"Camping"

Spent this weekend "camping" with my new family. The Jeffrey family has given me the greatest gift upon my return, a safe place to live. Laura had been on temporary duty away from home for a few months so when she got back the family took to the shores!

I really enjoyed getting to hangout with the family away from the usual craziness. Selfishly, it was nice to be able to take a quick break from the overwhelming aspects of being back Stateside.

Bird's Wedding

Family Time in CA

Makes Me Smile

Friends Sam and Amy have the cutest little guy.

Roman just hit the 9 month mark.

I can't wait to meet him!

Click his picture to see more of Roman Alexander!

Honoring the California Fallen

Army Sergeant Jose Rodriguez, 22, of Gustine, CA, was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA. SGT Rodriguez died in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of wounds caused by enemy small arms fire.

Finally Home From Afghanistan!

Finally Back On US Soil

Taken just after touching down at Atlanta International Airport.

Sleeping from Kuwait to the United States

1LT Ashley Keiser and I were seated in the middle row of seats for our trip from Kuwait back to the US. Since we were flying overnight we decided to "share" the space so we could both stretch out. For the first leg of the light I slept on the seats while Ashley curled up on the floor and then we switched spots for the second leg of the flight. Creativity!

Honoring the California Fallen

Army Sergeant Nicholas C. Fredsti, 30, of San Diego, CA, died in Spedar, Afghanistan, when insurgents attacked his unit with small-arms fire. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Keeping Ourselves Entertained

One of the downsides of military travel is the amazingly early roll calls for flights. Often times this occurs HOURS before the actual flight. With an flight at 0'dark:30 we kept ourselves entertained with some Monopoly Deal in Bagram.

Just Sayin'!

Packed and Ready

This soldier (nurse, co-pilot, nav, eng, loadmaster, mantianer)
is tired and ready to come home!

Honoring the California Fallen

Army Private First Class Nathan T. Davis, 20, of Yucaipa, CA, was assigned to 1st Battalion (Airborne), 501st Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, AK. PFC Davis died in Tore Obeh, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered when his vehicle was attacked with an enemy improvised explosive device.

Honoring the California Fallen

Marine Corporal Anthony R. Servin, 22, of Moreno Valley, CA, was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, CA. CPL Servin died in Helmand province, Afghanistan, while conducting combat operations.

Three-One This Year!

Every year for my birthday, my Dad gets me my age in roses. This year was a little trickier since I am deployed to Afghanistan. So he sent me a box full of 31 colorful plastic roses and a homemade vase for them. So what did I do with them, took them on a tour of Afghanistan of course!

Happy Birthday to me!

Honoring the California Fallen

Army Captain Scott P. Pace, 39, of Brawley, CA, was assigned to 1st Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, NC. CPT Pace died in Qarah Bagh, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when his OH-58D Kiowa helicopter crashed.

Also killed was Army 1st Lt. Mathew G. Fazzari.

Did You Find It?

Hey 71st! Just curious...did you find it?

Pink Ribbons Everywhere

Yup, another pink ribbon strategically placed. Since we call aircraft "she" and "her" and since this one's name is Christine, I figured she too should spread awareness about saving second base.

 

~DDN~