Off to Training

Processing was just that, a "process." 2 days of work stretched to five days to allow for contingencies. However, it was smooth and quite uneventful. Got to have a great dinner with Uncle Bob (my last great Mexican food for the next 9 months. That is definitely the food I missed the most while in Okinawa!). Small world. Met 2 reservists from Tucson that we have mutual acquaintances and a classmate of Matt Hanhila's from Brophy. Crazy.

Already disaster hit, though, during my first week being gone. Morgan had her car get broken into and they stole the radio and her IPod. Then the urgent care had a surprise visit from the Dept of Health while I am gone on deployment and my partner Dan was gone at a conference. Nice timing. Steph and Mary Lynn were wonderful stepping up to the plate and handling the situation in our absence, albeit not very happily:)!

The picture is a gorgeous sunset from Texas while our plane refueled en route to our training in South Carolina. Watching everyone load from the rear of the airplane in fatigues and packs on reminded me of a scene from the play/movie "Hair" and I immediately started humming "Let the Sunshine In" (I realize many of you don't know what I am talking about- Google it:)!

Training is going well, not nearly as crazy as I expected. Even the Army Drill Sergeants are actually mellow and truly intent on our training and not on "hazing" the Navy guys! Very professional and reasonable. But VERY HUMID! I am looking forward to the weapons training coming up. Should be fun!

Brad

The Kandahar Kronicles: Mission Begins

I figured I would begin my next mission where my last one left off- in front of our door. Morgan took the picture before I had my last great burger for 9 months at DeLux before she took me to the airport.

It was easier saying goodbye in small pieces over 3 days, rather than as a large group. With every goodbye, however, in the end I just had to turn and walk away before the tears really started to flow. 9 months in Afghanistan will be much different I know than 9 months (in 3 month blocks) away from family in Okinawa.

I look forward to meeting interesting people that I can learn much from over the next 9 months. I look forward to the opportunity to serve and take care of our injured men and women that have sacrificed so much on our behalf. I look forward to sharing some of those experiences and feelings here. Most of all, though, I look forward to the day I return to the loving and supportive arms of Stephanie, Benjamin, and Morgan.

9/11

9/11 has come and gone, and fairly uneventfully, thank God. I can't believe it has been 10 years since the tragedy occurred. Much has happened since then. I find it interesting that I am finally realizing my goal to serve with our military taking care of our wounded men and women almost 10 years to the day since 9/11. Friends and family have asked if I am excited to go. I am not. But I am proud to be able to finally utilize my God-given talents to help heal those injured in this 10+ year-long war (not only our own brave men and women, but innocents as well). I will miss my family intensely, but I appreciate their support in my decision to serve. Please keep them in your prayers over the next 9 months. The countdown has started....... I leave in less than a week........ The Kandahar Kronicles begin........