Come see My son,my soldier, my hero--1/17/09



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It's been a while since my last update, and where did I leave off? Zach has spent 3 1/2 weeks at Fort Dix, N.J. from there an 18 hr. plane trip to Kuwait where he received training for about 3 1/2 weeks then on to Iraq, where he is in northern Iraq. His FOB (forward operating base) is FOB Sykes. Kind of set up in the middle of the desert surrounded by barbed wire and sand bags. I remember the first phone call when he arrived in Iraq, he said, " there is nothing but sand for as far as I can see." There is so much dust at all times, and sand storms. He has to wear something over his nose and mouth because of all the dust he breathes. He sounds congested when I speak to him over the phone. The connection is not good, our conversations are all choppy, and we repeat alot of things to each other. This makes him frustrated, he said he hates not being to talk to his family. I tell him it is okay, it could be worse, no contact at all.

They finally found his tote with all the things he had sent earlier from home, he was happy to get it! It contained his guitar, bed sheets and blankets from home, plus speakers for his stereo, he has to have his music, me too. He has been in Iraq for about 1 month now. We are still hoping he will be home around Christmas this year. Maybe not until early 2010 though.
He tells me his days are long, he is up at 4:00 a.m. and works until late. They are currently 7 hours ahead. so he tries to call me on my lunch hour at work, when his day is almost ending. He is a very tough person, and has shown more strength than I could have imagined. He always just says, "Mom I am fine" every time I talk to him, the same comment. And of course I cry after every phone call after our I love you's and good bye's.
His time there has just begun, I pray that his strength will continue and he can endure the remaining months ahead. I am his mom and I worry unceasingly for my son so far away. I know God watches over him and all of our soldiers. I am thankful for all the heartfelt prayers, and I know Zach feels them too. I continue to miss him every day, but I am getting a little stronger as time goes by, and spring is just around the corner!

"Just A little Update"

January 22, 2009

I talked to Zach last night, he is still at Ft. Dix until the end of the month. He seems in good spirits, anxious to get on with his call to duty in Iraq. We can talk on the phone only if he goes outside, in the cold (12 degrees) stands between two trailers with the wind whipping thru just to get a phone signal. Ha ha. We also use AOL instant messenger.

The last couple of weeks in Ft. Dix he will be spending 9 days in the field, day and night. Very cold. Funny though in just a couple of weeks he will be in the desert heat. Although at night in the winter it gets down to the 30's. They have all the equipment and training necessary to endure either situation.

I am always amazed at how much he does not complain about anything. He has gained alot of endurance while in the military. I am so very proud of him, for who he is and what he stands for.

Departure

Thursday Januaury 8, 2009

Zach left from camp atterbury by bus to Ft. Dix, New Jersey. Non-stop bus ride. He will have direct training there to prepare for a year in Iraq. His grandfather Larry was there, his grandmother Evelyn, his Aunt Donna & Uncle Mike, and of course his brothers Ty & Cole. At this time I communicate with Zach by e-mail. Some phone calls, connection not good inside buildings on a military base.

He seems upbeat and ready to accomplish his mission. We are so very proud of him. Please remember him in your prayers for a safe year and return home to us.

A Year Long Journey in IRAQ

Today January 5th, 2009, my son Zach reports to Camp Atterbury to begin a year long deployment in IRAQ.