A Long Overdue Update

Sorry it has been so long since my last update. Patrick is doing well. The weather is still cold over there, but does not seem as bad as it was about a month or so back – either because Pat is getting used to it, or it has warmed up a bit (I am not sure which). Patrick’s duties are pretty much the same, but things have been pretty busy as the elections there took place at the end of January. Patrick has gotten word that his company should be headed back stateside sometime in the next two months, and should be home for Easter – although we are not sure if that is home United States, or home in his own house. Either way things look like they will be shortening the length of their tour by a few months. Recently Patrick had the opportunity with a few other guys to have dinner with General Odierno the Commanding General. He was very excited to meet him, and get to have a meal with him. Here is a picture of Patrick with him:



Patrick’s company will be moving from Texas to Colorado when they return to the U.S. Patrick is very eager to leave Texas, and is extremely excited about going to Colorado. The change of climate, scenery, and perhaps more things to do when they are given time off are all things Patrick is looking forward to. Pat’s cousin also lives about 1 hour from the base he will be moving to, and he is excited to be able to see a familiar face from time to time. Patrick was also given the opportunity to take some college classes in Colorado. I do not know all the details of this arrangement, but it looks like Patrick should be able to take 3 months “off” (with only light requirements for the military) and take some college classes. Patrick is extremely excited about this opportunity.

Patrick is still more interested in life back home then talking about what is new with him. I know he will enjoy hearing from anyone, so please feel free to email, or send him a card or a letter. Even if all you do is talk about the news and weather from back home Patrick loves hearing about it. During the last month Patrick has missed a lot of things back home due to his deployment and has had to deal with some difficult things by himself over there. We ask that you continue to send him happy, upbeat and uplifting mail.