Rodriguez just got access to a comp. again and I got an e-mail today!  YEE HAW  Don't know which camp he's at right now, but his e-mail is the same for those that had contact before.  He sd be updating As soon as well.  He's lost some e-mails in his travels so go ahead and contact him, he's looking forward to hearing from you.     Anita

1Lt Rodriguez posted on AS today as many of you may already know.  I had another e-mail as well and he mentioned that he would love to get some American Flags that can be flown over their base and then give one to his guys that they can keep.   He will need about 25.   Anyone up for helping fill his request?      Anita

 A warrior's family has contacted me on my vox blog.   Their son is deploying to Afghanistan with a guard unit from TN, the end of this year.    They signed onto VOX, just to become a neighbor of my blog.    I've encouraged them to get involved with the forum, here, even though their son will not be deployed to the same location, just because they were so overwhelmed with the information they were given.   If some of the you here would like to take them under your wings, please go to their blog http://johnandrobincarter.vox.com/ where they have a picture of their son up.   

 Thanks for all you do.

 As a supporter of some of the 6-4 guys (but without contact with any) would it be possible for someone to update this thread when they make it home? I would really appreciate it and maybe some others feel the same way. Thanks.

Sally

Once everyone is back I will update you.  Thank you for all the support you have shown to the troops of 6-4 CAV!  It was such a help knowing that others were concerned with their welfare.  I know many families can not afford to send everything their soldier needed.  

Hello All!!!

I was asking on the Korengal thread if we have new AS contacts at the KOP and Shelly (STL) let me know that she has found the new guys that are in the area that our 6-4 CAV guys are leaving.

There are 5 that I have found so far.  I searched (per Shelly's recs) under 61 in address and Colorado.  I could only request 2 names today, but it appears that they are with the A Trp, 3-61 CAV.  They describe the same conditions and even the same OP names that we know already.  They are also asking for some of the all important gear, as well as food, wipes, magazines, drink mixes...

All the things we can do so well!'

I am going to start a new thread and just name it 3-61 CAV Soldiers, Afghanistan.  Maybe we can luck out and get some of the great help and info from their FRG Advisors, wives and family members, too!

Time to rev it up again...    Kaylynn

P.S.  JoCee, if you will ever forgive me for just giving up on e-mails and websites for so long - we could sure use your "Gear" knowledge!!!  They need knives, mags, packs, etc.

Dear gkellams.  It is never easy to have a loved one go to war.  I appreciate your son and you (as well as the other members of your extended family) for serving our great nation.  You have my greatest respect and appreciation.  I, like so many others on this site, have loved ones at war.  I know it helps me to remember that my loved ones and those serving with them have the best training possible.  But it is still difficult to have them away from home in many of the places where they are serving.  I hope you have surrounded yourself with people who will support you, too, while your son is deployed.  That will be such a huge help to you both. 

I would caution you to be careful about information that you post on any public website.  Keep in mind that anyone can read this information.  Anyone. 

If your son is going to be in/around the area you mentioned he will not necessarily need basic food items.  He may go on missions that require him to be away from DFAC (chow hall) from time to time but he will always have MREs at the very least.  Most who are deployed do like to receive non perishable items of their favorite foods regardless of what they are being served in theater.  Remember the temperatures are very hot this time of year so it's best not to send anything chocolate until probably October. Also fresh baked goods, etc may not hold up this time of year because of the heat. Once our son gets settled in and has a chance to communicate with you (and depending on his final destination that may not be easy either) he will be able to let you know a bit more about his wants and/or needs. 

I know this is a very difficult time for you.  I can tell that you love your son so very much.  Try to be strong for him.  That's not easy but it's what he needs the most right now.  Letters from home are like gold.  So keep those going as much as you can.  Just write to him about how your day went and the normal things you do.  That will make his day I assure you.  If he is going where you said he is then he will have good access to communication, regular meals and a small PX.  But don't be surprised if he asks you to send along basic things from time to time.

Hang in there.  Again, I know it's not easy.  If you don't have someone you can lean on right now I hope you will reach out to someone that you can.  Having someone you can talk to will help you so much.  My thoughts and prayers are always with our deployed and their families.

FYI - post by gkellams was deleted.  Many OPSEC blunders.

USE CAUTION HERE PLEASE!!!

THANK YOU Marty!  THANK YOU!

I am very sorry.  Thank you for the information, and deleting the post.  It was never my intention to divulge any information that I should not have.  I  have never posted to a forum before, and assumed that only registered members could view the posts.   This in itself gives a very good indication that I need some guidance here.  I do not even know what OPSEC means. .

I am very concerned for my son, and want to to all I can to get him home safely.

Again, I am very sorry....

When this is so new there definitely is a "learning" curve.  OPSEC stands for Operational Security.  Basically you shouldn't ever post anything in public that you wouldn't won't the enemy to know.  Places, dates, travel information, numbers in the unit, locations, etc.are definitely items you wouldn't want to share in a public forum.  I always consider the internet public even if the location requires registration and signing in.

There should be some form of family support group aligned with your son's unit.  I know in the Army units it's called and FRG or Family Readiness Group.  They are really good about providing guidelines about OPSEC for their family members.  Maybe you can find out who to contact with your son's unit to give you some information.  If you have difficulties finding someone let me know and I'll try to help you out.

 I hope this helps. 

On the forum page, the very first section is "Please read this first"  and the last posted thread is about OPSEC and posted by Marty.  It gives links to information about OPSEC and is a must read to be in the know.  There are many new folks on site, so I am pointing this out (I know that there is a lot to read and people easily overlook things).  This topic comes up periodically when someone goofs and is always good to remind all of us to think about troop safety. 

Kathy

LTC Markert uncased the 6-4 CAV colors tonight at the ceremony for tonight's returning heroes.    Ironsides Gym at Ft Hood was rockin'   I met face to face one of our AS contacts and his family,  Josh Rodriguez.  His wife is so sweet, and their daughter is precious.     Josh was so appreciative of everything that everyone in AS did for them.     I have a big hug from him to share with all of you.   CAV Mom is glowing and smiling even more than usual.     Welcome home to our true heroes.    Most are home in the loving arms of their families. 

HaoleWahine,

Do you have some pictures that you can post of the ceremony. My son arrived last night as well and I would love to see what he came home to.

 Angela

 I have videos of the last two nights, uncasing the colors.    But transferring them to my computer was not as simple as the directions implied.   I think it's a VISTA thing, and I've just not been able to get it done.    I hope to sleep tonight, and will work on it this weekend.     I will post when I get them up.

 Have you seen the pictures the great people in Maine take of the guys during their stop.    Check it out.   Lots of good picturs of the soldiers.

http://mainetroopgreeters.smugmug.com/gallery/8689281_Q7RKW#P-1-16