Merry Christmas, everyone. Hope you all had a nice holiday. Here is a picture of me opening my presents under our "christmas tree" in our CHU. Overall, it was kind of a sad day--I thought I was doing fine, but I had a hard time yesterday. I really missed my family. I got to Skype Brian and the kids at my mom's house, and I had sent them some gifts from Iraq, so I got to see the kids open their presents. As great as technology is, it actually made things a lot more difficult for me emotionally to see them, but not be there. But, my time here is on the downhill slide--halfway done! No more major holidays to get through here (no, the Superbowl doesn't count).
On a happier note, I got to go for a ride in an Osprey. One of the surgeons here arranged for the Marines to take a handfull of us up, and since it was my birthday, I got included. I was actually terrified, as I don't really like to fly, and I hate helicopters and little planes. We had to wear our body armor and kevlar. It was freezing that day, and we had to meet at 0530. And I just read an article about how Ospreys fall out of the sky on occasion. This is the first time they have ever been deployed in combat, by the way. I took Meclizine to prevent motion sickness, which worked, but I was a nervous wreck. Everyone said, "Once in a lifetime opportunity, so you have to go!" So, I did--and it was absolutely awesome! It was so incredible. We had so much fun. 
We flew around the base for about an hour, they did test fires of the weapon, and they kept the back ramp open the whole time--yeesh! I captured some cool video clips of the flight. We did 8 or 9 touch-and-go's, and it was the greatest! (In the bottom picture, I am second on the right side. ) The Ospreys have a lot of power, and they can move. It was great. Now I can say I was on an Osprey for their maiden deployment--yea! Well, happy holidays, everyone. Take care, keep in touch. Please keep the emails coming. Love you all...
9 comments:
I can completely see how that would be difficult to see but not touch your family! You are doing an awesome job for us over there and we appreciate it all so very much. I can't imagine how cool the Osprey trip was! I am so jealous. Thanks for taking the time to post some info for us all over here, it's nice to know whats happen'n with ya. We think of you often! Take care,
Keith
BTW - stick'n trucks in the mud during the superbowl is a holiday!
We all love to read your posts...thanks for taking the time. I am SO glad you are half way done! YIPPEE!!! I loved the picture of you opening your presents in your pj's, just like home. Love you, EJK
BTW- stick'n trucks...what about stick'n hyundia's?
Alison, wish you were here today to help me shovel snow. We had a lot overnight. Perhaps you will get a chance to shovel some snow yourself 45 days from now. Keep your chin up. Valentine's Day, isnt that about when you get out of there?, will be here soon. We think of you. Linda and Bob
no shit?...I was confused who you were until I saw your name...I thought you were the 3rd on the left! I remember how you fretted about the little plane in Alaska...you are so brave! What a cool experience! Woohoo...you are on the downside of your tour! Take care, Be safe, we love you, Jean and Mark
Dear Ali,
Glad to hear that you had an alright holiday. Thought about you on Christmas and your B-day. Wow! a cake from Germany, that's one for the memory book. The Osprey trip sounds like fun, I would have been scared too. Glad to hear that you are on the downhill. Hope the second half goes as fast as the first. Love Amy.
Hey. Keep your head up. You're getting close to being on the downside of your adventure. Larry said to stay off the ospreys, but what a cool adventure!! Miss you. Tatyana got married yesterday, crazy huh. She is very happy. They got married at Priest Lake, in the snow. Thanks for sharing your pictures, love them. I downloaded a buch of songs last night for the 70s-80s party when you get back!! Love it!! Take care. HJ
Who are you sitting next to? Eckert, Taylor and Nicholson and I think Khosravi didn't go to Mexico last week, but he is on a covert ops mission to Iraq and is sitting next to you!!
Hey my sweets
Glad you got the package but can't imagine you took the time to drop me a note from afare...What an experience flying in a heli..good for you kid. Your going to be home before you know it with tons of stories for the kids to hear. hope your writing a journal. Keep your spirits up, your doing a fantastic job. Love you Huggies from vegas and kisses on your freckeled face, from old freckeles her self. Happy New Year to you and all the troops.
Howdy there, just wanted to write a quick Happy New Years note. Hope you guys get a chance to have some more "beer" and cheers to a safe return. Love you, EJK
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