Thursday, March 26, 2009

PFC Josh Teter in Japan

As most of you know, Josh is currently stationed in Japan. For those of you that happen upon this blog, not being a regular reader, here's the scoop. Josh joined the Marines one year ago this month. He left for boot camp on May 11 last year and has been stationed in Okinawa, Japan since December 2008. He just recently got back to Okinawa from seven weeks of cold weather training on Mt. Fuji. It was survival and combat training in extreme cold weather conditions. He could tell you much better than me, but lots of guns and shooting...guy stuff! And it was freezing cold!!! His job is Motor Transportation, so they were also there training to use the vehicles in those extreme conditions. Mt. Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan at 12, 388 feet. Like many mountains, it is actually a volcano that last erupted on November 24, 1707...just some cool trivia.

He is experiencing a lot of constant change as a Marine. It seems once you get used to who you are working with and what you are doing, it changes again. A good amount of his unit was sent to Afghanistan this past month, so that brings even more change. He did not get called this time, but with that comes the opportunity for a promotion. He is up for Lance Corporal. This is based on merit not just time in. He's a hard worker and we know that when Josh works it's all or nothing, so we are rooting for him as he works for this new position.

To say that we are proud of him, just doesn't seem to say enough. Whether or not he were a Marine, we would be proud of his accomplishments, but at just barely 20, he is willingly taking on the responsibility of a man. We know he is sacrificing a lot to be there and to honor his commitment to protect us and defend our country. It's an old cliche, but "Freedom isn't Free". Thank you Josh for your commitment to all of us. We know God has great plans for your life and that you are right where you belong for such a time as this! We love you!!!! (He is probably saying to himself right now.."Oh Mom, stop it with the mush!" :)

Dressed to stay warm

Marine Josh - riding in the truck....he looks so intimidating here....I think that's a good thing.


Not so intimidating here....Goofy Josh, looking like he is ready to snowboard. They were actually supposed to, but the weather didn't cooperate when they had some free time to go.

Mt. Fuji

Camping in the cold for four days. He was glad to get back to base after that bit of training.

One of the trucks that he drives, a 7-ton. He also drives Humvee's....a lot different than the little 85 Toyota that he drove around here! More fun too!

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Awww - that last paragraph got to me... We sure are proud of Josh and the decision he made to serve his country. We sure don't take it for granted, and appreciate his sacrifice and his FAMILY'S sacrifice!

Teresa said...

He looks great Reg! I can't imagine having a son, or daughter, in the service. Thank God for Josh and those like him who are willing to go and serve. Bless you all with peace, grace, and protection!
love you

Bz said...

I can only imagine the pride he brings you ...and a good-looking boy at that.
MUCH thanks AND appreciation for his service. And, of course, MOSTLY prayers for his safety.

Joanna said...

We are so proud to be your family Joshie! Thank you for all you are doing!

Robynn's Ravings said...

Reg! I've missed your postings!

It's SOOO good to see Josh. Wow, he looks great. I bet the next time we're all together we will be experiencing Josh the MAN with all the changes he's going through. Weren't we just watching him and Nick playing Volleyball with their swimmer hair like ten minutes ago?!

Tell him how much we appreciate all he is doing for us and we NEVER take it for granted.

Love you guys!

P.S. Love the new layout!

Anonymous said...

hey mom just to let you know lance corporal is not nco lol. corporal is nco im one step away from that i just don't want to mislead anyone :)

teters4 said...

Thanks, Josh for the correction! :)

Angie said...

Thanks for the update on Josh. I'll add him to our prayer list. We hear little bits after he talks with Ashley on FB. I can't believe how old our kids are! :)

Linda said...

Please tell Josh ... thank you, we appreciate what you're doing, we love you and you're in our prayers.

And thanks Reginia for keeping us updated! I hope you're getting over your cough and feeling better too.

The Parish Clan said...

May the Lord bless and protect Josh wherever He takes him! And may He bless you at home with peace . . .

Anonymous said...

Your blog keeps getting better and better! Your older articles are not as good as newer ones you have a lot more creativity and originality now keep it up!


Me and my better half

J & J

Our Marine

Matt and Trin having fun w/ Joshie and Jenna

Kadence and Keaton

Girl power

Gabe and Josh w/ Grandpa

When they were young

About Me

My photo
Wife of 23 years to David, Mom to Josh - 19, Jenna - 17 and Nacoya - 16. Voice teacher, choir director and church choir member. I love the outdoors... ocean and mountains, my family, friends, pretty flowers, quiet mornings and more than all that, Jesus.