We saw our son Derek off today for his third deployment to the Persian Gulf. (He is with the Army National Guard, 111th Engineers out of Eleanor, WV in case you want to google it.)
They will go to Fort McCoy in Minnesota for a monthbefore they fly over. At this point it looks likehe'll be stationed at Tukrit, Iraq in Brigade HQ. He was promoted the day before he left to master sergeant. His son Jared got to pin his stripes on during the ceremony, and WV's governor Joe Manchin was there too. We have a picture of very Republican Derek with the Democratic governor--I'll have to frame that!
Today was tough, but there was a real send-off--bands, lots of people and flags and a strong show of support. Even though 99% of the people there oppose this war, the troops were given every bit of support they could have wanted.
Derek's kids did very well today. He should be proudof the way they behaved--no tears and bawling. They were straight up and waving flags until he was out of sight and hearing. Then they let loose, but that's to be expected. What good little troopers.
I tried to remember how many times I've seen Derekoff, but I really can't recall. I will be very glad when he finally retires from the military. But I'm proud of him.
Granny Sue, Good, strong faith to you. You don't support the war, but you support the troops. What do the troops support? Good, strong faith to you.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I'll need it.
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