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Spectre

Spectre

Joined
Nov 3, 1998
Messages
4,331
Forum friends:

I posted a couple of months ago regarding my situation. I had signed with the National Guard and the ROTC, actions which I hoped would give me time to finish my BA before serving, and which would also perhaps put me in a place where I could best serve my country.

Last month, I was contacted by the IRR. I was advised that they had not consented to release me, making my NG and ROTC contracts invalid. I will report in to Fort Benning for an 18-month deployment on 21 May.

I am not really looking forward to the desert, which is where I believe I will be heading, but I am extremely thankful that I will have been able to graduate before serving. My last exam is 9 May.

Thanks so much for my friends here, who have given me moral and physical support. You're a great group, and I'm proud to be a member here.

Best Regards,

Specialist John R. Shirley
 
You've got the degree, you've got the experience, and you'll have a nice chunk of change saved up when you get back. I wish I could go with you. (I mean that.)

Should you find yourself in the sandbox and in need of something not locally available, you know how to contact me. PM me if you want my mailing address.
 
I know you'll be careful. Don't let them get you mad; 18 months is 18 months. Be safe most of all, and when you come back tell us about it. End of April and this May is going to be fat times for you. Don't leave without calling me.





munk
 
We're proud to have you John. I know you can handle yourself, but as Dave said, if you need anything while there, say the word and it will be done. We're here for you.
 
John, not knowing you personally the statemant "if you need anything please contact me, seems a little trite. But, my information is in my profile and if you do need something do not hesitate to contact me.
Good luck and thank you for protecting our rights. Hurry home and be safe.

Dick
 
Ditto Dave's offer. The support's real.

And if you want to take one of my Swamp Rats with you, I'd be honored.


Mike
 
John, I can honestly say that I think of no other man that I am more proud to know. You are an example of how we should strive to be. You duty, honor, and grace are inspiring.
Godspeed, good Sir. We'll be waiting for you to return. Please check in as often as possible. We are a worrisom bunch.

Jake
 
Thank you for your service. The only thing I have a surplus of (besides BS) is knives. If, in the unlikely event you need a good stout blade, I can send you one.


Mike L.
 
Take good care of yourself.

You may find the military offers some good opportunities for a young college grad. Keep your eyes open for the chances.

I always figured it would be good to have a buddy on the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Don't get blown up.
 
John,

Thank you for standing in the gap. Your service is most appreciated. God bless and come back safe.

Mark
 
Hey John?

I NEED to give you something.

If you don't come up with an idea, I'll have to create my own.


You wacherass, hear?



Be well and safe.
 
Uwinv, keep your head down and your ear's up and only believe half of what you hear unless the voices are yellin, "Take Cover!!!!":thumbup:
Come back home to us in one piece and complete in body, mind, and spirit.:cool:
 
Thanks so much. I've known the last couple of weeks this was coming, but I wanted to wait until I could verify my updated orders had been cut before I passed it on.

I appreciate the offers of a good blade. (REALLY.) I do have a fine knife our own Shane Justice made just for me, so I should be well covered in the fixed blade department. The instructions I've received specifically forbid me reporting in with any weapons including knives, but I'm pretty sure I'll be able to have one once I get to my unit. I plan on having my knife packed up and ready to ship to me.

It is entirely possible that I might eventually be able to use a decent folder, nothing too expensive. I'm pretty well set now for batteries and flashlights, have got my poly pro (long johns) for cold nights, and have an MP3 player to give me jazz and classical to listen to when I need to chill.

On the academic side, I'm attempting to link up with a professor to mentor me while I'm deployed, so I can be gathering material for a doctoral thesis. This should be quite an opportunity for a dedicated Modern US Military History type like me. :)

Where I do need help: I appreciate any advice as to things I may be overlooking from folks who've been deployed to the desert. Even if you haven't, if you think of something I may have missed, please email me.

And thanks again for your support. I can't say how sad I feel for folks preparing to deploy who don't have good people backing them up.

John
 
John, one of the most eloquent military mottoes I've ever seen was three simple words, "Return With Honor". Pretty much says it all, everything else is understood as being part and parcel to that objective.

I know you'll do fine and make us proud. One word of warning, and it's going to sound a little crazy, is keep up on your PT and watch your waistline. Them dadburn contract DFACs they've got now are like friggin' all you can eat buffets. Seen too many troopies put on the feedbag 'cause they were homesick/bored/stressed out, trust me, you'll see it to.;)

Don't worry about what to pack, unless you're going to a bare bones FOB, you'll more than likely find you have more than what you need when you get there. Your S2 should have a good idea of what it's like where you're going, so just adjust your packing list accordingly.

Good luck and God speed

Sarge
 
John,

I wish you the very best. I'm taking good care of your Sub-9, and think of you every time I take it to the range. I have nothing to add to the good advice people have given you already; just keep your head down and get back to us safely.

All the best,

Norm

P.S. Aardvark, Sogguy and I are sending you a folder. I know we are just the first of many who would gladly do so, but we wanted to beat the rush! :D

Is the Augusta address still good? Let me know if your address has changed since we did our last deal.
 
That's very kind of y'all, Norm. Thanks.

The last year's been something of a blur. My addresses are:

John Shirley
PO Box 3212
Augusta GA 30914

or

John Shirley
2042 Dunham Court
Augusta GA 30906

Sarge, that's good advice about the food. I figure there are a limited number of ways to stay sane in this situation. Booze and drugs are out, so I reckon I'll study a lot and be a PT monster. :)

John
 
Stay safe out there and know that all of us are behind you with smoke, prayers, and anything that you need.

Bob
 
Well...bleep!
I was hoping to see you again at Blade show.

Well, you're going to get through your finals anyway. :thumbup:
Don't focus on your upcoming tour so much that the grades get messed up.
First things first.

Keep your eyes open and your a$$ down. You know the drill.

We'll be p.oed if you don't call on us if you need something.:D
 
Got an IPod or a real small DVD player? I got a friend headed to Camp Bucca in June and some other friends at Camp Courage. If you can post to the forum when you get there let us know.
Q-tips, baby wipes, those breath strips, power bars, your favorite beef jerky. Depending on where you end up, you should be able to get whatever you need, just let us know what you can't find there.
Keep your eye out for what does'nt look right.
 
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