Happy Birthday Andrew!

Today is Andrew's 28th birthday! They made it to the Middle East last week and have been busy running a couple of missions and acclimating to the environment. He says its warm and dry and there are camels everywhere. Apparently he almost had his first run in with a camel who got into his blind spot, which I'm assuming is pretty big in a Humvee! There was rumor that they might receive their new ranks today so I'll keep you all posted if he is awarded one. He will be moving soon and will have a permanent address which I'll make available to those who request it.

We love you Andrew. Have a great birthday and we're all thinking of you at home.

Keeping on

I heard from Andrew the other day who was in the midst of his six-day trek outdoors. He hasn't had much contact as they keep him busy day in and day out. He's doing fairly well save for the unexpected transfer to his previous unit and the Wisconsin humidity. He'll have his leave shortly and then will be off to begin his tour. If you're interested in sending him a note or a package, comment me or send me an email and I'd be happy to send you his address. Soldiers always love some mail!

Landed

Andrew called and they got in to Wisconsin just fine. It's hot and humid and otherwise Wisconsin-like. They flew Alaska Airlines, which is the airline Andrew works for, and apparently there weren't enough employees to unload the planes. Well, Andrew to the rescue! He went in and started helping the rampers unload and got the soldiers involved as well and they were able to unload all the planes. They've given the guys some down time after all their travel between bus rides to LA and flights to Wisconsin. There is a small glitch with paperwork between state agencies and federal agencies but its expected to all work out fine and then it'll be off to work!

Goodbyes

We saw Andrew last night for the last time. We enjoyed celebrating him and his birthday a bit early with Mom and Dad, Andrew and Nataly and our family. He heads to Dublin tomorrow and then him and his unit head to Wisconsin for some training and then deploy to Baghdad. Goodbyes are always hard but this one was especially hard. We've been waiting and waiting and waiting for this moment and when it was finally here you just want it to be anywhere else. Its going to be a long year and there are a lot of anxious feelings. We're proud of you, Andrew. And we're going to miss you. We love you and pray safety for you and your unit.