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!!!