Hello All,
I'm so short you have to dig a hole to kick my ass! I'm so short I can parachute off a dime! Yep, less than 20 days to 365 in theater and I'm stoked about it. The replacements are here and even though their command seems to be dragging their heels a bit (see Typical) the train-up has begun and packing as well.
There is a common fear, however, that we are not quite done yet. That we'll get jerked (again) and find ourselves facing another mission in someplace that isn't home. I guess we're all used to it and most don't want to get their hopes up, but I'm trying to remain positive on this.
It's still quiet here, kinda spoiling the new guys but that's ok. They will get to learn all the fun and games in their own time anyway.
I love you all,
Will
PS - buy stock in Budweiser.
Will
Congratuations!! I wish I could be happier. Honestely, I was wondering if you could help me. I just got stunning message from my bf saying he was extended 2 years. He said he will not be back to civilian sector and won't allowed to reach E-mail or messenger. And he is saying good bye. He said when the giving choice, he has to choose to serve his country. I just need to talk to him cause I am willing to wait as long as it takes. He was the active duty AF Intelligence and when the war started he was Reservist. But I guess he is going back to active. I know there is nothing to do with you and you probaly can do anything about it but would it try find him??? I can't reach him at all. If you could write to me at naomi-liz@nifty.com I can tell him about more. Sorry for the rumble but I don't know what to do any more
Posted by: N on March 2, 2004 08:15 PMRemember the dance where there is a pole suspended and you have to limbo under it? Are you that short? Is the pole on the ground yet?
Bring my soldier home with you. I miss him. Tell him his car has a full tank of gas. The 119 yellow ribbons on the tree in our front yard are ready to be taken down as soon as I get word that 119 pairs of boots are all safe and sound, happy and in the arms of those they love.
Let me know. I'm on the edge of my seat.
Congratulations!
A soldier's mom...
Posted by: Katherine on March 2, 2004 09:56 PMHORAY ! ! ! About time, maybe you will get lucky like my grandson. He will be home tommorrow from the Hell Hole. Wasn't to get back till May. He called from Germany & said doesn't know what is going on but that is the Army.
Just make sure you keep in touch with all of us. Love (((HUGS))) Kiss Jake for me. Wish I was their when you got home as i would buy that first Bud.
Posted by: Alice on March 3, 2004 12:09 AMWill I hope this is it for you and that you will be able to come home soon!!!
Keep us posted!!!! (No pun intended)
Godspeed!
Posted by: Theresa on March 3, 2004 06:10 AMGOG BLESS YOU! Tears running down my face (happy tears). Thank you for bringing some perspective about military life and it's higher ups. My son returned nearly 3 months ago, having a difficult time adjusting and the wanne be(s) are sure giving him hell and so thru your eyes you've allowed me to understand how unhuman they can be. Yep! I've called the chaplain twice to see if he can intervene , he has yet to followup. I'm leaving it up to God . Thank you for allowing us to come into your life, I'm so HAPPY you're finally coming home. Your Mom did a swell job.
God Bless You!
Will,
After all you've been thru, you can do 20 days standing on your head. Congratulations to you and your unit on a job well done. Your country is very proud of you. I'll be watching the local news to see if they publicize your unit's return. Take care and God Bless!
Hey Will,
Been reading your rants for awhile now, and I'm happy you'll be on your way back home soon. So when is the Nationwide Victory Tour, or at least a visit to Boston so I can buy you a tall cold one?
Congrats. I'll be sorry to miss your pithy comments from Iraq.
You're training a replacement blogger right?
I particularly liked your entry on gift distribution to the schools. I'd heard 'sanitized' reports from the mainstream media that didn't include the context and depth you provided.
Thanks again for the on-the-spot info reports.
So, will you be voting for Bush or Kerry this November?
Frank
Posted by: Frank Patton on March 3, 2004 11:05 AMWill,
Like many of the postings I too am so grateful for you sharing your experience with us. I hope that life returns to normal for you as soon as possible.
Your honesty, humour, and rantings are most appreciated. You and all the other troops have so many people thinking about you and the future because of the weblogs that have been written over the course of the war.
Even though we're strangers, I've found myself wondering about all you war bloggers. When you've returned to the states I hope you'll let us know how things are going before you fade back into the anominity of ordinary life.
Thank you for all you've done online and off. Peace be with you.
Hi Will!! I'm too short for my shoes, too short for my shoes, tooo shoorrrtt....sung to the tune of I'm too sexy for my shirt! (which I'm sure you are that too!!)
I'm so happy to hear you are on your way home..for all of you and especially your families! My ex-husband and I are both prior service and I know that feeling of missing someone so much you can't breathe and that special, wonderful feeling you have inside the first time you get to hold them again! Oh and to finally get to meet your little Godson Jake....so much to look forward to my friend!!
If you ever get out to Seattle you'll have plenty of Bud and anything else waiting for you here! Please stay in touch with us once you return home and let us know all is well.
Your friend...
Sharon
Posted by: Sharon on March 3, 2004 12:01 PMDon't pull your socks up, you may go blind.
But look on the bright side, you can become a model posing for trophies, play handball on the curb, or practice back flips in complete privacy under your bed.
Posted by: Joe Lauritsen on March 3, 2004 01:10 PMNow don't get to big for your britches yet, LOL, The count down as begun. Hoorah! But still want you home safe!! So until you are on US soil take care. Want Jake to have his very special uncle to spoil him rotten! And when he is old enough you can take him out and tell him all your war stories the funny and not so. Have a safe trip home. And instruct those new guys well want them home safe also in a few months.
Posted by: Chris on March 3, 2004 02:01 PMWill,
Thank God it's finally time! I'm so glad to hear that you're coming home soon. I have enjoyed hearing from you all these months and I'll miss it when you're gone - but I'll be happy at the same time. Does that make sense? Please continue to keep us posted when you get back. Enjoy your homecoming and a return to "normal" life.
Thank you so much for all the time and effort you've put into communicating with us. And thanks, again, for doing what you do and being who you are. Without you and those before you, we wouldn't be enjoying the freedoms we have today. Very sobering... Thanks...A lot. For me...and for my children.
Good luck and God speed, Will.
PS, I have some cold beer and homemade wine waiting for you in Arkansas - not to mention a lot of people who would love to meet you!
Posted by: Joelle on March 3, 2004 02:06 PMHmmmm just waiting for the wakeup call, eh?
Wow...you going to read all the entries once you settle home? It'll take at least a year to read em all Will. LOL
If at all possible, write one last entry before you leave...please? One when you actually return home would be asking too much, hmmm? May the time pass quickly, the message be true, and the travel be safe and speedy.
Maybe one day you'll decide to email some of us regulars here....I know I would love that! Will, give your mom the hardest hug of all...she's been a gem which I'm sure you know.
Godspeed,
Judi (& Wyatt)
Hey Will!
I'm truly thankful that God has kept you safe and is bringing you home to your loved ones soon. I do hope you won't forget about all of us out here and will keep us posted on your life once you get back in CONUS!
Btw, I'm in Germany. If you stop through here on your way home, drop me a line!
Hugs,
Courtney
WOO-HOO! 20 DAYS! I am so happy for you. All of you have had one long stretch! Come back safe my friend. Prayers and hugs to you all!
Posted by: Annette on March 3, 2004 08:16 PMHi Will,
Hey, you short-timer you! I'm so happy for you! Whoopee! This is wonderful! Godspeed and best wishes for a safe and quick trip home. I hope you'll continue to blog when you get home. Your writing is truly a gift. If you're ever in my little neck of the frozen tundra, I'll have plenty of beer, cheese, and brats for you. God bless you for all that you've done to support the freedom so many of take for granted. Hang in there and stay safe.
Right ON, Will.
Thinking of you and your team, and sendong positive thoughts that you all are home as planned. Best to you, your team and your families.
Godspeed and God Bless!
Posted by: Jen on March 3, 2004 11:12 PMKeg tapped - check
Mug frosted - check
Cow killed - still working on that one, know of some feedlots back home I may check into.....
Everyone's excited here and wondering when the party will be. I think it's more of when WON'T the party be. happy, happy, joy, joy!
Hey Will,
I have been tagging along on your adventure since the start. I've been quiet until now, but there seems to be some added urgency to drop a line since you may not be in contact after you return home. I am a fellow South Dakotan and initally that's what made me continue to come back to your site...but it didn't take long to get hooked.
I want to commend you for all of your hard work and sacrifice. You and your fellow soldiers deserve the GREATEST and HIGHEST honors for all that you have done for us. You have given us insight to Army life and some definite perspective on life in general. You are an incredible person and soldier and I hope to have the honor of, one day, getting to meet you. I've been appreciative of your honesty and humor over the last year and I'm going to miss hearing all of your latest rants.
Again, Thank You and Congratulations on the trip home!
If you ever in Winner, stop in...we'd love to buy you a beer!
Mardi
Posted by: Mardi on March 4, 2004 04:04 PMWill,
I am so glad that you finally get to come home. Please keep us posted on how your return to normal life goes.
There is plenty of Bud here in Fairbanks Alaska if you ever stop by.
Jan
Jan
Like all the others, CONGRATs on your impending arrival back to CONUS. If you're ever in the Denver area, I'd love to buy you a round or several. Thanks for your service to our country. Keep up the blogging!!
Posted by: Howard Smith on March 4, 2004 05:05 PMI'll have to say it for everyone - IT'S ABOUT D@MN TIME! Keep your head down and you'll be home soon. I really do hope that you will have a replacement for your blog. Even if they don't have your dry humor, it would be nice to have someone still writing from there. Well I hope you have a safe trip home. Thanks for the good and bad times! God bless each and every one of you!
Posted by: Lynne on March 5, 2004 10:06 AM damn, I'm gonna miss you when you're home. [what?] i started using your expressions after getting in the habit of reading your blog adventures. now I can't stop!
I still bust out laughing every time i relate your 'I'm a Humvee" story to someone new.
speaking of which, you gonna take the beast out for one last mad max test before you have to say goodbye? did you guys ever get those three towed out again after they sank up to the rims?
when you get home you can dress jake in little baby olive drabs and cammies, put him on your shoulder like a little airplane, and run around the park like that with him tucked in tight against you, making mock combat sounds and exciting him. boy babies love the rough stuff. they seem to start craving it right about, oh--9 months old? and after that it just gets more insistent.
don't forget to pick up souvenirs before you head home.
oh--and you'll be sneezing up crud for months after you get home from the sandbox.
hope to have a few more of your entries to read, telling us about the journey home and getting back, before you blend back in.
damn, you're funny.
Hello Will,
yahooooo.....we are very happy that there are only a few days left for return to home.If own you must parachute but do it in the italian sky, don't you worry we are below to salvage you....ahahahahah!!! When you will be in fly for your return to home and if you will cross our sky you will see safety the Alpi (see mountain) to north of Milano, beh Milano is near there, you make to us a greeting and also when we will see a fly cross sky we will make a greeting, maybe you are there.
PS:come on, the next mission will be only that of return to home, we are safe.
Happy return all. Adriana and Milena.
Will -
Congratulations! I have really enjoyed your rants and I do hope you continue them when you get home. I hope that you can train one of your replacements to continue the Iraq blogs -it really helps to understand what our loved ones go through.
Thank you so much serving our country and for protecting all of us. I am in the Home of Budweiser beer - St. Louis - and if you ever come through here you have to take the brewery tour!!!
Kiss Jake for all of us!
Posted by: Barb VonTill on March 7, 2004 04:00 PMTHANK YOU
Posted by: Amanda on April 16, 2004 12:21 AM
Will is a pretty good writer and this is the collection of his writings. It'll be interesting to hear updates from a soldier's point of view, so I'll be posting them for all to read.
Take care Will