Welcome Home Celebration

Thank you just didn't seem like enough so we had a good ole fashioned Texas Welcome Home party for Chris...barbeque, beer and good friends. We had a wonderful time and enjoyed our time with Chris.

My Dad loves to hear stories about Chris' deployment and had mentioned to me earlier in the week that he really hoped that Chris would share some of his experiences at the party. Well, Paw Paw's hope came true. It was so interesting for Chris to elaborate on his job, his accomplishments and what he went through the past fourteen months.

He shared that going back from R&R after just being married for only 10 days was a extremely difficult and that it took him several weeks to overcome it emotionally. One thing he made perfectly clear...they made a difference! He enjoyed his job and Iraq was a little better because of the guys of the 3ID.

Proud Mom!

A Toast To Home

A toast to home!

Last Wednesday night when the doorbell rang at 10:20 PM, it was the first time in 14 months that I didn't panic because it was late and someone was at my door. It was a pleasant surprise! Chris was home!


Right before Chris deployed, Joey purchased a bottle of Crown Royal XR with the understanding that when Chris returned home safely, they would drink it. The dream became a reality! Crown Royal is something that the two of them enjoy immensely and XR was definitely something to commenerate such a special occassion.

It is so nice to have Chris back. He seems to be enjoying all the simple things in life...family, food, air conditioning, clean smelling air, good drivers on the streets, free time and the ability to relax and not worry about what's going to happen next. We are enjoying being able to not panic when the doorbell rings, sleeping at night knowing everyone is safe, picking up the phone and just saying hello, visiting, getting hugs, and just seeing Chris safe and sound!!!

A Hero's Welcome???

Our visit with Chris was wonderful! He was the same old Chris...happy go lucky! The only thing that really had him bent out of shape and disappointed was the state of the economy. He found it very disturbing that he spent 14 months fighting in Iraq and came home to...

• Higher gas prices
• Higher food prices at restaurants and smaller portions
• Higher prices on clothing
• Basically, higher EVERYTHING!

What a welcome home! In his words..."this really sucks"! It would have been nice if their efforts would have been noticed in the USA by lower fuel prices but instead, it was the opposite.

No, It's Not A Dream...

Today I can say, I finally realize it's not a dream! He's home! It was so nice to see Chris and give him that long awaited welcome home hug! We got into to Columbus this afternoon and met Chris at the Visitors Center since he is currently homeless. He had stayed the night at his friend Michael's house who lived right next door to the Visitors Center.

We have had a wonderful day and I have spent much of the day staring at him. We have shared some good meals and heard some unbelievable stories and are now getting ready to watch the Boston vs. Detroit game.

It is so nice to be together. He is truly my hero and I could spend all day listening to his stories and seeing him laugh and smile. Tomorrow will be another great day...we are already making plans to watch game one of the Spurs vs. the Lakers. Go Spurs Go!!!

Home At Last and Looking Good

Our first glimpse of Chris on American soil...well, American concrete! He looks great! It's so nice to see his big ole happy smile! I'm not sure what all he had planned for his 48 hours, but I know it is going to be something very special for Patricia. He has alway been great at planning and doing special things. I hope he is having the time of his life...he certainly deserves it! We can hardly wait to see him and give him a hug and kiss. Maybe then, I will be able to realize that this isn't a dream, he really is back home!

Welcome Home Soldier

Welcome Home Soldier

Welcome home soldier
We finally get to say
You just don't know how good it is
To finally see your face.

Welcome home son
We've missed your more each day
Please let our boy come home safe and soon
is what we'd often pray.

Welcome home brother
You've filled our hearts with pride
The love we have for you right now
is something we just can't hide.

Welcome home soldier,
The journey's been tough and long
But you finally made it back to us,
back home where you belong.

By Andrea Senter

Hey Mom

It's official! Chris has landed and is on American soil. We got a call at about 8:15 this evening. "Hey, Mom!"...music to my ears! It was awesome. He had a good flight, just long. They landed around 7:15 Georgia time and had already been released when he called so they were going to eat.

I can only imagine how much he is going to enjoy eating over the next few weeks. I am trying to figure out how to get a Taco Cabana bean and cheese burrito to him next week when we fly out to see him. I'll bet I can figure out something!!! We can hardly wait to see him and give him a big ole hug!

Well, I can sleep a little easier tonight knowing that Chris is safe and sound. He arrived on the same flight as Capt. McGrue. Now we've just got to get Nick home safely and we can all go back to our normal lives before deployment. I definitely think my life has changed as a result of the deployment. I have learned to appreciate life a lot more and will NEVER take anything for granted again!

Welcome home guys and thank you for serving your country!

Even The Lizards Know...

When Chris first deployed, we put up our beautiful yellow bow on our oak tree. Within a couple of days, it had been occupied by a family of lizards. Every day as we would drive into the driveway, we would look to see if the lizards were out. We would often go up to the bow and say Bub, are you home (that's our nickname for Chris and what we named the lizards). Over the past fourteen months, the lizards have been our connection...it has sort of been like Chris has been checking on us. I know it might sound a little strange to some people but when you have a child off at war, some of the most bizarre things make a big difference.

This morning, as I went out to take a picture of the Welcome Home banner, I went to check on our lizard family. Two of them were poking their heads out...almost as if they were saying..."what's going on?" I had to chuckle and say...well guys it's time to start looking for a new home...the real Bub is coming home and his ribbon will come down.

Ready and Waiting!

Airborne Dad asked to see a picture of our welcome banner...well, here it is. I have it on the front of my house for the whole world to see. It will remain there until Chris comes home to San Antonio.

Thank You, Spurs!

As most of you know, Chris is a huge Spurs fan. Unfortunately, the Spurs have had a difficult time with this series. Since the beginning of the season, we have hoped and prayed that the Spurs could at least make it far enough in the playoffs that Chris could see at least a game. Well, our wish has come true! With the Spurs win last night, they will take on New Orleans in game 7 Monday night. It is going to be a tough game and the odds are against the Spurs but that's okay...win or lose, Chris will be watching the game ON AMERICAN SOIL!

One Step Closer To Home

It's slowly becoming a reality. Last night we got a call from Chris..."hey Mom...I'm one step closer to home". It's not been the smoothest journey so far but at least it's a journey. There have been a few hiccups along the way but he didn't seem to mind. He had not slept in 24 hours but you certainly couldn't tell it by talking to him. He was on top of the world and so ready to be home.

As for me, it seems like my emotions are on overdrive. I can't believe it's almost a reality! Today my welcome home sign will go up and remain there until Chris actually returns to San Antonio. I want the whole world to know...he's almost home!

A Great Day!

Today was an absolutely gorgeous day in San Antonio and a great day from start to finish! My day started with hot Krispy Kreme donuts and a cup of one of my favorite Starbucks blends (Pike Place) served to me in bed.

The weather was so beautiful and I had spent the entire week inside the office that I decided to spend the whole day outside in my "stress relief" garden. It was so relaxing. I went inside late afternoon to take a phone call and was just getting ready to go back outside when Chris called to wish me a Happy Birthday...the next best thing to him being with us! That truly MADE my day!

He was in great spirits and made me laugh with his crazy wit. I love talking to him when he is "wound up". He's hilarious! He said things are still quite active where he is and he's staying very busy. With less than 30 days to go before starting the journey home, they are still going full speed ahead.

I told him we were going out for Mexican food tonight for my birthday and he said to eat some for him. He really misses his bean and cheese tacos! He said the food isn't too bad...it's sort of comparible to hospital food as far as not having a lot of seasoning. He said they have quite a variety of things...chinese, steaks, steamed lobster, fetticunni alfredo, lots of peas and corn, some grilled food and more. Almost everytime we talk to him he tells us how much he is looking forward to getting home so he can have some of his favorites like bean and cheese tacos from Taco Cabana, Blue Cheese chopped salad at Outback, Whataburgers, and on and on... Believe me, I will be happy to get him ALL his favorites as soon as he gets home.

I was so happy that despite Chris being so busy, he found time to call and wish me a Happy Birthday. Two birthdays in a row, he has made my day special...all the way from Iraq. I look forward to next year's birthday when Chris will be on American soil!

Detainee information leads NP to cache

Two quotes in one week just goes to show me how busy Chris has been! It's so nice to read about their accomplishments!

Master Sgt. Dave Eastabrooks, from Cornwall, N.Y., 3rd Brigade, 1st National Police Training Team, assists in packaging weapons found in a cache April 4 in Jabr al Ansari, Iraq. (Photo courtesy of the 3-1 Cav. Regt.)

A policeman from the 3rd Brigade, 1st National Police Division, pulls weapons from a cache found April 4 in Jabr al Ansari, Iraq. (Photo courtesy of the 3-1 Cav. Regt.)

Master Sgt. Dave Eastabrooks, from Cornwall, N.Y., 3rd Brigade, 1st National Police Training Team, holds up a rocket found in a weapons cache April 4 in Jabr al Ansari, Iraq. (Photo courtesy of the 3-1 Cav. Regt.)

Policemen from 3rd Brigade, 1st National Police Division, found a weapons cache April 4 in Jabr al Ansari, Iraq. (Photo courtesy of the 3-1 Cav. Regt.)

Lt. Col. Geoff Ellerson, team chief of the 3rd Brigade, 1st National Police Training Team, talks to Col. Emad, commander of the 3/1 NP Division, after the policemen uncovered a weapons cache April 4 in Jabr al Ansari, Iraq. (Photo courtesy of the 3-1 Cav. Regt.)

By Sgt. Natalie Rostek, 3rd HBCT, 3rd Inf. Div. PAO

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq - Policemen from 3rd Brigade, 1st National Police Division, secured a weapons cache April 4 in Jabr al Ansari after receiving information from a detainee.

According to 1st Lt. Jeffrey Ritter, from Waterloo, Iowa, civil military operations officer for 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, the NP split into teams to search for the weapons.

Capt. Chardon Hyde, from Port Angles, Wash., Headquarters Troop, 3-1 Cav. Regt., said the mission was planned solely by the 3/1 NP Div.

"They did the targeting and executed the mission," he said.

The cache found consisted of five rockets, two PKC machine guns, one SGM light machine gun, one mortar tube, one mortar and one rocket-propelled grenade launcher.

Ritter said the major road going through Jabr al Ansari has been a high-activity site for indirect fire.

"This cache find takes dangerous munitions off the streets of Iraq and improves security for both Coalition forces and the Iraqi citizens," said 1st Lt. Christopher Scogin, from San Antonio, Texas, Headquarters Troop, 3-1 Cav. Regt.

The 3-1 Cav. Regt. is assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, from Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March 2007.

Congratulations!

Yesterday evening we received a joyous phone call from Chris. He was sharing with us his awesome day. First, he received his Spurs that he had originally thought he was going to get on Easter. He then went back to his room and was able to put those on and then attend the Bronze Star ceremony. He and Nick both received their Bronze Stars yesterday. I think it is so neat that they BOTH got this honor and were able to share it together. Hopefully we will have some pictures soon but for now, I have an image embedded in my mind and heart of two young men with heads held high and smiles on their faces. Way to go guys!

One Step Closer To Home

Got an email and call from Chris and he had an okay Easter. He was a little disappointed because he had really been looking forward to getting his Combat Spurs on Easter Sunday but got called for a mission and was not able to be at the ceremony. Tradition is that you can not wear the Spurs until you have been inducted into the Order of the Spurs. There will be another ceremony on the 30th and he's hoping he will be able to attend the ceremony so he will be able to sport his Spurs. It also sounds like everything is on track for him to get presented his Bronze Star on April 1st.

I'm not sure what his Easter mission consisted of except that he said he attended a feast with the Sons of Iraq. The feast sounded like quite an interesting experience...it consisted of lamb, goat, rice and chicken. Surprisingly, his Easter package arrived on Saturday and despite the rising temperatures, the chocolate was still okay.

You can tell that they are definitely counting the days until they get home. Chris says things are sort of hectic right now with everything that is going on but everybody is still very focused and accomplishing a lot. Another holiday in Iraq has passed...one step closer to home!

Last Packages

Wow...what a feeling! Today I mailed off what appears to be the last packages to Chris and Nick. Last Thursday when Chris called, he said that this week would be the last time to send packages to him. The mail room will close on April 1st for transitioning.

Every single week, for over one year, sometimes even multiple times a week, we have faithfully gathered goodies, wrapped up boxes, hauled them to the Post Office, stood in line, and hoped that when they made it to Iraq, it would bring a smile to Chris' face or give him a warm fuzzy. For us, sending a package was something we looked forward to because there was not much else we could do to try to make things better...and as a Mom, it's tough when you want to help your child but have very few ways to do so. Today's packages were in the new flat rate boxes so he should have enough Pogie bait to keep him going until he returns. I know how much Chris enjoys mail call so I always looked forward to getting his packages off. Believe it or not, I'm going to miss the entire process!

Today however, I realized there is light at the end of this long tunnel. It won't be long until this deployment is over. I might miss getting packages off to the guys but I sure won't miss them being over there. It will be nice to not panic when you see a strange number come up on the caller ID...for your heart to not skip a beat when the doorbell rings at an unexpected hour, to get a sinking feeling when Breaking News comes on and to not constantly wonder if your child is safe and sound. I know the troops are getting tired and very anxious to return home. Despite the tour coming to an end, there work is not over yet and as we see each and every day on the blog, there efforts are still amazing. The continue to give 110% for their country!!

Order Of The Spur

Certificate for induction into the Order of the Spur for combat action

Got word from Chris on Thursday and all is well at the COP. He said that things have been relatively quiet lately therefore he has had a little time to "chill". Transition is in progress and the excitement of returning home is everywhere! Everyone is counting the days. It seems that mail is a little slower than normal and he's anxious to get some more "pogie bate". When the mail finally catches up, he's going to be like a kid in a candy store.

As always, the tone of his email was very positive and he was very excited that they would be awarded their combat spurs very soon. I know Chris, Nick and Bill had talked with us when we went out to visit months before they left and I could tell then what a BIG DEAL it was. I really didn't know that much about it except that it was an honor to wear them, so I did a little research. This is what I found...

The Order of the Spur is a Cavalry tradition in the United States Army. For a cavalry Trooper (the cavalry equivalent of the word "Soldier") to join the Order of the Spur, they must pass a series of tests set by their command, known as the "Spur Ride." Once accomplished, the Trooper is awarded spurs to be worn with his or her military uniform. However, a Trooper may forgo the spur ride if they see combat with their cavalry unit. In some units, gold spurs are awarded for combat inductions while silver spurs represent having completed a spur ride. Therefore, silver spurs and gold spurs hold a similar relationship in the cavalry as the Expert Infantryman Badge and the Combat Infantryman Badge hold in the infantry.

Induction into the Order of the Spur is for life, and the status travels with the Soldier from unit to unit. There is no Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) requirement for the Order of the Spur and the order is open to members of foreign militaries serving with U.S. cavalry units.

History
The tradition of having to "earn your spurs" reaches back to the beginning of the cavalry. When green Troopers first arrived at their new cavalry assignments they were assigned a horse with a shaved tail. This led to the nickname "Shave Tail" for newly assigned, spur-less Soldiers. These new Troopers were in need of extensive training, especially in the area of swordsmanship from atop a horse. The horse with a shaved tail was given extra space in which to operate since its rider was marked as an amateur. During this phase of training the Troopers were not allowed to wear spurs because this would only serve to compound their problems. Only when they were able to prove their ability to perform with their horse and saber were they awarded spurs.

The Spur Ride
Aside from a wartime induction, the only means of joining the Order of the Spur is a spur ride. Similar to the tests an infantryman might undergo to earn the Expert Infantryman Badge, the spur ride is normally a two-day event where a Soldier must pass a series of tests that evaluate their navigation, shooting, first responder, physical fitness and other military skills. The tests also normally include a written portion covering cavalry history and tactics, as well as a reciting from memory the traditional cavalry poem about Fiddler's Green. Soldiers fresh to a cavalry unit are not likely to be allowed to take a spur ride until at least six months into their assignment with the unit. However, the exact standards for the spur ride are set differently by each cavalry unit.

Regulations
The U.S. Department of the Army classifies the Order of the Spur as an Army tradition, so, like the Rangers' tan beret, regulations for induction into the Order of the Spur and the wear of cavalry accoutrements are set by each cavalry unit commander. Lacking any Army-wide regulations, the standards differ from unit to unit, but in essence the tradition remains the same. What follows is a sample set of regulations which are broadly upheld in all cavalry units, and the Department of the Army policy on traditions.

Wear of Cavalry Stetson and Spurs
1. Stetson: The Stetson will be black in color. Rank and regimental or ordinary cavalry brass will adorn the Stetson. The braid will be worn around the base of the Stetson. Troopers will wear the appropriate braid color. Braid ends or acorns will be to the front of the Stetson and no more than an acorn length over the brim. Crossed sabers will be placed on the front of the Stetson. Organizational sabers are authorized if assigned or affiliated to the regiment. Rank will be worn 1/8" from the bottom of the sabers, centered. [Note: Units differ regarding placement of rank versus sabers; some conventional wisdom deems that "you are Cavalry forever, but ranks change, therefore sabers should be placed above the rank"]
a. Field Grade Officer: Solid Gold
b. Company Grade Officer: Gold and Black
c. Warrant Officer:
(1)CW4,CW5 - Solid Silver
(2)WO1,CW2,CW3 - Silver and Black
d. Non-Commissioned Officer: Branch Color (e.g. Yellow for Cavalry, Red for Artillery)
(1) The nape strap will be threaded through the appropriate eyelets in the brim of the Stetson so that strap goes around the back and the buckle is fastened and centered on the wearers head.
(2) The sides of the crown shall not be pushed in or otherwise modified. The brim will be flat with a slight droop at the front.
(3) The Stetson will be worn on the head with the brim parallel to the ground.
(4) Occasions for wearing the stetson: Squadron dining-ins/outs, formal events in dress blues, gatherings of spur holders, professional gatherings such as AAAA and any other event or function as designated by Saber 6.
2. Spurs: Spurs will be worn as a matched pair. The type of spurs allowed are set by each unit but most often they are Prince of Wales style spurs.
a. Low Quarters: The spurs will be affixed to the footgear midway between the upper portion of the sole and the lower part of the heel along the seam of the shoe. The U shaped portion shall enclose the shoe in such a manner as to assure that the rowel of the spurs curves down to the ground. The strap will be fastened over the instep of the footgear in such a manner that the buckle faces to the outside of the foot.
b. Boots: The spurs will be affixed to the footgear so that the U shaped portion follows the seam of the ankle support. The strap will be fastened over the instep of the footgear in such a manner that the buckles face the outside of the boot.
c. Single Soldiers will wear the rowels of their spurs pointing up, while married Soldiers will do so with their rowels pointing down.
3. Occasions for Wear: Spurs and stetsons will be worn at all cavalry functions, otherwise, they will not be worn outside of the cavalry footprint. Stetsons and spurs may be authorized by the local command, but are not authorized for wear at Army functions not specifically dedicated to cavalry. Wear with civilian attire may be restricted by a local commander, but otherwise the spurs and Stetson may be mixed with civilian attire when rank has been removed.

On Top Of The World

Some weeks are just better than others. Two honors in one week is just about as good as it gets. Today we got a call from Chris and he told us that the Captain's list was out and that he had been recommended to promote. He is now just waiting on his sequence number to come up and then he will get to officially pin on. It should be sometime in May but it all depends on when his number comes up which has to do with his date of rank.

Chris was doing good. He was looking forward to today because he was hoping to get 1/2 day off. He hasn't had any time off since he got back from R&R so he was looking forward to just chillin a little bit and cleaning up his "room" a little and actually pack a few thing up.

You could tell by some of the things Chris said that they are all counting the days. They are still looking forward to their Starbucks shipments, though. They know a shipment is on the way and were happy to hear the news. He talked a lot about leaving and getting back to the states and all the things he wanted to do when he gets home. Despite the fact that they will be leaving Iraq soon, Chris is still very pumped about what he is doing and is still very motivated.

This week was definitely one of Chris' better weeks with finding out that he was getting the Bronze Star and that he was making Captain. He was on top of the world!

Way To Go, Son!

We found out last night that Chris had been approved for the Bronze Star for Meritorious Achievement. We are so proud for him! I'm not quite sure exactly what he did but I know it makes him feel good to know that the very long hours, hard work and dedication have paid off and have been recognized. He continues to thououghly love what he does and I know this award will make the job even more precious to him. I'm not quite sure when the award will be presented but I'm hoping to get some pictues when it happens. We are so proud of the honor that has been bestowed upon Chris. He has grown up to be quite an Officer and indeed a Gentleman! We haven't had the opportunity to talk with Chris since we got the news but I can only imagine that he is even more bubbly than usual. Way to go, son!

The Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration which may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. When awarded for bravery, it is the fourth-highest combat award of the U.S. Armed Forces and the 9th highest military award (including both combat and non -combat awards) in the order of precedence of U.S. military decorations.

General information
The medal may be awarded for Valor (ie a particular instance of combat heroism), in which case it is accompanied with an attached V or it may be awarded for Meritorious Achievement (ie doing one's combat job well over a period of time) in which case the medal does not have a valor component and does not have an attached V denoting Valor. Most of the bronze stars awarded are meritorious and do not have the V device.

The medal is awarded to a member of the military who, while serving in or with the military of the United States after 6 December 1941, distinguished him- or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight, while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.

Awards may be made for acts of heroism, performed under circumstances described above, which are of lesser degree than required for the award of the Silver Star. Awards may also be made to recognize single acts of merit or meritorious service. The required achievement or service, while of lesser degree than that required for the award of the Legion of Merit, must nevertheless have been meritorious and accomplished with distinction.

To be eligible for the Bronze Star Medal, a military member must be receiving hostile fire/imminent danger pay during the event for which the medal is to be awarded.

As of 30 October 2000, the Bronze Star Medal may not be awarded to Department of the Army civilians.

The Bronze Star Medal is typically referred to by its full name (including the word “Medal”) to differentiate the decoration from bronze service stars which are worn on campaign medals and service awards.

History
The award that eventually became the Bronze Star Medal was conceived by Colonel Russell P. “Red” Reeder in 1943, who believed it would aid morale if there was a medal which could be awarded by captains of companies or batteries to deserving people serving under them. Reeder felt the medal should be a ground equivalent of the Air Medal, and proposed that the new award be called the “Ground Medal”.[1]

The idea eventually rose through the military bureaucracy and gained supporters. General George C. Marshall, in a memorandum to President Franklin D. Roosevelt dated 3 February 1944, wrote

“ The fact that the ground troops, Infantry in particular, lead miserable lives of extreme discomfort and are the ones who must close in personal combat with the enemy, makes the maintenance of their morale of great importance. The award of the Air Medal has had an adverse reaction on the ground troops, particularly the Infantry Riflemen who are now suffering the heaviest losses, air or ground, in the Army, and enduring the greatest hardships. ”

The Air Medal had been adopted two years earlier to raise airmen's morale. President Roosevelt authorized the Bronze Star Medal by Executive Order 9419 dated 4 February 1944, retroactive to 7 December 1941. This authorization was announced in War Department Bulletin No. 3, dated 10 February 1944.

The Executive Order was amended by President John F. Kennedy, per Executive Order 11046 dated 24 August 1962, to expand the authorization to include those serving with friendly forces. This allowed for awards where U.S. servicemembers might be involved in an armed conflict where the United States was not a belligerent. At the time of the Executive Order, for example, the U.S. was not a belligerent in Vietnam, so U.S. advisors serving with the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces would not have been eligible for the award.

Since the award criteria state that the Bronze Star Medal may be awarded to "any person...while serving in any capacity in or with" the U.S. Armed Forces, awards to members of foreign armed services serving with the United States are permitted. Thus, a number of Allied soldiers received the Bronze Star Medal in World War II, as well as U.N. soldiers in the Korean War, Vietnamese and allied forces in the Vietnam War, and coalition forces in recent military operations such as the Gulf War, Operation Enduring Freedom and the Iraq War.

Back To Himself

Today we got an email from Chris and it's obvious he is settling back in to his routine. His spirits were up and he seemed to be back to his happy go lucky, positive self. He said it was very hard going back after returning after just being married for 10 days and getting a taste again of the luxaries of the United States. It didn't help matter that when he returned, he was sick and is just now starting to feel better.

He said the morale is good and everyone is getting "redeploymentitis"...you know, like graduating seniors get right after Christmas. Graduation is in sight so everyday is a good day. He said redeployment is on everyone's mind but everyone is staying focused and continuing to do a great job.

Chris is extra busy these days. He is doing his regular job as well as being an acting Platoon leader. He has no complaints. Planning and executing missions is a change of pace and even though it makes for some long days, he loves it.

It was so nice to hear from Chris and the mood be light and happy. He was very pumped that they had recently had a very successful mission and he said the feeling of accomplishment was awesome. He couldn't go into details but I could sense that it was something he was very proud of.

Well, I've had a great day now that I've heard from Chris. He has been so busy lately and with him not feeling too good, he hasn't been able to keep in touch as much as he has in the past. So, when we hear from him, it's like Christmas!