is yet to come. Tomorrow is the day. We will be headed out about 3am tomorrow morning and headed to the airport for our 15 or so hour plane ride. Been many years since I have traveled to that part of the world. Last time I was there I got into Bahrain International Airport with 120 degree temps in the middle of August. This time we will be going with around 50-60 degree temps.
Well, these last couple weeks have been so packed with us getting ready I just have not had much time to catch up with family and friends. By the end of the long days I just want to go to bed plus the time difference from here to Chicago/Michigan makes it really late to call home. With that I just want you all to know that I apologize for not being able to talk one last time before I depart. Just know you are all on my mind and thank you for being at home to support me.
The next week or so is going to be very long, uncomfortable and unpredictable. A lot of moving parts to get our unit embedded to our final destination. We probably will not be in place for about a week or so. The first month we will be moving a lot and I am unsure at this point how communication will be contacting home.
I do want to say thank you to all of my friends, family and firehouse family that showed up within sometimes 24hrs time notice to see me off at the different little parties when I was home on leave. I was very overwhelmed, but just so thankful I have all of you in my life. Seven months will come and go, I will be home before we really realize it all. The word is our work is paying off finally!! Iraq is very quite so we may not being doing much at all at this point other than transitioning the country and rebuilding. I really hope their people keep the momentum that has begun.
I have no idea how this page will look as the days go on. I obviously will have to be pretty vague on a lot of details and what we are doing. I will probably just drone on about the weather or some mundane detail so that all of you will at least know I am okay. I know that all will be monitored once we are on networks in country.
I am leaving my address if you would like to write, send packages, cookies or any other fun thing you can think of. At this point I don't know what we will need. The services where we will be stationed has some good and bad to it so I will let you know.
HM2 Rimkus, Joseph E
2/24 WPNS Co.
Unit 43515
FPO AP 96426-3515
Other than that.....see you all in Sept/Oct time frame. I miss you already!!
J
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10 comments:
Thanks Joe for the update.
While I'm writing this, you are in transit. I wish you all a safe journey. Get the job done and get back here. Safe!!
Love you all and praying for each and everyone of you.
Love Cindy and family
Hey Joe,
Just wanted to let you know that I am thinking about you and praying for a safe journey. Stay safe. I look forward to hearing more from you.
Love, Kathy
Joe,
I am so glad I was able to see you when you were home. I thank you for your service and will pray that God will watch over you and keep you safe until you return. We all love you and support you. Let us know if there is anything you need or want.
Love You!!! Connie
God bless you and the rest of our troops.
Take care and stay safe!!
Shelly,BMSC Jones and family
Hi Joe,
I sent the family your blog. I see that I got them writing. Michelle Jones is Uncle Mikes daughter Shelly. And of course Kathy and Connie. Michelle's husband is a Senior Chief in the Navy. I think that is what he is now. They could probably help us out on what you might need.
I know that you should probably be in the Sand Land. I hope all is well and your plane trip was good.
It is cold here, been getting a little snow. I hope the temps stay in the 50-60's for you.That would be perfect for packing stuff around. Not to hot not to cold!!
Well, Doc stay healthy and safe. Prayers to ya.
Cindy and Family
Hey Injector,
Just make sure you send in your ballot for union steward before you leave.
Mike C is in the academy right now for engineer and hates it. The union said you will get your promotion when this class gets promoted officially and the pay that comes with it. To that end, we broke into your locker and started dividing up your firefighting stuff since when you come back you’ll be a “noncombatant.” Although, being from the tower, you were only a firefighters helper anyway.
Wayne is running for treasurer and the old guys saying he can’t because he’s not actually assigned. We’ve been charging him house dues for three years and nobody minded.
I’ll keep you posted on the CFD things. I’ll keep the jags coming too. I don’t want you to get soft. I don’t think your subordinates can have fun with/at you like we can. (It’s just means we care)
Cheers
Yeah Ray...are you running for Union Steward again? I won't be voting for you since I still haven't heard back on my greviances. I know all you really wanted was the jacket anyhow and it wasn't about doing anything for your brothers. Well, wait a minute, you did give us someone to vote for at least that was better than the other choices.
Anywhoo... I'll keep that "fireman helper" comment in my head so when I'm relieving at your house as an LT., I will make sure to order you to do a first aid training for the day.
Oh, yeah and tell Wayno that he can't drive the tower nor be the treasurer until he is assigned. The load that he is.
Thanks for the updates Ray!!
It is so awesome to hear from my family on here too!! I hope to keep this updated as much as possible as we go on. All depends on what we are doing and what they monitor. I love you all and thank you for writing!!
Hi Joe! I just wanted to say I'm thinking of you and I love you. Thanks for letting us know you got there safely.
Love you,
Ruta
Stella
Hi Joe,
Just wanted to let you know Uncle Willard and I are praying for you. We are so proud of you and all the men and women who are serving our country. Take care and be safe.
Love
Aunt Stella and Uncle Willard
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