Im Back

Wow! Thats what I have to say about the past two weeks.  It started with me getting my drivers license.  Soon we left for the best week I have ever had at camp.  The food was great, the preaching was amazing, and the  time with the youth group was awesome.   I was able to make first place and Aaron third out of fourteen contestants in the piano competition.  We all had a blast!

Dayton Dragons Baseball Game

On Monday we were able to go to a Dragons baseball as the Hometown Heroes.  This is a program that the team does honoring the families of deployed military.  We were given VIP parking, a tour of the ballpark, were able to go onto the field, a bag of souvenirs, a forty dollar certificate to use on the concession stands, and seats right behind the home teams dugout.  All of this for free! We had a great time together!

A Great Day

Yesterday I was able to go to Kings Island with my friends for my birthday.  I had a wonderful time!  I am so thankful for the wonderful parents that God has given me. 

Bathroom Makeover

My mom came up with the great idea that we should renovate the bathroom to make the time go faster while dad is away.  We spent the next few days living at Home Depot and Lowes. (ok that was an exaggeration. we were probably there only a few hours at a time)  We first had to rip out the bathroom counter.  My mother was worried that I might damage the wall....from these pictures you can see what side had more trouble. The one on the left is my side, the one on the right is hers.  Notice the gaping hole on the right.

Note to Sons

     Saturdays are tough days for Mom, because she is used to Dad being home on the weekends.  So if you need to cheer your mother up, flowers are a great way to accomplish that.  Of course I was surprised by her initial reaction, she started crying all over again.  My first thought was "O, great! What did I do?"  But then I found out they were happy tears. Thankfully!

I See the Light!

     Words from Dad (via skype): As I was walking into the base exchange, I turned the corner.  Before my eyes green letters appeared (his eyes became very wide) the word "STARBUCKS" was written on the wall!

     Some people have type A blood, others type B. My dad has type SC (starbucks coffee).  I really believe it flows through his veins, so I know this sight greatly encouraged him.

                                                                -Robert

Update from the Field

All,

 

  Arrived a few hours ago.  All went fairly smoothly.  I was somewhat surprised at large number of young enlisted troops and relatively few officers that traveled over on the rotator.  There weren't even enough officers to fill the upstairs first class on the 747.  My perception is likely skewed due to the high officer-to-enlisted ratio at Wright Patterson and I realize there are other ways to make it to the theater, but I was struck by how young they are and how old I am.

 

  The flight seemed relatively short and the 1st class seats laid out into beds.  I've never been so comfortable on an airplane.  There was a quick layover at another base on the way in, but only for a few hours.   

 

   It was hot and dark when I arrived.  I'm looking forward to seeing the base in the sun light.  The Major I'm replacing picked me up at the terminal and seems to have everything well under control.  The transition should be smooth and fairly quick as he will be leaving in a few days.

 

  Love and miss you all very much,

 

Ron

Technology is a wonderful thing

Praise the Lord for the technology of the twenty first century.  It enables all of us to be on all different laptops and phones and communicate with my dad. (hopefully the power doesn't go out because of the storm) I pray the connection is just as good when he gets to his final destination.  
                                                      -Robert

Departing Day

Today my father left for his deployment.  It was sad to see him go, but I know the Lord has a plan in all of this.  I am thankful for my father and his willingness to serve his country.  
                                                                      -Robert

Pre-deployment

Before my father's deployment we were able to travel to St. Louis with him.  We enjoyed a great time together as a family.  We went to the City Museum together and had a blast.  We also were able to go to a Cardinals baseball game.   These memories will last a lifetime.
                                                                 -Robert

Also my mom and dad were to able to enjoy dinner together a few nights before.