A warriors Battle

Saturday, July 30, 2011

After Action Report - by Ed

This has been an initial engagement with AITL, clots, and "plankton". It has taught me a lot. So, if you all don't mind, I would like to share a lesson learned or two.

Forty Four years ago, 1967, I was in Khe Sahn and we were in trouble. A lot of us were wounded, dieing, or dead, and if it had not been for the 26th Marines showing up, we were goners. I walked away from that without a scratch, but death would remain my companion, and I would never fear death again. I was a Marine and sharing the risk with other Marines meant, worst case, you were going to die in good company. The priority was train hard, accomplish the mission, and bring as many Marines back from the clutches of the dragon as you could.

Well, you can imagine ten days ago when I was smelling the dragon, and there were no Marines on my left or right. This was going to be a solo event? I felt alone. Then Fire Team Lesnowicz showed up in force. Then you all showed up on the blog with prayers and the confidence that I was up to the task. It will be your prayers and your faith in my tenacity that will pull me through.

We have a long way to go.

Lesson Learned: I am not alone. As I walked my path in this life I didn't realize I was building my team along the way that would come to my aide. Thank You!

Semper Fi

Ed

43 comments:

  1. Thanks dad for the lesson learned. I have been merely trying to express the journey to those I know wish they could be closer to the fight. The only way to truly capture how we deal with things is to be as open and honest as possible. Hence the jokes, tender moments and tears I have expressed. I take away from your post that sometimes when we think we are alone merely because we are taken from our comfort zone. Expressing the journey can bring people to your side. Also, if we give throughout our lives, care for others. They will come to our aide and it's okay to ask for them to be there, even if you are a Marine.

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  2. Ed,
    The lessons just keep on coming, don't they! My recent one was my first broken bone, in my foot. The support I got from my friends was so appreciated and I learned I never want to leave any friend of mine without the same.
    Your story brought tears to Frank and my eyes and I can only imagine what a soldier, far from home must feel. Thanks for sharing that.
    May you have a speedy recovery and stay strong!
    Your friends,
    Toni & Frank

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  3. When we are dealt something like this we find we are not alone, we went through this when Joe had his accident its just amazing all the love and support we are right there with with you if only in spirit ,thoughts and prayers. You have a great family. We pray for you to have a speedy recovery
    Love Joe and Gail Rocha

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  4. We love you. There's no such thing as solo with this crew. Thank you for sharing. Our prayers, hugs, plankton, and Snickers will continue to rain on that dragon's parade. Love from San Diego, Chris & Bender

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  5. We are thinking of you and cheering for you from Laguna Beach CA, Ed! Analicia, you are an amazing writer. Heather, we hope to see you soon. Love to all the Lesnowicz family! From the Vanderwerfs.

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  6. We are thinking of you and praying for you! Keep fighting!

    Joel and Sara Detrick

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  7. It's so good to hear from you Ed! Even if it brought tears to my eyes. I know you have a tough fight, but I hopeful the strength of your family and friends will make this journey a little more bearable.

    We are thinking of you,
    Kelly

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  8. Texas is praying for you Ed!! We am so thankful that things are looking up and that Matt made it home safely! We love you!

    Richard and Morgan Armstrong

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  9. Dear Ed, Mary and Team Lesnowicz,

    We will always be on your team and by your side.

    We're so glad to hear your voice and feel your strong spirit. You've got our thoughts, prayers, faith and love. Keep up the fight!

    Semper Fi,
    Chris, Sue and Mike

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  10. Ed,

    It is great to hear you are home where you are comfortable and the environment familiar to you. I pray for calm in your family and your road to a successful and restful recovery.

    I have a horrible cold right now and won’t even risk sharing it with others, especially you. I may park out in front of your house and check id’s as folks approach and look forward to seeing you one day soon.

    Jim Howes
    831 254-0695

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  11. Thanks for the story Uncle Ed and good to hear from you.Thank you also Analicia for keeping us updated and creating this blog.We do have a big strong family and we are never alone.You and your family have the right mind set to beat this, so keep getting better and we look forward to seeing you soon.

    Love Lionel, Penny & Family

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  12. I remember that dragon. I remember being covered in soot, sifting through the ashes. That's where I found the hidden pearls. Best wishes for a speedy recovery as you continue your journey to uncover the abundant jewels in your life.... they were there all along. 5,941 days, and still counting:) xoxbon

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  13. Good Day ol' chap. I figured out how to add my picture, so now you can look at my pretty face! hahaha and every time you feel pain, look at me and remember how much I make you laugh! I love your update, isn't it nice to know you know you are not alone my dear friend...hope today is a better day....sending my love to you....Kathleen

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  14. What a wonderful surprise to hear from you IN PERSON, sitting comfortably in that chair near the window, and being pampered by Mary with those delicious goodies she creates for special occasions (wish I were there!). Thank you for sharing your feelings, we all learn so much from each other's life experiences. Love from all of us, Lisa

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  15. Dear Ed, yes, it is a wonderful surprise to hear from you. Of course you are not alone! All of us are put on our backs by God from time to time so we will look up to Him, our first responder. It is your turn now and once you have learned your lessons He will put you back on your feet. He is not yet done with you. There is more for you to do, you'll see.
    Francisco (Bobbie sends love and hugs)

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  16. Hi, Uncle Ed! It's great to hear from you!
    So happy you are back home where you can get some REAL rest. Hospitals have their purpose....then you want to get the heck out of them!!!!! lol Was sharing your progress at church again last night. Everyone is thankful to God for keeping His watch over you. Continued prayers being said for your complete recovery, no matter how long it takes! I know you probably won't make it to the reunion, but that's ok, first things first and that is your getting well. Yes, we'll miss you there, but we don't want you to take a chance on it being a "Germ Reunion". (No relation!!)
    One day at a time, Sweet Jesus!
    Take it easy, ok? :-)
    We love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! xoxox

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  17. Hey there Sweet Lips! :-) I'll bet you are giving everyone hell who is trying to take care of you!! John Van Hise emailed me last week and I spoke with Anjulee today to get an update. I'll send you a bottle of Kentucky bourbon for medicinal puposes! :-) It will cure anything! I miss you and you are still my favorite boss EVER!! Glad I can keep tabs on you through the blog. You're doing great! Love, :-) E Elizabeth Mitchell 202-255-8140

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  18. Uncle Ed....you certainly have an awesome way with words. On Friday, I did my first "Relay for Life" as a Cancer Survivor for the The American Cancer Society. One of my laps was for you. You were right next to me, saying, "Can those little legs go any faster?". I said, "Yes they can!" It was my first Walk and what an emotional but uplifting experience. We are certainly not alone. You have the best troop around. My prayers continue for you. Love, Madalena

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  19. Mr. and Mrs. L,

    Can´t think of a time when the two of you weren´t a source of warmth and inspiration. A true role model. Once again, you rise to the occasion and fill my (our) heart(s) with pride and reverence.

    This is not over yet. Another day, another battle. The challenge is still immense but no bigger than your tenacity or our faith. The prayers will continue and the love will keep on growing.

    Stay strong.

    Yours,

    Luciano

    PS – save me some of that bourbon.

    PS II – how could you not have seen the team you were building? We are the biggest fans you can think of… We´re the EDHEADS!!! :-)

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  20. Ed,
    I have read MANY of your "After Action Reports" and this by far is your best. You always have a way with words... good or bad! I am so proud to be part of your "team" in life. I am praying for you and your family with every ounce of faith I have. You have made me a better person by including me on your team and you have taught me there is nothing "we" can't handle in life. I truly believe that if anyone was strong enough for this battle it is you... You are one “determined” man and I pity anything that stands in your way when you are on a mission. I believe that you are going to put up one hell of a fight and come out of this battle with a "Fast Eddie" grin, cigar and glass of Johnny Walker!

    If you or your family needs anything I am here night or day... Not just because you pay me to be here but because it is my pleasure and path in life! I promise I won't offer to cook anything... :)

    All my love, support, respect and prayers! Anjulee

    PS… I have to agree with E when she says you are the best boss EVER, even though I consider you more than just boss… I know yellow light!

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  21. There is seldom a week that goes by when some of the Marines have a BOGSAT (Bunch of Old Guys Sitting Around Talking) and the name of Colonel Ed Lesnowicz generally is mentioned in reverent and often raucous terms. Ed remains one of my all-time heroes, and I am proud to have served with this legend, myth, man. I have a couple of Cuban cigars (shhh!), and a good single malt waiting for the right occasion to celebrate. I am honored to call Ed friend for a couple of decades, and to share the sea stories. Some of them may even be true. Who knows? Who cares? Semper Fi. Hang tough my friend. Steve Fisher

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  22. Fast Eddie

    Got a SitRep on you from Mike O'Neil. I have to echo the above comments of Steve Fisher... but he is just Grunt and isn't really attuned to the true value of the living legend that you truly are as are we... your brother artillerymen! You are one of the most colorful individuals in our illustrious Officer Corps... I tell lies about you all the time... people believe them and it takes the heat off of me! So you nasty SOB; don't you dare die on me... all of us who served with you need you to remind us what it means to be a Marines' Marine. God Bless and hang in there my very dear friend. Lenny Supko

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  23. Hi Uncle Ed, So glad to hear you are home. Thanks for sharing your story. You guys are all a huge inspiration. I hope you continue to heal and have more good news. Love you guys! Lindsay

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  24. Hi Ed, I'm thinking of you today......and sending lots of light and love and laughs....you are in my prayers.. Albeit God knows I am a lapse CaThOlic
    I hope she does not hold it against me and keeps that angel on your shoulder...love to u....Kathleen

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  25. Uncle Ed,
    Just wanted you to know those prayers are still going, day by day for you! Hoping your being back home is doing you well.
    Love to you, Auntie and the Les'Clan'owicz's! :-)

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  26. Ed,

    Sorry buddy but time for you to get back to work. I have to give you an update from the field (not the real field just down here at Camp Roberts.) Your bright idea, TALE (pronounced towel-lee for those of you who do not know that Ed apparently admires the French), just produced a another outcome that will save more Marines (and other troops) on the battlefield. I showed SOCCENT today and they are going to fasttrack the new capability to theater. Your intuition in creating TALE was spot on - even from that fancy bed you continue to take care of your Marines.

    You are one of the reasons this old retired Sailor still proudly proclaims that I am "Marine Corps Trained." You and your wonderful family are in our prayers. Debbie and I hope to see our favorite bannana slug soon.

    Ray Buettner

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  27. Ed glad to hear you are home. You are an amazing fellow, of course I knew that, but now I know How AMAZING! I'm thinking of you and wanted you to know that.....hang in there, you are a tough "bird". Love and hugs Kathleen

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  28. Well said, Ed, soooooo great to hear from you. Love your attitude, love the way you think. You are definitely one of a kind.

    with love,
    your biggest fans - the Dudikoffs

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  29. Hi Uncle Ed, We miss you and love you all!! We are praying for you. You are such a strong and inspirational person. Sending you and the family lots of love from Colorado. We know that if anyone can win this battle it's you Uncle Ed!!!

    Love,
    Medel Stephanie Mel and Mckenzie

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  30. Wisdom Jacket,

    Took me awhile to figure out how to post a comment. Technically challenged.

    You and Mary need to come down here and go for a leisurely sail when you get out of the hospital. Based on the reports it should be soon!

    Roseanne and I are pulling for you and wish you the best.

    S/F,

    Zamboni

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  31. Colonel,
    This is my second post. Posted elsewhere earlier. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I know you can beat this, you are one of the toughest Marines I ever served with!!! Semper Fi,
    Parrish A. Kinney SGT. USMC Echo 92-94 Comm Chief

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  32. My name is Rebekah Bain. I don't know if Ed will remember me but he certainly will remember my Husband Matthew Bain. We were at NPS in Monterey and traveled to Hawaii and Sweeden with the team. I asked Matt just a few weeks ago about Ed and wondered if I would find him on Facebook. I just received this blog today and started reading. I plan on reading it all over the next day or 2. I am in tears and touched. My mom went through a Bone Marrow transplant 15 years ago and I recently lost my dad, so I certainly have high emotions as i read your beautifully written post. I am praying. I know God's love has been a blessing and a comfort. I will write more as I continue to read.

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  33. Wisdom Jacket, words cannot express my grief. Don't give up old man! You have my e-mail address; if I have 2, 1 is yours, if I only have 1, I would give you 1/2. We are Marines, the liver is no good. Hang tough big brother. Top

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  34. Ed, I sense victory for the home team. You once told me that certain things besides the Dragon affected your sense of smell. You said, "whenever I hear a helo close overhead the smell of dust and the salty smell of blood fills my nose." Those are real smells. I plan on coming by on 14 July. Wave me off if need be. Walt Davis

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