Awards

Clayton received these two awards for his deployment. He has since received others that I will share later.

Boot Camp

This blog was started when Clay deployed in 2010. While looking through the items being saved in his Army memory box I came across a few things from his boot camp days and thought I'd share those with you.

Mail from Clay and his graduation program

I love how Clay addressed this 

We wrote to him almost every day in boot camp

Coin

In a previous post I told you about:

Clayton was present on July 25th when Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff [highest ranking officer in the U.S. armed forces] visited Afghanistan and addressed the 101st. He received a coin from the Admiral. Second only to the presidential coin.

Here it is

Living Quarters

Here are pictures of the housing in Afghanistan - plywood buildings. I believe Clayton said this was the first one he lived in. Makes me really appreciate the comfort of home. In the second photo you can see the bunkers used for shelter.

The Soldier's Creed

I am an American Soldier.

I am a Warrior and a member of a team.

I serve the people of the United States and live the Army Values.

I will always place the mission first.

I will never accept defeat.

I will never quit.

I will never leave a fallen comrade.

I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and proficient in my Warrior tasks and drills.

I always maintain my arms, my equipment and myself.

I am an expert and I am a professional.

I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy the enemies of the United States in close combat.

I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life.

I am an American Soldier.

Blue Star Banner

Our banner's arrived. This is hanging on our front door.

Blue Star Banner

Immediate family members will be receiving these soon. Here is a link to the history of the blue star banner at Wikipedia.

Helmet Insignia

Clayton is attached to the HHC, 1st Brigade of the 101st Airborne. His helmet insignia is the club.

1st Brigade Combat Team - "Bastogne"- (♣)

Bastogne - The First Eight Days

Here are two pictures he emailed to me today.