It's been several weeks now since we learned that Seth and Eli would be deploying to Iraq. Eli called first with the news. He called me at school and I could immediately tell that something was drastically wrong. He started talking then silence, then tears. He was called just as he was walking into class at Bridgewater College and informed that he was to report to SRP (Soldier Readiness Program) at Fort Pickett for eventual deployment to Iraq. Seth's news came a little slower giving us hope that he wouldn't be caught in the surge of troops into Iraq that is calling on so many Virginia National Guard soldiers. Seth eventually got the word that he would be deployed along with Company B from Woodstock - the same group he served with in Afghanistan.
Although there is still many unknowns what we do know is that Seth and Eli will depart on June 18 for Fort Pickett, from there to Camp Shelby, Mississippi for a period of training before leaving for Iraq.
The blog is active again.......some things to share in future blogs:
- Katy and Eli just moved to North Carolina to a house they bought in Gibbsonville where Katy will attend Elon University.
- Seth and Brittany will marry on June 9
Both of these items are so bittersweet....buying your first house should be exciting - knowing that Katy will be living by herself with Eli is so incredibly sad. Getting married and knowing you're leaving nine days later for Iraq. What joy you have is tempered.
