Phil has arrived!

Just got a phone call from Phil-they are not to Afghanistan yet, but in Kyrgyzstan. He said that it is really filthy where they are at and he hopes to be moving on soon. He said they didn't even take showers it was so gross. He described the location as "like in the movie Borat". Sounds like they are at an old Russian camp of sorts. He said that none of the buildings have windows.

To get to their current location, they travelled for 25 hours straight (with 4 stops before their final stop in Kyrgyzstan). Considering, the rugged location and the long travel, Phil sounded good.

No news yet

Just thought I'd let you know that we have not heard news quite yet of the guys arrival. We may not hear for a few days, but I will post as soon as I hear a qualified confirmation.

Milestones!

After some last minute drama today (plans changed multiple times in a very short time), the guys left Fort Riley and are finally on their way to Afghanistan. It's the first big milestone in the countdown. Check training off of the "to do" list!

Phil called me from their first stop just a little bit ago. He was so happy! A group of about 100 people, called the Pease Greeters, were there to welcome their plane in. They cheered for the Soldiers as they got off the plane, they shook their hands and talked with them, and fed them snacks.

Phil said it was really amazing. When they got off the plane they heard a roar from the Pease Greeters because they were cheering so loudly. He said there were so many people that he didn't even think he was able to shake all of their hands!

They even handed out phone cards. It sounds like they really took care of them. To think 100 people came to an airport at 9:30pm on a Saturday night to take care of people they don't even know is really amazing. What a great reminder that America is worth fighting for!

On your marks...get set...Go!

Phil is on his last leg of pre-deployment training. Technically, they graduated last week, but they still have some classes to do this week. Then we're off to home.

We don't know much about where Phil will be placed, or even when he will be getting there.

Rest assured, I will let you know when he arrives safely. When I get an address I'll let you know, too. I have a feeling it's going to be awhile.

I'll keep you posted on any of his progress and what he's experiencing as best as I can. We don't know about internet access yet, or I'd have him post directly so you get his experiences first hand. We will do what we can to keep you informed!

Long weekend

The Iron Badgers are enjoying a long weekend to celebrate Memorial Day. Most of the men are spending time with their families. I hope that the weekend is slow and relaxing for them!

Already I have been getting to know many of the wives and I feel close to them, but nothing can replace our husbands. I'm glad so many are able to enjoy the weekend together.

It's funny how much sweeter time is when you know it is limited.

Brass Burn

Has it really been 10 days since my last post? Yikes!

The first part of May has flown by. Phil has continued with training. This week they had some long days. In 48 hours, the guys had only about six hours of sleep. I haven't had the chance to talk with Phil much because of their crazy schedule.

A few days ago, they were out shooting and Phil got a burn on his neck from a bullet casing. He calls it a brass burn. It sounded painful to me.

This week, one of the guys on the team had a family member pass away. Our thoughts and prayers go to his family. It was a sad reminder that life goes on, even while they train. Even while they are deployed.

Long days, short nights

Phil and the guys have been working some long days. They are really getting into some pretty heavy training. Sharpening their skills.

They've had a few short nights so they can qualify on a number of night exercises. One night it was driving tests. Another night they were on the range working on night shooting (is that the right term? I'm really not sure!).

Mornings they do PT (also known as working out or exercising for those of us who are civilians) and then head off to do work some more.

We are getting closer to sending him off to Afghanistan. By the time our guys leave, they will be ready to step into their positions and get to work!