There are few words I can even form because I am laughing so hard. Nate noticed Briggs’ front teeth coming in for the first time today…and of course, had to get some close-ups! I think I can safely say Briggs is entering the ‘awkward stage.’ I am sure some orthodontist will love [...]
After getting the troops in-position, setting up our operations, and conducting initial inventories - it was time to begin our LAOs (local area orientation). The LAO consists of flying with the guys who have been here all year (that we are replacing). We basically fulfilled half of each flight crew with their guys [...]
If you have been a blog follower, you know that I have been trying to remain very positive during Tim’s deployment. From the outset I began a list of ‘Good Things’ that I plan to add to continuously. I thought it was time to add to my list.
1) Thankfully, Helena and [...]
First of all…Tim and his troops are fine. I got several warnings to not tune into the morning news today (don’t anyway). As you know, they have a very dangerous mission ahead of them. I appreciate everyone keeping Tim’s unit in your thoughts and prayers as they embark upon a long year.
I am very new [...]
We are all about major change here at the Stoner household today. Not only did Briggs start second grade but Gage made the transition to a ‘big boy bed’ and ‘big boy pants’. With the incentive of candy and a future trip to Chuckee Cheese we are successful (so far).
I couldn’t resist taking [...]
I delayed writing about our arrival until all soldiers were safely in-position.
I flew out a few nights ahead of the “main body” (majority of the unit) with a small team aboard an Army cargo plane. Our group of five was known as one of the ADVON (advanced party) groups.
All day, I reviewed in [...]
THIS LETTER WAS COMPLETELY TYPED AND WRITTEN BY BRIGGS. I HELPED HIM SPELL ONLY THREE WORDS.
Hi daddy how are you today? Guss what today I was sick. Because I missed you. So much [...]
After missing his call last night, Tim was thankfully able to call again today. It made me recall the days of waiting by the phone (hence before cell phones!). It is not a feeling I am terribly fond of.
He and several other members of his unit left for Iraq today. I wish I could say [...]
Gage has been consistently asking to see his Dad for the last two days. I thought tonight I would give a different answer than the repetitive…”Daddy is gone for a long time. He loves you very much but he has to save soldiers that are fighting the bad guys.”
Tonight I said, “Daddy is [...]
Flying today across the desert was quite interesting. Interesting, because I’ve seen nothing like it before: with miles, upon miles, of sand, in every direction - as far as the eye can see. No trees, no bushes, no hills, no mountains or valleys, and a barely visible horizon (due to the suspended dust [...]
It’s here, it’s finally here…we are in the eleventh hour.
We’re currently completing our desert flight training and will be crossing-the-berm soon. The eleventh hour is producing more energy, anxious energy, within the soldiers. Some people release this extra energy by working out, some pack and repack, some clean weapons - again, some are [...]
Despite a fine layer of sand on EVERYTHING and extreme temperatures, Tim is doing very well.
I heard from him yesterday for the first time. What a great sound! Interesting how our phone conversations instantly became more special when they are coming across from such a distance. And…is no one else amazed by [...]
All I can say…is we attempted to get a good family photo before Tim left. We did our best to control our team!
Hello from the Kuwaiti desert,
I just connected to the Internet for the first time and immediately went to this site. It is so magnetic!
The pictures are incredibly moving and I am thankful for a brother-in-law with the willingness to cover the family and the talent to capture the moment.
As Tiffany mentioned, we will conduct a [...]
We celebrated Tim’s birthday while he was home. I neglected to post some of my favorite images from the party that the Alcock’s graciously offered to host. We had a great turnout…some friends even dropped by from college that we haven’t seen in years. It was such a nice surprise. We really appreciated everyone coming [...]
I have not heard from Tim yet. But I do know that they spent Sunday resting and getting acclimated to their surroundings.
Tomorrow they will begin their transitional training. They will be in Kuwait now for only one week instead of the previously expected three weeks. I have learned never [...]
While Tim’s father was visiting Tuesday he asked me if I minded if he came to the airport to say goodbye. I appreciated him wanting to respect our privacy but I replied, “If my son were leaving for war I would certainly want to see him off.” That’s all the exchange that was [...]
I have not heard from Tim yet, however, the Family Readiness Group leader called to inform me that the unit had arrived in Kuwait.
They were exhausted from the travel which took them from Ft. Sill, Oklahoma to Bangor, Maine to Shannon, Ireland to Kuwait. I am not sure when I will talk to him but [...]
Sometimes pictures speak louder than words. Thanks, Nate!
I should have figured saying goodbye a second time might be a little tougher…but perhaps I didn’t give myself a chance to think that far ahead.
After Tim said his goodbyes to his father, sister, and our children, I clung to him just before he passed through security at the Indianapolis Airport today. I couldn’t [...]
I do not want to publish the unit specifics on this blog. So email me - if you would like the mailing address for Tim.
By the way, I have some suggestions of items to send. Do not send baked goods…they will not make it (it is ~130 degrees there during the day). Don’t bother trying to send [...]