Human Interest Stories
To whom it may concern:
Last year my wife and I took our two daughters on our annual vacation
to O.C. As always the fractured prune was a must. (If my memory serves me
correct it was on 28th street) We walked in and were greeted with the normal
cheer. After ordering we were looking at pictures on the wall and noticed
pictures of some Soldiers deployed in Iraq that had sent some pictures with
a frisbee from the shop. About that time the owner / manager (couldn't tell
you for sure) asked if I was in the Marines... of course I stood out like a
sore thumb, clean shave, fresh haircut, and a wife with a Marine t-shirt on.
We chatted for a few minutes, in the conversation I mentioned that we were
on my pre-deployment leave, and I would be leaving for Iraq shortly. Just as
soon as the conversation had started our order was ready. Needless to say,
piping hot fractured prune donuts and two anxious children are a bad
combination. To occupy the kids the gentleman at the counter gave my
daughters a few tattoo's, two frisbees, and said don’t worry about the
donuts, they are on me. I thanked him and told him it wasn't necessary, he
politely said something to the effect of "you are serving our country, its
the least I can do." I told him that I would repay the favor.
I am currently in Iraq, going on 5 months now. Your frisbee now has its
Iraqi campaign medal, sea-service deployment medal, and an Army achievement
medal. It has completed over 60 combat patrols, 14 route clearances, and
has been in Kuwait, the Dialya Province, Balad Air Base, and is currently in
Camp Ramadi in the Al Anbar Province. I have kept it with me in my day-pack
on every mission so far. I had promised the gentleman at the store pictures
of his combat-frisbee. So I figured I would take the time to write and send
some pictures. My wife and I are currently trying to plan a vacation to O.C.
when I get back: #1 to relax and spend time with the family #2 eat at the
fractured prune #3 to make sure the frisbee makes it home safe.
Thank you again for your hospitality over the years. You have always
provided a good atmosphere and a flawless product. I have even considered
opening up a shop myself after my time is up in the Marine Corps.
Semper Fidelis,
Sgt Fritz Kern, USMC
Camp Ramadi, Iraq
