The Gang’s All Here

Here is a pic we took of the whole Company here at our base in Iraq.  some of the faces are small and some are even covered up!  Me personally, I’m on the left side about half way up.  I had to get the shot set up and then get in the picture as someone snapped it for us.  we are all doing fine and working hard to ensure the fuel and supplies get to where they need to go.  the vehicles you see in the pictures are armored security vehicles (ASV’s) for short and work quite well for our purposes.  I have an up-armoured Hummer for my personal vehicle but have patrolled in an ASV also.  Not much action in our area, it remains pretty quiet, although the Marines can be a handful at times.  Weather pretty good for now and everyone is working at getting certified to run missions so the other guys get to go home to Virginia.  they are great guys and have showed us the ropes. I wish them well!  Pray for us all and the people who live here as well.  Conditions here are not easy for them either.  I will post when I can and contact you all as missions allow.  Till then, take care and god bless!  JT

25 years and still going!

As I write this post, I am sitting here in Iraq thinking that there was no way I would be here during this momentous occasion.  I remember the good times and bad and a life shared with a very loving woman who I am proud to have had stand by me through thick and thin for 25 years.  We each are not perfect and have our faults, but have managed to keep it going when by all accounts, some people didn’t think we could make it one year, let alone twenty-five.  We started out in California and ranged from Europe to the East Coast, to the South, and back home again to me going back to Iraq and even becoming Grandparents.  What a strange trip it has been.  We are the products of our experiences and stand ready to embark on our next 25 year phase with a renewed commitment to each other and life as well.  Thanks to all those friends and family who have shared and assisted along the way.  We couldn’t have done it without you!  Honey, I love you with all my heart and can’t wait till I’m back so we can continue our journey.  As always, keep me in your thoughts and prayers, JT