It's been awhile....

Sorry for the delay in postings, but it's been a long week for Andrew. I spoke with him last night and he has been feeling a little under the weather and is getting over a cold. He has been working with a lot of the local people and therefore being exposed to the ever so wonderful gross and grimy germs of the Afghanistan people. But he is starting to feel much better.

Andrew finally got the two care packages from me and one from my sister. My first package took 2 1/2 wks to get there and the second package was better, only taking 8 days. My sister's package only took one week. He was so excited! From this point on, the mail should be pretty regular and only take 5-7 days to arrive from the states. Please note the address change on the blog. We have been advised to not put his rank on the packages for security reasons. His company has also changed from C,co. to HHC.

Andrew's unit did experience a loss with one of their unit soldiers last week. An evil roadside bomb killed a soldier from Maryland and two other Marines were injured. Andrew did not know the soldier very well, but he was a fellow soldier which means a brother lost. The news was a lot harder for me to cope with than it was for Andrew. I was a mess and could not stop thinking about how real this deployment is starting to feel. Andrew on the other hand, is in a state of mind to continue working and get the job done, which is what we want rather than being distracted. He said he does not have time to think about the loss. The unit is holding a memorial service for the fallen soldier which Andrew will attend on Wed., so please keep the fallen soldiers' family in your thoughts as well as the unit to stay focused on their mission and to stay safe.

Andrew is hopefully getting a computer this week so he can get caught up on this blog and hopefully write some comments to everyone. And with a computer he will be able to post some pictures of where he is at. I know I am looking forward to that as well.

As always, thank you to everyone for your support, encouraging words and prayers. Until next time.......Count your blessings and hug your loved ones tightly.

Promotion!

I heard from Andrew yesterday on a cell phone he was issued, rather than the hassle of being connected thru the Pentagon. He called at an unsual time with the good news of being promoted to a Staff Sergeant (E-6)!! He is very excited and looking forward to the perks, what those may be I am not sure besides a pay increase :)

He was in good spirits and has a countdown of 335 days until he is finished with this deployment. The 335 days includes his 2wks. of R&R home and also the 2wks. of debriefing when they return to the states. So, we figured roughly about 300 more days of playing in the sandbox and then it's back to playing with bad guys on the street with IMPD! We can't wait!

Andrew is going to buy his own laptop in a couple of weeks and then he will be able to post some pictures of where he is, sleeps, eats, etc. He will also be able to post his own posting rather than me, his wife posting for him. I am looking forward to the pictures as I know most of you will find them interesting as well.

Andrew and I ask that you please keep the Ft. Hood soldiers and families in your thoughts and prayers, what a horrible tragedy. It is sad to know that a fellow soldier you are supposed to trust, loses his mind on a shooting spree! Please pray for the hard work and sacrifices of our soldiers and the toll it takes on their mental health. It is important to have family and friends show there support. Thank to this blog and the comments, we know we are loved and supported.

Until next time........