To J.'s Parents: March 30 will mark the 30th anniversary of
the day you became parents. I'm sure you couldn't have imagined the heartbreak and joy that comes with loving someone so much; we couldn't have fathomed it until we had our precious E. A thousand thank-you's for the job you've done. You've raised the person all of us know as a courageous soldier and unwavering friend, an amazing husband, and even more remarkable parent. You've raised the man of my dreams and the kind of person I'm confident our daughter will dream she marries one day.
To Friends & Family: This video is a "virtual birthday celebration" for all of us who care about J. so much. I chose the music with J.'s parents in mind. Please post comments to wish him a Happy Birthday (click the "Comments" link below; your email is only visible to me). HAPPY 30TH, J.!!!
Note: Watching this video shouldn't require anything fancy-schmancy. Just plain ol' Windows Media Player.
Happy Birthday J!!
Posted by: LauraJ | 03/27/2007 at 07:37 AM
Happy Birthday J!!
Posted by: LauraJ | 03/27/2007 at 07:36 AM
Have a great birthday, J. As someone whose husband has been in the Army and served in Iraq, I know first-hand how hard it is to be separated from your family. Thank you so much for your service and dedication to our country and for the sacrifices your family has to make. You are in our prayers, Susan K.
Posted by: Susan Kern | 03/29/2006 at 03:33 PM
Jason,
You are in our thoughts and prayers daily. Hope you have the best birthday possible. I have a grand daughter now and cant wait to see Melanie's grand daughter and you and Crystal soon.
In Christian love,
Sharon
Posted by: Sharon | 03/29/2006 at 03:23 PM
HEY JAMES. WE HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT BIRTHDAY. WE THINK OF YOU OFTEN. YOU SHARE YOUR BIRTHDAY WITH MACKENZIE WHO WILL BE 8 THIS YEAR. ANYWAY, HAVE A GREAT DAY IF THAT IS POSSIBLE. HAPPY BIRTHDAY.
GOD BLESS, CHAD, NICHOLE, MACKENZIE AND VANESSA.
Posted by: CHAD AND NICHOLE DAVIS | 03/29/2006 at 03:08 PM
Hi James,
Nana & I think of you & talk about you often.We Know some of what you are going thru & We pray for you.You are doing for our country what some of the rest of us can no longer do.We salute your bravery & dedication to service.Have a happy birthday& come back to us soon.
Nana/Grampa
Posted by: Nana/Grampa Rake | 03/29/2006 at 01:18 PM
James,
I know it is hard being away from your family right now. Just know that we think of you often and pray for your safe return. Have a Happy Birthday. Love you.
Ginger
Posted by: Ginger Sharpe | 03/29/2006 at 12:39 PM
James,
Happy Birthday... Erin, Jack and I really enjoyed our trip out to visit C and E. Of course it was not quite the same with out you there, but we are extremely grateful for your commitment and sacrifice in Iraq. We are all praying for a fast and safe return.
God Bless,
Andy Beck
Posted by: Andy Beck | 03/29/2006 at 04:33 AM
There's a man turning 30 today
And though he is far, far away
All his family & friends
Hope he's blessed without end
Till he's safely back home to stay.
He's a man on a mission, you see
That takes him far from family
So they hold him in prayer
Asking God to take care
Of this man, who today is 30,
Training others to live their lives free.
Well, the meter isn't perfect, but the thought is there, dear son-in-law! Hope as you cross "over the hill" you'll keep it all in perspective... you're halfway to a Senior Citizen's Discount! *smile*
Keep the kevlar on, and stay alert.. we love & miss you.
Posted by: Mom | 03/29/2006 at 12:46 AM
Jason, Obviously you are blessed beyond measure. That is so evident from this very avenue put in place by by your wife to the replys from the folks who think so much of you. I pray for you and all yours a lot these days. Stay safe and Happy Birthday!
May The Lord Always Keep You,
Sam, Patty, & Benjamin Reid
Posted by: Sam | 03/28/2006 at 09:03 PM
Capt. Jason B. Congratulations on your 30th birthday. I can tell you are very loved and appreciated by your family. Crystal is very smart and a sweetheart to do all of this for your birthday celebration since you can't be home. I read her website often and enjoy her writing and staying in touch with what's going on with you in Iraq. I understand the weather's quite hot over there now. You don't know me but I'm a Smith Co. cousin of your Mom's who now lives outside of Cincinnati, Ohio. I have been praying for your safety and so has my church prayer team. Your daughter, E., is precious and I love seeing her pics. I know your mom and dad are so proud of you and I am too ! Uncle Jim and Aunt Irma would be so proud to see you following in his footsteps with the military. I feel much safer knowing we have men of your capability defending us. May God always be with you and I wish for you a wonderful 30th birthday and hope you can come home soon to be with your family.
May God Bless, Beth SW
Posted by: Beth SW | 03/28/2006 at 07:19 PM
Dear Jason,
I can’t believe I’m the mother of a 30 year old son. Where has the time gone? It has flown by. Now you are the father of a beautiful girl. I hope you get as much joy out of raising her as we did raising you. Gramma Green, Gramma Carter and Baba would be so proud of you. They had a big hand in raising you too. They loved you, prayed for you and cared for you almost as much as I did. And God has blessed those efforts, for you have become a wonderful son, husband, father and soldier. I am so proud of you. Be safe and come home soon.
Love,
Mom
Posted by: Mom | 03/28/2006 at 06:05 PM
Happy 30th birthday. We are proud of you. Stay safe and come home soon.
Jess & Aelisha
Posted by: Jess & Aeliisha | 03/28/2006 at 09:58 AM
Well...I can't see the video at work it's blocked so that stinks, but I still wanted to say happy birthday dude! Hope I get to see you guys sooner than later.
Best wishes,
Phillip & Anna
Posted by: Phillip Maddox | 03/28/2006 at 07:27 AM
Thank you for all you are doing. Have a happy birthday!
Jenn and Alan
Posted by: J. Hutcheson | 03/28/2006 at 05:32 AM
Happy Birthday Captain B!
I am so proud of you, BaBa would have been proud too. I think of you and pray for you often, stay low, be smart.
Once again, happy birthday, I love you,
Jim
Posted by: Uncle Jim Carter | 03/28/2006 at 04:52 AM
Hi James
Have a marvelous 30th Birthday. Everyone misses you and is taking good care of C & E. Sorry Jack took advantage of her on our trip. It's all Andy's fault:) Stay safe, you and your buddies are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love the Beck's
Happy Birthday!!!
Posted by: Erin B | 03/28/2006 at 04:50 AM
James-
Happy 30th Birthday! I could never forget your b-day, it's mine too! A special day indeed :)
We wish you a very Happy Birthday!
Love, Nikki and Erick
Posted by: Nikki M. | 03/28/2006 at 04:34 AM
Happy Birthday James! You're in my thoughts and prayers. Kick ass & stay safe!
Posted by: Michael Igoe | 03/27/2006 at 11:14 PM