Caleb's smile

As a father, it's always great to see Caleb's smile. I have this picture as my screen saver on my computer. He's high up above the desert valley floor here in this picture in Afghanistan perched at a bird's eye view. I really can't tell if it's cold there. I see he is wearing gloves.

I'm sure a great deal has happened since this picture. The best part is seeing him smile.

It's obvious there is a road behind him they are monitoring (more than likely). It doesn't look like there are alot of places for the enemy to hide but I'm sure I'm not too accurate with that statement. The best part is that Caleb has been communicating consistently lately and he is safe.

Caleb and one of his fellow soldiers

Caleb is seen here on the left holding his rifle. I spoke to him today. He is doing good. There was some activity yesterday that had some casualties due to an IED with a striker unit. Many prayers are surrounding these guys as they do what they are trained to do.

Sacrifice a moment each day to remember these troops as they sacrifice their all to give us the freedoms we have.

New pictures from Afghanistan

Caleb has uploaded some new pictures that say it all. I think this picture is the best. I will share others later.

Caleb is all about his friends

During Caleb's recent visit to Georgia on a two week leave in May (before returning to Germany in preparation for Afghanistan), we had a big party on the Chestatee River for him, family and his friends. It was all good times for everyone. Caleb's mother was also there from West Virginia.

Although many emotions were in people's hearts and minds, they were all put aside and replaced with nothing but smiles and energy during his visit to Georgia. All I can say is that these boys play as hard as anyone I know. They had a great time on Lake Fontana swimming and boating and jumping off rock cliffs into the water. They would argue and fight like brothers and play together again in less than 30 minutes after. That shows you just how close people can be.

The house was full of boys sleeping on every bed, sofa, chair, floor, and blow up mattress we could find. But it was worth seeing everyone have a great time.

Hang in there Caleb. Be strong. Every day in Afghanistan is another day closer to coming home.

Jef Welch (Caleb's "Dad")

Caleb called me yesterday from Afghanistan. He's OK.

I got a phone call from Caleb yesterday. He is alright. He's a strong young man with courage beyond the norm. I can hear the strength and maturity growing in his voice. Although it's not the best of circumstances where he is in Afghanistan, it is apparent that courage and maturity will come back home with him one day.

Caleb and his platoon are a team. They are trained to protect each other at all costs. I've heard Caleb say many times that no-one can understand unless they are in the battle. He knows that now. He understands for the first time and is making great progress in the transition of it all. He is obviously seeing things he hasn't seen before in life and from his voice, I can tell he is feeling the pain of others in his heart. It's part of the "going to war" that we all should respect and revere the soldiers for in combat.

I told Caleb that without the military strength we have, we wouldn't have the freedoms we all enjoy as Americans. After hanging up the phone I realized that without the military strength we have, the entire world would be different as we know it. Countries all over the world depend on our military strength for their freedoms as well.

Caleb, you are my champion. Keep strong. Army Strong....

Jef Welch, (Caleb's "Dad")

Caleb and his dog Fontana

When Caleb was about 12 years old, we brought two new members to the family on board. Montana and Fontana (both Chocolate Labs.....females from the same litter). In this picture you will see Caleb holding Fontana on Christmas Day that year. If you look close you will see a red bow on her head.

Both Montana and Fontana were really good at chewing on anything that was wood. We had to wrap the furniture legs just to keep them from destroying the home. Fontana is no longer with the family. She was in an accident (hit by a car two years ago). Fontana was named after our favorite lake in North Carolina.

Montana was Tonya's dog and Fontana was Caleb's. It's amazing how that both dogs were so much like their owners. Fontana was rambunctious and always getting into something. She had to be the toughest and had to be in charge of everything. Sound familiar? Yep.....just like Caleb. Montana was always sedate and easy going.... just like Tonya.

I always enjoyed looking at this picture. I hope you all enjoy it.

BTW..... I haven't had any new communication with Caleb. When I do, you will be the first to know.

Jef Welch, (Caleb's "Dad")

Caleb Called Today. Says He's OK

Sometimes it's good just to hear Caleb's voice. I must have been out of range today when he called and left a message on my cell phone. He said he was safe. That's enough for us to get through another day, knowing he is alright. I had a talk with Caleb before he deployed. He's living up to his promises. I asked him to just give us a call when he could to let us know he was alright and he is standing good for his word. Thank you Caleb. You are our hero and our champion. I trust all your platoon is safe and sound today.
I believe Caleb has had angels watching over him his entire life. There's something special going to happen in this guys life. I just know. it. I'm not going to make this post long. It's just to let everyone know he called and that he is OK.
BTW....Caleb is the one in the White Sox hat. Josh and Hannah Burt are on each side of him.

~Jef Welch, Caleb's "Dad"

Caleb in 120 Degree Heat

I spoke to Caleb today on Facebook (text). He had access to a computer for an hour on the boardwalk where his unit is temporarily based in Afghanistan. They were mortared a couple of days ago. A female soldier lost her leg. Although it's fairly safe on the base and the boardwalk, occasionally the enemy will fire missiles their way.
He tells me there is a TGI Friday's on the boardwalk and a pizza joint. Even with the good food he says he has lost around 10 lbs. due to the heat. It's about 120 degrees F where they are. When they go outside the fence in a few days it will be their time to take care of each other and eat out of their MRE's. So for now they are enjoying the food while sweating it out.
Caleb is doing as well as expected. I appreciate everyone's prayers and their support. He will have his address soon. I am putting together a care package to be sent to him once I find out what the mailing address will be. I want to send him some things that the entire unit will enjoy. I think "junk" food is the key to a smile over there.

Caleb's Big Fish

Occasionally I will post something about Caleb to let everyone know more about him. That way you can be or feel as though you know him like we do. Caleb is a typical boy who grew up in North Georgia in a town called Dahlonega, Georgia. We live near a river (Chestatee) there where the fishing has been very good for years. Here is a picture of Caleb a few years back when he was grinning from ear to ear because he just caught a big trout and both he and I were very proud when he brought this fish up to the house.
He had three fish that day. The biggest is in this picture weighing 7 lbs. 1 oz. and 24 inches long. He had all three fish on a stick hanging across his shoulder with the fish hitting him in the back of the legs. He was so excited when he came up from the river that day.
Caleb went on in to Afghanistan today on the C-17. I didn't get to talk to him but we did share texts. Go safe with every step Caleb and we'll go fishing soon together. Just you and me.

Caleb Near Afghanistan

I am about to leave for another trip to Tokyo this morning. While checking my computer one last time while packing up, I noticed to my surprise that Caleb was showing to be online (on Skype). I took the chance of texting him and he actually answered back. He called me on Video Skype Call immediately so we had the opportunity to speak and see each other for a few minutes.
He was smiling....that was good. Their tents were all set up there and they were seeming to be in good spirits. He said the plane ride was long. They're almost in Afghanistan. He sent me a text saying, he was finally at war. I guess that is the feeling among his platoon. They've been preparing for over 8 months in Germany for this tour of duty. I guess being out there in the field actually going into the front lines is a change of pace and a time to reflect on their fellow soldiers. It's all about team.....taking care of the other guy while he takes care of you. Watching each other's backs.
I have to go now and get packed for Tokyo. I will keep everyone informed as I hear from Caleb.

~Jef Welch, Caleb's "Dad"

The Caleb Welch Blog

As Caleb's father, I am very proud. I am starting this blog website so that everyone in the family and circle of friends can keep up with any current (allowed) information which can be posted. Pictures sometimes speak louder than words. So if any pics get sent to us that are something Caleb is OK with sharing, those too will be dropped into the content of the blog.
Many are on Facebook and are keeping up with Caleb that way. Others are connecting on Myspace. For those who are not members or don't care about joining Facebook or Myspace, this will be accessible to everyone without membership or having to enter passwords. This is just a site that will be an ever-growing scrapbook of Caleb's adventures in the army.
Caleb and I spoke yesterday briefly before he shipped out to Afghanistan. It was nerve racking to say the least. I thought I had missed his call. He called me from a landline phone in the platoon's quarters in Vilseck, Germany that had spotty coverage for some reason. When he called me it went directly to my voicemail on my cell phone. I was in the airport in Sacramento, California about to board to Salt Lake City, Utah. When I saw I had missed his call, I immediately called him. Another soldier answered and said he would find Caleb and have him to call me back.
About 5 minutes later, Caleb called me. He was strong, in good spirits and getting ready to ship out. It was great to hear his voice. He didn't have any time to spare and couldn't call everyone so I am passing along his words that he loves everyone and will be home soon.
He lost signal a couple of times but he kept calling back. He was shipping out in less than 30 minutes from that point at around 3:00 a.m. there in Germany. His time was getting tight and he had to go.
Once he has been processed in Afghanistan, we will make sure his friends and family have his address to ship goodies for him and his platoon. I'm sure they will appreciate an occasional Snicker's Bar or some chips, etc. For those closest to him, an occasional short letter of encouragement would go along ways.
Caleb will be stationed on his deployment in Afghanistan for approximately a year. His commitment to our country is immeasurable. We all are proud of our American Soldier, Caleb Welch.

~Jef Welch, Caleb's "Dad"