29 May 2010 Well hello again. Just off the 11 hour flight from D.C. and a 45 minute drive through the desert and I'm now officially in Kuwait. Oh yes, it is HOT! Clocked in at 113 degrees today. Basically to illustrate - stand in front of ten hairdryers on high. That's what it feels like.I'll probably be here for a day or two. Currently living in tent city. Line after line of tents with servicemembers just waiting for a flight to Afghanistan or Iraq - mainly Afghanistan these days.
So the flight over here, well, this was the first time I've ever upgraded a ticket with my miles and I must say - totally worth it! I've done this flight a few times now, but this time was cake. Great food, great drinks, able to lie down and actually get some sleep. I will definitely be upgrading on my way home.
Mainly just checked in here, did a travel claim for my expenses and received my M4 Carbine and security rounds. Finally getting closer.
Writing to you from the USO here on Ali Al Salem Airbase in Kuwait. Gotta give the USO a huge shout-out. They've been really good to us. We had a 6 hour layover in D.C. so they took care of us with free chow, drinks and a comfy place to sit.
The layover was actually a blessing in disguise because Toni and Alyssa drove up to the airport to hang out. What a blessing! I met them in the airport parking lot and we sat in the van and spent some time together. It was hilarious because Alyssa was sound asleep when I showed up. After a while she finally woke up - you should have seen the look on her face. Her eyes spread wide and she was definitely surprised to see Daddy.
After about an hour we went inside to pay the parking fee and had to say our goodbyes...again. That was no fun. Even though Toni and I shed a few tears the first time we said goodbye last Sunday, Alyssa did very well. This time, however, was completely different. She kept holding me saying, "but I don't want you to go." No matter what I tried to say, she just keep repeating, "but I don't want you to go." That was really hard. Finally Toni had to carry Alyssa out of the airport crying, "I want my Daddy." I took a lot of discipline to just stand there and hear her yell for me.
I just got off the phone and Skype with them, so it was great seeing my girls on the computer. I think it really helped Alyssa too.
That's all for now. My next update should be from Afghanistan.
Did I mention it's hot.......
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Damn. Reading this makes me wish I would have written a blog on my deployment. Also makes me wish I was smart enough to use my miles on a trans-oceanic flight!!
ReplyDelete-Sgt. Hunter
Nice shit-eating grin brother. Why don't you put on some cammies already and get with the program :)
ReplyDelete- Firstbrook
By the way, what's with Celtic Women as one of your favorite artists? Did I just hear someone say homo? LOL! Anyway, let me know if you need anything and I'll make it happen.
ReplyDeleteHa, @Clint. I was nasty from flying. There was no way I was jumping in cammies before taking a shower. Hey, Celtic Women rock. I like my chill music. That was just one example. @Hunter - yeah, I wish I would have documented more of my Iraq deployment. As you know I have a crappy memory. And yes, upgrade, upgrade, upgrade next time. Totally worth it.
ReplyDeleteHa ha, oh boy Jeremy. Tent city, brings back soooo many memories. I actually hated it there a lot more than at Haditha and Bahariah. I'm pretty sure I would have shot MYSELF if I had to have been stationed there. Anyway bro, CONGRATS! on the kid on the way! Since you're only gone for 6 months I assume that you'll be home for the birth? Must be exciting. It's funny really because only a couple of weeks ago, Dorian and I were talking and I said "ya know, I don't know why, but I could see Toni and Jeremy having another kid soon." Turns out I must be psychic or something! Ha ha, well I guess by now you're probably out of kuWAIT and into Afghanistan so keep your head down a little bit, you've got 3 wonderful reasons to do so. Love ya Jer, take care and I'm looking forward to your next update.
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