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"