Restrepo is a film documentary by Sebastian Junger and Tim Hetherington. Filmed in Afghanistan’s Korengal Valley, this documentary focuses on a 15-man outpost named “Restrepo”, after a platoon medic that was killed in action. Restrepo was considered one of the most dangerous outposts in the U.S. Military.
This movie is the real deal. The film makers take you on the journey with 15 men of the 173rd Airborne brigade. You will feel like you are on the deployment with these Soldiers, who are dedicated to getting the job done.
When I first heard about Restrepo, I wanted to see it but was hesitant. With my son in Afghanistan, seeing this movie could be upsetting to me. I decided to go anyway with a couple of other Military Mom friends. I chatted with my son about it and he advised me to read the book “WAR
I went to the movie expecting to be very upset. We came prepared with Kleenix, knowing that tears could very well be part of this evening.
Restrepo can only be described as an excellent and tastefully done documentary about the worst parts of war. I could not take my eyes or attention from the 90-minute film. The courage, strength, and camaraderie of these Soldiers was nothing short of amazing. The filmmakers captured the experience of these Soldiers in such a way, that you really understand what it might be like at a remote combat outpost.
Restrepo gave me a glimpse into what our Soldiers experience in Afghanistan. Did I cry? I did tear up as the movie was winding down.
Go see Restrepo. It’s amazing. Check to see if it’s playing at a theater near you.
Over the months I discovered a few ways to stay in touch with my deployed Soldier with my Blackberry cell phone. Some of these may also apply to other smartphones like Apple iPhones.
Using these Blackberry applications helps me communicate with my son at any time that he happens to be on the Internet. I don’t have to be at my computer which is a big relief. For example, one day I was out for a walk and had a chat with my son via my Blackberry while walking.
Without these Blackberry applications, I would miss out on chats like that. I never know when he will be online – all kinds of strange hours of the day and night so I like to be prepared!
- Facebook - If you and your Soldier have a Facebook account, you can subscribe via SMS to your Soldier’s status updates. This is cool because the moment my deployed son updates his Facebook status, I get a text message to my phone. From the text message, I can reply with “Like” to “Like” the status, or leave a comment. The advantage of “Like” is that I also get any subsequent comments that he or others make on his status. In order to receive any comments that follow, you must have the Facebook application on your Blackberry.
To set up Facebook SMS subscriptions, log into your Facebook account and go to Account >Account Settings. Click the Mobile tab. Once you have that set up correctly, go to your Soldier’s Facebook profile page. Under the profile picture, click “Subscribe via SMS”.If you set it up correctly, the next time your Soldier’s updates their Facebook status, you will get a text message to your smartphone! - Email - There are many email applications you can use your Blackberry. I use both Yahoo and Gmail. You can download either to your smartphone. When my son sends me an email, I can read and reply to the email on my phone. It’s been a great convenience. Sometimes our Soldiers are busy so I like to reply right away in case he can’t get back to the computer for awhile. Following are links for more information:
- Google Talk - this is my favorite instant messenger! You can use this if you both have a Google mail account. Just log on from your phone and the “green dot’ tells you that your contacts are available and online. This is how I have chats in real time with my son when I am out and about.
- Yahoo Messenger – works like most instant messenger applications. You can use this if you both have Yahoo mail account. I use this one too. It’s nice to have a back up.
- Skype - if you have a Skype account, you can download it your Blackberry and use Skype mobile. This is new for Blackberry so I have not used it yet. Only the chat feature is available on your smart phone.
I hope this is helpful to you in some way. What other ways have you found to communicate with your Soldier via smart phone? Please share your ideas!
Typical day of operations at Forward Operating Base Salerno (eastern Afghanistan). Ever wondered what its like for a day at a Forward Operating Base in Afghanistan? This is what life is like for a lot of our troops. HOOAH! Our troops ROCK!
Take a tour of FOB Fenty in Jalalabad Afghanistan, with Sgt Masterson. Go by Volley Ball Courts, Laundry, Lodging, Latrines, Green Beans Coffee and more. Will give you an idea of how our Soldiers live at an FOB while deployed.
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Video is a little dated but this my friends, never gets old! Presenting, our National Anthem!
Sasquatch, a part of the 3rd Infantry Division Band, performs “What About Now.” Some great footage of our troops! God Bless all our Soldiers. Lord please keep your mighty hand on our Soldiers and their families as they strive to protect our freedom and help others to know the blessings of freedom & your love for them. Amen.
To everyone who recently welcomed their Soldier home – we celebrate with you! HOOAH! Enjoy your time together. We continue to pray for all our troops and look forward to the day they all come home safe to their loving families and friends!
Sasquatch, a part of the 3rd Infantry Division Band, perform “Wherever You Are.” Dedicated to our Troops! HOOAH!
Bagram Air Field is the gateway to Afghanistan & one of the most traveled transportation hubs in the DoD. 90% of all passengers going to FOBs pass through Bagram. This air field is busy 24/7 with airmen delivering troops & supplies to & from the fight! HOOAH!
Stunning footage of B-2 Stealth Bomber. This amazing aircraft has technology designed to penetrate dense anti-aircraft defenses & deploy both conventional & nuclear weapons. Operated by the U.S. Air Force and used in both Afghanistan & Iraq. Beautiful flying machine!
