Good thoughts for our friends out west

[Caveman Sportfishing]

I was informed early am this morning that Marine Major Brian Heatherman who is married to my niece Jackie is leading the command for evacution of Camp Pendleton, CA if need be due to the horrible wild fires threatening many parts of North San Deigo County. Brian and Jackie are the proud parents of 1 year old (Brooke) and live in marine housing in the area of the fires. We hope that everything turns out okay for them and all the other heroes stationed in Southern Calf at Camp Pendleton. Brian served two tours of duty in Iraq and was a active leader in the Marine taking back the City of Fallujah a few years ago where many of Brians troups were injured or killed in door to door combat with Mugahideen forces. Brain described to me in person what it was like for him and his ground troops and we owe so much that can never be repaid to these young marines serving our country. It was flat out horrific for those involved and a book called "We Were One" depicts the Fallujah battle and Brian is mentioned thoughout the book. Thank god we have men like Brian in our country and now he is looking out for all the marines and families stationed at Pendleton if the fires get too close to the base. If any marine might read this that fought with Brian in Iraq please contact us and we may be able to get you out on a complimentary fishing trip on one of our boats. It is our pleasure to honor our service men and woman as Captain Diana and myself served during the Vietnam years but did not see combat like Brian and his brave troops experienced. Those wild fires seem like a distant disaster many miles away from us living on the East Coast but for the many families losing their homes out west it has to be hell. My mother and brother who live in Orange County, CA wore protective masks to bed last night as the houses were so full of smoke they had a hard time breathing at night and I personally cannot imagine this happening in my own home.

[squirtis]

I was informed early am this morning that Marine Major Brian Heatherman who is married to my niece Jackie is leading the command for evacution of Camp Pendleton, CA if need be due to the horrible wild fires threatening many parts of North San Deigo County. Brian and Jackie are the proud parents of 1 year old (Brooke) and live in marine housing in the area of the fires. We hope that everything turns out okay for them and all the other heroes stationed in Southern Calf at Camp Pendleton. Brian served two tours of duty in Iraq and was a active leader in the Marine taking back the City of Fallujah a few years ago where many of Brians troups were injured or killed in door to door combat with Mugahideen forces. Brain described to me in person what it was like for him and his ground troops and we owe so much that can never be repaid to these young marines serving our country. It was flat out horrific for those involved and a book called "We Were One" depicts the Fallujah battle and Brian is mentioned thoughout the book. Thank god we have men like Brian in our country and now he is looking out for all the marines and families stationed at Pendleton if the fires get too close to the base. If any marine might read this that fought with Brian in Iraq please contact us and we may be able to get you out on a complimentary fishing trip on one of our boats. It is our pleasure to honor our service men and woman as Captain Diana and myself served during the Vietnam years but did not see combat like Brian and his brave troops experienced. Those wild fires seem like a distant disaster many miles away from us living on the East Coast but for the many families losing their homes out west it has to be hell. My mother and brother who live in Orange County, CA wore protective masks to bed last night as the houses were so full of smoke they had a hard time breathing at night and I personally cannot imagine this happening in my own home.

Well said, and I would not be surprised if Brian met my father who is retired EOD USNAVY and went over as a civilian to clear many of the staging areas outside Fallujah so that those troops had a safe area to set up for the big push. His name is Curtis as well. One of his friends was shot in a convoy ambush about 1/2 hour ahead of him in the same area. SUCKS and hat's off to all service men and women who risk their lives for us.

The Interstate 5 running both north and south through the Camp Pendelton area is CLOSED......Folks, we are talking about a very busy 6 lane on each side MAJOR interstate closed for a 15 mile stretch

What I know about Pendelton is that the fire there has been lit as preventative line to protect the area if the main fire gets to close as is possible.

Stay safe out there

Curtis