a busy december...

[joy]

Hey guys, we got news yesterday about Kevin...He will be going to patrol the mediteranean, the suiez(sp) canal etc... He leaves December 12th, and will return on June 9th. Next december, we will be going to Japan(yay!) for three years. THe only thing I worry about right now is Ian...He is almost 6 and very close to his daddy. I think he'll be ok once a month or so has passed, but hopefully he won't get depressed like he did last time. We talked about it and decided that since he HAS to go anyways, he might as well get it over with. I know I will be fine, and so will Erik. The financial benefits are astounding though. I couldn't believe it when Kevin said he gets $274 per diem, per day! Wow, over 6 months, that's over $50,000! That's with his base pay being an MA1, BAH, BAS, separation allowance, sea pay, and hazardous duty pay(since he will be in the middle east.) He said that's what it costs out there to live, and he has to sustain his family over here.

My mom and step dad are coming out December 3rd-the 7th, so we will celebrate christmas then. Please keep us all in your thoughts as we will be missing him. I have been thinking of all of you and your families, and also the loved ones of the soldiers in Iraq. Be safe, and have an excellent holiday season, and I will be seeing you guys more, I know I will!

Love, Joy

 

[hensylee]

Dear Joy - you have been in my thougts a lot lately. I pray that Kevin will be safe and that the time will pass quickly for all of you. It is nice that you can at least celebrate the holiday before he leaves. Merry Christmas to you.

Japan - that sounds like a really good spot to go and if you can get good surroundings there, it will be a good experience for you and the boys, too. Take advantage of all the opportunities that military can provide. At least it's not all bad, is it?

And we know you won't forget us!