Families & Friends of Combat FF's in Iraq

[combatffwife04]

At the suggestion of some combat ff's heading to Iraq I have started this new thread for family and friends with a loved one in Iraq.

My name is Tracy Robertson and my husband, Gary "Zimbob", has been in Iraq since October '04. I am not an expert on what to expect or how to deal with the fact someone dear is in Iraq - I can only share my experiences and encourage everyone to post and let's have discussions and make new friends.

Since there is not a support system in place for those of us back home as they have in the military - I think it a good idea to share whatever needs to be shared - of course keeping in mind we must be mindful of what is said regarding our loved one's locations, etc. (Hear ya Thomas and Jonathan!!) Use good judgement and we can have a good time talking and sharing with each other.

Looking forward to this and will check back daily. My email is milkshakes4all@yahoo.com for those of you who would like to email me directly.

Take care and GOD BLESS our Combat Firefighters!!

Tracy

[shfireinv]

thanks for starting this tracy

[chiefswife]

Thank you for starting this.My husband leaves in
February to Iraq.I am behind him 100% in this new
adventure of his FF career.We have three small
children that will be with me full time and he
will be in the big sandbox.He is prior military and
I have dealt with a deployment before.It is always nice
to have someone to talk to about an experience you are
facing.Again Thank you for starting this thread.I can
be reached though my website
www.cheyennesmoonwalk.com or
email sprinkles@cheyennesmoonwalk.co m .
Email me and I will give you my IM and contact number
so we can all get through this as one great big Family.


Kristy

[wildharleydude]

Hey Tracy,
Thank you for starting this thread. I have family and friends that will be reading and sharing their thoughts and ideas on this thread. I will email them and advise them that there is now a place where they can go for information. Maybe, oneday there will be a support group for our family and friends. Until then, I think that this will do just fine. I will be departing on Feb 21st. I will send any and all information possible upon arrival to Iraq. Again, Thank you. Hector Garcia FF/EMT alias wildharleydude

[combatffwife04]

Kristy

Glad you posted! Sounds like you have experience in this. So you probably have great advice. So your hubby leaves in Feb - well I wish him safety and success. So you have three children - great - I have three and one step son. They make a big difference in helping me stay busy. Wondering how old are you kids? My kids dealt with it kind of hard - especially the oldest girls because they really understand the "reality" of this war. The boys kinds have "hero" eyes towards Gary. Which is good - they miss him terribly but they bragg on him all the time. I will email soon and check out your website. Will be nice to talk!!

Take care
Tracy

[Firestorm5]

Hey Tracy,

Thanks a bunch for starting this thread. I'm sure friends and family of WSI Firefighters will appreciate having somewhere to go to meet other folks going through the same experiences as they are. Since I'm single there won't be a spouse of mine on here but you will most likely see my mother come on here.

My mother is use to the deployment thing because my older brother and I have both served in the military and were both deployed to Desert Shield/Storm together. Ironically my brother is still in the military and has just arrived in Iraq about a month ago and now I am following once again. That doesn't make it any easier but it does give her some experience in this arena. I think it was a little easier for her last time though because she had my father to lean on. My father unfortunately passed away in 2003 so this time she is going it alone so hopefully she gets involved with this thread and anything else the spouses and families start up to help her through yet another deployment. I must admit I felt some guilt about leaving her alone but she supports me 100% in anything I decide to do and this time has been no different.

My mothers name is Debbie so be looking out for her Tracy. Thanks again and I hope I get to meet your husband. Take care of yourselves and each other and will talk to ya later. I will try to visit all the threads while I'm in Iraq if I have time.

Chad

[combatffwife04]

Chad
I am glad to start this new thread. I am sure you are in Houston now. I look forward to all the conversations and friends that will be made. I hope your mother will post soon. I am sure even with her experience with the military - deployment is never easy - especially with two of her sons in Iraq. She has to be a special person and look forward to "meeting" Debbie. Sorry to hear of your's and her's loss in your father. Being alone the hardest thing to cope with. You make sure and stay in touch with her as much as you can!!

Kirsty - I love your website - what a cool story about how your business started - and you are a clown - that is FABULOUS - Sprinkles is very coo. Look forward to hearing more from you. When does your hubby leave in Feb again? I was thinking the 14th.

Hector - so you leav Feb 21st - wow that is better then Feb 14th!! I can't imagine having to say goodbye on Valentines Day!! I wish you so much safety and success and please once you get in place check back and maybe by then this thread will have lots of posts. Tell your family and friends to please visit - this is a place to discuss all of our feelings, share our problems, offer solutions. I am sure there will be some "crying" but I sure hope more "laughing" Please stay in touch my friend

Take care everyone!
Tracy

[combatffwife04]

Hey Scottie!! Don't you leave without saying bye! Glad you and Gary got hooked up on emails - have you though of posting your interview? I still have saved in my sent folder - let me know if you want me to post for you.

Take care dear!
Tracy

[Capt217]

Hello Combatffwife,

My wife visited the thread you started and appreciates it greatly. I also appreciate it greatly. She is pondering a "handle" at this time and you will probably see some posts from her. She has a lot of questions and lots of them I can not answer (I am the one leaving so...). I belive you posted Gary's email some where. Could you email it to me? capt217@comcast.net Thanks.

[combatffwife04]

Tom,

Gary's email is zimbob3869@yahoo.com

Look forward to chatting with your wife!

Have a good day

Tracy

[chiefswife]

Hello,
My hubby leaves on Feb 7th.We are in to the
final days before houston.Stress levels are up
and down and this point.his going away party is this
Saturday.No clown and this party because clowns
don't cry but this wife does.I hope to talk with
everyone more as the days go by.Drop me a line at sprinkles@cheyennesmoonwalk.co m .Thank you all
and god bless


Kristy:cool:

[combatffwife04]

Krisy,

I know this is a stressful time. Nothing I can say will change that, but know I am with you in this. When Gary and I were at the airport we were feeling very numb - there tears, kisses and hugs but it didn't seem real to me that he had left. I had an hours drive back home from the airport. Our kids were with me and they helped a lot on the ride back home - we remembered all the fun times with Gary and just had a good time laughing at all the fun things we did to each other as Gary is a huge prankster and boy have we had some hilarious times. Well I held my composure you know wanting to be strong for the kids - but when we got home and I went up to our bedroom and I lost it! I had a good cry on the bed and everynight before I go to bed I spray his cologne on his pillow and hug it all night. I know sounds silly but it helps me. The one thing that turned out better than I expected was the comminication with Gary. We have talked literally everyday via phone, instant messaging, there was a 72 hour period when I didn't hear from him, but he told me beforehand so I was prepared for that. Talking to him everyday is wonderful help to the both of us. He calls every Saturday and speaks to all the kids and his mom (as she moved in with me after Gary left).

There will be definate ups and downs - just try and stay busy and remember with each day that passes that brings him one day closer to coming home!!

Your friend,
Tracy

[Capt217]

Well my wife finally picked a handle... Kimmers. I am still waiting for my packet. Hopefully soon, like tomorrow or monday.

I want to say Thank you Tracy for starting this thread. It is good to know that the family members of one going to the big sand box have place to go to ask questions. Let Gary know I will email him soon. Take care and again Thank you.

[BSFFwife]

Hi Tracy,

My name is Lori and my husband is leaving this Monday. While reading your post I was crying once again. I loved the cologne idea. Im trying to be strong for him but it is hard. Im so glad you started tis post. My husband has a friend who is already in Iraq and is trying to get my husband on the same base. It worked with another guy hoping it will work again. Im sure all the guys look out for each other anyway. Good luck to all you guys leaving and be safe.

[chiefswife]

Hello Lori,
My husband also leaves on Monday.If you need
anything please email me.I understand what your
going through right now.Here is an idea if you
have kids.Have them kiss thier dads hands and
vice versa and when they need a kiss all they
have to do is place there hand to there cheek
and its a long distance kiss.It works for my
little ones and also with me.Wishing you the best.

Kristy

[fireharleyrider]

Tracy,

Thank you for starting this thread. I'm sitting here watching the super bowl catching up on the threads. I leave 21 feb. and time is going by so fast. I start to think of what I want and need to complete before I go and I wonder if I'm going to have enough time. My mom, step-mom, and girlfriend may read and post here looking for support and guidance. My dad may look but I doubt he'll post. It hasn't been easy at all. The day I told everyone I made the decision to go was probably the worst day of my life so far with no exaggeration. It was a big shock as I was thinking of staying and withdrawing from the process. Something is calling me to go even though I don't want to leave my girlfriend, family, and friends. Like someone said, each day that passes is one day closer to the return of your loved one. It was a hard decision, but with all things considered it is the right one. You have been great and I wish you and Gary all the best. He is lucky to have such a strong woman by his side. I can only hope to be so lucky when I return. Good luck to everyone leaving tomorrow and on the 14th. I look forward to meeting the people on my day and everyone over there.
Jonathan

[Gregorychief]

I just wanted to sneak in a note while she's sleeping
on this the eve of my leaving. My wife is the hands down,
undisputed, Greatest Wife In The World. She has stood
beside me every step, held back too many tears, and
still puts up with my "grumpy butt" even though she
isn't required to. Sweet heart I am hear to say
publicly "Thank You and I will miss your smiling face!"
And to all the spouses we couldn't do this without you.
Love
:) :o :( :D :cool:
Brandon

[Skanocom34]

Hey all...I'm new to posting on here, but have been reading along with my fiancee. He posts sometimes on the Combat FF's in Iraq board. He left this morning. Good luck to all that are still scheduled to leave.

[BSFFwife]

Hi Everyone
My husband left this morning and called me from Texas acouple hours ago. Says they are going to get 300.00 cash advance so thats good. He is going out with the guys so they can get to know each other.Sounds like everything is going well.I miss him but I can do this.Be safe you guys!


Lori

[combatffwife04]

I am glad to see this thread is getting some activity. Haven't checked in a several days as I have been in the bed with the flu - but much better now.

Jonathan - sorry to hear you had such a tough time telling everyone - just keep your purpose in your mind and accept that not all will support you - my thoughts and prayers are with you!!

Lori - I am so glad you posted! Welcome! Bless your heart - I know this is tough - to be honest I haven't had a great few days myself and Gary has been gone since Oct. I had a good cry today, you will have ups and downs - just surround yourself with friends and family and expect to have gut wrenching cries on a daily basis at first then you will find as time goes by you will realize "Hey I didn't cry today!!" Then if you are like me - will feel guilty for NOT crying and start crying anyhow!! LOL It is very normal - just keep things in perspective. Everytime you talk to your hubby you tell him how much you love him and support him - sometimes its hard as to be honest I have had some moments where I have "resented" his desire but have kept that to myself and again realized that was normal too. If you have a faith and can depend upon pastoral counsel or soemthing similar - take advantage of it - I email my pastor on a regular basis. I hope I don't come across as an expert or "know-it-all" because quite the contrary - I am sure there will be days I will need you guys to lift me up too!! As far as the guys looking after each - yes they do as far as what Gary has shared - they are quite a group of pranksters from he says - they have a good time.

Skanocom34 - wishing your fiancee much success and welcome. What is your name and who is your fiancee? Hope you post again!

Brandon - Excellent post!!! So nice to hear how much you adore your wife - will she post soon?

Tom - You tell Kimmers hello and we are all looking for to her posts. Don't freak out at the volumous amounts of paperwork you will get in your packet - just go through ONE thing at a time. If you need any help email - and I told Gary you would be emailing soon if you havent yet!

Chad - hope you are doing well - please post when you can!!

Hector - how are you - not too much longer to go for you - Feb 21st right? Take care and looking forward to your family and friends posting.

Kristy - How are you doing? Have you talked with your hubby yet? Thinking of you! How are the kids? I know things are tough right now - I know you guys will be fine - how could kids with a clown for a mom not be okay?! They are lucky kids!!

I have posted a list that I made for Gary that included the list received from WSI on the FF in Iraq? post.

Anyone who wants to email - feel free - milkshakes4all@yahoo.com

My 13 yr old son - Nate - tries out for school baseball team tomorrow - wish him luck - first time playing baseball - he has played soccer and basketball seems like forever - so he is a little nervous about the baseball - but mom has a feeling he will do great!

Take care!
Tracy

[captstanm1]

Thanks for starting this thread. While I do not have a friend or relative (I used to ahve a cousing in Afghanistan) at this time, I do admire the families of those that do. My prayers go out to all of you. If any of you want to email me directly, you can get my to my email by looking at my profile.

God Bless

Stan

PS..I think out of respect to our brothers who are now serving in the efforts to protect freedom and squash terrorism, the the WT need to put this one up as a "STICKY!"

[combatffwife04]

Stan

Thank you for your post. Your encouragement and support is very much appreciated.


Okay - about the list I said I would post on the thread - well I am having technical difficulty - will work on the list when I get home this evening and will try it again! Sorry!!

Tracy

[shfireinv]

Tracy,
Hope you are feeling better nad again THANKS for starting this thread. I am fortant enough not to be leaving a wife and children behind but I have some great family members and friends here that will be worried about me and my adventure and this site will maybe ease there mind. as my mom calls me serval times a day now since she knows she won't have that benifit to just pick up the phone and call as easy after Valentines day
Also I will be in RM on Sat. having lunch with the K9 officer what a small world
Have a good day

[combatffwife04]

Scottie,

Yes - I am sure you mom wants to talk with you as much as she can. Cool that you are coming to Rmt this saturday. I know you have many plans I am sure - but if you find yourself with a little extra time would love to have you come by. If you want e mail me and I will give you my cell phone. I would love for my family to meet you before you go!

Tracy

[Skanocom34]

Thanks for replying to my post. My name is Emily and my fiancee is Brian. His screen name is briedmayer (i think..haha). Hope everyone is doing okay. Two days down...only 118 to go (or so..).

[BSFFwife]

Just talked to Todd and he told me the day he is leaving Texas. Today he sat and listen to speakers all day and tomorrow is the physical test.He sounded tired but still upbeat about everything.

Tracy-Thanks for the incouraging words. I work for Hospice and everyone I work with are great. I also have two girls 14 and 16 and they keep me very busy with sports, church activities ect... I am doing fine and VERY proud of my husband.

Keep counting the days Emily!! :)

[captstanm1]

Bump......

Appealing to the WT to make this one a "STICKY" and hold it to the top..

[chiefswife]

Hello,
Hubby is in H town.He has met some great people there.
We also composed a list of things to take.i can email
it to if you would like.Also remember each bag can only weight
50lbs. Thanks and good luck to all of those over there.
Kristy

[MDWOOD]

Hi I'm attempting to post for the second time tonight. I tried last night, but for whatever reason it didn't make the site. So... here goes! My husband is heading out on Monday the 14th for Huston. He was anxiously waiting to get us set up on line so that he can communicate from base; and thanks to my wonderful new brother-in-law and my terrific little sister giving us a computer, we are now up and running just in time for take off. I want to thank Tracy for this encouraging and advice-filled forum! It really helps to know that I'm not the only wife facing the challenges that come with this territory. My mind is much more at ease since having read the posts both here and at the guys site. As a wife I'm feeling like my best friend is moving away. I'm not sure how it will all work without Chris here but, I do know that God has prepared us for "a time such as this". Many doors have closed without explanation and yet this door stood wide open! Things have happened more smoothly than we could have hoped. The love and support of family and friends has been a blessing as our family has prepared for this journey into so many uncertainties. As difficult as it will be, our family has been preparing for it together and we will rest in God's promises to care for us no matter what the circumstances. Our daughters are beginning to feel the reality of the departure and it is getting to them...thinking about missing out on all the Dad fun! It will be tough. They understand that their dad is making this sacrifice for our family and I know they are proud of him; as am I.
Looking forward to future communication with you all.
Thanks again to Tracy.
Missy

[combatffwife04]

Welcome Missy!

I enjoyed your post very much. Sounds as though you have a very strong and supportive family which is a blessing. I am sure you will be spending every minute together this weekend. Valentines Day will be a tough day for a lot of families. Gary has sent me 2 valentines cards already and I sent him a package with all sorts of valentines goodies - which he received in 9 days!! This expereince has brought Gary and so much closer. I joke with him saying we talk more now than we ever did! I mean we just have great conversations about little things - things we may not have normally shared because when you are together you kind of get settled into a routine and let the little things slip by. We really listen to each other now. I know that we hopefully have learned not to take each for granted and I hope it is a lesson that will last a lifetime. I understand what you meant when you said many doors slammed shut but this door opened wide - exactly same for us - but I know this was meant to be and was the direction Gary needed to go for family reasons and his own personal reasons.

He is coming home Feb 27th for his first R&R and I am just beyond thrilled and excited. It will be like dating again!! I have taken the entire 10 days off from work so we can be together every possible second. Gary left in October and in November me and the kids moved into our new house - so Gary is coming home to a new home. Of course I do have a small "honey do" list for him - which he is actually excited to get to - to experience normalcy for a while.

Well just felt like sharing that with everyone - got to get back to work - keep posting!!

Tracy

[chiefswife]

Hello,
Tracy I hope you are feeling better.I am sure you
will have a great 10 days with your husband.I am leaving
for houston saturday to see my husband off.He tells me
that he has met some great guys going over with him.I am
excited to see him again.This week is starting to slow down
and get back into a routine.It difficult but my family
has been great helping me out.If any one needs anything please
email me at sprinkles@cheyennesmoonwalk.co m

Stay safe and strong,
Kristy

[kraziecasey02]

Thanks Tracy for creating this thread.. I read most of the FF in Iraq thread, and when I read that you were creating this one, I had to check it out!! My boyfriend left in December. To everyone who has someone leaving soon, my only advice is to be positive. Some days are better than others, and sometimes the "others" can get pretty rough. I've found that for me, it helps to have short term dates to look forward to.. like when I came back to school at the beginning of spring semester it was halfway till Justin's first R&R. He comes home Good Friday, so about half of his time home will be my Easter break, which works out great for me. I can't wait!!! :-D I think the cologne idea is really helpful too.. I used that even before he left, because he lives four hours from where I go to school. Anyways, good luck to anyone leaving soon, as well as to those who will be left behind.

-Casey

[beblom]

Hi All,

I have a few questions for the FF's over there and the children left behind. I am presently looking at the option of going out to Iraq and helping my brother Fire Fighters, so here they are.. For the FF's What do you do over there? Is there some extra training a person can do while he is posted there like EMT and Paramedic? What should a person pack when he goes? Is there anything you wish you would have packed but didn't? How do you keep in touch with your family? Is there phones, internet, and where? Do you eat with the troops or at the fire barn? There is many many more questions I could ask but don't want to bore you with my questions Please enter in as much info as you can with your response.

And for the children left behind.. I have a 8 yr old who lives with me on evey day off from school and his mother on those school days.
Can you tell me how my son might feel or what he will be going thru? Ya I am sure he will be fine for the first couple of months but a yr is a long time for a young one.
We are very active together, but he said that he would be proud to have his dad serve over there, He has given me his blessing, Can any kids or parents tell me what will be going thru my sons head? I don't know what I am looking for just wanting to know that my son will survive this.. If anybody could email me and enlighten me on this or any of my questions it would be great my email address is bblom@emily.net

Thanks,

Fellow Fire Fighter

[kraziecasey02]

Most of the questions that you asked have been asked and answered in the FFing in Iraq thread.. make sure you check that out. There's a lot of great information there. It's long, so it'll take you a while to get through it all, but there are guys posting there from Iraq, so if you have any questions that haven't been answered on that thread, they'll be happy to help you out. Good luck with whatever you decide to do!!

-Casey

[combatffwife04]

Thanks Kristy - I am feeling better - just this stupid flu is making a second round on my 13 year old son - ugg. How was your visit in Houston? That was great you could go see him one more time before he left! Stay busy!!

Well Hello Casey! Kraziecasey - I like that. So you have been hanging in there for a couple of months. I am glad you posted - I am glad that his R&R worked out so you can spend as much time together as possible - Gary will be home in 12 days!!!! Fortunately I have earned enough vacation time I can take the whole ten days off! We are going to spend the first few days together out of town - you know to get reaquainted ;) then the rest of the time will be family time - plan on taking the kids out of school for a couple days for a long weekend somewhere.

Beblom

I got your email - did you not get my reply? If not I will re-email. I try to not let too much time got by - sorry. My yongest is 10 years old and he is doing okay. He has cried a few times which is to be expected - but nothing too concerning - he has his own email and can email his daddy anytime he wants. I also limit the amount of "news" that he watches. He just worries about "someone" sneaking on base and killing his daddy. I tell him that there are hundreds of combatt FF's over in Iraq and not one has every been killed. I also tell him that the danger is off the base and daddy never leaves the base. You just have to be smart with what you say. It is okay (mom's) to let your kids see you cry - of course you don't want them to see you hysterical for days on end - but keep it reasonable and that lets kids know it is okay to cry and talk about it. The kids know when I am sad and am missing Gary and they just give hugs and we continue with our day. Our 13 year old boy is a bit more mature and understands the reality a bit more than C.J. our 10 year old - but as long as they see I am okay they are okay. Actually, Nate (13yo) had a negative situation at school one day - he wore a tshirt gary sent him - the same gary wears for work and it has the american and iraqi flag on it with arabic writing and he was called a "racist" for some reason - but anyway it was sorted out and he wears it proudly now. Gary is actually a big topic in his social studies class.

I will check back later - everyone have a great day and TAKE CARE!
Tracy

[captstanm1]

I am gonna bump this up and appeal to the WT once again to make this a "sticky." We have certainly made less important things sticky!

[skatcat13]

BUMP!!!!!!

[combatffwife04]

Okay - Stupid question - What do you mean make this a "sticky". Still a forum newbie - lol


captstanm1
I am gonna bump this up and appeal to the WT once again to make this a "sticky." We have certainly made less important things sticky!

skatcat13
BUMP!!!!!!


Tracy

[beblom]

Tracy,

I did get your reply, I really appreciate what you posted in your email.. I hope you don't mind I did forward that to my ex. I would like her to read what you wrote. I will read more when I am not at work..

Thanks,

Bruce

[chiefswife]

Hello

Tracy sorry your oldest is not feeling well.I hope
you get everyone well before your husband comes home.
i have tried on this thread and the other to post my
husbands list of things he took with him.I will send
you his list because I know you have one too.then the
guys going over can have an idea of what they may or
may not need.Sometimes we all need a little help getting
through this.Take care everyone.
Kristy

[captstanm1]

Tracy.....If you look at the top of the threads in this forum you will see a few that say "Sticky" after the subject. That means the WT has placed them at the top and locked them there so they are always visible and will not drop down.

[12TruckIrons]

I am scheduled to leave on 4-11 and Ive already came up with a crude list of what I think Ill need but if ya'll can email me the lists of things your husbands took that will be great. Just send it to truck12irons@yahoo.com Thanks a ton.
Brandon

[amyteala]

Hi!

I just thought I would post and introduce myself. Thank you so much for starting this forum. My name is Amy and my fiancee, Bret, left on Monday (2/14) for Houston. He leaves on Saturday for his journey to Iraq. I have been very supportive of his decision to do this, but I think this is going to be harder than I thought. This week has been a tough one. I think I will feel better once he is over there and settled in. And hopefully it will get easier in time. We are planning a wedding for May 6, 2006, so I am trying to immerse myself in the planning of that to take my mind off things.

I have been reading all the posts about Iraq FF's and the information on this site has been so helpful. Hopefully I can provide information from Bret once he is over there.

Here is my email in case anyone wants to talk:

amy_michelle7@comcast.net

[captstanm1]

welcome Amy.....and hang in there...

[chiefswife]

Amy
Welcome.My husband left on the 14th to iraq.If you need
anything or need to talk email me at
sprinkles@cheyennesmoonwalk.co m

I will drop you an email soon.I love the date you have
for your wedding.It my oldest childs birthday.

Your Friend
Kristy

[BSFFwife]

Hi Amy,
My name is Lori and my husband left Feb 7 and I have been talking to him everyday. He says everything is fine but he is eating way to much.lol Hang in there and you will be fine. Enjoy your wedding plans. How fun!

[kivfd131]

Hello to all the great women who are posting here...

One day I hope to find a great woman like one of you all, I mean I had tough time with my decision to go let alone trying to convince a wife or fiance or even kids. Being single with no children made it easier than most I am sure of that. Also I am 33 and found I am not the oldest, so I feel good to read about these great guys having the support that words can not describe! My hats off to you ladies!

Amazingly majority of my co-workers were negative and had written rather nasty notes for me to read, which I found totally bizarre but quickly realized who my friends really are.

Anyways, Combatwife - since I leave March 7th, why not make a trip to Washington DC and I can show you all around, I would especially look forward to meeting Gary and getting a firsthand perspective from a veteran FF in Iraq! Just an idea but hey like you said ENJOY the time together !!

To all others, again THANK YOU for your support of your guys, I hope one day I will have support from a special someone too.

DJ

EMT_FF_MD@yahoo.com

[captstanm1]

BUMP....Webteam....Sticky please?????

[FF9901]

I am sorry but I am going to have to post these 1 at a time. I have tried twice now to post them all in 1 shot, but my ISP kicks me off before I am done, then Firehouse has me as signed out, so I have to start over.

With that said... Hi Tracy & Kristy. I have the support of my wife & 16 yo son, but the rest of my family has asked me many questions I don't know the answers to. Could you please help me get whatever answers you can? thank you in advance.

I have read all the pages of all the threads dicussing Iraq.

Scott

1.) When does my year start? Is it when I get to Houston, once I am in Iraq, or at some other point in time? Have there been people forced to stay longer than the year period, for any reason? - I know the 2nd part probably is not answerable right now, because the 1st year is coming up in a few months.

[FF9901]

If I am injured (any where from back problems to loss of a limb) am I covered under U.S, workman's comp laws?

[capt904]

Combatwife,

I just found out that the Zimbob that I have recently been stationed with is your husband. He brought up the forums at chow today and I told him I would post a message to you. I left Houston Feb 6 and after my stay at Baghdad I was assigned to Tallil airbase. Your husband was one of the first guys to make me feel at home. He was also one of the ringleaders in my initiation. But it was all in good fun. He is dying to see you on his R&R, so you better keep those phone calls coming. He counts down each day. Today was 5 to go!

To answer some other questions out there, Your time starts when you get on plane to leave Houston, while in Houston you sign your 1 yr contract. At the end of that contract you and the company will have the option to re-sign you. You may want to but they may not want you back. I would highly recommend bringing the bare essentials. I brought the recommended 60 days worth of toiletries and ended up with way too much stuff to carry. You will be issued body/Armor, NBC Gear all of which comes in another bag. You are not charged for the extra bag but it is a pain to move all your stuff around Baghdad International as well as Kuwait International. There are baggage handlers but they want more money than most of us want to tip. Do not bring a ton of civilian close, you will not need them. Bring plenty of underwear and grey shirts. Also check the weather in Baghdad before you depart. Just because it gets hot in summer doesn't mean that it won't get into the 30's at night right now.

At camp victory they have a PX that is almost a med sized walmart.Just bring what you will need. In houston they take you to a walmart and a Army/Navy store. I hope this helps.

[chiefswife]

FF9901
My husbands time started when he was leaving Houston
to go to Iraq.i hope this will help you.As for the second
part I can not answer for you.Good Luck in the process.

[Firechic02]

Hey guys,
My name is Dyan. My boyfriend is leaving on March 7 for Houston. I am one of the few who has supported his decision, unlike his friends. Unlike them I know there is a greater outcome in the end. Any ways I have read the threads (both of them) and was wondering how you guys communicate to your loved ones over in Iraq. I know some of you have said by phone and IM, but how do you IM each other (AOL Instant Messenger or someother program). This would be very helpful that way we can have this set up before he leaves. Thanks so much and I will be probably be posting more and more.

Sincerely,
Dyan

[ltbondwife05]

Hello Tracy!!

My husband, David left February 14 for Houston! It was the hardest thing we have ever done. He was in Houston all week leaving Sat, the 19 on his way to Iraq. I surprised him in Houston on Friday night. I got a ticket Friday afternoon out of Atlanta, arriving in Houston about 10pm.......it was beyond wonderful, hard again to leave, but wonderful. I flew back to Georgia Sat night as they were heading to Amsterdam. I wanted to write because I met your friend Scottie and he introduced me to this new forum. It is a wonderful idea. Thank you for thinking of it. Scottie was very nice and Dave really liked him a lot. There were 30 suppose to ship out and 28 shipped out....I think 2 men had a change of heart, I know this is not for everyone, but I do have the support of my friends and family. David and I have 2 boys, Tucker is 10 and Noah is 5. They are use to David being gone, he has been a firemen their whole life (22 years), but I think the reality will set in in a few weeks for them. I want to be strong for them, but as you know that is so hard at times. I think this communication with others that feel as yourself will help so much. Thanks again and I hope your R&R with your husband is wonderful. Please feel free to e-mail me @ bondfamily@charter.net.

Renee

[FF9901]

That wasn't many questions to begin with! I had to leave before I could get all my questions in, so here I go again!

How do I, or am I permitted to come home in the event of a family emergency? Who decides what is an emergency? What about if it is me? How quick is WSI to reunite me & my family in either situation? Can I go back to finish my year, if I am OK with it?

BTW...Thanks for people already answering one of my questions!

[FF9901]

If I get a disease in Iraq, like malaria, but don't show signs until I get back, who covers it? - This one gets an explaination: A family member read an article where a military person (I think) did just what I said above. The military said he was no longer military, so they would not cover it. His new insurance co. claimed pre-existing condition. He ended up having to get his congressman involved to get the $6000 medical bill paid.

[FF9901]

Capt904 answered part of the next question (thank you!)

Is there an actual contract to sign?(Capt904 says, "Yes".) What happens if I don't work out there? Can I come home early? What are the reprecussions (financial & other)?

[FF9901]

What kind of medical & service related conditions are covered once I return to the US - such as post-traumatic service disorder?

[FF9901]

How is the group insurance for family? PPO, or HMO? What kind of co-pay, etc? Prescriptions? Dental? Vision?

[FF9901]

I read in the FFing in Iraq thread that htere is question of benefits paid for LODD. Has anything been established? I think it was $250K, but then there was talk of more because it was dealing with gov't, or something like that.

[dennisfiller]

My name is dennis and I am to be in Huston on March 14th. My wife and family have been great and are supporting me fully. Luckly I do not have any kids, so I don't have half of the concerns you all have. My wife and I have been merried for three years, and had been dating for six years before that. I will try to introduce my wife Deanna to this thread and hopefully she can use the info and support to help get us both through this longest year.

FF9901, Have you read the other thread? If not start your questions on that thread. Many guys that are going through the hiring process can ask WSI some of your quest and maybe get answers.

Good luck to all and stay strong.
Thanks again
Dennis

[FF9901]

FF9901, Have you read the other thread? If not start your questions on that thread. Many guys that are going through the hiring process can ask WSI some of your quest and maybe get answers.

Good luck to all and stay strong.
Thanks again
Dennis [/B][/QUOTE]


As stated in "MANY, Many Questions", I have read all pages of all the threads concerning going to Iraq. - There are more threads than just the 2, but none of the others show "Iraq" in the title.

I'm sure some of these are duplicates (I can't remember all the answers from about 80-90 pages total). I also thought it would be nice for familiy members not wanting to read for a couple hours to have the answers here, in one spot.

Good luck to you too, Dennis. Hope to see you there!

[dennisfiller]

I think that you took me the wrong way. I was not trying to get on your case.

Drop me a line at dennisfiller@gmail.com. I would be more than happy to assist you in any way that I can.

Good luck in your quest for knowledge. With any luck you will find the answers that you are looking for.

Dennis

[Kimmers]

This forum is a terriffic help ~ thanks Tracy. Although I haven't posted before I've read everything on this thread and the FF'ing in Iraq thread. I really appreciate all the advice, info and heart to heart talk. My husband, bless his heart, has been anxiously awaiting my posting. He wants to make sure I have someone to talk to when he's gone. It does help to know you aren't the only wife being left behind. Funny how we sometimes think we are the only ones in a situation!

Tom is scheduled to leave March 21st. He feels this is where God is leading him to go and I am supportive of his decision. I am proud of his service to our community and his willingness to serve the soldiers in Iraq. Although part of me wants to scream ~ ARE YOU CRAZY - YOU CAN'T GO! The emotions have run high, especially when we had close friends tell us he was being extremely selfish to up and leave his family for a year in the warzone. I struggled with their observations for awhile. Since then I have come to realize that if I ask him to stay I am only guilty of being selfish myself.

We have two kids, a daughter who is 14 and a son who will be 10 next month. They are both very supportive of him going. Although, I'm not sure our son really realizes how long a year is. :) I work 30 hours a week and homeschool our kids so I know I'll be staying busy. It will be difficult though ~ Tom is my rock. His sense of humor and calming presence makes me focus on the important things in life.

Anyway, I look forward to making friends on this forum and hope we can encourage each other while our husband/boyfriend/family is serving in Iraq.

Take care all!

[amyjoe94]

Hey everybody! My name is Amy, and I took my husband Joe to the airport this morning. He called me from Houston, and he said that everyone has been very nice and easy to get along with. It made me feel better that he sounded so happy. We have two daughters who are 9 and 7. They don't really understand how long a year is going to be. I know this is what Joe wants to do, and I support him whole-heartedly, but this has been extremely hard on me today. I guess it just didn't hit me until he was actually gone. Hopefully work will keep me busy and help the time pass faster. The up side to all of this is that when he gets his first R&R he is going to fly to Ireland to meet up with me so we can have the honeymoon we never had! I am counting down the days until I see him again. I pray that Joe and all of your loved ones are kept safe while they are gone. Feel free to e-mail me anytime. It helps to talk to others who are in the same situation. amyjoe94@hotmail.com

[dennisfiller]

My wife and I are going to try to spend my first RR in Rome. We also never got to have a honeymoon. Glad to see that we're not the only ones.

Take care
Dennis

[kraziecasey02]

Kimmers~ God bless you for being such a strong woman! You have a wonderful outlook on the situation, and you totally support your husband. I'm sure that means a lot to him, and it will no doubt make this (somewhat) easier on you as well. Good luck with the working and the homeschooling... you've got plenty to keep you busy! Good luck to Tom as well on his travels to the big sandbox.

Amy~ Hope you're doing okay this evening. The first day was terrible for me too.. I'm sure you've heard this before, but it does get easier. It might not necessarily get better, but you'll get used to it. It's wonderful that you and Joe are planning to meet in Ireland. I wish you the best :)

I have a tremendous respect for those of you who have children. I really am just in awe. I think it's absolutely wonderful that you support your husbands completely; I don't know that I'd be able to do it. Justin and I have been together for a year, and all we have is us. I have wonderful roommates that are there for me whenever I'm having a bad day, and Justin talks to me every chance he can get, but it's still hard. I just wanted to let you ladies know that you're awesome, and your husbands are very lucky to have you :)

Good night all, and God bless our boys (and girls) in Iraq!
--Casey

[chiefswife]

Tracy I know you are enjoying your R&R with your husband.
I am so excited for you.

To everyone that has posted recently it does get easier as
days go by.i have met some very nice people on this board.
We email, IM and even talk on the phone.It has been great
to be able to share same experience with someone who shares
the same feeling.Good Luck to all of you.

Kristy

[combatffwife04]

Hi everyone! I posted this past Saturdy but it never took. Wow this thread is really getting used - that is fantastic!!

capt904:
So you are with my "booboo" (that'll embarass him - lol) That is so great - I was wondering if any of you guys on the post would ever cross paths with Gary. Glad to hear you were a good sport over the "inititiation". I am so excited that Gary will be here in 5 days!! I just can't believe it has been 4 months!! So glad you posted and be safe!!!

Kimmers:
Welcome and it is nice to know how supportive you are to your husband - I know what you mean when you say your husband is your rock - I jokingly tell Gary being the "man of the house" isn't fun at all - but anyway you will do fine - I have realized just how much he did do afterall!lol

Amy!!:
I know today is a rough day for you - you hang in there and know you got family here!!! I will email you.

Renne:
Hi there! That was fantastic to surprise your hubby before he left!! I am sure it was very special - I believe Kristy went to Houston as well before her hubby left - and you got to meet Scottie! He is such a nice person.

Dennis:
Leaving 3/14 - you still a little time left - just spend as much time as possible with your wife! You two have been married about the same amount of time Gary have been. Look forward to her posting.

Dyan:
Gary and used yahoo instant message at first when he was using the computers at the MWR - Mental Wellness & Recreation Center but now we use Skype as that is what Gary has on the computer in the Clinic (he is a paramedic and works in clinic too) If you go to Skype.com you can get more information on it. You can actually talk as well through the computer and it is FREE!

Hi Lori and Kristy - how are you guys? I hope things are getting better as the days go by.

I am busy as heck at work trying to tie up all the loose ends here so I can enjoy those 10 days with Gary without worrying about too much back here in the office. And that stubborn flu is hanging around - can't get rid of it - spent 4 hours at doctors yesterday with my grandson - ear infection, touch of bronchitis and conjuctiveitis!! And guess what - last night my right ear started hurting last night and I swear my eyes are itching!! Poor Gary wouldnt that be great - he comes back to a house full of sickies! Please say a prayer for healing.

Scottie - Howdy and how ya' doing?

Well back to work I go - will talk with you guys later!

Tracy

[BSFFwife]

Hi Tracy. I talked to Todd on Monday night and he told me he was going to Tallil Airbase. It is a small world isnt it. I have not heard from him since and of course he could not tell me when he was leaving. I hope he calls tonight. I will feel so much better when he get to where he is suppose to be. We IM for an hour over the weekend and that was great. Wasnt it you who said you and your husband talk more now than ever. That is so true. Hope your family starts to feel better. My kids are home sick today. I hope spring comes early. Have a great time with you husband Lori

[combatffwife04]

LORI!!! You are kidding me!! That is so cool that Todd will be with Gary - wow! That is awesome - I expect Todd should be in place with the next couple of weeks - so he probably will be there a little bit before Gary returns. Remember to tell Todd Gary goes by "Zimbob" - did you see the earlier post from capt904 - he is there as well.

Sorry to hear your kids aren't well either - yes I am hoping for an early spring - but then we get allergy season - ugg!

Please email soon - milkshakes4all@yahoo.com

Tracy

[FF9901]

Hey Tracy,

I ask all these questions (see page 4), and you don't say a word to me. I'm offended :-( --Just kiddin'!

For anyone that does have a bunch of questions, but doesn't want to read a couple hours worth of threads, you can now go to page 69 of "FFing in Iraq". Someone was nice enough to take the time to put the main answers all together from the past 68 pages. WHAT A GREAT HELP!!!

Tracy, I hope your family gets better quickly. That would stink for the family to be sick when you all are wanting to have a great time when Gary is home. Wish you the best!

[sandboxffwife]

My name is Kirsten Kirk and my husband, Kelly left (Norfolk, Virginia) for Houston on Monday, February 21st. Of course, I cried, but at the same time it really hasn't sunk in yet. Kelly & I have 3 beautiful girls ... Emily (12yo), Anya (6yo), and Aiden (2yo). He had been with Norfolk Fire & Rescue for 9 years ... and ever since 9/11 he's been wanting to "do something". And opportunity finally knocked. I support him 110%. If we didn't have children, I'd go with him! :) I'm excited for him but scared too. Scared, for obvious reasons (situation in Iraq), and not so obvious reasons ... I want what's best for our girls and while the money's right, the sacrifice of not having dad doesn't seem quite fair. But I love what he's willing to do for us (besides the fact he loves what he does). Everyone says, "time will fly," but somehow I just don't think so! We've survived 4-5 day stretches when he's picked up extra shifts but we also have been able to visit him and spend hours at the station with him?! And when there's an emergency ... I can always call him home! So, what's going to happen after 5 days when I realize he isn't coming home? Or I can't call him in an emergency? I thank you all for this "outlet" to "vent" and/or get support/advice. (Tracy "kudos" again to you for starting this thread)! Please feel free to e-mail me personally as well at sandboxffwife@aol.com anytime.
Take Care ... and I send my prayers to everyone!

[capt904]

Tracy,

The new guys arrived at Tallil today and we promptly hid their luggage. They came on a different shuttle from their bags. Big mistake if you are coming to our base. Zimbob is impatiently awaiting his R&R. I hope everyone is feeling better by the time he gets there. We are ordering new shirts that we will be trying to ship to him while he is home. I made sure to call him BooBoo this AM..:D

As always it is good to see you guys utilizing this format. I will keep trying to help out as best as I can.

Lori,
Your husband will be in good "hands" here. We will be sure to take good care of him. I need to know if he has a good sense of humor. All of us here like to play pranks on each other.Let us know. Tracy, you know what is coming up, but don't tell.

Jeff "Jersey" Evans

[BSFFwife]

Jeff all I can say is get ready because his paybacks are hell. Believe me I know. Thanks for letting me know he is in good hand. Give him a big hug and kiss for me. Ok maybe not. Your guys PLEASE take care of each other. Your loved ones at home are depending on it.Be safe and have FUN. Lori

[sandboxffwife]

You know, I just submitted my first post on this thread but after reading all the previous posts, I know one thing for sure ... my husband would fit in ALL TOO WELL with "zimbob" and the boys. He was and always will be the class clown! (Just ask his partners in Norfolk). I hope for his sake he gets stationed in Tallil or with other pranksters?! So, look out for Kelly ... and you have MY permission to give him a run for his money! ;) When do you know or ask to choose where you go, in Iraq? Well, since I'm asking questions ... how many bases are there? What are the "shifts" like? What is it like (period)? What do you do? I better stop myself now ... but more to come.

[BSFFwife]

Hi kirsten,
When the guys get to Victory they have another interview and they can request a base but that does not mean they will get it. I'm sure that wherever your husband is he will be with great guys. After all they are firefighter!



Hey you guys in Iraq, I know this is also hard for you. We only have to miss our husbands. You guys have to miss a lot more. Wife, a beer, kids, a beer, home, a beer. lol You guys are great. I'm sure it is hard for you guys. I hope the time passes fast. Lori

[sandboxffwife]

Quick question ... where is Victory? And when do they go there?

[kraziecasey02]

Victory is in Baghdad... that's where they go when they leave Dubai, UAE, and they'll stay there till they get their assignment.

[sandboxffwife]

O.kay, I don't mean to be a pest, but now, what is UAE? Sorry, I have nothing but time on my hands (with my husband/best friend being gone).

[kraziecasey02]

UAE is United Arab Emirates, of which Dubai is the capital. Feel free to ask as many questions as you'd like!! :D That's what we're here for!

[combatffwife04]

hi casey how are ya doing? Welcome sandboxwife (cool name) - oh dont worry about the questions - we have been there - Lori I am so happy about Todd being there in Tallil - maybe Kelly will get there too - we will have one rowdy bunch!! Gosh I wish I could be a fly on the wall over there - and ditto Lori what you said to the guys already there in Iraq - they are missing out on a lot more than we are but from what I hear from Gary "Zimbob" they have a good time.

Just countin' the days till "Tracy get's her groove back!" - ;) :p
if ya know what i mean - 4 days - tick, tock, tick, tock!

See ya'll

Tracy

[sandboxffwife]

Thank you everyone for the welcome. I think someone already asked ... but there were 2 different answers. When does the 4 months begin? Is it to the day? Tracy, I bet you'd know best ... counting down the days!?! I feel like that day will never come ... it will. We want to go to like the Bahamas for his 10 day ... but I don't know how to plan without exact dates. Do we have to figure them or does Wackenhut let you know? Well, now I really do have to spend some time with the girls. Time for "kid-mode" ... GOOD NIGHT!

[BSFFwife]

In 4 days everyone will be sitting around thinking...Gosh, I wonder what Gary and Tracy are doing these days???????????????????????

[BSFFwife]

Start counting the days when the wheels lift off from Houston.

[capt904]

Ok,
R&R is figured out by counting 120 calendar days from the wheels up date. Wheels up date is the actual day they take off from Houston enroute to UAE. When you figure out that date, we are permitted to choose a date 2 weeks before up to 4 weeks after for the first R&R. Your husband must submit his request to his OIC and then it will be granted based upon the "operational needs" of his base. He should schedu;e the first one shortly after arriving at the new base. While on the subject, the guys here have advised us to book it ourselves, rather than wait for Baghdad to screw it up. They will still reimburse the travel up to $860 but this makes it easier to get all the plans together,ie. wife,girlfriend,family etc.

Lori - Yes we do miss things back home, but this thread is a help, plus with the internet and phones it almost just seems like a long business trip. We really aren't out of touch, in the way that people assumed we would be.

To help some of you figure out how it over here, most bases are on a 16 hr day working 6 or 7 days a week. At tallil it is a 7 day work week. Our days start with a mandatory 0700 hrs meeting and then it is off to chow, after chow we usually have inspection duties til lunch, after lunch we have some time to ourselves then some of us will go to the gym before dinner. After dinner the other half of us will figure out their gym time and everyone else hangs around their tents or HQ. Alot of guys have playstations,DVD players, TVs to entertain themselves. We have the ability to use computers in HQ for e-mail and this type of work related site. We also have a phone bank available to us.

One thing for you all to remember, as firemen the guys become our surrogate family and with that we all share goodies sent from home, so ladies be sure to send plenty of cookies,candy,brownies, etc.

Well I guess I should go back to my dispatching duties now that the guys should be getting up soon. It is almost 0600 hrs here.

Tracy - 3 days til BooBoo comes home:rolleyes: Now don't do anything that the rest of us wouldn't do.

[ltbondwife05]

Hi again!

Thanks Tracy for the reply. I heard from my husband (David)Monday night, they have finally reached Iraq. They will be @ Victory (North) for this week I think!! Some kind of evaluation, I think. When he has called you have so much that you want to catch up on that you forget to ask what you want to know, at least I do. I really am very grateful for this forum, no one really knows how you feel unless their experiencing the same situation and still everyone is different. I can't wait until that first R&R! I feel like we took so much for granted before and now it's different.

I know I didn't answer anyone's question's tonight, maybe when I find out more, I can share more. It's still so new and unreal.

Good night

[BSFFwife]

Hey Missy-Haven't heard from you in awhile. Are you doing OK?

[dennisfiller]

thanks for the break down of your average day on base. I have two and a half weeks untill I head to Huston and have been wondering what my day may be like.

Stay safe
Dennis

[sandboxffwife]

AmyJoe94 ~ How R U? I think you're husband and mine "talked" before going to Houston ... I'll have to ask if they've caught up with each other?! Where do you live? What are your girls' names? Anya (6yo) has an e-mail address: weaselkirk@aol.com (I haven't showed her yet ... planning to this weekend ... she loves working on the computer).

Is there anyone else whose husband/boyfriend/brother left for Houston on February 21st? I know "Hector" posted ... and I believe my husband has met him. Jonathan?

Renee ~ thanks so much for e-mailing me!

Emily ~ how R U holding up? Is Brian settled in?

Missy ~ and U?

Casey ~ when does Justin come home for his 10 day break? R U going anywhere special ... or catching up at home! ;)

Amy ~ How's Bret? And the wedding plans? Where are you getting married? Is there a honeymoon?

FOR THAT MATTER, WHERE IS EVERYONE FROM?

Kirsten (31yo) & Kelly (36yo) Kirk Norfolk, VIRGINIA (Kelly's originally from Mt. Sterling, OHIO) Emily (12yo), Anya (6yo), Aiden (2yo)

Oh, and the cologne idea, Tracy ... IT HELPS ... I LOVED IT! Last night I noticed that the night shirt he wore smells more like the baby and I now ... and I'm going to have to wash it ... but then I remembered the idea ... but couldn't find cologne ... so I used his "head gel" (he shaves his head BALD) ... it worked! :P How desparate, eh?

[kraziecasey02]

hi everybody!! life is good... justin comes home 4 weeks from tomorrow :D he comes home during my easter break from school, so we'll be together for that, then he's supposed to come visit me at school for a few days. we don't have any exciting plans for this R&R, but in august we're going to rome!!!! i can't wait for that :D

home is in southern maryland, about 45 minutes southeast of DC, but i got to school in northeast pennsylvania. i'm a junior pharmacy major, and i love it! i have another 3 years to go, but time flies when you're having fun.. i can't believe this semester is halfway over already.

my e-mail is mcnultce@wilkes.edu and my AOL name is kraziecasey02 if anyone wants to chat!

--casey

[dennisfiller]

Bump

[sandboxffwife]

What is ... BUMP ?? I didn't understand it before when it was explained?? And there it is again?? Are we typing something we shouldn't?? How do we know what it's in reference to??

[skatcat13]

do you notice that whenever you post a reply it goes all the way to the top of the forums? thats why we BUMP. it keeps it at the top of the forum for all to see first when you log on.also hve you noticed that the first thread is always RESCUE ME. it is a "sticky" it stays there permanately. hope that explains it better.

[combatffwife04]

sandbox - I aksed the same question - "Bump" means that they think this thread is awesome!! and they want it booted up to the top of the forum to stay permament "sticky" - It is a good thing!! I love the hair gel subsitute - good idea!! i am running low on cologen but will pick some up when Gary is here.

dennis - i saw your post on ff in iraq thread - I will try to go easy on him - no promises though!!:D

HI Jeff!! I think my BOO BOO leaves tonight my time - just a "wild guess" - talked to him a few hours ago - next time I talk to him it will be Sunday at the airport - woohoo. By the way good general breakdown of your day to day life - thanks! Pssst - Jeff when he gets back ask him about "Gizmo" - hehe - and no it is not what most of you are thinking :eek:

WT (Web Team) BUMP BUMP BUMP!!!


Tracy :)

[kraziecasey02]

Tracy, I'm so excited for you!! I hope you and Gary have a wonderful time while he's home :)

[firepimp]

Great post I love it , I just put in a resume to try and see if Im elligable to go over to iraq i would love to Im freshly 21 , no girlfriend wife or kids , I would love the expierience and and money and a chance of a lifetime as I see it. I only have 2 years expieience they require 3 so I doubt I get it but at least I tried and want to go. Anyways great thread and thanks.

[amyteala]

Hi!

I haven't been on here for a few days. I have been sick..UGHH! Wedding plans are coming along. I just entered a contest for us to win a fantasy wedding. I had to write an essay on why we should win. I will keep you all informed if I am a finalist. It would be awesome if we would win. Bret of course thinks we are the winners. Man, I love him! I have talked to him on the computer and once on
the phone. He is doing ok. He is waiting for his base assignment. I am ready for him to have some sort of schedule too. I hate not knowing when I will be able to talk to him. He called last night and I missed his call. I cried the entire night because I was so upset that I didn't get to talk to him.

Well, it is snowing here in PA. We might get hit hard. It would be nice to have a day off of work. Then maybe I can catch up on the postings;)

[kraziecasey02]

Hope you're feeling better :) Good luck with the fantasy wedding.. that would be awesome!! Definitely keep us informed :D Where in PA are you?? I'm in Wilkes-Barre.

--casey

[sandboxffwife]

Skatcat13 ~ Thank you ... now I get it ... cool! And who are you?

combatffwife04 ~ ZIMBOB is on his way, eh? How awesome! I can't imagine your anticipation!!! Have a wonderful time ... and kiss him once for our guys too! :)

firepimp ~ Do I see that you are in Homosassa, Florida? Are you with the Homosassa Fire Dept.? (Nature's Vacationland)? My husband used to live there and work for the fire dept. (during his first marriage). Small world. Combat FF in Iraq, eh? Chin up ... and go for it!

[skatcat13]

my name is joe and im from phoenix,az thats on the left coast for all you "easterners". my ship date is april 11th. just keeping up with this thread also.

[chiefswife]

Tracy I hope you and Gary have a great time during R&R.
I bet your kids are excited,too.I'm sorry I thought he
was already home.Amy best wishes on the contest.I hope
you become a finalist and win the contest.My husband is
on his new base.Now things will be on somewhat of a routine.
It has been great hearing his voice.I have enjoyed emailing
with several of you wonderful wives.I hope it continues.I am
in South Texas and it is getting pretty warm here now.I will
post in a few days to keep this at the top.I believe this
needs to be a sticky.To everyone have a Great Day!
Kristy

[sandboxffwife]

Hey Joe, welcome aboard ... Just a note: I believe "12truckirons" Brandon has a Houston date of April 11th too? (Not sure where he's coming from though?)

[skatcat13]

wher in south texas are you at? im originally from odessa,most of my family is still there. i also was on the ofd for four years.

[sandboxffwife]

So, where is your husband's (sorry don't recollect his name) assignment? And what are your children's names and ages again? Sorry, 20 questions ... that's me! No, I just like being able to talk to people "personally" ... and not so "standoffish" ... if that makes any sense?! Take care ... and get well! It's definitely going around (we just have colds - knock on wood).
My 2 yo - Aiden - is a stinker ... she's on top of the computer desk copying me (pretending to type) and when she hears "you've got mail" she repeats it - Kelly would get a kick outta that! :) She'll be a computer pro by the time he gets home!

[KRKirkNFRSt11]

Hey, honey,

Very, VERY glad to see you using this thread, It means alot to me and I'm sure all the other ff's (here in Houston) and in country that it's available for our wifes, girlfriends, kids,..... and yes even "significant others" :o) You know ff's!

Capt904 ~ You know, i told my wife before i left that any care packages that were sent had to have enough for EVERYONE, so we were already thinking of you guys from over here!

Kirsten ~ As far as Aiden on the computer, hell she's probably doing better than i am on this new laptop! And as far as you, my night shirt and my lotion,.... sounds a little kinky!?!? You just make sure you call me tonight and I'll take care of that! lol :o)

To all ~ Just wanted to let you all know that Kirsten is the best Woman (and wife) I've ever had in my life and one hell of a mother!
Thank you for helping her out through this forum,..... actually thanks to all of you for keeping each other informed! and sane.

We all love you guys!

Kelly
PS - I don't remeber who was from Homosassa Springs but anyone want to e-mail me I'm in Houston right now,.... can get me at sandboxff@aol.com.

[sandboxffwife]

Kelly ~ You are a trip! :) I love you and miss you babe! ... and you just had to go and mention the "significant other" bit?! Hell, and I thought you were shy about coming out of the closet?! :D
Oh, great, I just burnt dinner ... just when I thought I had mastered TV dinners! Cooking is definitely going to give me a run for my money ... not to mention filling your shoes "in the eyes of the girls" ... you know Aiden, constantly, "I love ... DADA!" Capt. called twice today ... just checking on me ... he'll be by to finish up kitchen soon (I said no rush). And yeah right, I won't be cooking any goodies ... I'll have to buy them! (Just kidding) Fudge and brownies expected in the first package ... along with a few other personal goodies! Aiden's starving ... gotta go!
To all ~ indeed thank you for this thread, I love it! I enjoy meeting and talking to new people ... and I definitely like the idea of keeping "tabs" on my man! Be safe guys! And be strong gals!

[capt904]

Tracy,
Thought you might like the countdown. It is 0410 hrs in Iraq and Zimbob is due to be driven to the PAX terminal at 0700 hrs. You will have to ask him if he had "the dream on the plane". We have money on the fact that he may not be able to keep it together til he sees you. The man wandered around here in a constant state of "arousal". I kidded him today that he had the look of 16 yr old about to get that first one!!! The man is literally ready to burst......You my dear may be in "trouble":rolleyes: I will definitely ask him about "gizmo". Today Todd started calling Gary Booboo and it has caught on to some of the other guys. I hope you guys have fun this week, he deserves it. He is truly a great guy.

Well time to go back to our busy dispatching duties!!!!:o

[amyteala]

Hi Casey,

I am in Lancaster PA. We aren't that far away from each other.:D

[chiefswife]

I am in South Texas in a small town near Corpus Christi.
My great husband Brandon is in Baghdad.We have three children
Cheyenne is 6 Kolten is 4 and Dalten is the terrible two year
old.Kolten is the only one sick right now.Poor kid has the worst allergies.i hope everyone is doing well and will post soon.
Kristy

[amyjoe94]

Hey everybody! Joe has called me every day from Houston. He seems to be doing good. They are supposed to leave Saturday I think. Sandboxwife-What's your e-mail address? Joe probably has talked to your husband. What's his name and I will ask him when I talk to him again. Joe is very outgoing and talkative! He never meets a stranger! My girls are Stephanie (9yrs) and Cassie (7yrs). Stephanie's cat got run over while I was at work tonight so to top off her being down about her daddy being gone she now has to deal with losing her cat. It has been pretty emotional around here lately. It will all get better I'm sure. Thank you so much to everyone who posts on here. I read it every night and it makes me feel so much better! We live in Florida close to Panama City.

[sandboxffwife]

Well, well, well, Tracy ... Gary is en route! (When is he actually expected to be in?) I hope you have a magnificent time! I bet the boys are ecstatic! :D
Kristy ~ Now, I've figured out the real reason Kelly took this job ... to "skip" the terrible 2's ... :) And boy, is Aiden fiesty ... I never went through this with Anya (she was such a sweet baby and smart little toddler). I love your children's names!
Amy ~ I talked to Kelly last night (for almost 2 hrs.) and he mentioned that there IS a Joe but he hasn't put a "face" with the name yet ... there weren't "grouped" together. You can tell Joe, Kelly is the BIG BALD GUY, u can't miss him! :P I am SO sorry to hear about the cat ... that is so sad! Normally, I'd say, if u need anything, don't hesitate to ask ... but it's not like I'm right next door ... well, the girls and I are here (computer or phone) ... my 6yo has e-mail (weaselkirk@aol.com) if Cassie wants a "penpal"?! And mine is sandboxffwife@aol.com
IN GENERAL ~ How long has Wackenhut been doing this (recruiting FFs)? Is there anyone that has already completed a year?
TAKE CARE!

[skatcat13]

BUMP

[12TruckIrons]

Just FYI yes I leave on April 11 and Im from SC, seems like at least a quarter of the firefighters in Iraq are from SC as well. Guess it goes to show how much we belive in this and how much our average state pay sucks for being a firefighter.

[dennisfiller]

bump

[combatffwife04]

Well I am here at work wrapping things up so I don't come back to a disaster!!

Amy - I am so sorry for Stephanie losing her cat. I feel for you and her - she does have a lot to deal with now - bless her heart.
We are animal crazy in this house - 2 dogs / rat terrier, minituar schnauzer and 2 cats. Oddly enough we had an emergency with Soosie last night (one of our cats) - she was attacked by another dog outside - she is declawed and we have yet to determine how she got out -but at this time she is still at the vet - the dog punctured her trachea but they expect to heal fine - small chance of air embolis - she is on IV antibiotics and pain med. Vet said she is very depressed so we are going by to day to see if we can perk her up - hoping to bring her home tomorrow.

sandbox - yup he is on his way!! I pick him at Sunday 2/27 at 3:30 pm and straight to the hotel!!:p - By the way I love the posts between you and Kelly - that is so cool to see that we as husbands and wives can really "cowboy/cowgirl" up and be there for each - HI KELLY!

Jeff - LMAO - yeah that sounds like Gary - well I will ask him about the dream - he will tell me the truth and I will let you know - chances are you will win!! I asked Gary what he would like me to wear when picking him up, casual, dressy, etc - and he said "I don't care as long as you have a mattress strapped to your back!!" That's my Gary - Glad BooBoo is catching on - but I think he wants to strangle me - hahaha.

Hello to Kristy!! How are you girl? What base is he at? Email me!

A new yahoo chatroom as been created for FF in Iraq - saw it on the"FF in Iraq" thread - this where to go per that thread:

Yahoo Messanger Chatroom - Cultures & Community - Fire & Police - Firefighting in Iraq - if you see "milkshakes4all" in that room it is me!!

TTYL!

Tracy

PS - BUMP BUMP BUMP ........

[capt904]

Tracy,
He left for our Pax terminal at 0700 this am and should be at the Khalifa "resort" in Kuwait. For those of you whose husbands don't get stationed in southern Iraq they don't know what they are missing. The Khalifa is a "resort" that sits on the Persian Gulf and would appear to be nice. Pool looked very inviting except it was in the 50s when I was there. You don't actually get a room, instead you stay in the living room on an army cot. Doors don't lock and my villa had no heat. But the food was OK.

I hope you guys have fun and actually make it out of the airport;) Tell him we all say Hi

[sandboxffwife]

O.kay, I've got more ?'s ...
What is the time difference? Like right now, for me in Norfolk, Virginia it is 15:45 (3:45pm) ... what time is it in Iraq and is it even the same day?
Then when you travel for your R&R isn't there "jet-lag"? How do you "plan" for the 10 day break. Is travel included in the 10 days? Or do you get 10 days from your destination?
We had been advised to make our own travel arrangements? But how? Does anyone have a particular agency they like or use?
I know, I know, my husband hasn't even left for Iraq and I'm already asking about his break! :) Humor me, o.kay. :) Thanks!

[sandboxffwife]

I almost forgot! BUMP! :D

[kraziecasey02]

Kirsten~ The time difference is 8 hours ahead of EST.. so at 15:45 Friday afternoon in Norfolk, it is 23:45 Friday night in Iraq. I think there are some areas that might only be 7 hours ahead; it would just depend where in Iraq Kelly gets stationed.

For his R&R, he'll be home for 10 days and he'll be given (I think) 2 travel days on either end of that. Justin leaves his base the 23rd of March, and he'll be flying into BWI on the 25th, then he'll leave again on April 5th. I don't know much about the travel arrangements.. I think he had Wackenhut set up his plane tickets to come home. For his August break, we're going to Rome, but we haven't really started planning that one yet so I don't have anything for you :p I'll let you know if I find anything good though!!!

Tracy~ It's almost time!!!!!!!!!! Have fun!

--casey:D

[Skanocom34]

hey everyone...everything is going okay over here...wedding plans are picking up and school is getting crazier and crazier everyday...brian moved to his camp, i guess 2 days ago now..he's at one outside baghdad in the green zone (i think...) that's always on cnn...well used to...its a tank farm or something he called it..haha...i was more focused on just talking to him more than anything..haha...anyways...i hope everyone is doing well...

[amyteala]

Hey all!

I just thought I would post these sites that I have found to be useful.

One is a world clock that I set up to read Baghdad. Very convenient to have up on the computer. You just have to refresh the page to stay current.

http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/custom.html?cities=27

This is the home page to that if the above link doesn't work. You can make a custom page set to Baghdad.

http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/

This is another site that has news and events in Baghdad. It also has the weather (that's what I look at heehee)

http://www.iraqdaily.com/

Amy

Oh...Bret got his base assignment...he is staying where he is. I don't know the name of the base...i guess there are 2 bases to the Baghdad base. Hopefully I will talk to him tonight and find out more details

[FIREKEITH1221]

HI AMY, THANX FOR THE LINKS I'M SHARING THAT WITH MY FAMILY SO WE CAN CHAT WHILE IN IRAQ. AGAIN THANX.!!!!!!!
SINCE I'M HERE HI TRACEY HOPE YOU AND GARY HAVE A GREAT R&R.

YOUR BROTHER KEITH

[Capt217]

Well first things first.... BUMP!

Ok now... Well ran into a snag with me going. Apperantly WSI did not like my Oregon certs. I told them I would not go as a FF in the begining and now they are evaluating my OR. certs to see if they will meet the requirements for an officer. So now I am in holding pattern. Good news though, I got my passport today. 10 days from start to finish. I was really hoping to go but I had to have a line drawn in the sand, so to speak :-) I have had a couple of talks with Astrid and she is working on it. I will let y'all know what the outcome is. It is not that I can not fight fire, but my wife and I made a decision that I would not go as a FF. I am an Oregon cert'd Fireground Leader I & II which is NFPA equivelant Fire Officer I. I have been working on my NFPA Fire Officer I & II for about 5 years now. I just have to take a speech class for Officer I. Anywho... I hope they accept my certs but if they don't, oh well, time to move on. Good luck to all those in Iraq and to those who are in H Town and to those who are in process.

[capt904]

OK,
R&R is set up so that you can get your 10 fulls days at your destination. You will either fly out of Baghdad International to Dubai or straight out of Kuwait. It all depends where your base is. Those of us in Southern Iraq travel through Kuwait. Rest of Iraq goes back to Baghdad then to Dubai. There are 2 ways you can set up the travel. 1- allow WSI/KBR to book it for you. There are Plus/minus to this. All of hwich gets explained while you are in Baghdad. 2- Book it yourself, this also allows you to book your wife/girlfriend at same time. WSI/KBR travel only books employee.
Either way you will get the re-imbursement. I hope this helps

[chiefswife]

hubby and I use yahoo IM to communicate and his new
base is AOL only.So you mught want to set up accounts
in both to cover yourself so you can IM.just thought
I would share the information.

Kristy

[BSFFwife]

Hey Jeff~ Just talked to Todd and he told me about the prank. He also told me how the 3 of them turned it around. You guys are crazy. I had such a good laugh. Cookies are on the way from my mother-inlaw. She said she made about 200.If I send any they will be from the store.lol Take Care~Lori

[kivfd131]

wow go a few days w/o reading these forums and you miss a few pages.......

I am 33 from chester maryland which is on kent island, roughly smack dab center of the state where the bay bridge crosses the chesapeake bay, 15 min east of annapolis.

to those whose significant others are home soon, have a great time and welcome home!

take care everyone and be safe

8 days and counting til h-town

DJ

[sandboxffwife]

Hello everyone ~ anyone ...
I am a basketcase :eek: ... Kelly left Houston today (2/26) at 7pm - the last time I talked to him was 2:30pm (they were to meet at the hotel lobby at 3:30pm to head to the airport.
Today, well, this evening has been the worst! The not knowing ... I think I'm more scared about the "travel" portion of this whole thing than him actually being in Iraq (protected by the military).
The girls noticed Daddy's been gone today ... so I took them to lunch, the Dollar Tree, and to a movie ... then we went to spend time with "Beste" (Danish for Grandmom ~ my mom). Aiden (2yo) won't leave my side (more than usual), I guess to be expected (last night in her sleep, she actually called out for Dada). :(
I have rearranged the Dining Room ... and now Anya's Room just to keep busy ... tomorrow I'll work on Aiden's Room (we've had wallpaper to put up since I was pregnant) ... I'm also "constructing" a "firetruck" bed???? I have WAY too much time on my hands! I definitely don't like this part ... the worrying ... and missing my best friend! :(
Anywho, I hope everyone is doing great ... to our loved ones in Iraq ~ BE SAFE and take care of each other (we are so very proud to be your family ~ and extended family to fellow ff).

[kraziecasey02]

I'm sure Kelly is fine and that he'll call you as soon as he can and let you know that everything's ok :) Keep up your list of projects; they'll help to keep you occupied and time will pass faster. If you ever need to talk, my AOL instant messenger name is kraziecasey02. I'm always online when I'm at school, and I'd be happy to talk to you :) You and the girls are in my thoughts and prayers.

--casey

P.S. Tracy have a great visit with your man ;)

[chiefswife]

Kirsten I sent you an email. Stay busy with things to do.
Your husband will call you as soon as he can.if you need
anything let me know.i have IM account with both yahoo
and aol.
Tracy I hope you are enjoying your time with your husband.

Kristy

[amyteala]

I know how you feel about not knowing what is going on. I think it is the worst thing about it. The whole situation we have no control over. We have to totally rely on them to get in contact with us... and I know personally I struggle with that. I would love to pick up the phone and and call Bret. But, we have to wait for their call.

The first week was the hardest for me. I went crazy..crying all the time, thinking I couldn't do this. The next week was a little bit better. I still get upset, but it wasn't every 10 minutes heehee. I am at the end of the 2nd week...heading to the 3rd and it really feels like 2 months rather than weeks. I am hoping each week gets better.

Hang in there! You aren't alone. We are out there too...crying...rearranging furniture..keeeping busy. Having a place like this to share and talk definately helps.

Here are my screen names for IM:
Yahoo : arodabaugh
AIM: amyteala7

anyone feel free to use them if you need to talk

Amy

[amyjoe94]

sandboxwife-I know exactly how you feel. Joe called me yesterday the 26th before they went to the airport. I had a friend come over last night and spend some time with me. I told her it was her job to keep me sane! He called me from London this morning and said they had about a 2 hour layover before heading on to Dubai. I don't know when I will hear from him again. Today is his birthday and that is making it even worse. He said he officially turned 35 while flying over the ocean! I am so proud of him! Even though it is hard to be apart, I know that what he is doing is so worthwhile. He said that he has talked to your husband. That is so cool! Well...I am going to go clean up my kid's room and try to stay busy today. Thanks to all who post on here. It is great! Amy

[sandboxffwife]

Kristy ~ Thank u 4 the e-mail ... I will e-mail you later this evening. I may have said before, if Cheyenne wants a "penpal" feel free to give her Anya's e-mail address: weaselkirk@aol.com I'd like for her to have the practice ... for when she sends an e-mail to dad. (Never too young to start ~ hell, she's probably more computer literate than I am!) :)

Amyteala ~ It does help to "talk" to others (who are going thru this) and I can only hope to be there for one of you ladies (or all, of course) ... we'll have to have one heck of a "homecoming/reunion" when they've completed their year! :) I know what you mean about the crying (I try to keep it together for the girls sake) ... you know, I actually cry when I read everyone else's thoughts/stories too! :(

Amyjoe94 ~ Cool, I actually can get some information thru you ... the last I spoke to Kelly was Saturday afternoon. So, I didn't even know they were in London for a lay over. Thanks. Bummer about the birthday, I know guys don't care ... but for us, it's different! Just think, next year will be so much more worth celebrating ~ COMING HOME safe and sound.

I got a question for everyone ... how IS the money??? :) For real? I feel like there has GOT to be a catch? Besides, having to go to IRAQ to earn it?

TO THE MEN IN IRAQ ~ BE SAFE ~ AND I HOPE THINGS ARE QUIET?!

[FF9901]

Bump

[sandboxffwife]

It might be a couple of days for me to type (without using 1 finger) ... I cut my finger (if Kelly were home, he'd make me go get stitches but forget that) ... I'll e-mail and post when it feels better and I can type again.
~ All my prayers.

[FF9901]

Originally posted by sandboxffwife
... I cut my finger (if Kelly were home, he'd make me go get stitches but forget that) ... ~ All my prayers.

See. There are advantages of him being gone! - LOL -- I know. It doesn't outweigh the rest though :(

[sandboxffwife]

Kelly just called (didn't tell him about finger - hope he doesn't check post). :)
He's in Dubai - without luggage (it was sent to Paris??? And they sent it back to Houston!!!). So he's not a happy camper. Says, Dubai is beautiful, big, and very manicured. I hope he takes pictures ... as if he has the time (it's 8pm and he has jetlag).

[kraziecasey02]

Justin's luggage was lost on his way to Dubai, too... damn airlines!! I figured with a group of 30, someone's luggage was bound to be lost... figures it had to be Justin's!! Hope your finger's doing ok. I always hate when I hurt one of my fingers... it just messes up all kinds of daily activities. It wouldn't be so bad if it was an arm or a leg that isn't constantly in contact with something :p Have a great day everyone!!!

25 daysssssssssssss :D

[capt904]

At least he was in Dubai and not at our base. As we were getting ready to leave for our softball game, we saw a storm coming. We all stood around watching the lightning. It was at this point that we realized it wasn't a thunderstorm!!! It was a sandstorm with thunder and lightning. We all just made it into our tents. We sustained almost no damage other than dust in everything. The tent doesn't stop this crap. It only helps filter it. Our Base Exchange had its roof blown partially off. This may cause us to be without a BX for some time. But in the end no one was hurt and that is all that really matters.

[sandboxffwife]

Part of me is in envious awe and part of me is in paniced awe. Kelly and I LOVE weather! But in the same sense I hate it (when it causes loses). What is being without BX? New to terminology.

Kelly had a not so fun "check-in" with me a few hours ago ... we are having a "rough" time with his daughter (my step-daughter) ... for well, 5 years now? And tonight I'd finally had enough ~ I hate to admit it but I'm glad she's at her mom's (the other 2 little ones have been thru enough). It makes me miss Kelly even more ...

No one ever answered a few ?'s ... look back, about money, and about completing "a year"??? Any of the "first" civilian ff around? How big of an area are the bases? (Or is that too much to ask?) I can't wait for Kelly to come home and tell me what it's really like, or can I???

[skatcat13]

BUMP

[skatcat13]

hey every body, if you guys go to ffing in iraq forum sorry for outburst to that guy, but he wrinkled a few feathers with me.

[beblom]

Skat,

Just looking at the guys name, you don't need to be sorry,

Bruce

I feel that this forum is here for a very useful reason and I hope we don't have somebody ruin it for all of us.

[capt904]

I am sorry, BX = Base Exchange. It is where we go to buy things. Think walmart but on smaller scale.

I don't remember your exact Money question, but it is what they promise. It is direct deposited into stateside account every 2 weeks. Fri Mar 4 is our next payday.

Bases vary in size. I believe our base is over 16 miles around.

I have been here only a month, so I can't answer the year question.

I hope this helps.

Anyone on here is welcome to e-mail me and I will send them the link to my yahoo - photo page. It has a bunch of pics taken by myself and a few others.

[skatcat13]

hey capt, when you go wheels up you start getting paid, but if it is the friday before payday will you still recieve a check for that week.example- i leave for houston apr 4th, probably wheels up 8th. payday is 15th. will we get a check then or next payday the 29th. just trying to figure expenses with bank to pay my bills. thanx for the info its been appreciated. JOE

[chiefswife]

I hope this will help.Wheels went up on the 13th
of February to Iraq.Our first Payday is this Friday.
I can't wait I will be able to pay bills.thank you hunny
for being over there and paying the bills. Any questions
please email me.

Kristy

[capt904]

Probably the next pay day. Also usually your med,shot reimbursements are in that check. They will give a class in Baghdad on payroll. Money is GOOOOOOOD.

[skatcat13]

thanx that helps alot with getting everything together.

[skatcat13]

thanx that helps alot with getting everything together.

[FIREKEITH1221]

Thanx for the information. I need to pay off this credit card i racked up.
Your brother keith

[tahanna1]

Hi my husband just arrived in Iraq on Monday our time (the time difference is still confusing) he got his first taste of what it is going to be like over there he was one of the FF's putting out and cleaning up the last car bombing that killed 115 people. He stated this has put his priorties in check. He said he is just going to stay one year and come home. He was planning to stay 2 years. You don't realize what they see and really do over there... they hace all my respect and admeration for what they do.

They will all be in my prayers.

a ff's wife

[CaptCujo]

Jeff:

Hay man thanks for all of your continued input!

It is vital for us up and comers to hear the good bad and the ugly.

What is your E-mail?

I would love to see your picture site,

CJ schwartz - cj.schwartz@comcast.net

[sandboxffwife]

Capt904~Yes, what is your e-mail ... if your ready for all the questions? And I'd love to see pictures (I am so curious about things over there).

O.kay, I didn't think our guys went off base? (Except rare occassion when cleared by military?) What IS the job description? And how risque is it???

Thanks for all the answers. I'm still worrying everyday.

[beblom]

CAPT904

Could you email me this information here is my email address

bblom@emily.net

Thanks,

Bruce

[capt904]

I hope this works.
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/capt9042001/album?.dir=/37c3&.src=ph&.tok=ph44MnCB4xA1Fmd8

Just cut and paste into address box.

[capt904]

Ok,
sandboxffwife, it is highly unlikely that any of us would ever go off base to fight a fire. Not sure what all the circumstances were in the above post. Also not sure where that person is stationed in Iraq. Explosion happened 60 miles south of baghdad, I am not sure what base it was close to.

We are in a war zone so risk is always there. My stationed has only had 3 call in the month I have been in country. I hope this helps.

Some pics were provided to me by a Sgt in 3rd Infantry Division.

Hope you enjoy.

[combatffwife04]

Hi everyone!! Well got back to Rocky Mount with Gary yesterday afternoon after spending 2 nights and 3 days in Raleigh - Sorry Jeff you lost the bet - said he couldnt sleep - haha - it was a great reunion - Gary looks awesome!! The night before I was to pick Gary up I unfortunately fell down the stairs and have really bruised my self - my entire right side is one big bruise - well I cowgirled up and had a great "reunion" lol:p However, I have injured myself further as a result of the "recreational" activities. Funny thing is back didnt bother me until we got back - I guess the JD and Coke masked the real injury - haha Needless to say I have to go to doctor tomorrow - I can hardly walk or stand up straight - Now Jeff try not to laugh too hard!!! I think with a few flexoril, JD & coke and some really good pain medicine Gary should fair pretty well in "that" department - I feel terrible his first R&R and I am kaput - oh well circumstances are forcing us to be creative!!!

Any way - had to share - thought it is kinda funny - I will check back and Gary will make some postings too!!

Love all ya'll!!
Tracy

[BSFFwife]

My Gosh Tracy if this is what I have to look forward to I better start working out right now. Glad you are enjoying your hubby. Take Care, Lori

[skatcat13]

good post on our other thread, sorry you guys have to read that but i couldnt let him get away with that.

[BSFFwife]

I pray everyday that you or anyone going soon does not get on the same base as that fool. My husband is with a great group of guys and it only takes one negative person to bring everyone down.

[kraziecasey02]

Tracy you're scaring me!! Justin comes home in 23 days... I don't want to have to spend the next 4 months in rehab :p Just kidding... I think I'm looking forward to it just as much as he is ;) You two try not to hurt each other any more.. but have fun!!!!

[dennisfiller]

:D

[CaptCujo]

Filling the Jar...
A professor stood before his Philosophy 101 class
and had some items in front of him. When the class
began, wordlessly he picked up a very large and
empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf
balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full.
They agreed that it was.
The professor then picked up a jar of pebbles and
poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The
pebbles, of course, rolled into the open spaces between
the golf balls. He then asked the students
again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor picked up a box of sand and poured it
into the jar and of course the sand filled up everything
else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students
responded with a unanimous yes.
The professor then produced two cans of beer from
under the table and proceeded to pour the entire contents
into the jar, effectively filling the empty space
between the grains of sand. The students laughed.
"Now," said the professor, as the laughter subsided, "I
want you to recognize that this jar represents your
life. The golf balls are the important things -- your
family, your partner, your health, your children, your
friends, your favorite passions - things that if everything
else was lost and only they remained, your life
would still be full."
"The pebbles are the other things that matter, like
your job, your house, your car. The sand is everything
else - the small stuff.
If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued,
"there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The
same goes for your life. If you spend all your time and
energy on the small stuff, you will never have room
for the things that are important to you. Pay attention
to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play
with your children. Take time to get medical checkups.
Take your partner out dancing. Play another 18
holes. There will always be time to go to work, clean
the house, give a dinner party and fix the disposal.
Take care of the golf balls first - the things that really
matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."
One of the students raised her hand and inquired
what the beer represented.
The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just
goes to show you that no matter how full your life may
seem, there's always room for a couple of beers."

[beblom]

Capt 904

Thanks for posting the pictures, really enjoyed looking at them.

Thanks again,

Tracy,

Sounds like a great R&R.. next time take it easy on your back

[beblom]

Hey Capt 904 the wink wasn't placed where I wanted it to be placed it should have went after my comment to Tracy

[skatcat13]

bump...bump...bump

[beblom]

Hey Skat,

You should be going soon shouldn't you?

Bruce

[skatcat13]

yep apr 4th

[capt904]

BUUUUUUMMMMMMMPPPPP

[skatcat13]

bump

hey capt hows it going over there?

[FiremanJ176]

Alright. I got my tail reamed by "butthead" on the other thread, and hopefully he won't find his way here. To everyone on the thread that knows me...WASSSSUUPP?!? To everyone that does not...I am Jimmy Kasper. I am leaving March 14th. I wanted to thank all of you for all of your support and input on both of these threads. You really don't know how much a kind word helps when us guys go to make this kind of decision. On the flipside, you really don't know how much someone like "buttnugget" on the other thread putting his unnecessary information on the site disrupts our focus. It's not like we need any additional things to worry about at this time. So I want to thank those that re-butted and stood up for me when he felt it was necessary to put his information in. I am going to get my mom started on this thread. Hopefully that will help ease her mind. (She is very emotional.) Her handle will be GhostsMom. So Trace, if you could watch for her input and help her out if you could. Her yahoo ID is NCCWGURL. I would appreciate that. I'm sure she will share any information that I give to her on here. so on that note, I will go and see what kind of thrashin