It has been a very long time since the last update, but most of you are used to that. Again, my apologies.

Kris went back to Iraq on 10-Jul, after his two-week leave. He really enjoyed his leave. He says that he enjoyed being able to see clouds, and the 60-degree evenings. It was fantastic to see him. He has definitely changed in the months that he has been in Iraq. He's grown up quite a bit, and seen way more than any 20-year old should. Unfortunately, though, we weren't able to get many pictures of Kris during his leave. If any of you that are reading this update have any pictures of Kris from his leave, and would like to share them, please send me an email.

The death of one of his buddies, Spc. Eric McKinley, from Corvallis, has hurt him deeply. I think that was the point where the war really became real for Kris. Another death of a friend from a different platoon, Pfc. Ken W. Leisten, of Warrenton, has also affected Kris. My heart goes out to the families of these brave soldiers. May God ease your suffering and lift your heart for having known these fine young men.

Two weeks ago, Kris called on Saturday morning, 07-Aug. He wasn't able to talk for very long, and the line quality was very poor, but he told us that he was heading out on a mission the next day. The mission was for two to four weeks in Najaf, and he wasn't comfortable telling us any more than that. We all have heard of Najaf, lately, as the latest battleground against the Iraqi cleric Muqtada al-Sadr.

Last night, I received a telephone call from a close friend from work, asking me if I had seen Thursday's (19-Aug) edition of the Oregonian. He was pretty sure that the picture on page A6 had Kris in it. Not being a subscriber to the paper, I ran across the street to see if a neighbor still had it. It only took a glance to see that, indeed, the picture really was of Kris. The picture is of two soldiers emerging from a doorway during a gun battle in Najaf. Kris is clearly shown on the right side of the picture.

For any of you that are not able to view this image, I am also including a link to the image, where I am also keeping copies of these updates: http://www.pbase.com/image/32837153

Of course, for Linda and me, this is a disturbing photo. It shows our son clearly in harms' way, yet following his orders, and doing his job to the best of his ability. We are so very proud of our son, yet so very scared for his safety. Please keep praying for not only Kris's safety, but also for the safety of every soldier serving by his side.

I will write another update as soon as I hear anything from Kris.

Best wishes to all,

Stuart