December 24, 2007

We are anxiously waiting, hoping to hear something from Josh. Janet monitors the instant message almost anytime she suspects Josh might be able to get tointernet, given the time difference. Lots of soldiers with very few computers and no AT&T phones where Josh is! We heard form him on his birthday, December 11th, and he sounded busy and determined. Remember, all soldiers love to get cards and letters better than anything!!!!! Mail call, which is usually once a week for all of them, and they LOVE to recieve news from home. Pick your favorite soldier and become his penpal.

December 10, 2007
Update on Josh! There are 12 computers for at least 300 soldiers at the FOB, so when he manges to get in line and get online, we feel lucky to be in contact with him. He hopes that it will get better, there seem to be efforts being made to do just that. He already is talking about mid term leave and what he might et to do. Currently, they are doing right seat missions, which means they are working with the group they are replacing to make sure they are trained and in top shape. His home is a wood building with 5 other guys. Apparnetly they determined that cubicles would be nice, so they scavenged warped plywood and 2 X 4's and did their best.. or worst. Air freshner is a hot item. Uh huh..

By the way... it's Josh's birthday tomorrow!!

November 26, 2007
Josh is in Iraq! Not sure yet if he has made it to his FOB, but they can now recieve mail. Here are a few of the pics.. gives you an idea.. more next week!

 

NO AT&T Phones there so no phone cards will work for Grim Troop. NO place to buy toiletries, so to keep these soldiers from being sticky and stinky, care packages can include these kinds of items. Internet is only from a bank of computers, no wireless available.

November 13, 2007
Tired Josh..

Sunday night dinner ...laughter, joy, and teasing, praise God.Address updated!!!! As you see, Josh will be at Caldwell, a somewhat limited in amenities FOB. They have requested no packages sent until after December 2. In case anybody is interested Josh 's birthday is December 11th!!!

NO AT&T Phones there so no phone cards will work for Grim Troop. NO place to buy toiletries, so to keep these soldiers from being sticky and stinky, care packages can include these kinds of items. Internet is only from a bank of computers, no wireless available.

November 11, 2007

Apparently the Bedouins’ scavenge the range for spent shells, recylcing the brass from them. See below ...the trip over was long. They are busy, busy, busy over there. Updated picture shows the Bradley that Josh works in.

November 8, 2007 Josh was calm and clear headed, despite having to deal with his mother the three days before deployment. ;) His phone is getting service in Kuwait, he has sent us a text and sent his love along with the fact that he is safe and hard at work after the long flight to the middle east.

He says that he is very appreciative and grateful for all and each one of you who are praying for him, the 3rd ACR, and all the soldiers around the world.

Just watching as he loaded the buses to leave, noticing and hearing from the men he will be leading, and watching the leaders who will command Josh, they are an honorable, tight knit group determined to do the best job they can and come home safely.

 

Have courage for the great sorrows of life and patience for the small ones; and when you have laboriously accomplished your daily task, go to sleep in peace. God is awake.
Victor Hugo
French dramatist, novelist, & poet (1802 - 1885)

For all those whose loves ones are serving...

Dear Lord,
Give me the greatness of heart to see
the difference between duty and his love for me.
Give me a task to do each day,
to fill the time while he 'is away.
When he is in that foreign land,
keep him safe in your loving hand.
And, when duty is in the field,
please protect him and be his shield.

And Lord, when deployment is long,
please stay with me and keep me strong.
AMEN