• June 6 - Close Call - A few days ago Kyle was out on patrol. They were driving down a dirt road about to intersect with a paved road. Of course, there was dust everywhere and visibility was very low. As they approached the paved road, they spotted a man on a motorcycle apparently trying to beat the convoy because he put his head down and sped up. He didn't make it. He hit the front of the humvee where the IED detection device is located. Kyle said if he had seen him about 10 seconds earlier he would have shot him. Everyone knows to keep their distance from an American convoy. They suspect he was trying to run from someone or something - perhaps had just placed an IED. They didn't stop - just kept going - but pretty sure the guy had a few broken bones.
• June 02, 2007 - Touching Moment in Walmart - A few weeks ago another military mom told me about a guy who makes Thank You cards to hand to the troops. They are the size of a business card and have a really nice message. I ordered some thinking that I might come across someone in an airport as I travel. We don't see many military personnel in our area - at least in uniform. Today as I'm walking thru Walmart I spot an army uniform up ahead. On the sleeve was a Big Red One. That is my son's division so of course it always catches my eye. I'm not the kind of person to just walk up to a total stranger. He was speaking with a friend so my first instinct was to just walk away and not bother him. Then I thought if that were my son, I'd want someone to speak to him. So, I tapped him on the arm, handed him the card and said thank you for serving. Unfortunately, that was enough to make me teary eyed so I had trouble talking. I told him my son was in the 1st ID and serving in Iraq. The girl he was with said that he was about to deploy. I wished him good luck and as I was walking away I heard him say "that was so nice". That made my day!! I won't be so timid next time and hopefully will be able to talk without crying. Just wish I could have given him a big hug!! (Go to www.dearamericanhero.com to order.)
• Sunday, April 08, 2007 - Kyle's New Mission - Kyle has a new mission...to adopt a stray dog!! He found one while on patrol and picked him up to take back to base. Of course, his CO wouldn't let him bring it home. Now he's waiting for one to wander onto the base. He said he'll feed him everyday so he'll stick around. Guess I'll have to start sending dog food and treats in the care packages!! Oh well, he gets it honestly from his mother who brings home stray dogs, cats and kids!
• Wednesday, March 21, 2007 - Had a really good phone call with Kyle today. Kristin and I were out shopping when he called. We put the phone on speaker and had a good visit. He and I picked on Kristin just like the good old days! He said they had been out most of last night in a residential neighborhood. At one point, a family came out and tried to talk to them. They knew very limited english... America, Michael Jackson and New York City. Kyle tried to explain that Michael Jackson was bad but didn't know how to say child molester in arabic. One of the boys said he wants to get married and move to New York City. Kyle tried to explain he might want to move somewhere other than New York. The family brought them food and tea. It was his first time trying chai tea and he loved it. Told his dad it was almost as good as sweet tea. That's saying a lot for Kyle!!! So... now the family's impression of America is Michael Jackson and Kyle!!! Not sure if that's a good thing
• Friday, February 23, 2007 - Kyle called this morning! He is still getting settled and not really doing too much other than sleeping, eating and working out. They may be changing rooms so he hasn't connected his internet yet. He said the food is really good... he's eating crab legs, shrimp, fish, etc. I think I'll call the local recruiter tomorrow and sign up!! The base is okay. It rained yesterday and everything is muddy today. Not just muddy but smells like crap. They don't have a great sewage system so there is no telling what is in that mud!! Told him I'm sending rubber gloves and boot covers that he must wear all of the time. I'm sure he'll be a hit on the base with those!! I'd be happy if he just washed his hands occassionally!!
• Wednesday, February 21, 2007 - Kyle sounded good. They are just getting settled into their rooms. He thinks he'll have internet access in his room in a couple of days.
• Tuesday, February 20, 2007 - Kyle called this morning from BIA so he's officially there. He was waiting for night to chopper to his base.
• Wednesday, February 07, 2007 - Kyle made it to Kuwait with no problems. Slept and watched movies the whole way. He sounded good. Said it looks like California.

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