CHARLIE-IN-IRAQ , that's what my 12 year old son calls him. Hell, it's what my wife and I call him. When praying for Charlie at the dinner table, it was always for CHARLIE-IN-IRAQ. When signing and sending a card, or with me, my son (Ben) filling up a flat-rate USPS box with goodies that would neither explode nor melt, it was for CHARLIE-IN-IRAQ. That's his name in our house. It will always be that way. He's been named... like when family call you Sport, or Bud, or Bone-Head, or Tiger! ... It's just CHARLIE-IN-IRAQ. That's how it is. Years later, I know if my son looks through these cyber-photos, and see's US Marine CPL Charles MECHLING III, he'll say...there's CHARLIE-IN-IRAQ! Charlie is the son of a friend I met through the Patriot Guard Riders. Charlie's Dad, I know as "Chief". To him I'm Jihad or JihadGene. I cherish his friendship. Chief is an American, a Former US Marine
(Beirut Barracks), a Native American LAKOTA Indian, and caucasian. Chief loves his country and his people...which includes his son Charlie. CHARLIE-IN-IRAQ has those blood-ties plus his mom is Korean (small world). Put 'em all together and stand back(any and all enemies of the United States of America)! I first met Charlie on a Patriot Guard Riders "Welcome Home" ride, back from his 1st tour in Iraq. It started at Camp Pendleton and eventually ended in Stockton. One of Charlie's supporter's was a teacher from his high school, who was always impressed by Charlie's warmth and great qualities. Man that's refreshing!. That's Charlie! So while Charlie got busy back home (Camp Pendleton), I got involved with SoldiersAngels thanks to BLACK FIVE (that merry band of Saints & Son's-A-B*tche's) who put out a call for Soldier's Angels to support some 3,000 US Marines with the 13th MEU, I jumped in. Three months later the Fight'n 13th was home. Some months later Chief e-mails me that Charlie's back in the fight (Al-AnBar Province again) and could use some Coppenhagen and socks. Ahh... the life of a Marine Infantryman! So I couldn't wait to join in and get my 12 year old son involved picking out stuff for CHARLIE-IN-IRAQ. Ben, always came up with some great ideas for stuff/snacks that could survive the harsh enviornment and weather. A little later, guess what? CHARLIE-IN-IRAQ wrote us a letter! We will always treasure it! This great kid, who's Dad (Chief) says, "My son is a carpenter, he carries a S.A.W." (squad automatic weapon), took time away from his busy day and wrote. During this tour CHARLIE-IN-IRAQ lost his best friend MATT, from Houston,Texas to an IED. I wrote to CHARLIE-IN-IRAQ, about his friend's death. I don't remember what I said but hoped it would help, and it was hard to write. Some months, packages, cards-and-letters later, CHARLIE-IN IRAQ, completed his 2nd tour and is back at Pendleton.
You ask us (my son and I) to name a great W.W.E. Wrestler and we'd give you different answers. Ask us who's an American Hero, and together we'll tell ya, It's "CHARLIE-IN IRAQ"!!!.
JihadGene & Ben
*Please join or give to Soldier's Angels. JG.
