Back in Iraq Again

Dave's battalion left on Saturday for Iraq, by way of Bangor, Maine. Just like last year, they were greeted by the Freeport Flag Ladies, who took lots of pictures and loaned cell phones to the troops so they could call their loved ones. Here's Dave mugging for the camera with two of his buds.



After a very short time in Kuwait, they pressed on to their final destination. On Tuesday morning, Kelly received a call from her hero saying that he had arrived safely. The conditions are much improved over his last deployment - he even has access to the internet and has been able to e-mail us a couple of times! Their current location has a chow hall and even some air conditioning and a recreation room. Much better, I think, than his last deployment where his first objective was to plan the latrine.

Due to the extreme climate change, a lot of the guys (including Dave) are suffering with URI issues. (That stands for Upper Respiratory Infection - and yes, Kathleen had to tell me that.)

He'd love to get cards and letters from friends and family so if you need his address, please contact us. Thank you for your prayers for both Dave and Kelly.

P.S. If you are in the mood, check out the link on the left (Military Humor).

Deployment Time . . . Again

The time we've all known was coming is now upon us. By the end of the month, Dave will be back in Iraq taking care of his Marines. Hopefully this deployment will carry with it somewhat less danger than last year's tour. Dave will be assigned to the Battalion Aid Station, rather than walking daily patrols with a rifle company. There will still be a good deal of movement, but not continuous.



Dave's great friend and Kelly's cousin, Dave Lindahn, who is an Army medic stationed in Germany, also heads for Iraq this week.




Good-byes are always painful. But Dave and Kelly have the comfort of knowing that there are so many of you out there - friends and family alike - who are encircling them with your love and holding them up in prayer. The Lord is good, and he keeps us sheltered under his wing.