For a few weeks now I have been speaking with my wife, going back and forth.  The same goes on inside my head each day, trying to figure out what is going to happen, how and also how to prepare for it.

 About two weeks ago we were asked if we wanted to do another 9 months here in Iraq, though it would be with a different company in a different area.  We were given little to no information and no deadline to decide.  Though my decision is now made and the paperwork is submitted for me to extend, along with 3 others from my whole company, it was not a hasty decision and was not taken lately.

 I wanted to let you all know my decision that I have made and also hope that it is for the best for my family.  Though I know it would be hard to understand the reasons why, I felt I needed to let you all know and to ask you if you would support the 4 of us, if the decision is made by higher up that we will be extended.

Though we only know we submitted the paperwork, we know nothing else.  We don't know for sure where or what we will be doing or even who with.  We do not know if we will go home first and therefore have to go through all the rigors that it entails, to include the customs, the long flights and many other things or if we will stay here and be immediately picked up by the new unit.

I just thought you all should know what has been going on inside my head lately, or at least a little of it that I can share.

That must indeed be a heavy load for you to wrap your brain around.  We hope that you all will receive strength to carry out this big decision.  Our prayers for your family and unit.

Gran

Of course the junkies will support you reguardless of what your doing and where your doing it....that is what we do best. My thoughts and prayers are with you, your guys and your family.

Holly

Wow... just, wow.  Just when you think a hero couldn't possibly give any more...  you have gone and done it.  I am in awe of your dedication.  And even though being away from your family is so hard, I can't imagine how proud they must be.  It has got to be especially difficult to go through the decision making process, come to a conclusion that's best for your family, and follow through with it... and then have to sit and wait as if nothing has been decided at all.  I hope you get the information you're hoping for soon!  It will all work out just as it's supposed to.  And, of course we'll be here with you every step of the way.  We'll always pray for your health and safety, and now added to that, will be that wherever you end up, you've got internet access. ;o)

 SPC Young-

    Oh My Gosh!   Another 9 months. What can I say?  Is that your baby in the avatar?   What a heavy decision that must be for you and your wife. 

YES! We will support you!   Please encourage your wife to visit the Forums and get to know us. We can help support her also.  Our prayers are with you,  God bless you and keep you safe..  

That is indeed my son as my avatar.  He has a hooded towel on him, haha.  I just saw the picture and loved it, it is a few days old, I believe.

Matt:

Wow. I'm speechless and trust me, that doesn't happen very often. Keep us posted as to what your needs are and in the meantime we'll certainly keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.

Take care,

Jen

Add me to the list of those praying for you and your family! (Cute little one, oh my!) 

Look no further. This is exactly why I support our Troops! Thanks for serving, you will never know how much respect I have for you guys. God bless and take care!

Men who for truth and honor's sake
Stand fast and suffer long.
Brave men who work while others sleep,
Who dare while others fly...
They build a nation's pillars deep
And lift them to the sky.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

You know we will support you for as long as you need!   You are an awesome warrior!    With that little one waiting at home it had to be unbelieveably hard to make that choice, you have my deepest respect and gratitude for what you have done and will continue to do for us all.

Anita

Matt,

You and your fellow soldiers continually amaze me with your dedication, honor, and courage.  I hope you know by now that this group WILL be with you for the duration, and with your family, too, as needed!  Just keep us in the loop and let us know where you are and what you need!!!!

Hugs and thanks,

WOW!  I'm so proud of you!  I know that was a hard decision to make expecially with that adorable baby at home.  It's military folks like you that make me feel so proud!  I will keep you & your family in my thoughts.

Marsha

Matt,

Thank you so much for sharing with us your decision as well as the difficulty reaching it.  We are proud of all of our military but especially so proud of you and the others who have chosen to remain with you, particularly in the midst of the unknown.  Definitely not an easy choice, but I hope you each can rest easy in your hearts knowing that it was a good choice, no matter what.  I send my prayers for blessings for all of your families and loved ones that they may have peace as well as pride in your choice, and I pray that God holds you and your unit safe in the palm of His hand always.

Debbie 

Fighting for your son's future, priceless!

Matt,

It is an honor to correspond with you.  You exemplify the best our country has to offer.  Just holler' at us and let us know your heart's desire.  We are here for you.

Vicki 

I wanted to let you all know that I will be able to extend my tour another 9 months.  Long story short is they are asking something of me which I just simply can't give to them, so I said no.