The things we are thankful for...
I received the following in an e-mail from Josh this week...
"I am thankful for you, family, our nieces and nephews, my real job, friends, and the fact that we are citizens of a developed and democratic country."
His unit calls him "Baci", hence the title. Josh continues to amaze me with his strength and courage and the sacrifice he is making for all of us. I hope to share as much of Josh's journey through this blog. Unfortunately, Josh may not be able to access this once he is in Afghanistan, so the updates most likely will come from me, as told or written by Josh.
JOSH IS HOME!!!!!!!
As of Saturday, December 27 at 5:25 or so--- JOSH IS HOME!!
As of Tuesday, December 23 at 10:10 a.m., they were in Ft. Bragg!!!
As of Tuesday, December 23 at 6:05 a.m., he was on US SOIL!!!!!!
As of Monday, December 22 at 9:00 p.m., they were in Ireland.
As of Friday, December 19 at 8:30 am ET, he was in Kyrgyzstan.
See the blog posts below for the latest.
Homecoming Contest!!
BEFORE THE END OF 2008 WON!!!
Here is the list of people who voted for this timeframe: Hilary Trevenen, Norm,
Abby/Brian Withey, Dad Contri, Donna, Dominic, Jonathan (and one unknown)
After Josh returns, we'll announce who the big winner is!!
BEFORE THE END OF 2008 WON!!!
Here is the list of people who voted for this timeframe: Hilary Trevenen, Norm,
Abby/Brian Withey, Dad Contri, Donna, Dominic, Jonathan (and one unknown)
After Josh returns, we'll announce who the big winner is!!
When do you think Josh will come home (the day he will walk through our front door)?
Our hero...
MAY EVERY SUNRISE HOLD MORE PROMISE AND EVERY MOONRISE HOLD MORE PEACE
28:31:10
The running total of time on the phone with Josh while in Afghanistan. (30) [HH:MM:SS]
Sending a package...
Thank you for thinking of Josh! If you are interested in sending a package to Josh, please remember smaller boxes (less than 5 - 10 pounds) or bubble envelopes work well for sending and receiving. An updated list of items has been provided at the very bottom of this site. This will be continuously updated as items are requested or changed.
Letters from Home
A soldier in Iraq or Afghanistan can't see your ribbon,
Or the flag at your front door.
But a letter they hold in their hands,
To them means so much more.
- Unknown -
Suggested Items for Packages
At this time, we have been told to not send any letters or packages. Thank you for wanting to support Josh in this way.
Here is a listing of the items that you can send to Josh and his platoon while they are in Afghanistan. This will be updated once the platoon arrives and is settled and the requests for items start (or news that they are overstocked)!
* Calling Card Carrier - AT&T
* Candy/Snacks/Beverages
- Gummy Bears
- Goldfish - Pizza Flavored
- Beef Jerky
- Hard Candy
* Magazines - If you are sending magazines from home, please cut out your address if it is home-delivered.
- Car and Driver
- Newsweek
- Time
He already receives the Smithsonian and National Geographic, but any other reading materials will do!
* Toiletry Items - Please double bag any liquids. If it can leak, it will.
- Razors -Gillette Power Razor Refills
- Body Wash
* Supplies
- Black Sharpie Markers
- Pens
- Zip Ties
- Rags/cloths for weapon cleaning
* Other Items
- iTunes Gift Cards
- Calling Cards (AT&T)
- DVDs (helpful to send in a CD jewel case, outside of the actual DVD package)
- no war movies - just funny, action and story type movies
* Please do not send any items to be passed out to the Afghani people.
* And of course, the things to NOT send...
- Illegal copies of anything (movies, etc.)
- Alcohol, drugs, pornography, weapons of any kind (even toy ones)
- Large packages - especially around the holidays, as it creates delays in delivery time
As they say, "it's about support, not stuff." We know that there are MANY people out there who want to support Josh and his unit and they are extremely grateful for even just an item or two.
Here is a listing of the items that you can send to Josh and his platoon while they are in Afghanistan. This will be updated once the platoon arrives and is settled and the requests for items start (or news that they are overstocked)!
* Calling Card Carrier - AT&T
* Candy/Snacks/Beverages
- Gummy Bears
- Goldfish - Pizza Flavored
- Beef Jerky
- Hard Candy
* Magazines - If you are sending magazines from home, please cut out your address if it is home-delivered.
- Car and Driver
- Newsweek
- Time
He already receives the Smithsonian and National Geographic, but any other reading materials will do!
* Toiletry Items - Please double bag any liquids. If it can leak, it will.
- Razors -Gillette Power Razor Refills
- Body Wash
* Supplies
- Black Sharpie Markers
- Pens
- Zip Ties
- Rags/cloths for weapon cleaning
* Other Items
- iTunes Gift Cards
- Calling Cards (AT&T)
- DVDs (helpful to send in a CD jewel case, outside of the actual DVD package)
- no war movies - just funny, action and story type movies
* Please do not send any items to be passed out to the Afghani people.
* And of course, the things to NOT send...
- Illegal copies of anything (movies, etc.)
- Alcohol, drugs, pornography, weapons of any kind (even toy ones)
- Large packages - especially around the holidays, as it creates delays in delivery time
As they say, "it's about support, not stuff." We know that there are MANY people out there who want to support Josh and his unit and they are extremely grateful for even just an item or two.
In Remembrance...
of the soldiers from the New York State Army National Guard who sacrificed their life...
27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Headquarters)
Spc. Deon Taylor - October 22, 2008 - Syracuse Headquarters Unit
Lt. Col. James L. Wiley - September 18, 2008 - Syracuse Headquarters Unit
1st Lt. Daniel Farkas - July 4, 2008 - Syracuse Headquarters Unit
2nd Squadron, 101st Calvary -
Spc. Jason E. von Zerneck - October 2, 2008 - Jamestown Unit
Sgt. 1st Class Joseph A. McKay - June 26, 2008 - Jamestown Unit
Spc. Mark C. Palmeteer - June 26, 2008 - Jamestown Unit
Spc. Anthony L. Mangano - June 21, 2008 - Geneva Unit
Sgt. Nelson D. Rodriguez Ramirez - June 21, 2008 - Geneva Unit
Sgt. Andrew Seabrooks - June 21, 2008 - Geneva Unit
"all gave some, but some gave all."
2 comments:
We are thankful for great neighbors. Happy Thanksgiving Darci and Josh!
And we are grateful that Darci has such great neighbors too - thanks for looking out for her :)
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