He's out of there!!!

Hello!

Here is what Bob posted on Facebook:

Bob 'Cat' Peters

‎2/3 of the way back to germany...rockin' it out in Manas the next day or so enjoying my ration of 2 drinks a day

We are thrilled that he is out of Afghanistan.  Sounds like it will still take him a couple of days to reach Germany where he will spend Christmas.  We are hoping to see him sometime in January.  Thanks for you continued thoughts and prayers.


Love, Dan and Linda

Hopefully the last...

Thanks for your prayers and support!

I am always so touched when I hear that someone is praying for Bob.  It pretty much brings me to tears every time!  Bob just couldn't understand why this happens, and I explained that it is a "Mom Thing!"  It is very comforting to know that so many of you think about Bob and support him in what he is doing.  As the days have gone by I am amazed by this.  Here is a word cloud showing those who have been praying for Bob, have sent him something, or have asked us how he is doing.  Your support means so much to us and Bob as well.  Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

*This was the list I came up with in just the last few minutes.  I apologize if I have left you out of the cloud!  I know I will be adding more names as they come to me!

Milestone of sorts!

Dan and I have both heard from Bob via Skype over the past week.  He is doing well and still in good spirits.  The milestone is that he asked us not to send any more packages his way.  He is afraid that they would not arrive by the time he leaves!!!  Excellent news!!!  Thanks to everyone who sent him something.  I know you may not have heard it personally from Bob, but I know he appreciated everything.

We are guessing that he will still be in Afghanistan for a month or so.  He is anxiously awaiting the arrival of the replacements for their group!  After some training time with the next group he will be on his way back to Germany.  I will be so relieved when he is out of Afghanistan!

Thanks for all of your thoughts and prayers for Bob and all those who have chosen to serve our country!

Linda

End In Sight

Hi everyone. This is Tom and Katie here to give you all an update on how Bob is doing. We have been on Skype talking with him at least once or twice a week, but lately it seems like we talk to him more and more. He is mostly excited about getting home and we talk about what we're going to do when we see each other again. A few of the guys Bob is friends with set up a net to hit golf balls into with him. I asked if they have ever lost any balls over the fence, but he said they don't have too many balls to waste that way. Last week Bob took cultural learning classes to learn more about the local language, and can now count to ten. He is still growing his mustache, but I'm not sure if I can convince him to keep it when he gets back. Thanks for caring and thinking about Bob who we all miss and can't wait to see back home.

Two Months Left????

We had a great Skype call from Bob last night!  Can't tell you how much fun Dan and I had talking to him at the same time.  We talked sports, and it amazes me that he is as up-to-date as we are.  He is able to watch some of the NFL games and keeps up with college football, golf, and other sports via the Internet. 

He looks great and is feeling good that he is on the down-hill side of his deployment.  Hopefully he only has about two months left in Afghanistan, but we never know for sure.  He is looking forward to getting back to Germany and then finally to the states probably in January sometime. 

Thanks for your continued thoughts and prayers for Bob and all of those who have chosen to serve our country.

Linda

Special Guest Blog

Hey everyone, it's Bob.  I am officially past the halfway point out here, so I figured it was time to add another personal touch to my mom's blog.  As far as major events here, the only thing worth noting is the attack we had a couple weeks ago.  I have to commend the Army for the swift and effective suppression of the attack.  Other than that we get the occasional rocket or mortar attack, but you learn to ignore it.  Our actual job is going well, and our support of what's been going on here has been praised (even by the Army).  I would like to thank everyone for the support and the care packages.  I would personally like to thank my Grandpa Bob and Grandma Romaine for the Trick or Treat package they sent.  The treats being candy, Rice Krispie Treats, and a yo-yo (score!).  The trick being a single serving of SPAM.  Though I suppose my grandpa would consider that a treat (ha).  The DVD's that have been sent are appreciated by my team members and myself, and I plan on leaving some of them here for the group that replaces us for morale.  I have been spending my time working on upgrade training for my job, and I hope to knock out as much of it as I can before I leave.  I have been keeping in touch with friends and family through Skype, and it is very nice to be able to keep in touch like that.  I am looking forward to getting out of here, and am looking forward to the chance to get back to the states to see everyone.  Thank you again for all your support, not just to me, but to my family.  I know that me being over here has been just as, if not more, difficult for them as it has for me.  I hope you all are doing well.

Half way there!!!

I haven't personally talked to Bob in awhile, but from what he has told both Dan and Tom he is officially half way through his deployment.  Once he is done in Afghanistan he will go back to Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany.  He will go through in-processing (an Air Force term) and then will have about two weeks leave that he must take in Germany!  Afterward he thinks he will be able to travel back to the states.  It doesn't look like we will be able to spend the holidays together, but we have assured him that we will celebrate whenever he comes home!!! 

Thanks for you continued thoughts and prayers!

Strengths

I had a nice conversation with Bob the other day.  I always enjoy it when I am able to talk to him for more than just a few minutes!  I had sent him a care package and included his Strengths Finder 2.0 book.  Bob had taken the assessment a couple of years ago which determined his strengths.  Bob's top five themes are:

1. Deliberative
2. Intellection
3. Restorative
4. Harmony
5. Input

Since he took the assessment so long ago I asked him if he thought they were still relevant with all he was going through today.  He said yes, and was glad to have the book to be able to  review his themes in detail.  If you are interested here is a link to the Clifton Strengths Finder Themes.  

Thanks for your continued thoughts and prayers for Bob.  He is almost half-way though his deployment!  I can't tell you how much I am looking forward to December!!!

Attacks on US bases in Afghanistan

Just wanted everyone to know that Bob is fine.  You may have heard on the news that there were attacks on two US bases in Afghanistan, one of which was Salerno.  Here is the story from the Washington Post.

Dan had a message from Bob via Skype this morning, telling us that he is fine.  Pretty scary, but I am so thankful that we heard from him.  Thanks for keeping him in your prayers.  I can't wait for December!!!

Dan's Birthday Skype Call

We were thrilled when Bob called during Dan's birthday dinner.  Tom, Katie, Dan and I were all there and able to talk to him at the same time.  It was great to see him; he seems to have changed while he has been in Afghanistan.  I can't believe how mature he looks, mustache and all.  He also looks "bigger,"  must be all that PT! 

While we were talking to him he had to go inside; we're not exactly sure why.  But this did remind us that he is indeed in a war zone and not always as safe as we would hope.  He assured us that he is fine and being as safe as possible. 

Here are a couple of pictures of the Skype call.  Thanks for your continued thoughts and prayers. 

One Year Ago

It was a year ago that Dan and I were planning our trip to San Antonio to celebrate Bob's graduation from BMT.  At that time we sure didn't expect him to be in Afghanistan today.  What a journey it has been for him!!!  Here is the video from that weekend.  We were (and still are) so very proud of him!!!  I know many of you have seen this, but I still get a little choked up when I watch it.  Thanks for your continued thoughts and prayers for Bob and all those who have chosen to serve our country. 

Phone Call on Wednesday

We had a phone call from Bob on Wednesday night.  We have figured out that we need to answer the phone even if we don't recognize the number around 8:00 pm.  The calling card that he uses comes through with some strange numbers.  Bob had been trying to call his Uncle Mike to wish him a happy birthday but he didn't answer.  Mike's loss is our gain!

Anyway, Bob sounds good.  He said that he so appreciates the packages that have been sent, especially the DVD's!  They seem to help him pass the time.  We tried to catch him up on the news he may have missed.... Does Suh have a contract yet?  Will Tiger ever start to play well again?  Is Brett going to play for the Vikings again or retire?  Dan seems to be able to get him to laugh which is so good to hear. 

Thanks for your continued thoughts and prayers! 

Birthday gift!

I just didn't know what to expect on my birthday with Bob being half way around the world.  First I had a nice message on my Facebook page.  Next, I received a phone call.  And finally, these were waiting for me when I got home. I can't tell you how touched I am by his thoughtfulness.  Thanks Bob! You made my day!

Messages from Montana

While we were on vacation in Montana, we had most of the relatives record video messages for Bob.  Here they are.  Hope you enjoy this, Bob!

 

Skype Video Call

Bob called via Skype last night.  It was nice to finally see his face and hear his voice at the same time!  He is still in good spirits and making the best of his time in Afghanistan.  Here is a video of part of our conversation.  Thanks for your continued thoughts and prayers for Bob and all of those who have chosen to serve our country.

One down, five to go.

We had a call from Bob on Saturday night (Sunday morning his time.)  He sounded good but not quite as positive as we have heard in the past.  Seems like the days are long for him.  He mentioned that he has only received the first package that I had sent to him.  I guess the mail delivery is pretty spotty at best!  He did mention that he has now been there for over a month and has five more to go.  He actually thought the first month had gone quickly, so hopefully the next five will go just as fast and also be uneventful!  Thanks for keeping him in your prayers! 

Hey Everyone

Well, my mom thought it would be nice if I personally wrote something on this blog.  I just want to let everyone know that I am doing just fine over here.  It certainly is no paradise, but it certainly could be much, much worse.  The days here can get a little long and boring, but I am finding ways to pass the time.  As far as what I am doing out here I am not allowed to say, but in the most general terms we are providing mission support.  I would like to thank everyone for their support and caring.  It means a lot to me and to my family.  I've been here for almost a month now, and to be completely honest it has gone by fairly quickly.  My outlook on the current situation is to remain in the present and get whatever enjoyment out of this I can.  I hope you all are doing well and I will continue to remain in touch while I am out here.  You are all in my prayers.

Bob

Phone Calls!

We had a great weekend!  Bob called twice, first on Friday night and then again on the Fourth of July!  He was using a calling card, $25 for 10 hours of talking.  He thought it was quite a bargain!  He is still working on the Internet connection and hopes that he will be able to Skype with us soon.  He is it great spirits, working long hours, but becoming acclimated to Afghanistan.  One funny story that he told was that he is the mail clerk for his group.  He even had to attend a class to learn how to do this.  When I asked how long it would take him to gather and distribute the mail, he said not long, there are only 4 people in his group! 

Thanks for all of your thoughts and prayers for Bob! 

Afghanistan Weather

Here is the weekend weather forecast for Afghanistan.  Surprised to see that it looks better than the forecast for Omaha! 

But according to Bob's Facebook page he is more in a winter frame of mind!!

Sunday Surprise!!

I was just on my way out the door when I heard "blip, blip" on Dan's computer.  "Are you there Dad?" was the Skype message I saw.  Bob was on a computer in the Rec center!  We chatted for the 20 minutes of time he is given, and he seems to be doing great!  He still does not have an Internet connection but he and his two roommates are working on it.  Hopefully within the next two weeks he will be able to video Skype with us.

He is working 12 hour shifts from 12:00 am to 12:00 pm and works 6 days a week.  In his off time he watches DVD's and is reading this book.  Have any of you heard of this one?  He said that it was 100 degrees today but doesn't think it is as humid as it is here in Omaha, so I guess that is a good thing.  He finally has a mailing address and when I asked what I should send he said "DVD's!"  If you would like to send him something please contact me and I will send his address via email.

It was great to hear from him even if it was just a text chat.  Thanks for all of your thoughts and prayers for Bob as well as for all those who serve our country!

Skype Chat

I just heard from Bob.  It was 10:30 at night while we were chatting.  He was on a computer in the rec center so he did not have video.  This is the log:

Bob Peters: hey mom
Linda: Well hello there!  How are you?
Bob Peters: im doing pretty good...how are you guys doing?
Linda: We are good.  Dad is playing golf today and I am working.  Where are you?
Bob Peters: im at the MWR (Morale, Wellness, and Rec) center
Bob Peters: dad is playing golf today?
Linda: He is playing in an outing at Platteview
Linda: What is it like there? Hot?
Bob Peters: its 1030 at night...so yes
Linda: Still hot even that late huh?  Wow!
Linda: Are you living in a tent or dorm or what?
Linda: Do you share a room?
Bob Peters: right now im staying in a transit tent...its for people who are either just getting here or getting ready to leave
Bob Peters: so theres a bunch of people in there
Linda: sounds like fun, then where will you go?
Bob Peters: once the guys from our squadron leave and all that...we will move into the rooms they had
Linda: Do you know any of the guys that are there with you?
Bob Peters: yeah...theres 4 guys here now, and our team is replacing them
Linda: I am glad you know a couple of people
Linda: How is the food?
Linda: From what I have read, you are supposed to have the best food in Afghanistan!
Bob Peters: its pretty good...im going to be ending up eating breakfast for two meals a day though since im working nights
Linda: Oh, that will be fun, a little bit cooler to work but hotter to sleep. 
Bob Peters: and its not that hotter to sleep...we do have air conditioning
Linda: Now that is a relief.  So you don't think it will be that bad???
Linda: Are you on your computer now?  Will you have Internet access in your room?
Bob Peters: no im not on my computer...and yes once i get into my room i will have internet access
Bob Peters: and no i dont think its going to be that bad
Linda: Well this doesn't sound nearly as bad as I had expected! 
Bob Peters: sorry mom...i have to go...my time is up on the computer
Bob Peters: i love you
Linda: I love you too!  Take care!!!!  Miss you!
Bob Peters: talk to you soon


 Please keep Bob in your Prayers!!!

Made it to Afghanistan

Bob posted on Facebook several hours ago:

Father's Day???

In my heart of hearts I was hoping that Dan would have heard from Bob on Father's Day.  But, no such luck.  Dan said he wasn't disappointed; he knows that Bob is still in transit.  (I am shocked at how long it takes the military to move people from place to place!)  The last time we heard from him was Thursday, June 17.  He was in good spirits and was enjoying the US Open!  Hopefully we will hear from him in the in the next week or so.  I will keep you updated! 

Linda

Skype Chat

I heard from Bob via Skype Chat today.  Here it is:

Bob Peters 12:31 PM - hey mom...im here safe and sound...we finally got out of germany last night
Linda 12:32 PM - Are you in afghanistan now???
Bob Peters 12:35 PM - were not in afghanistan yet...were in kyrzykstan or something like that...its just a midway point until we fly out to our final location
Linda 12:35 PM - When will you fly to your final destination?
Bob Peters 12:37 PM - im not going to be able to call you right now...i forgot the headphones for my computer, but ill give you and dad a call whenever i can...prollly tomorrow
Linda - Okay.  Thanks for letting us know.  We miss you like crazy.  Love you so much
Bob Peters 12:38 PM - and the internet's a little slow here
Linda 12:41 PM - Do you need me to send headphones?  Please let us know what else you might need.
Bob Peters 12:41 PM - i love you guys too, but im doing actually pretty good right now...i get to have two drinks a day, and i am having mine right now while watching the US Open
Linda 12:42 PM - Cool, I forgot that was starting today!  Enjoy the drinks, you deserve them!  I think you will be fine once you get to Salerno
Bob Peters 12:43 PM - ill be fine once i get settled in wherever im going to be for the next 6 months
Linda 12:43 PM - I know, I just want you to be safe and secure.  It is just so darn far away!!!
Bob Peters 12:44 PM - i know...i will be safe though
Linda 12:45 PM - Okay, sounds like quite an adventure!  I can't wait to see you again and you can tell us all about it!!!
Bob Peters 12:45 PM i will tell you whatever i can

Facebook Comments

I am so thankful for all of you that are praying for Bob, and I am especially thankful for my first follower...my little sister Laura!!! Here are some of the comments to my update on Facebook.

Links to Camp Salerno Information

Here are a couple of links that we have found that provide good information about where Bob is headed:

Web site from Central Texas College

Blog from Camp Salerno

Camp Salerno is located just outside of Khost. Although Khost is not shown on this map, I believe it is close to Gardez on the Afghanistan/Pakistan border.

Lack of Communication

Since he has been in Germany, we have been using Skype to communicate with Bob. What a great tool. It has been comforting to not only hear him but to see him as well.

We last talked to Bob more than two weeks ago. He has been busy getting ready for his deployment and has also had trouble with his Internet. So, were we not exactly sure when he would be leaving...until today. Here is a copy of the chat he had this morning with Dan:

[6:42:10 AM] Bob Peters: Hey. I'm tryin to get online right now
[6:42:28 AM] *** Call to Bob Peters, no answer. ***
[6:42:52 AM] Dan Peters: I see you but it keeps saying no answer.
[6:43:22 AM] Bob Peters: Yeah. I'm on my iPod right now
[6:43:41 AM] Dan Peters: Are you still in Germany?
[6:44:29 AM] Bob Peters: Yeah. I'm at the airport right now. Were supposed to be leaving this afternoon
[6:45:47 AM] Dan Peters: Do you think you will have Internet communication when you get to Salerno?
[6:47:45 AM] Bob Peters: We are supposed to. We might even have it in our rooms
[6:48:44 AM] Dan Peters: Are you ready for the next adventure? Mom and I have been thinking about you a lot. We are proud of you!
[6:49:50 AM] Bob Peters: Yeah I'm ready. I've been thinking about you guys too. Hope you are doing well
[6:50:39 AM] Dan Peters: We are doing fine. Don't worry about us. How long to get to Salerno?
[6:52:00 AM] Bob Peters: I'm not sure exactly. I know it's still gonna be a couple days til we get there
[6:54:00 AM] Dan Peters: Okay. Be safe. We will be thinking of you. I will update the family on your status. A lot of people have been asking about you and wanting to know how you are doing. Everyone is very proud of you!
[6:56:09 AM] Bob Peters: Alright dad I should go before my iPod completely dies. I'll get in touch with you as soon as I can. I will be safe and I love you guys
[6:56:35 AM] Dan Peters: Take care. I love you too!

We will keep you posted when we hear from him again.

Bob - the History

We have had so many people asking about our son Bob and his deployment, but first here is a little background. Just over a year ago Bob decided to join the Air Force, and last summer Dan and I went to San Antonio to attend his graduation from Basic Training. Then he was off to Mississippi for his technical school. We were able to see him last Christmas just before he left for Germany. This spring he told us that he would be deployed, and he is now starting the next phase of his journey....in Afghanistan.