Iraq

The time has come for Drew to leave Kuwait. He will be in Iraq by the end of the week! I talked to him today and he is talking a mile a minute because he is so excited to be going. Unfortunately I did not get to talk to him for as long as I would have liked because I was in work meetings but he is excited to head out and get set up in Iraq.

This past week, Drew has been fully immersed in training. Among other things, he has learned how to operate a MRAP which is a really big, neat looking vehicle, call in back up with specific grid coordinates, and run his entire team. Yes, Drew took the lead role in his group training. He brought back his motivational speeches among the privates which he has not done since basic training. While they were waiting to run through a training, Drew stood up and gave a motivational speech in hopes to unite and refocus his team, and it worked! After that speech they had the best training ever. Drew is also getting good exposure with the higher-ups in that he was challenged with leading his entire team and did great! They challenged him, he rose to the occasion, and he loved it. He has also been going to the gym and eating with his sergeant and lieutenant which Drew enjoys. They are already talking about how to improve their gym once they get to Iraq. Drew likes working out over there because he feels like he is at home. He said he forgets he is in Kuwait which I’m sure it is nice to feel removed from that sometimes.

Many of you are anxious to send things to Drew for good reason!! I am too. And we are thrilled that so many people want to send him things. But we have been told that because they only have so many people to operate the mail room and Drew only has so much space over there, it is best to organize the packages through me. I have still not been given the green light to begin sending things but will do so as soon as I can. Do NOT feel like you have to send him anything, but if you would like to, please let me know and I will coordinate that with you. (I feel like his secretary!) :) I mean that in a good way. I see it as a huge compliment to Drew that so many people love and care about him and want to show their support. Thank you! I will keep you posted. Onto the next chapter of deployment... time for the mission!