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In this family photo, you see Marine Cpl. Jacob Pleger seeing his 4-month-old son, Levi, for the first time at Mirimar Air Station/San Diego after de-planing from his second tour of duty in Iraq. Jake, a 2003 graduate of North Idaho Christian School, was about Levi’s size when I first met him. In fact, I met Levi before Jake did when his wife, Mandy, brought him to Coeur d’Alene to visit with her parents in law, Earl and Leslie Pleger of Coeur d’Alene. This photo provides another reminder re: how much our military sacrifices to keep us safe. You can also read a brief story from San Diego TV station 6 re: Jake’s return here.
D.F. Oliveria is a columnist and blogger for The Spokesman-Review. Huckleberries Online was judged the best 2008 Idaho newspaper blog by the Idaho Press Club. And the best 2007 news blog in the Pacific Northwest by the Society for Professional Journalist. Print Huckleberries is a past winner of the Herb Caen Memorial Column contest by the National Association of Newspaper Columnists. The Readership Institute of Northwestern University cited this blog as a good example of online community journalism.
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Cindy_H on March 24 at 10:33 a.m.
I love this photo!
But for the sake of family harmony, I hope it moves down the line-up fairly quickly.
Pics like this make me miss my chubby, baby boys.
Then I start thinking….maybe one more might not be so bad…maybe I’ll get a girl this time…
When I express these thoughts to my spouse, it causes him a lot of anxiety.
I wonder why?
Frum Helen Back on March 24 at 10:41 a.m.
I love this photo too! It’s so obvious that Levi likes his daddy immediately. Hopefully Jake gets to stay home now and enjoy his family.
Tumblewords on March 24 at 10:57 a.m.
A heartwarming photo. Those faces radiate love…
JeanieSpokane on March 24 at 10:59 a.m.
That is absolutely the greatest photo - I love chubby babies and their sweet smiles. What a cutie!