PFC Rogers Reporting For Duty

Blake has arrived safely to Ft.Drum NY. We spent his last day home at Bush Gardens. They were dying to ride Sheikra. Their first ride.Poor Matt, I think he didn't want to let the group down, so he reluctantly rode it. I told him he was crazy. Scott even went out on a limb and rode it. I was really nervous because he had two seizures that had awoke him in his sleep. We got home about 7:00 and Blake decided at 9:30 that he would begin his trip. He and his friend Kristin met up together in Savannah.
He arrived in New York Tuesday and I told him to get a hotel get some rest and enjoy his last day before check-in. He checked in this morning and seems down in the dumps. He is in singlr soilder barracks with another soilder. He said, his room is 10x12. I told him to find the positive out of it because he doesn't want to be miserable. He is in a new area, he knows no one. It's like your first day of school, it get's better. I told him as soon as he gets his address to e-mail it to me and I will try to make sure he doesn't get to home sick.

A Wonderful Gift

My little sister phoned me today to tell me that she couldn't get me and Blake off her mind. She prayed for Blake's safety in the Army and strength for me. She then began to tell me about a dream she had last night. Blake had come to her in his camo gear and had a friend with him. My sister asked him, who his friend was, and Blake said Charlie. Charlie said he never leaves Blake's side.
My father, who has passed is named Charlie. The gift is - I found peace in the fact that my father could possibly be Blake's guardian angel.
Thank You Jackie for sharing your dream with me.

I Know..I Know..

I have to get a handle on my emotions. I am having a tougher time than I thought I would with Blake being deployed to "The Sandbox" They say it is harder on families that are left behind, then those that are deployed. I support Blake in his decision to stand up for our country at a time of war but, it doesn't ease the pain of him going to war.
I had my dog tags from 1965 duplicated for him and as I placed them around his neck I asked that he be protected, where his military career takes him.

Blake's Home

I flew to St. Louis and then drove 2 hours to Ft. Leonard wood. Scott was unable to make this trip for medical reasons. My Aunt who lives in St. Louis occupied me on the trip. Before leaving for Ft. Leonard wood we swung by the nursing home to see my Grandmother that I had not seen in 17 years.

We then made our trip to Leonard wood. My Aunt is my kind of travel buddy. She had a can of Lysol, air freshener, pillows and quilts. Before I touch anything in a hotel room I Lysol everything. We thought Blake was going to get a dinner pass but, they had graduation practice. I was lucky enough to see him before graduation. Graduation was as great as basic training, until you've been to see how hard, how many hours our solders train it is then when you appreciate their sacrifice.

We were fortunate to see their living quarters and meet his battle buddies. After 3 hours of the Army looking for Blake's key it was time to get on the road. Because of the late start it put us in later than we wanted. We were both exhausted @10:30 and decided to get a hotel room. We woke up not even knowing what State we were in. It turned out to be Kentucky. We ate breakfast and were on our way home. The closer we got to Florida, the faster Blake drove. He said he is glad to be home but, is only here for 10 days.
They showed a slide show and the last slide was Good Luck Bandits, we will see you in the sandbox. It was then that I learned that Blake will be deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan.

Orders Received

Blake will graduate AIT August 8th. Scott is unable to travel so I will fly to St. Louis on the 7th, video graduation for those who can not be there. I had tickets to fly back but, decided to drive back with Blake on two conditions. My first was we would drive most of the way get a hotel and sleep. The second was that he would not scare me to death. I think it will be a great time for bonding.
He received his orders for Fort Drum, NY. One of the top bases for deployment : (