HOME AT LAST

Well, for those of you who didn't hear, my husband made it home Friday, January 13th 2006. He was kinda skinny, and a little bit dirty, but overall he was in good spirits. I am very glad to have him home. Here are a few pics and I will post more later! I have to spend time with Dave! *smiles*

Anticipation SUCKS

So my friend Lea-Ann and I went last night to watch one of the coming home ceremonies at Coltrell Field. We parked in a lot across the street where we could see, but wouldn't be in the way of those trying to greet their loved ones. As we see the busses full of soldiers start pulling in, we both teared up a bit. We are very glad that our guys are coming home. And although we wished it would have been our husbands, we were happy for those who got to spend last night with their loved ones. But now that we have seen it and know that the ceremony is only about 5 minutes long (They march across the field, play the National Anthem, a "guest speaker" welcome's them home, they sing the Marne and Army Songs, and then they are dissmissed!) we are getting excited. The last few months have gone so slowly, and now it is a waiting game. "Will my husband make the flight home on *** day, or will he be delayed another day?" It is so nerve racking! And the Anticipation is killing me. I still have stuff to do, but I can't WAIT for him to come home! *Screams*

I love you David... I will talk to you today, and see you later this week! *Jumps for Joy*

Tribute to a Fallen Soldier

SPC Ryan Walker (30 Dec 1980 - 5 Jan 2006)



I come to everyone tonight with a heavy heart. One of the medics in my husbands unit was killed in Action yesterday. His name was SPC Ryan Walker. He was a Combat Medic in the US Army, and was just a few short days from coming home when his time ran out. He had recieved a Purple Heart in April 2005. He was a good person, and from what I know a damn fine medic. Please pray for him, his family, and for the rest of his unit, still in Iraq. It just goes to show that no matter how close they are to coming home, nothing is guarenteed.






Above Pictures taken in January 2005, as the unit prepared to deploy in support of OIF III

I would like to add an additional note to all of the other medics, and the fellow soldiers that are still in Iraq, or have just returned home. Thank you for what you do. I would be there with you, but the Army decided that I was better off here. Believe me I tried. Be safe, God Bless you, and we will see you all soon!



The Medics of HHB 1/76FA, 4th BCT, 3ID
*note* I know this isn't ALL of the Medics, but it is the only group shot I have.... sorry for those who aren't pictured. I will Add pics of you coming home!

New Years Photos!!!

Well, I did have a great weekend in MAss despite my horrible trip home. I got a bunch of pictures from Dave that I wanted to share with ya!!!! So here we are! *Insert trupmet sounds* The New Years Eve Party...

Tammy with her *ehem* assets...


Heather with the Whip...


Jenni with the Whip...


The "Chocolate" Fountain of love...


The infamous Ice Luge... :)


Dave and Heather... AWE!!!!


ME!!!!


Heather Sleeping in the Papasan


Mary and "Marylin"


The "Assets" Again!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!!!!!

Down with UNITED!!!

No.... not "being United" but the AIRLINE... United Air. To update everyone, I went to Boston this weekend to be with family and friends for New Years. The trip to Boston went great, and I only got in 11 minutes late. (For Boston, not bad timing) Dave L picked me up at the airport, took me to see my mom, I took him to lunch, and then he took me to meet Jay and the rest of the gang at Hit Catcher. That ROCKED! Jay you are AWESOME! lol.
The weekend was a blur of speding time with my mom shopping (I got some GREAT stuff for my husband! NO DAVID! I'm NOT TELLING!) and then there was the New Years Party with Dave, Heather, Mary, and all of the wonderful people wearing lots of black leather. It was a BLAST. As soon as I have a picture of the "Ice Luge" that became my downfall with Malibu rum, I will post it. This thing was like a beer bong for shots, and it iced your shot at the same time. Needless to say, I was a little wasted, but greatly enjoyed my New Years.
The Following day, I had lunch with Heather and Dave. Saying goodbye to them was very hard because I really missed them and I always enjoy speding time with them. They are great people who I am glad to call my friends. I also did some last minute shopping with my mom... it's how we bond! lol

THEN CAME HELL DAY

My day today started at 0230. My shuttle to the airport picked me up at 0245, and had me to the airport by 0400. So far, so good. I get checked in for my flight, get through security, pick up a coffee and wait for my flight. Once on the plane, things start to slow down. The airspace is full.... so we have a 30 minute delay. This will give me 30 minutes in Washington DC to get to my next flight. Cutting it close, but I could do it. Then, we get clear and.... the right engine craps out. We don't move for another 45 minutes while the mechanics fix the engine. By this point, I am never going to make my flight. I figure "I'll catch the next one.... cna't be to long".... was I ever wrong.
We get to DC as my other flight is leaving. I get to the customer service desk, only to have them tell me that the next flight out to Jacksonville isn't until 425pm. *Groans* So I suck it up and deal... I shop, eat, and call David in Iraq. Then I get to my gate. it's 4pm....then 415pm... then 430pm... my flight arrives at 450pm, deplanes, and we take off... 45 mintue late. *the only GOOD part was that I had 2 seats to myself!*
Finally arriving in JAX (Thinking things couldn't possibly be worse) I go down to collect my bags. The belt goes round a few times.... and stops. I have no luggage. To make things worse... ALL of the stuff I bought for my husband is in those bags. *CRIES* I go to the counter, and for some reason, my bags are still in DC. I should have them tomorrow. Then I drive home (2 hrs north of JAX) in the rain, listening to reports of the tornado that is just south of Savannah going "PLEASE NO!!!!" Making it home with little incident, I get a visit from a couple guys in Daves unit who are home from Iraq! And now, I am going to bed... I have been upi almost 22 hours.... and my day sucked. So Down with United. I'm never flying to Boston again.