gone on, and those who are still with us, and thank them in our hearts for their service to our country (and us).
Today is Friday. (I'm correct today [yesterday's post was a fiasco - if you read it, well...] ). [giggle] You're in Philadelphia today! Would you believe that I could've seen you today?!! I called Williams-Sonoma yesterday, and they had ONE TICKET left, due to a cancellation they had just processed. IT COULD'VE BEEN MINE! The gentleman suggested that someone could "cover" for me today so I could attend. The sheer irony of it was, I own my own business - I'm in "charge" (but don't have employees) - but didn't feel comfortable closing my doors today without giving my customers more notice ahead of time. My heart is there with you today, though! My travel time would've been 3 hours or so, but it'd been definitely do-able!
It's beautiful here today...I'm sure you're experiencing the same where you are, too! 70 degrees today is expected...we'll take it!
Have safe travels during your book signings today, and early next week!
=^..^=
Posted by: Cindy Bricker | November 7th, 2008 at 5:40 am
Love the picts! My son is coming home from Iraq this week!!
Posted by: meredith | November 7th, 2008 at 5:42 am
I'm glad he's doing okay and that he'll be returning home soon! I wish him a safe journey.
Posted by: Tabitha (From Single to Married) | November 7th, 2008 at 6:00 am
Where is WWF's Iron Shiek from Iran?
lol
Posted by: Shawn | November 7th, 2008 at 8:57 am
Please take the time to bring Rock on your show when he returns and chat with him about his experience. I agree with Kate, he's gonna need some pampering so please, pull out all the stops and share the love with your fans and Rocks fans. That would truly be "A Good Thing!"
Rock: THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO THIS GREAT NATION! You are truly "A Good Man" and a hero to so many young men and women in this country. Blessing on you!
Posted by: Gene | November 7th, 2008 at 9:18 am
Thank you for your service Rock:-)
Posted by: susieshomemade | November 7th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
I am so glad that Obama will bring home all of these brave people soon!
Posted by: Linda Crispell | November 7th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
Thanks for sharing the info and photos of Rock and to Rock, thank you for everything. I hope you get home safe and very soon. God Bless You and your fellow troops.
Posted by: Sandy | November 7th, 2008 at 9:50 pm
What a fun contest! It's so nice to read about the day-to-day things our heroes are doing. Rock's mustache looks great so far!
Posted by: Mrs.W | November 8th, 2008 at 1:49 am
Bring Rock back to the Hudson!
Posted by: tinay | November 8th, 2008 at 5:00 am
Rock looks great with a mustache - thank you for serving our country.
Posted by: Norbie K. of Las vegas | November 8th, 2008 at 5:21 am
Martha,
Thank you for posting those pictures of your driver! Thank him for all of his hard work and dedication. Now that we have (or will have on Jan 20) a President that knows this war is a mess they will ALL be home soon.
Todd
Posted by: Todd Fuller | November 8th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
A great post about Rock, hope he returns soon and safely. It would be great to see him on your show.This man deserves a great treat!(they all do)I'm sure you'll think of something fantastic! Please share my thanks with him also for his service to our country.
Posted by: Redsoxgal | November 9th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Hi Martha!
I belong to a couple organizations that officially adopt deployed personnel. When we sign up to adopt soldiers (a generic term - we adopt from all branches of the service) we agree to blanket them with cards, letters and at least two care packages a month. I'm wondering what ideas you might have to help us spoil our heroes!
Thanks!
ps
Thank you, Rock for your service!
Posted by: Diana | November 10th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Thank you Martha for sharing Rock's e-mail. We are all relief to know he is doing fine...soon he'll be back to work with you and I agree with Kate and Gene that you should have him on your show to talk about his experience in Iraq and of course he deserves all the pampering he can get.
God Bless Our Troops!!!!
Posted by: Marisol P | November 22nd, 2008 at 8:55 pm