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.
They could easily go to the Final Four.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/rankings
I would not have guessed him to be 20.
That face looks like he's acquired about 35 years of understanding.
Sounds fabulous!!! :)
Sorry--my mistake!!!
PING!
"Well, I think if she sold T-shirts with the picture on the front it wouldn't take long to get that satellite dish."
Man, if someone does sell the t-shirts, I sure want one!! An American Hero!!
He is with Charlie Company, 1st Bttn. 8th Marines 1st Marine Division
If you send his smokes to Charlie CO. 1st MarDiv, he'll never get 'em.
Semper Fi
LOL !!!. Chew'n starts at the beginning of high school.
I'll bet that will drive those girlymen crazy, that a real man can woo the women by doing a job and doing it right.
My daughter was in the WTC in 1993.
My next door neighbor was killed there in 2001.
My cousin's oldest son graduated West Point and is currently an FBI agent.
His brother, Scott, a Navy Seal and Notre Dame scholarship graduate just died At Ramstein in Germany.
He was on duty in the Ukraine and was out bicycling with two buddies last weekend when he was struck from behind by a speeding car.
He suffered a fractured skull, broken leg and severe brain swelling.
He required a ventillator to remain alive.
At 11 pm Germany time on Thursday, Nov. 11th, Veterans Day, his wife and my cousin and his wife turned off the ventillator.
My other cousin served two tours in Vietnam.
My father served 6 years in the Navy.
My brother 4 years as a Marine.
Don't ask me about my experiences!
How dare you jump to conclusions based on a single post here!!
"BUT, I am more prepared to take yours first"!!!!!!!!!!
Well, men...take 5...and smoke'em if you got'em.
The expression on the soldier's face, the war-paint, the intense focused eyes, the Bogart-like cigarette thing and the way it is framed..up close and personal. It's damn near perfect.
Images mean a lot in our world.
And I believe this one of an all-American hero is a classic. Take my word for it.
An Angel with a Dirty Face - God Bless everyone of them...
What is a fag?? anyone?
Let's all pray he makes it home safe and sound.
bttt
I wonder if these women considered all the "war paint" they wear on the set of their TV broadcast and how it makes them look better?
I said it on another thread....this 50 year old woman thinks he is a hottie (My God! I have 2 sons older than him! Just damn, I am even older than his Mama!) I think they are all hotties in their combat gear. It is that rugged manly look. The "war paint" is an asset.
I'll be the first to tell you what a difference makeup makes on me. Nor will I deny I can gawk at the hotties with the best of them. Gloria Stienem (?sp) can sue me--I look a hell of a lot better with my makeup on any day of the week.
Lighten up.............it was a joke.
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