This page is dedicated to my nephew

Sgt Michael L. Welch

Who is currently serving with the US Marines in Cherry Point, NC

Marine's Prayer
Almighty Father , whose command is over all and whose love 
never fails, make me aware of Thy presence and obedient to Thy 
will. Keep me true to my best self, guarding me against dishonesty in 
purpose and deed and helping me to live so that I can face my fellow 
Marines, my loved ones and Thee without shame or fear. Protect my 
family. Give me the will to do the work of a Marine and to accept my 
share of responsibilities with vigor and enthusiasm. Grant me the 
courage to be proficient in my daily performance. Keep me loyal 
and faithful to my superiors and to the duties my country and the Marine 
Corps have entrusted to me. Make me considerate of those 
committed to my leadership. Help me to wear my uniform with 
dignity, and let it remind me daily of the traditions which I must uphold. 
If I am inclined to doubt, steady my faith; if I am tempted, make me 
strong to resist; if I should miss the mark, give me courage to try again. 
Guide me with the light of truth and grant me wisdom by which I may 
understand the answer to my prayer. AMEN.
Michael served aboard the USS Peleliu from August 2001 thru March 2002
off the coast of Pakistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

 

He recently returned from from a tour aboard the USS Tarawa in the Indian 
Ocean where they were deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

 Click on pictures to enlarge

ship.jpg (13615 bytes)                pelilu.jpg (33565 bytes)                ship1.jpg (14260 bytes)
USS Peleliu LHA5            USS Peleliu LHA5                Landing Craft
                                          Coming                                Going

Below are some pictures of Michael and some of the men he works with

crew1.jpg (49805 bytes)                crew.jpg (50414 bytes)                crew2.jpg (54204 bytes)                mike.jpg (37632 bytes)
                   The Crew                         More Crew                         and more                            Michael
pose.jpg (24575 bytes)            award.jpg (16536 bytes)
                                                       Michael                  Receiving Award
       olivia.jpg (31441 bytes)
 
     This is Olivia and and she was
born on the 20th of Oct 2001 while he was serving in operation
enduring freedom in Afghanistan.
She's just precious and I'm in love again.

oliv4.jpg (60667 bytes)

This is Olivia in Dec 2004 having breakfast with my wife Rose,

she's beautiful but spoiled rotten. Michael says that leaving her behind 
was the hardest thing about the move to Cherry Point.

iwo3.jpg (104631 bytes)

God Bless all American servicemen serving in harms way.
We're very proud of Michael and being retired military myself I know some of the 
sacrifices that servicemen and women have to make to serve in the military, 
as does his father who is also a veteran.