Got some pics!

I'm using the facility in the Troop Shop to post and upload a few pictures. The first ones are of the graduation ceremony, then a couple of his room and the trailers that were his home for the past 12 weeks.

Graduation 1

Graduation 2

His room

The trailers

Sorry the room one is sideways, I'll fix that when I get back to my computer! *UPDATE* I think it's rightways up now!

He just got his orders, they have a spot for him in Airborne School at Ft. Benning, and he flies out tomorrow at noon. I'll stay to take him to the airport, and then head to Illinois to spend the next few weeks with family there.

He's not sure he'll be there long enough to get mail, but if I get an address, I'll pass it along!

Graduation

I'm using Aaryk's phone for this, so it will be short. He graduated from his AIT program this morning, and won't be shipping for Airborne school for a few days. He does have a pass though, so we are getting in plenty of 'quality time'. Right now, he's taking a well deserved nap!

It's up in the air still, but he may be going to Ft. Benning for jump school after all.

What we DO know, is that we are going to be stationed at Ft. Bragg!!

More later, when I have a bigger keyboard!

Thanks for all your prayers too, I've had a great drive getting here!

Kevin reminded me

With all the attention being given to supporting our troops in the Middle East (and rightly so), there is another group of servicemen that are on duty away from their families as well. I knew this, because Aaryk and I had talked about it, but I didn't think of the practical needs of our servicemen in Korea.

They may not be in an actual combat zone (at the moment!), but they are out there separated from their families. So, when you are donating to one of the worthy causes for supporting our troops, or want to send a care package, please remember our fellow countrymen stationed in Korea (and elsewhere) who would also appreciate hearing from you!

On the Road Again....

Sedona was wonderful fun! It was nice to be able to relax with my friends and not have to be responsible for anything (Except helping with breakfast!).

I'm in Albuquerque at the moment, delayed by the fact that my car's 'check engine' light came on yesterday. It's in at the dealership now, so I'm hanging out at Kevin's updating the blog!

Yesterday I took a side trip through the petrified forest in northern AZ. I'd been there with Aaryk and Brian 5 years ago, but we got there so late that we weren't able to get out and walk around. It was very cool.

Speaking of Aaryk

I spoke to him last night, the last time I'll get to talk to him until I get out there on Friday. He's out on a field exercise all week. He's still on a profile from his oral surgery, so he won't actually get to do too much. He says his leg is healing nicely, but I'm glad he's not going to be putting any strain on it for an extra week.

Oh! He's not going to Ft. Benning for his Airborne School. They now do jump school at Ft. Bragg as well, so he'll go straight there after AIT. He'll probably ship on the 22nd or 23rd. Then I'll be heading to Chicago for July. I'm hoping to be able to be in Chicago through the end of July, there's a gaming event I REALLY want to get to with my bother (I mean brother! ;) ).

My husband on pain meds

Funny story I have to share. Aaryk still had to report for morning and evening formation even while confined to quarters after his oral surgery. He's standing out there, and there is a big, slow-flying fly buzzing around him. The fly lands on his chin, and without even thinking about it, Aaryk smacks it. He about knocked himself out from the pain! Fortunately, by the time he told me about it, he was already laughing about it.

More from Dallas in a day or so, I'm going as far as Amarillo tonight, since my Father is going to be in for surgery today. Prayers all around are greatly appreciated!

Endings, beginnings, and more prayers please!

They had a going away party for me at work yesterday. It was wonderful, made me cry, all the usual stuff. My boss, her boss, and the Ops Managers were all there, as well as so very many of my dear friends from GWCC. So now I am officially done with IKON (for the time being!), and jobless and homeless! It's been nice to be able to stay with friends this past week.

Brian moved out about 2 1/2 weeks ago. He's doing well, but is still in need of a full-time job close to the place he's living. He'd love to get his driver's permit, and hopefully will soon.

I'm headed to Sedona this weekend with some friends, and then onward to parts East! I will be stopping in Albuquerque, and Dallas to see family and friends, and then on to Aberdeen on the 17th to see Aaryk for a week. He graduates on the 22nd from his AIT, and ten hopefully on to Fort Benning for Airborne School.

I say hopefully, because right now he's dealing with a couple of torn muscles in his thigh and is basically off his feet as much as possible. Also, as I write he is in getting his wisdom teeth pulled. He'll be confined to quarters for the next 3 days after the oral surgery. Hopefully all the enforced 'rest' will help him heal quickly! Prayers are as usual, greatly appreciated!

Update and links!

Well, Aaryk is back in the trailers with the rest of the prior servicemen. They temporarily moved some of the guys while they were getting more room. This is nice because now he can have his beer again! He even brought a couple of cigars back with him this time, so last night he sat outside, enjoyed his cigar and a tasty adult beverage. The world was a better place for him then.

Next Thursday he gets his wisdom teeth pulled. (I guess they don't want too many 'wiseguys' in the Army?) He'll be out of classes for a couple of days, and he's bummed about that. Prayers for a quick healing would be appreciated!

I have found some neat links recently for interesting ways to support our troops. Here's a few of them:

http://www.soldiertomovies.org/

http://www.strikeoutsfortroops.org/index.htm

http://www.americasupportsyou.mil/

http://www.aafes.com/docs/homefront.htm

http://www.voicesfromhome.org/home.html

There are tons more, but unfortunately beerforsoldiers.com is no more.

This may be my last post for several weeks, I take my computer apart tomorrow and I won't have regular email access until the end of June.

Aaryk DOES have email access now, through his cell phone, so if you need to get a hold of us, you can email him at the_old_drake@yahoo.com. Don't expect a long reply, because he has to type on a tiny keyboard! (You can't see them, but there are _ in the spaces in his email. the_old_drake)

I'll update as soon as I 'Can't Not Write'!