Are we there yet?

I have officially been away from my girls for over a month now (with the exception of my one night of passion with Jacquelene at Fort Jackson). I am now leaving Fort Jackson. We had two bikers escort the buses to the Columbia Airport. Here we had a suprise.... nearly 100 volunteers that consisted of vets, widowed spouses and other support groups at the terminal to give us a Heros send off. I was touched by this jesture.  Being in this war for nearly 10 years now, most Americans forget. If its not in the media, it seems to be out of mind. This reminded me that there still are plenty of people who truely appreciate what we are sacraficing. On another note: Kuwait is HOT! The temperatures finally broke 110 on our arrival. A sign that fall is coming! Here we do more of the same..... SIT AROUND AND WAIT! I had a hard time getting my clocks adjusted. My flight from Fort Jackson was no help either. I picked a seat right in front of the big screen t.v., to find out the t.v. is broken. I did have a lame layover in Germany in some airport that was smaller then my house. I did meet the dude who put his junk in the apple pie from American Pie. Now I am anxious and calling Jackie 3 times a day. I know my communication ability will soon decrease.

Our Biker's escort. So country.... but soo cool!

Our suprise in the terminal....free Pizza!!!!

The line of "hugs and shakes" on the way to the plane leaving the US. Extemely emotional for me. All I could do is think about my girls... I love them soo much.

Our bus!

Leaving on a jet plane was sung by all.... to cover up for our anxiety. Excited and worried at the same time. 

Is this against FCC regulations?

German layover.... lame!

I did mention the sweet seat I scored in front of this TV right???

Pie guy and gal! This is at the Kuwait USO.

My humble quarters in Kuwait. I spent about 4 days here...

All my gear to live for 9 months...My design at the bottom is very creative!

Terminal at Ali Al Salem leaving Kuwait to Afghanistan

Loading our bags onto palets for the flight. If I never daisy chain another C-bag again I will be forever peacefull.

Back of the C-117 to Kabul.... 

Plenty of leg room. See the next photo to see my hook up...

In the cockpit of the C-117. Pete (my wife's friends husband) was the pilot by pure chance. I  found out he was the pilot and chilled in the cockpit the entire time. Amazing to see the skyline, takeoff ans landing in the cockpit. An amazing experience. I sat here while all the other froze their ass off in the loading area..... Sweet!!!!