NebraskaHerb
FIVE-TIME NATIONAL FOOTBALL CHAMPS
"Not the victory but the action. Not the goal but the game.
In the deed the glory."

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Good News, More Souvenirs

We got some good news about 2 weeks ago and it is finally official so we can share it. We found out we'll be leaving "early" from Iraq, so instead of getting out of here in mid to late July, we'll be leaving in early to mid June. We have a date but can't give it out for security reasons. Most likely we'll be home in time for the 4th of July. Obviously we are very excited and morale is high. There is much to do as we got short notice and have about 2 months of work to do in 2 weeks. That is fine though, it will make the time go back quickly. Unfortunately, the 167 is the only unit getting replaced early, the rest of the Red Bulls will be leaving as scheduled.

Chief Regan got all of his soldiers in the S1 an authentic Cavalry Saber as a thank you for all of our hard work. It is pictured below, along with the Squadron Commander, LTC Apprich (colonels aren't allowed to smile by the way). Thanks Chief! I am going to need to move into a bigger house to hold all of my deployment souvenirs.


CPT Varjecka and CPT Wangler went out and got Gold Spurs for the rest of Team America. I missed the day when they put them on as I was in Qatar, so we had a make up ceremony. I got the short end of the stick as we were in increased force protection so we had to have our IBA and ACH (body armor and helmet) on outside. They had me get in the front leaning rest (aka pushup) position while they put them on. With the body armor it was quite a challenge.

Then Beans rode me like a horse. Yee haa!!


As you can see by this time I was pretty exhausted and had to sag a little bit, but nobody ever said the Army was easy!

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Woo Hoo! We can't wait to see you. Be safe until you get here...we'll be putting the bug in Erika's ear about a souvenier case. :)

...Brandee

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry, but that is disgusting (as I LOL)!!! And I don't know who to be more embarrassed for, you or MY SON!!! Although I was told that it is part of the "initiation." Very Cool though that you guys will be decked out with Sabers, Stetsons, and Spurs!

We're so glad you guys are getting to come home a little earlier than expected. I know it will be hard on the soldiers, and their families, who will have to wait a while longer. But all things come to an end and it's great to see the smiles on you guys' faces (well, except for the Colonel's, huh?) knowing that that moment is almost here. They'll be even bigger once you guys get back to "The Good Life."

Stay safe and carry on until then!

Ma Beans.

Beans said...

It could have been worse... you coulda had a combat load of ammo on you. Do you have your plates in your IBA in this picture?

Anonymous said...

This...is just awesome news!!:)
Hurray!!

Sack said...

Brandee,
I think we may have the case taken care of. SFC kerchal has a plan for that, we are going to mount the Stetson, Saber and Spurs all on one deal. We are going to make them ourselves. And when I say we I mean someone is going to make mine for me while I drink a beer and hand them tools.

Ma Beans,
All in good fun. I keep meaning to post the pics from the rest of the group but I keep forgetting them. I don't think you will able to contain the smiles of the 167 when we get back.

Beans,
Ammo, what's that? I think it is under my desk somewhere. I do have my plates in though.

Kathi,
We are excited! Not too much longer now.