Like a bat out of hell... Options

[Rusty]

I'm coming home... will be back in 6-8 weeks. I can't express enough gratitude to you guys... thank you for the personal support and for the avalanche of care packages for my troops.

Oh, the most important thing... All my soldiers are safe and sound, no thanks to our jerk-off battalion HQ.

( (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif) Did I say that last part out loud? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/happy11.gif) )

-Rusty
Camp Arifjan, Kuwait

[Rusty]

Sorry for not responding sooner. I have to use an internet cafe at $5/hr. It's going to be so good to be home. I actually had a full night of sleep last night... and I feel like a king. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

-Rusty (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smoke.gif)

Thanks for reprizent'n man!

Very cool! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Very Cool!!! I'm also happy to see your now in Kuwait...  

On a personal note Our son Chad is also coming home from Iraq in 2 weeks...

Glad to hear it! Sorry I couldn't hook up with his unit... I tried. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

Maybe we can get you to come out of retirement too!

We'll see, Mark. That may happen in the future... but only after talking with BrAndy. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/boldblue.gif)

if you get to the states, you NEED to come to the Fall Foliage Classic.
Seriously, we'd love to have you here.

I'm serious. Oct 22-24. really.

IF? IF?? Hey, baby... I'm coming home. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

If you make it to the FFC I'll be bringing beer....

Sean, Bruce... it all depends on when I get back, and if I can find a place to live. Got a household to set up, ya know. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Oh, and I need to do some work on Elwood, too. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smash.gif)

SO where will you be residing when You return?

Coming back to Kansas. I'll be there at least 6 months before they can deploy me again.

are you going to take some leave time and do some (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif) ? have you started your short timers calendar yet?

Kevin, I'm going to take some leave, yes. How much and exactly when all depends on when I get out of here. I need to look into some night classes when I get back. I'm 35 and haven't finished my degree... I've got to get my @ss in gear for when I retire and need a real job.

I'm heading to Montana this weekend for a family going away picnic for one of my relatives.  {snip} It's a damn shame when Bush and the boys find it necessary to send nearly retired national gaurdsmen overseas to do their dirty work for them.

Anyway, I'm glad you're coming home Lawrence and wish you godspeed.

thank you. The operative word there is *nearly* retired. Several of the NCOs in my unit had their retirements postponed indefinately for this deployment. I'm pleased to hear that your friend is getting the opportunity to do what he's been training for his whole adult life. We need NCOs and officers with maturity to mentor, train and care for younger troops. Deployment is tough on everyone, regardless of branch or component of service - but imagine playing NFL your whole career and never getting to go to the SuperBowl. How horrible would that feel at the end?


I'll write more when I can... I'm excited to come home. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

-Rusty (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smoke.gif)