Shannon [Gathof] Berrier:  

Life At this point in my life I am married to my best friend,Steven. I met him in Frankfort,Ky. He works for the state as a Radiation Tech and also serves in the Ky National Guard. He served 15 years in the Army as a SFC. He has 2 boys, one is in the Navy on a Destroyer stationed in Hawaii and the other is still in High School. I work for the largest company in the world..if you can't figure it out then you are from another world. Currently we are renovating an older home and finding it a challenge. I have a background in Design so it is somewhat easy for me but he is the one doing most of the work. That is me in a nutshell for now. As of May 14, 2005, My husband has been deployed for the purpose of "Iraqi Freedom" He will have to go to Iraq for a minimun of 18 months. Thank you Mr. President for sending our loved ones over to be in danger for some crazed people who have no respect for their own people. My stepson in off the coast of Japan on a Missle Destroyer for whatever happens there. God Bless those brave men and Women who are serving in our Armed Forces and keep them safe. Today Jan. 24,2006 My husband is still in Iraq defending Freedom. I haven't seen him since July of last year. I am fortunate that I get to talk with him on the phone often enough to know he is safe and doing well. My step son, Dean, is still in the Navy . He loves the Navy and all the traveling he gets to do. He also loves all the women he gets to meet in every Port the ship goes to. Tipical of a 23 year old. Gosh I remember 24, back in the dark ages of the 80's. My other Step son is in basic traing for the Army and will be a Tanker Specialist just like his dad was for 15 years. that worries me,he could end up in Iraq. He is 20 and wishing he could be independantly wealthy. I try to keep busy and not think of all the horrible things that could happen to my husband and his sons. I am active with the FRG, Family Readiness Group, of the Army. We send the Soldiers Birthday gifts and try to keep their spirits up. We try to keep the families sane and on track. Between our prayers and the strength of God watching over them we manage to keep things going smooth here in Ky. That is about it for this year. I only ask that any of you reading this keep all of those Soldiers in your prayers,maybe you know someone who is over there and can understand the fears of the family members left behind. God Bless America April 23,2008 WOW ...how time flies. I has been 2 years since I wrote in this diary. Today I have a step son in Iraq Defending Freedom for this great country that we call home. He has seen death & serious injuries to his friends & fellow Soldiers. He is brave & tries to get through each day without getting too depressed about why it is all happening. He has received an award for saving the life of his tanker unit when hit by an IED. His quick thinking & the training he received before going over is a credit to be able to do all that he has done. My husband is finally home & we are trying to live in harmony but have our bad days. This war is very stressful for him as he has his youngest son in a very bad combat zone with people dying every day & getting injured. Until you live it, you never really know the consequences of how wars affect people & their families. We just pray & ask God to protect those we love. If you have a Militray Post near you then I would suggest that you call & volunteer your services to those family members left behind to cope with every day life. Usually through the Family Readiness Group [FRG]. They will welcome your assistance & kindness with open arms. Children especially have a hard time with a parent going off to war & not being able to understand why they cannot talk to mom/dad/brother/sister... The last few years have not been good for me. My husband of 22 years passed away in 2006. My brother Timmy, was seriously injured in an auto accident in Utah. He was hit by a 17 year old girl who was said to have been texting or talking on a cell phone & claimed she did not see him. Timmy is recovering & trying to cope with every day life. A lot of you at Minico knew Timmy & that he is "challenged mentally" He was doing very well living in Orem,Utah with his own apartment & a job at Wendy's. Now he lives in Nashville with friends. He was very lucky to have survived this accident. A lot of people gave support to him by visiting him & sending him cards & pictures. Bill Fagerbakki sent him personal autographed pics of him & Sponge Bob with a personal messages..thanks Bill. Marie Osmond & her brother Merrill went to see Timmy, they live only a few minutes away from the Rehab where Timmy was staying for therapy..Thanks guys for doing that. Mendy Gledhill went to see hi...Expand for more