D stands for deployment. Our son, Maj Erik W. Jilson USMC leaves on an all expenses paid trip to Afghanistan to begin a tour of duty. We've been facing this day for what seems like a long time but we said good bye by phone a couple of hours ago. I changed my avatar to mark the occasion giving the girls a needed rest. Many of my friends have gone to his facebook page to wish him well, and you all are certainly welcome to do the same if you are so inclined. If you go to facebook please don't mind some of the pictures which display his characteristic off beat humor. Beneath that surface lies a gentleman with great integrity and intelligence. We are very proud of him and love him dearly.

http://www.facebook.com/thorie#!/pro...?id=1544001430