WYCD Grunwald’s Operation Yellow Ribbon Blog # 6 Yesterday was an eye opener. I went on a run to downtown Fallujah to pick up some insurgents. It took hours just to get going. It was maybe 5 miles away. When you go outside of camp you’re risking your life. Yesterday before we left a marine came to me and said he needed some information for the “Kill Sheet” . I asked what that was and every time you leave the camp you have to do that because it’s so dangerous. They want your name, your Soc Sec #, and your blood type. It really shocked me and made me think how they do this everyday. I said to one Marine does it scare you. He said no sir it’s my job. Well the bad news today is I found out my big boss e mailed someone in the military and said she did NOT want me going downtown with the MIT team and the Iraqi Army. They don’t have phones and its crazy dangerous. There were a bunch of guys I wanted to see but now cant. UGHHHHH. I mean it’s a war and I am here. What happens happens. I am as safe as I can be. They told me today that if they get me down there it might be 5 days to a week until they can get me out. Yes its less then 5 miles away but they take gunfire everyday and attacks. I can’t tell you everything that goes on here because a lot is classified. I will tell you that I have seen dead people and it’s not something I really want to see again. I also don’t want to freak out my bosses anymore then I have to. So mums the word. Today Major Kolomjec from Grosse Pointe made me get a haircut. The Major is in charge here. He said it was too long and they want me to look as much like a marine as possible for my safety. So we loaded up the humvee and took off for Camp Fallujah. It’s a mile away but outside the camp where we are. So we need full armor and weapons to get there. We had two guys with us plus Master Sergeant. The Master Sergeant was told to get me a “Marine haircut”. So it took 3 hours and the whole time the Master Sergeant is telling me it has to be shorter. I thought he was kidding. It’s so short now. So the Iraqi barber on base ended up cutting it 3 times. He would cut it shorter every time. I ended up saying that’s all I am doing after I freaked out and looked in the mirror. I had so much hair on the floor it was not even funny. I swear you could stamp SPAULDING in my head and I would like a basketball. We left and when I got back to base after taking 3 hours to do so. Not because the haircut took that long but going from check point to checkpoint and getting in and out of the camp is a HUGE DEAL. Back at base I said good bye to the guys and walked the long ways to get online at the internet hut. I walk about 10 miles a day here or so it seems. I got online and the next thing I know the phone rings. I am looking for Steve Grunwald. I said that was me and went to the phone. It was the Master Sergeant and he said I need to come get you now. The Major wants to see your hair. I thought maybe they were laughing about it so I said ok. When I met him out front he said the major is not happy. He told me we were both going to be in trouble when he got one look at my head. After a few min I knew he was not kidding. I am not in the Marines but when I signed my papers I said I would agree to basically anything they told me. I signed over 100 of them. So when he told the Master Sergeant today to see to it personally that I get my hair cut like a Marine he wanted it done. Anyway after walking into the office and having my hat on, ( Remember I am in a full marine uniform with no rank ) The major was not happy. He was MAD. He said to the master Sergeant “I told you to take him and get a haircut”, Does that look like a Marine haircut”? The Master Sergeant said “No Sir”. He then said to me I told everyone on the radio in Detroit today that I was giving you a “Marine cut” now do you want to make me out to be a liar. I said “No sir”. He said “good”. Seeing now that you two can’t follow orders and you wasted all this time today, tomorrow at noon I will be taking you to Camp Fallujah to get it done right. I said its short sir I will look like a pumpkin. I said this hoping he would laugh or agree with me. He said “It’s not even a navy haircut”. Then he went around the room and asked everyone in there if that was a good haircut. Of course everyone agreed. Who is going to disagree? So now I have to take another 3 hours out of my day and go with a group tomorrow and get it cut. You can see the pictures of the first hair cut online now. I don’t want it any shorter but what can I do. Nothing. I am really bummed. Everyone says it will grow back. Well I don’t want to wait until the spring to get my next hair cut. Well someone remind me when I get back to cancel my hair cut for Tuesday and the next 6 months. I fell down again on my way back here to get online. You can laugh it was funny. Remember there are no lights here outside at night. They use green glow sticks by the walk ways but other then that its total black for safety. The guard posts use night vision and other things to see in the dark. I am getting used to walking in the total dark or at least thought so until I fell again. I have only fallen twice tonight. Hey it’s better then the night before buts lets not talk about that. It’s kind of funny sometime you see people just smack the dirt in the dark. I know that’s mean but no one can see where they are going. Oh well at least they can’t shoot you at night if they don’t see you. During the day you have the 6 sec rule. Never stand still more then 6 sec so they can’t target in on you for a shot. There are so many things to remember. Drink drink drink the water. Everywhere you go giant bottles of water for everyone. You get so dehydrated because it’s so dry here. With that being said I better go and look at myself in the mirror one more time. I want to say goodbye to my hair. Some of the guys are telling me to just say no and hold my ground. The more I think about it the more I might. What can he do? Really? I am so irritated I am going to bed. Good Night Detroit

Just cut it! It is hair it will grow back!!! Remember your blogs about taking things for granted? Do youthink the men and women there are able to have a "normal" hair cut or be able to go to the salon to get highlights? NO! Just cut it and quit being ababy. Besides, you'll probably get a lot of girls wanting to rub it. (And get your mind out of the gutter.) See you when you get home!! P.S. CUT IT!!

Just wanted to say Hi to you Grunwald and hello to our men and women over there! Thank you guys :-)

Give a HUG to TIM Chong for me - he is in unit 43600 - 24th Marines THX

You obviously have no idea what his options may be. You, my friend, are in HIS sandbox. They don't call him "SIR!" for nothing. You could look @ it this way, The more you cooperate wiht them the more they will respect you and want to show you. Youare brave to go and visit. Be brave and cut your hair. Bless you and all of them too.

And cut it! It's for your own safety. You want to make it home ok don't you? Don't take the risk. It will grow back in a couple months and you won't even know you cut t in the first place!

Their right thats no Marine haircut it has to be shorter. Don't worry it will grow back. Bald men are Sexy!!

Way to Steve...it looks super good on you...hot, hot, hot.

Your just giving up your hair-it grows back. Just keep remembering why your really there-

Do it, Steve!

Quit crying will u! You look GREAT and the person who wrote the last comment before mine is right--we women do love military men! You will be fine and you will be able to get in and out of the shower, ready for work in no time at all. Just stay safe and remember, we still love ya, miss you, and be here when you get back (even if it is with 1/4 inch hair, LOL)! See ya,Steve--Janie (TSGFCP)

Hey it is only hair..at least you are alive and will come home soon. Lots of girls like the feel of a high and tight hair cute ! Diane Former Army Nurse

I have a challenge for you - all of the money that you will save on haircuts, tips, dye jobs, and other various hair products, you can donate to a really good cause. WYCD does the St. Jude for Children thing in February - you could probably have a couple hundred bucks saved by then!!! Are you up for the challenge? You can email me back with your answer. Just cut it all off as a show of support. Besides, you agreed in writing that you would do anything the military requests. Like I e-mailed you previously, heaven help you should male pattern baldness run in your family!!! Take Care and STAY SAFE!!! Kim

Hey Grunwald. I Wanted to let you know that my brother is a Marine over there with you guys right now and I signed the ribbon, I even stapled my brothers Marine Corps picture to it so if you happen to see that spot you can know thats mine. I get my hair cut "MARINE" style because i like it that way. Im not in the service myself but would proudly serve if they would let me. I've try'd myself to join but have been shot down by the militart medical docs because of a previous knee injury. The hair will grow back and think of it this way. It will show your fellow Marines that you care wish and want to be with them and will do what it takes to be a suporter for what they do. And I have a better idea. With all the money you save from now till the next time that you really will need a cut. Use the money you saved and buy things for a CARE PACKAGE for the Michigan guys over there that your with. Give more to them than just of what you can now. Show them that just because your gone that you havnt forgotten. I think that will mean a whole lot more to them. Thanks And Have A Great Night. From the brother of a Marine.

haven't you heard most womrn love a man in uniform!!!! Make this work for you when you gwr back!! Lee

I wish you would realize that what you are doing is special and the small sacrifices you are making are all worth while. Your hair will grow back, your heart just keeps getting bigger, your mind is expanding and your appreciation for what you have is becoming overwhelming. You are experiencing something that not alot of us get the chance to or would want to. If you take one thing from this atleast it will be that you were not a coward. You are wonderfull keep your head up and you look great with the high and tight. Tammie

Hi Grunwald, I just wanted to say that I think what you are doing is a wonderful thing! Be Careful and come home safe. God Bless you and all of our troops! Michelle

Hi Steve, I just wanted to say that you are a great guy for doing what you have done. I know the troops appreciate everything that you have done. Roxanne

Steve, what you are doing is a amazing thing, I am sure you will come back a changed man (and not just changed from the haircut) I like the new dew, I think it looks better that before. Stay Safe!

As you know the day, You set out on your mission you were going to make sacrifices, as those men and women do daily, You have brought them family, and friendship from home. You have opened your arms and let them become apart of your family, Well, It's time to step up and be a part of theres, Cut the Hair for the respect of each and everyone of them who have kept you safe and welcomed you into there family, Grenwald you are now apart of a bigger family then you ever could imagine, You have formed a Botherhood with our troops. You Grenwald have made a commitment to those men and women and the follow thru for us everyday. So take that direct order from the master Sargent and be proud you are a american. Show us Some Skin Brother!!! beside i aint seen a Marine yet wearing a high and Tight. Be as Sexy as they are wearing it proudly.. P.s Women just love to run there hands over that.. So what do ya say G" Let's Roll!! Tammy ( when of the morning crew groupies)

Steve, I think you hair cut makes you look sexy. I am so proud of what you are doing for our soldiers. I pray to God everyday and wish you safe in your journey over there, also our wonderful Men and Women that are devoted to making us safe here at home. May God bless you and help you return home safe. A devoted listner Donna

Steve you look great with the short hair. You'll get used to it. You have had a the same look for so long that any change bothers you. The ladies will love it. Gerry

Steve, I listen to the morning show every day and just love all of you guys(and Rachel). I was not able to sign the banner, but I support everything you have done and are doing for our troops. My nephew just came home from over there. He was part of the 1072nd Maintenance Co., out of Detroit. You are so brave and I appreciate sooo much what you are doing for our troops. You are in our thoughts and prayers everyday and I wish you a safe return and can't wait to see the cut. Take care,

Hey Steve, I'm proud of you for being over there but stop complaining about a hair cut. Ask for a high and tight tomorrow give a Marine corp grunt and do a few push ups. You will impress the Major and prove to the Marines that you want to be one of them. I spent a few years with the MArines with as a Corpsman and belive me, they are the best bunch of people. Semper Fi Marines Doc Hulsey

I met you when I signed the yellow ribbon. You were cute then, but you are hot now. If you liked older women, I would sweep you off your feet! lol Terry-Livonia

The hair looks good and what you are doing is awosome!!!

before this trip, i wasnt too sure about you, but now I have nothing but respect, wish i could do the same...quit being a whiny punk and cut the hair, women love it

Thanks for all you are doing over there!

Nothing turns me on more than when my husband (LCpl in 1/24)gets his hair cut... are you kidding me? Get the high and tight, be proud you did and stop being a civilian about it! It may be the closest you'll ever come to being a Marine. I promis the ladies will LOVE it... and Ladies that Love Marines are the kind you wanna LOVE back... Semper Fi ~ YOUR KICK'N ARS DEVIL DOGS AND WERE PROUD OF YOU ALL~ God Bless!! Grunwald, you in good hands... Give those men bigs hugs for all us wives/gf's/fiance'sback home! ~Mrs. Barnes

Looks great! You're still a handsome man!!!Stay safe!!!

I be sending a fun care package for the 1/24 soon. Hope your journey home is uneventful. Stay Safe! Julie

Hey Grunwald! Don't worry about your hair, you know it'll grow back. Take care of youself while you're over there and come home safe. We all miss you, and please tell the men and women over there that they are in our hearts and prayers!! MISS YOU!!

What I would give to rub your bald head....The ladies are right, every woman loves a man in uniform...Shave it off and if you don't like it, it will grow back! God Bless you and come home safely...

Steve, Your radio news cast and interviews with the soliders from the base have deeply touched me. I am a close family friend of the Kolemjec's (his wife Julie and his 3 kids, Jackie, Madeline, and Christopher Jr.). I cannot begin to express our gratitude for all that you have done Steve by going there and lifting those GI's spirits. Steve, you have become a very special person to all the military families there. Chris's family and myself will be there on Monday to welcome you home. Please tell Chris we love him and for him to stay safe, and take care of those men whose lives he has been entrusted to protect. We are so very proud of you Chris. Remember Chris those solider's and their families are as much a part of your family as we are. God be with you my dear friend, Chris and get home to us soon. Safe trip home Steve, can't wait to see your new hair-do and hear all your stories. Maureen and The Kolemjec Family oxoxox

A haircut should be the least of your worries. We miss you.

I am Lcpl Miller, a Marine with Bravo Company....Just wanted to say thanks to all the detroit people back home! i am here in the "Train Station" in falluja...outside Camp Bahria. We are all doing good and very much appreciate all the support from back home! THanks for all the warm holiday wishes and look forward to coming home soon. Happy Holidays....and hope to see Grunwald here....Semper Fi...p.s. my email is tjmdesigns@hotmail.com, if you care to pass on messages to any Bravo Company Marines.

if the government would let this ole grandma come and stand beside you i would. i have lived a wonderful life and would gladly take your place to send you home out of harms way. Love and God Bless all , grandma judy