Brian's Address- And Other Stuff

We've connected with Brian a couple of times over the past few days - he's obviously got a lot going on right now- but we did get his address. I've posted it off to the left here- so feel free to use it whenever you can. We'll try to get a list of things they can use while they're over there. There are also some web-sites you can use to help out- I'll try to post some of them out here when I get a minute.

Some trivia on the address- (and in case you care) FPO- stands for Fleet Post Office (administered through the navy) and AP stands for Armed Forces Pacific. The zip codes are used the same way we use them privately- just through a military postal service. I'm learning more every day (and Laura thinks I'm nuts for even wondering about it).

We won't be posting when he's actually leaving- or where he's going (except Iraq). Sorry. This is one of the "military rules" for e-mails and blogs- and Brian was very clear to me (on several occasions) to make sure I didn't violate the rule.

Laura and I are doing ok. It's always a huge shock to the system when you have the brief period of chaos and activity- and then it all quiets down again very quickly. We've had our moments- but overall we're doing ok. Moving into "deployment mode" is a lot different than when he's on base and "in-country". It's also tougher to hang-up the phone now when we've finished talking. So, we'll give ourselves a little time to adjust.

Thought I'd post a couple of pictures from Laura's spaghetti dinner with everyone last week when Brian was home. Once again, thanks to all family and friends who showed up- it meant a lot to us.

This one is with Laura and baby Brody Henry (Megan and Justin's baby). Don't tell me Laura isn't a natural with babies.

It also meant a lot to all of us to have my Dad spend some time with us. He was able to spend some real quality time with his grandson and I know it meant a lot to both of them. Thanks again Dad.

And, here is one of my favorite pictures of Brian and his buddies at Camp Pendleton (Brian is on the far right). They had just completed some Urban Combat Training and had this picture taken at the site. Quite the crew- those guns are huge.

The postings may get a little more sporadic for awhile as we wait to establish connections again. That will likely not happen until they reach their destination and possibly as much as a month or longer before he can actually call or e-mail (we'll get the e-mail address to you too- assuming they have access where they are going). But, we'll keep you as informed as we can.

Thanks again for all of your support. Keep all of our troops in your prayers as they are all doing amazing things to protect us and making unbelievable sacrifices for us. Let's not forget it.

Semper Fi