Sound familiar? I've been hoping to get deployed to Iraq. I'm not Crazy nor do I have a death wish, I just wanna go see the part of the world that has dominated the news for the last 3+ years.

I wasn't scheduled to go on the February deployment. I was told I might be able to go on the next rotation next August. But Today, our Group Comm Cheif came up to me and asked how bad I wanted to go...I said "I'd go tomorrow if you'll send me"

Well, maybe not Tomorrow, but Monday I fly out to Florida for a month of training and then two months around the middle east. That's right! I'm shipping out with a little over one day notice!

To Tunnelrat, ToneGuns and jjsvipers...My wife will ship your stuff out on the 1st. Some of you were inquiring about the large items I was planning on getting rid of. It's kinda a moot point right now, I don't have time to pack and ship them, sorry! When I get back in November, I'll IM you all and let you know what the deal with that stuff is.

Hopefully, I can log in a few times from Tampa and a few times while overseas. I had intended to get my Garage set up and continue with my "Enemy of my Enemy" dio in the next few weeks, and that's why I haven't been contributing much! I love what a lot of you have been doing with your pics and stories...keep it coming in my absence. I'll catch what I can when I can, and catch up when I get back! (I may take Snake eyes with me and do some Pics from Iraq!!)

Frank

Congrats Frank, truly....

Since we met I've known how important this is to you, and I'm happy for you that this is finally coming full circle. I'm also worried for you, and that's not going to change. I know that you will be vigilant and steadfast in this deployment, but never forget that crazy doesn't follow any rules.

You join a long line of friends in my life who have been deployed and seen combat in this area........and like all of them, I expect you to return safe and sound. So go and serve and continue to do what you have done since you made the free will choice to 'answer the call to serve'..........and don't get dead!!!


Know that I'll leave a light on for you, warm thoughts in my heart and prayers to God on my lips each and every minute of every day.........

Semper Fi Marine!!!!! HOO-AH!!!!!

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Non illigitamus carborundum~Vos mos non effrego mihi

Coming soon: 'JoeSpecialOps'

Ender, I don't know you all that well, but for what you're about to do, you have my utmost respect and gratitude-- Moreso than I could ever find the words to describe.

Good luck, and please come home safe.

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is on indefinite hiatus...

Good Hunting,Gunny! And stay safe,too.I'll be praying for you as well,Frank.

God Bless,Jarhead.

Momentous news Frank. I'll remember you in my prayers, even though I know it would take more than some chickensh*t terrorist to bring down the Ender. I truly hope everything goes well for you Frank...stay safe, buddy!

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"The future's uncertain and the end is always near." - The Doors "Roadhouse Blues".

Best of luck out over there Frank. Keep safe and I just want to thank you for serving our country. As for the items, I'll send a money order as soon as I can, but what do you want to do about the shipping costs?

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I want to stand as close to the edge as I can without going over. Out on the edge you see all the kinds of things you can't see from the center.
-Kurt Vonnegut

As others have said, Frank, come back safe.

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I Am Pilot Error...
I Am Fetal Distress...
I Am The Random Chromosome...
I Am Complete And Total Madness...

I Am Fear!

As the others have said; congrats on getting the assignment you've been after; you certainly have my utmost respect for wanting to get out there and do your bit to make the world a better place. I hope it all goes as well for you as possible and will look forward to your safe return!

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Come check out my Flickr account for more pics of my collection and additional shots from my JoeDios photoshoots. Includes my "Class Reunion" and "Foes Of The Joes" sets, exclusive to Flickr!

Last updated 2/5/10.