Posted: 7/26/2004 4:08:46 PM EDT
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On 7/6/04 my daughter and first child was born. We took her home from the hospital on 7/9. That very evening I got a phone call. My national guard unit, the 1864th Trans. Co. in Henderson has been activated. We got orders for either Iraq, Afghanistan, or supporting roles here in the US. We leave to Ft. Lewis on the 19th of August where we'll spend anywhere from a couple weeks to a couple months getting some training and paper processing done before going to work. Likely we'll be in Iraq. The real blow to the gut is that the activation period is for up to 18 months. While I'm thankful that I was here for the birth of my daughter, it's upsetting that I'll be missing her first 18 months of life and all of her firsts like first steps, first birthday, first christmas, and first words. For now I'm trying to teach my wife how to download the video camera to the computer to burn a DVD of the tape. The plan being on getting a portable DVD player such that she can send me copies of the home movies. Maybe when I get back I'll treat myself to a hunting trip up in Alaska. I think I'll be about fed up with seeing deserts by then. |
| Take care of yourself Glenn, if us NV forum guys can send you some stuff in a care package just have your wife let us know what you want. Also if she needs anything I'm sure one of us here can help her out if she gets in a jam. Show her how to log in here and post. |
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Thanks and will do. I've been going through a Blackhawk catalog circling items that look like they may be of use. Depending on where exactly I am over there, I may have computer access. I've been seeing a number of people posting messages on various net forums who are currently deployed into that theater. Guess I'll be able to use the Army email account I have for the first time since they gave it to me. |
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Glenn, My first daughter is now 17 mos. old. I am sure my wife can find some *lightly* used girlie clothes, if you want them. As for portable DVDs, we just bought this one for the daughter's car rides. It's a Polaroid PDV 700. 7" screen, 3 hour battery, extra batteries available. Needs headphones, as the built in speakers are not that loud: http://www.epinions.com/content_123207782020 Stay safe! |
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Man, my first child was born in December... And reading your post really humbled me. It has been a joy to hang out with my kid and help raise him just this far. I really feel for you man. We appreciate the sacrifice you are giving. Good luck over there. May God bless you and yours. |
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Make sure that whatever portable DVD player you buy can read the blank DVDs. Some players refuse to read -R discs, some refuse to read +R discs, and some won't read either. It seems like a lot of newer players are finally supporting both formats, but double-check before you haul it halfway around the world only to find out you can't watch your home movies on it. Check out www.videohelp.com/dvdplayers if you want to check on a particular model and see what it supports. |
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Glenn, I saw your picture and writeup in the Review Journal last week. I have a friend who will be deploying with your unit. I am glad that I got to see you and your family before your deployment. I hope you put the tactical gear to good use and cap a few Hajis for the team! You know your wife can call on me personally if she needs anything at all. Please leave her my contact info. Be Safe Bro. Joe |