Into the fray
I wish I could turn back the clock a little but it’s just about time to leave. I was under the impression that I would have some more time, but I’m pretty sure we’ll be leaving the country soon. As with most changes around here this one is bitter sweet. I’m not in any particular hurry to leave the U.S. and take up residence over in the “sandbox.” But as always this will mark the end of one phase and the beginning of another. As soon as I arrive overseas the most important clock of all starts ticking. One way or another I have to spend a year wherever they want me in the Middle East. The sooner I get there the sooner I can knock out this year and get the hell out of Dodge. So I guess it’s just about game time. At this point I’m as ready as I’ll ever be. I’m not sure how ready anyone can be for war, but we have done all we could to prepare ourselves for this moment. We’ll do just fine. For those of you who have friends or loved ones with me, be comforted by the fact that we all care about one another and will go to any length to make sure that this year goes smoothly for everyone. We’re not going to try and be heroes and we’re not going to take needless risks. We’re going to get over there, get our job done, and get everyone back home. It’s that simple. Trust in us to take care of each other.
I don’t know when I’ll be able to post again, so I apologize if you don’t hear from me for a while. I’ll do my best to keep on top of it. When we finally land at a new home someplace I’ll be sure and post more pictures. I know that many of you want to see your soldier’s faces. I’m not sure how to end this post, so I’ll just finish by thanking you all for the support of myself and the men I have the privilege of serving with.
5 Comments:
I love you little brother! Take care of yourself and those around you! Know that there are many people here that are praying for all of your safe returns. When it gets hard please take comfort in the fact that your family loves you and thinks of you everyday! I miss you tons and can't wait to hug your skinny ass when you get home! Luv, Nic
Every one of you please stay safe! Your family members are counting on you! Please keep my brother Jeff safe. May you all have your guardian angels keeping close watch on you in the next year! You all have brave souls!
Love, Jessica ( Jeff's sister )
P.S. I want a picture of Jeff on a camel!!!
Joe - many people in my company are going to send Girl Scouts to the troups in March. I hope some find their way to you. Will be thinking of you everday.
God speed to you and everyone with you!
love,
Aunt Sally
Happy Trails, Joe.
Joe: I wish we could turn the clock AHEAD one year, skipping past this "sandbox" excursion.
I guess my prayer for you and all those with you is that you'll be able to feel the protection of a God who is not only our Creator, but also our Father, and our Friend. Someone who is intimately interested in, cognizant of, and knowledgeable about, everything that you'll be experiencing during your tour; even the most minute things; even the most bizarre or difficult things. No one would expect it not to be hard at times, but being able to trust yourself to the protection of a Loving although Awesome and Almighty God would seem a great help toward embracing, with at least somewhat greater ease, the difficult and dangerous tasks you'll at times be faced with. I believe it will all, somehow, fit into a plan: the good as well as the bad; our right moves as well as our mistakes; the clean and the messy; the joys and the agonies. I hope you'll be able to find some comfort in this belief too, especially if you have need of it along the way. Put yourselves in His hands; He won’t let you down; even though it can sometimes, at first glance, look like it. He cares more about us than we do about ourselves – and that’s just not easy to imagine.
We may not be able to communicate regularly, but you'll all be in mind daily. Here's looking forward to toasting your safe, quick and happy return! Be well, Your Godfather.
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