Posted on 11/13/2004 1:22:27 PM PST by wagglebee
PIKEVILLE, Ky. -- The mother of a Marine from eastern Kentucky now fighting in Iraq said she was thrilled to see her son's photograph on the front pages of newspapers this week.
Maxie Webber of Robinson Creek in Pike County said the close-up of Lance Cpl. Blake Miller, his face covered with dirt and a cigarette hanging from his lips, let her know that her son was OK.
Miller, 20, a graduate of Shelby Valley High School, is serving with Charlie Company of the U.S. Marines First Division in Fallujah, an insurgent stronghold.
Fallujah has been the site of some of the most severe battles with the Iraqi insurgency, and this week U.S. troops began a fierce battle for control of the city.
The photo, taken by Los Angeles Times photographer Luis Sinco, has appeared in newspapers across the nation. Webber said she first saw it when CBS News anchor Dan Rather showed it to viewers on Wednesday. Photo editor Alan Hagman confirmed Friday that the photo was of Miller.
"I just sat here and I thought, that's my son," Webber said. "I couldn't believe it. To me, it's just God's way because Blake is a Christian. It's just like God saying, 'I'm letting you know he's OK.'"
Webber said she stays home as much as possible in case her son calls.
"I don't want to miss his call because you never know if that call will be the last one," she said.
Webber said she also bought an answering machine for her phone just in case Miller, the oldest of her three sons, calls while she's out. She has one message on the answering machine from Aug. 1.
"And when I get lonely, and it's been a few days, I play that tape," Webber said.
Webber said her son's decision to join the Marines has changed the way she thinks about America.
"Until my son went into the Marines, I never really realized what that flag stood for - but now I do," she said.
For any anti-smoking fanatics out there, notice that she doesn't give a damn about your agenda!
he smokes 3 packs per day according to the FNC report.
I wonder if she knew he smoked............I think he's in BIG trouble when he gets home to mom.
God bless Maxie! And God bless Blake; may God bring him home to his great Mom, safe and sound!
I heard about the photo (on the cover NY POST) from Rush on the radio Wed. a.m., ran out to buy some copies. I sent some over to Iraq and gave a copy to my pal, the founder of Operation Gratitude.
Pretty cool.
ROTFL!!! Yeah, he's busted now for sure...
Seriously, I expect this guy to be "in demand" when he comes home. Here's to hoping he enjoys it as much as possible.
Hey Lefties... yes, you can be one of those "Christian people" and still have a smoke.
Not that smoking is a good thing, obviously not, but for what this guy has to go through ever day, let him have something he finds enjoyable.
Maybe he'll quit when he gets back.
It also said on Fox News he smokes Marlboros and said if the Marlboro company would like to do something it could sned him more cigs as he was running out and needed more.
Devil Dog BUMP!
I doubt that. We have a genuine Iraq mom at work, and the latest word about what her son and his buddies want in care packages is cigarettes. When he left he was a non-smoker.
I could try to explain the logic of it all but Florence King said it best. I am still desperately trying to find her column on the subject of smoking, war and small final pleasures... Which righteous PC controlling twits would deny others.
How thrilling for the family. I hope the mother receives copies of the different publications where her son's photo appears. A great that captures more than just a face.
Looks like they may have themselves a new ad model. Good, maybe he can make a few bucks after his service to protect his country. It's the American way.
Anyone know what unit he is with, I will send him a case of smokes.
I think he's far more worried about the bullets whizzing by him than he is about how his lungs will look in a few decades!
Charlie Company of the U.S. Marines First Division.
BTTT
Actually, if you look closely, he's got a John Kerry Purple Heart wound on the bridge of his nose.
Sorry, but we start our kids on tobacco at age 12 here in KY!! Mom probably bought him his first pack!! /sarc
God bless this Pike County soldier. Thank you for serving proudly! My prayers are with him!
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