I am in contact with Spc Andy Carroll, a medic from my state (very near me). He has been out of contact for a while - I don't know why - but when I checked my email, a message compensated

[dramatic drum lick]

It was actually from his wife! She wrote me talking about how we could get together when Andy went on his 2 week R&R! Enclosed was her phone number, in which I can stay in contact with the Homefront and Andy.  I will definetly update you guys when I meet him.

-Nick

Nick,

That is wonderful! I met my first soldier and his family in NC in October. Then, Christmas afternoon the phone rang and it was another of my soldiers...home on leave. He asked if I had time and could meet him in San Francisco over the weekend. So, I hopped in the car Friday afternoon and drove over. We met on Saturday and the weather was awesome and everything fell into place.

There's just no words to describe either meeting. It was almost like we'd known each other all our lives. And the best thing is, I know I have made friends for life!

Make sure you get over to meet your soldier!

That is an excellent story, I can only imagine that feeling. Well, Mrs. Carroll actually called me yesterday. She told me that Andy kept a diary from this deployment and the past and they are sending me copies (they made it into a little book; it's not published though). She invited my family over for dinner.

OMG Nick, that is AWESOME!!!!!!

Nick!  This is such great news!

We can't wait to hear all the details!! 

I'd first like to say hi - I haven't been on in a while here. I was busy with a move and my mom remarrying. So, last week I went to see her.

First off, she is so sweet! We talked a little about medicine, being that I had asked Andy about tourniquets, cricothyroidotomies and such (he's a Medic, I want to be one, and that's how it came up). Then we took turns sharing our [life] stories. She had a severe bone marrow disease and it's weakening her hands and arms (but really, if she didn't tell me, you wouldn't suspect it.)

 I got to talk to Andy via webcam (). That was really amazing! We ended the day by her giving me a book on Human Anatomy and Physiology (again, I want to be a medic, and obviously I am not joking.) Overall, it was an excellent first in-person meeting.

I hope yours are just as good. Thanks for reading!

-Nick

 Nick,

That is wonderful.  It is so great to make a friend like that.

Vicki

It is. I can only hope you guys find friends like this is you haven't already.

We met a few weeks ago when he was on leave! His family came over, with his brother (Capt. in Air Force, came home from Afghan.) and we had a great time! He's awesome!!!