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.