Pictures with Santa

I have just recieved word of a VFW event in SLC. The VFW asked the general to write a letter to Santa Clause to please come and meet with the children of deployed soldiers .They scheduled the meeting early so that they would be able to send the pictures to their deployed parents. Santa will be at the VFW center in SLC on Saturday the 24th of Sept. The address is 2920 South Highland drive. from 1:00 to 3:00. Each child will recieve a 5x7 photo of themselves with Santa and a free kids meal from McDonalds. They ask the adults to please bring a potluck dish to share. they would like to reach as many families of deployed soldiers as possible. Please spread the word to other soldiers families.

The DSN Phone lines

My husband has called on the DSN phone lines a couple of times. This is one of the most wonderful things that the Army has come up with. He callsanother base, our closest is Hill AFB, and then the operator forwards the call. If you are a local call from Hill (or another base) then the call is completely free. This is so awesome because we are able to hear each others voice and have that communication. Sometimes the lines are long and there is a time limit buteven so it is really wonderful. Granted there is a time delay in your voices and the connection is not the clearest but my mother sure would have been grateful for even one phone call from Korea.

Blake said "On Saturday they had a reception with the Albanian Army. We had supper together and then there was traditional albanian dancing."

"We are still getting organized. We are cleaning the shop, tracking down parts, ordering new parts and making repairs. We are really getting alot accomplished. There are four different places that we convoy to. All of them are relatively safe. We haven't had any incidents on any of our convoys yet. Everyone will take a rotation to go an a convoy. On one of the convoys you can see a bridge that has been there since biblical times. And you can also visit Noah's grave. I will take my camera when I have my turn."

The BX had pretty much everything we need. There are only a few specialty items that will have to be sent from families. There are even some Locals that have set up shop on the base. There is a leather shop where they will make you a leather jacket, and tailor shop for custom made suits, even a DVD shop. Most of these are bootleg copies of movies, several on a disc being sold very cheap. The shop owners are very friendly and persuasive."

Newsletters are out

The September newsletters have been mailed out. If you haven't received yours in about a week it is probably because we don't have your address. Please E-mail it to Stormy or Megan. If you would rather receive your newsletter by E-mail send your E-mail address to one of them with that request. If you have any suggestions for improving the newsletter please let us know. If you like reading your news on my Blog, let your friends know it is here. Being "unofficial" makes it difficult to get the word out.

September AFTB canceled

LuAnne Minnig has been asked to cancel her September AFTB classes. She will be assisting with the Katrina disaster. She is still waiting to find out where, when and exactly how. I know she will do a great job. So don't go to AFTB this month. The classes will be rescheduled for October.

T-shirt Fundraiser Closed

I just recieved word that the T-shirt fundraiser is now closed. The deadline for ordering was August 25th and the deadline to have your money in was September 1st. They are getting the orders ready for the manufacturer and they will let everyone know when they are finished. Thanks to everyone who worked on this project.

News From Iraq

News from iraq

"Our new area of operation has really exceeded my expectations. It is about 20 degrees lower in temperature here than in Kuwait. There are tree's and birds, and even some hills. The security is really high. There is a 10 foot concrete wall around our living quarters. The food is great. They have free ice cream and energy drinks. The people we are replacing are excited to see us. And are doing everything possible to see we are trained and will be successful in our mission. We may have more access to the DSN lines once they have left."

"I thought I would describe my living quarters. I live in a milvan that has been furnished inside. There are two windows in the side opposite the door. There are sand bags on the roof and half way up the walls. There are four of these containers side by side. Lt. Cowleys even has a little front porch. We are still recieving the hand-off from the 536th. We are fixing lots of stuff as well as other missions. Everyone seems to be doing fine."

Mail Call

To send letters to the deployed soldiers from the 872nd please use the following address.

Soldier' Rank, Full name
872 Maint. Co.
142 CSB
Camp Diamondback
APO AE 09334

September AFTB meeting in SLC

Army Family Team Building (AFTB) classes are available for all families. These classes are highly benificial for both those new to the military and those who have been in for an extended period of time. Level I is also known as “New to the Military”. It has been instrumental in linking new spouses or parents to the military. Level II offers courses that help with real life skills. Adapting to change, and Stress management are just a couple offered. Level III offer training to enhance personal and professional growth with leadership development. Building self esteem, preparing presentations and understanding the Organization of the total Army are just a few offered.

Septembers classes and schedule

Level I
The chain of command 1.3
Military acronyms and terms 1.2

Level II
Traditions, Customs, Courtesies and Protocol 2.04.6

September 24th, 8:00- 11:30
Building 131 Soldiers Circle
Ft. Douglas Salt Lake City UT

Seating is limited please pre-register. Contact LuAnne Minnig. 801-646-3398 or E-mail luanne.minnig at us. army.mil.

September FRG meeting

Please come out and support the Family Readiness Group. (FRG) This is your chance to ask questions, get involved, voice concerns, etc. remember, Your soldier needs you, and your soldiers unit needs you. Septembers meeting will be on the 29th at 6:30 at the village Inn. All family of soldiers are welcome.

The Healing Field

Soldiers of the 96th RRC will be participating in the event known as “The Healing Field”. (A 9/11 tribute to those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks.) This will take place on September 9th in front of the Sandy City Hall at 7:00 P.M. the soldiers will be providing a 21 gun salute, conducting the ceremony, presenting the colors and dedicating a memorial in conjunction with the local police department. The public is welcome to come out and show their support.