New York and Deployment

I flew to New York early Saturday morning to see Blake off to Iraq. The two days I was there we ran around trying to get him prepared, last minute shopping and packing. I was so surprised at all the things they have to pack to carry with them. I couldn't even lift his bag. Gas masks, helmets, bullet prove vest etc..you would think they would issue them when they got to Kuwait. They will stay in Kuwait for extra training and then to Iraq. The base gave out soldier hug me dolls. The doll is dressed as a soldiers and you place their picture in a plastic sleeve on the face. Kids were holding on to their dads crying. A unit was singing "Lean On Me" it was all very touching. After Blake left, Kellie and I went back to their place, packed Kellie's car full of her clothes, picked up Reggie (dog) and then decided to go to a hotel in Syracuse. That put us right by the airport and Kellie 2 hours closer to home. We had to sneak Reggie in through a side door at the hotel. Reggie did one bark and the front desk called our room. Of course "I lied" i was so shocked that someone would complain, it wasn't even a large bark.

Blake arrived in Kuwait at 9:00 am on Tuesday, so he arrived safe. We were assured from the commander will bring our soldiers home safe. Our soldiers will be back up for the Iraq soldiers. He said, where they are they are safe.