Info on Joe's return to Ft Riley

REDEPLOYMENT TO FORT RILEY-MAIN BODY

At this time, we are expecting the main body of 1-4 CAV to return during the first 2 weeks of July. We do not have more specific information at this time.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER REDEPLOYMENT?

LEAVE AND PASSES

After redeployment, all Soldiers will receive a 96 hour pass. Upon return from pass, they will go through approximately 10 to 14 days of re-integration training. Upon completion of re-integration, Soldiers will receive 2 weeks of leave. At this time, those two weeks are expected to be around the 4th week of July to the 1st week of August. Upon return from leave, Soldiers will have approximately 3 weeks back at work for more re-integration and other activities that need to be completed upon return from a deployment. Soldiers will then receive another 2 weeks of leave. These two weeks are expected to be around the end of August to mid-September. There may be exceptions which will be taken under advisement by Command on a case by case basis.

WHEN TO STOP SENDING MAIL

CSM McDowell stated that it is their preference that you send no more mail after 23 May. This is to ensure all packages are delivered before your Soldier has to begin packing things up to bring back to Fort Riley. They do not need anything “extra” to bring back after that date.

Joe bags big game in Iraq

This hawk was annoying the aid station on the FOB and Joe reportedly registered the kill with one shot of his high powered BB gun!

The aid station

A few more pics for your enjoyment

Hello all, I realize its been some time since I've posted here. We are definitely keeping busy over here. Our aid station sees more patients than the average clinic on a larger FOB, with everything from pneumonia to crushed fingers to broken bones coming in for treatment. There is definitely never a dull day!

On top of our heavy patient flow, we occasionally go out on the reconnaissance missions throughout our area of operations. This variety to the week really helps break up the time and causes it to go by faster.

The weather here is chilly, but not too cold. At times I can't believe its January, with the sunny, mild days we often have. We've had our share of cold days, but nothing like the cold spell back in the States right now.

I appreciate all the letters/packages you all have sent, as well as your prayers.

Joe

Joe's Christmas

We were blessed to Skype with Joe on Christmas eve along with his Grandmother Vasiliou, Aunt Mary, Uncle Kevin and Cousin Zach. Seeing and speaking with Joe made the holiday a little less sad for us. We do have official good news that it looks like the Army is planning to shorten the deployment by 2 months. The current date of return of Joe’s unit is the last two weeks in June 2010 (instead of August) although the dates are subject to change. That was the best Christmas present we received this year. Joe had to work about 1/2 day on Christmas, had a special lunch meal and got to take a nap on his rare afternoon off duty. He says the weather has been rainy which turns the desert to mud, but the temps are not real cold. He appreciates your letters, packages and prayers.

Army Navy football

The annual Army-Navy football game was yesterday and unfortunately despite a valiant effort the cadets couldn’t hold off the midshipmen going down in defeat 17-3. It was fun to watch the game and made us proud to now be a part of the traditions of the armed forces. Joe emailed us another link which leads to an article about their sector of the border. It is interesting reading and gives us more info on the mission of his unit and those in that area. the link is: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009/12/ap_iraq_syria_border_121009/ Thanks for you prayers and thoughts during this holiday season.