I am writing to you on behalf of our son Ryan to express his and our deep appreciation for your gifts of love, concern and prayer. Please also accept our apologies for not writing sooner and our promise to stay in touch going forward. We hope this letter finds our extended Texas family in good health and cheer. Here is the latest news…  Ryan was deployed to Southern Afghanistan as part of a 3200+ Marine contingent on Tuesday, March 18. As one of three Sergeants within 2^nd Platoon Charlie Company (1^st Battalion 6^th Marine Regiment, AKA the 1/6th), he is responsible for a squad of 12-15 young Marines. While we are uncertain of their mission, we do know that they will be based in Kandahar and operating within the desert and mountain regions that border Pakistan . Here are a couple articles that describe the 7-month deployment in more detail: 

http://www.iimefpublic.usmc.mil/Public/InfolineMarines.nsf/(ArticlesRead)/5692B5EB769E08D38525740D00255086http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=364227

 Naturally we are concerned and nervous, but we're also confident that Ryan's preparation (close to 4 years now) and judgment will serve him and his squad well. He is surrounded by hundreds of amazing young men who nobly and selfishly chose to serve our country. We can all be very proud of them. 

Mrs. Stricklen, your cards/letters and prayers will take on even greater importance to Ryan over the next several months. Please extend our thanks (and this email) to the entire circle of Round Rock friends who have donated their time/money, written, baked cookies, prayed or simply paused to think about our servicemen/servicewomen and their families. God Bless each and every one of you!!!

Joe & Karrie Messina