Comments | kellmaestra: Called to Duty

kellmaestra

Called to Duty

Mar 23, 2009 10:34

Saturday I got a message from my sister that my brother's National Guard unit received their orders for deployment to Iraq. We will find out today if John is leaving this coming Saturday to go directly to Iraq or if he is going to a training camp in OK before going. His deployment will be for a year once he arrives there. In many ways, John is ( Read more... )

Comments 7

lepidopteragirl March 23 2009, 16:46:20 UTC

This must be difficult news for you as well. Let me know if you need anything {{hugs}}

maysun67 March 23 2009, 18:33:54 UTC

Should we set up the guest bed for you guys? :-)

Seriously, my thoughts will be with you, John and your mom.

geodesimagining March 23 2009, 19:03:37 UTC

I was very grateful that friends and work kept me very busy while Dave was deployed...if there's anything at all I can do for you or your mom please let me know...

massagediva March 23 2009, 21:47:44 UTC

At least you aren't four hours or more away. I think I would totally loose it if my husband or immediate family were deployed. It's bad enough that our neighbor across the street is leaving for Afganistan next month and one of our SCA friends from Illinois just finished boot camp.

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lycmac March 24 2009, 14:35:55 UTC

I know how hard this is and is going to be. Edward leaves in 3 months for Iraq again. If there is anything I can do let me know. I'll keep you family in my thoughts and prayers.

kellmaestra March 24 2009, 19:46:31 UTC

I suppose my brother will get this information for us, but if you have any information on how we can keep in touch and send him packages - that would be awesome.

lycmac March 25 2009, 15:43:16 UTC

Your brother should get the address for packages, letters, etc either before or shortly after he gets to Iraq. You'll need to pick up some of the customs forms from the post office. Its amazing what you can shove into a flat rate box. I've heard, but not checked into yet, that the post office is doing a reduced rate for military families sending packages.

There are internet labs on most FOB's. That's how Edward and I kept in touch last time. Sometimes there were even video cams so I could see him. There are phone trailers that are run by AT&T so getting AT&T prepaid cards is a good idea. Make sure when getting prepaid phone cards that they are usable in Iraq, some I found out are not.

It would probably also be a good idea to get him to add you and your mom added to their FRG. If nothing else for the support of others going through the same thing you are.

Let me know if I can help in any other way.