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.
I might too if I were where he is.
I nominate him for People mag's Sexiest Man Alive award. Brad Pitt, hand over your crown.
I nominate him for Times “Man of the Year.”
Incredible. Doesn't even look like the same guy!
Battle weary and a baby face.
Im an Army Momma but that is one nice looking Marines :)
May God protect the "Marlboro Man" from harm in Iraq, but especially from the WOMEN WHO WANT TO KNOW ABOUT FALLUJAH'S MARLBORO MAN.
It would be tragic for him to make it back home only to be waylayed by some braindead American female living in her Feeling State 24-7.
First thing they'd want to nix are the Marlburra's!
I'll bet this photo wins a Pulitzer this year.
12 hours in a firefight and you'd be crying for your mommy. Pinheads like you end up getting fragged.
Slight correction, They fight, smoke, and shoot WELL at an early age in eastern Kentucky!
JEW bump too!!
Again, any idea how many Charlie Companies there are in 1stMARDIV?
Fine, next time I won't try to help.
Very true.
I like the idea of Marlboro hiring this guy.
"When you need a break from smoking terrorists, smoke a Marlboro."
Actually try it with this, Charlie Co., 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment.
Fox reported that his superiors were thrilled with all the attention their unit was receiving because of this picture...so maybe things are changing for the better.
You've a very sweet person!!! thankyou!
I can tell you what is the main thing on his mind, besides staying alive.....
"Wonder how the Wildcats will do this year?..."
Perhaps then, these were officers trained by General Al Gray!
Semper Fi!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.