What better way to welcome you to the desert: A Sandstorm!!

Patrick has arrived safely to his first desert destination. He called home on Friday morning to let us all know they have safely arrived at their first location. His current location is about 7 or 8 hours ahead of our Eastern Standard Time. The trip was long (two days worth of travel with flights nearing 27 hours) and they made a few stops along the way. Patrick was happy all of his luggage made it all the way to “the sandbox” with him. Patrick will be here for the next 15 days before moving on to one of his more permanent locations. For the next 15 days he will be acclimating himself to the weather and the desert, as well as doing actual desert training. When Patrick called he had only been at his first location for about 12 hours and had not slept since he left the states. Needless to say he was tired! He sounded great on the phone, upbeat and kept saying he was doing good and that everything was fine.

On Friday the weather was not too hot there (around 85 degrees), but Patrick expects the next few days will be well into the 100’s. ATT gave all the soldiers some free calling cards so they could call home, which is really cool. So Patrick has that card, as well as the one we got for him before he left for basic training. Once Patrick’s flight landed in the desert they were immediately greeted by a sandstorm!!! Patrick was selected as the soldier to be the shooter (lookout) for his convoy and he was pretty excited he was selected as the shooter and was given live ammo. All in all Patrick sounded great and made the trip overseas safely. Our phone connection was very clear, and there were not any delays in the message. I will keep everyone updated as we hear more along the way. We do not expected to have a mailing address until Patrick arrives at his more permanent location, but once I get that, I will forward it to everyone. Patrick is a part of the 4th Infantry, 1st Brigade Combat Team out of Ft Hood Texas. Please keep Patrick, and his Brigade, in your thoughts and prayers as they defend our freedom!!! Thank you!