Garner's Home Front

We hope everyone is doing fine.  Our troops are 11 months into their deployment.   I haven't heard of a redeployment date yet but it should be coming very soon.  I know that they are ready to get home and I know I'm ready to see April.  It seems as though it's been so long.  I get excited thinking of her coming home.  Nothing new to report.  I know they are taking care of last minute things and it takes planning and a lot of coordination to get everything in line for their return trip.   Mike and April

We hope everyone is doing fine.  The soldiers of the 1146th are doing a great job.  They are staying very busy.  It's getting closer now, 10 months.  I know I am and all of the family members are ready for their return.  Mike and April

                                                                 I love and miss you very much

We hope everyone is doing fine.  The soldiers of the 1146th are doing a great job.  They are staying very busy.  It's getting closer now, 9 months.  I know I am and all of the family members are ready for their return.  Mike and April

Greetings everyone.  I taked with April today and she said that the weather is getting hotter.  It was up to about 95 degrees today.  That's really not too bad for Kuwait.  It will get much hotter.  We hope everyone is doing fine.   April sends her best to all.   Mike and April

April sent some new pics that I'm going to post to the web site.  She said the temps have been warm but they have had a cold front to come through that dropped the temps back down.  Dust storms have been occuring often.  She has to travel periodically to different camps.  She said the locals drive very dangerous over there.  They have speed limits that are often ignored.  One of the pics taken is of one of the locals passing other vehicles on the side walk and is having to make a quick exit back into the traffic to miss a road sign.   Other pics are of bedouin tents.  She said that everyone is doing fine.  She sends her best to everyone here at home.   Mike and April

Hello everyone.  I know that our soldiers are moving on with their deployment. 

 I'm ready for them to return and I know all of you are.

Our soldiers are 7 months into their deployment !- Mike & April

April sent some pictures to me that I'm going to post to the web site.  When she emialed these pictures to me it was about 35 degrees over there.  It really gets cold during the winter.  They are under a windstorm warning too.  The pictures are taken so you can get an idea of what it looks like over there.  Don't forget to email April.   Mike and April

MAJ Brents Pepper sent a very good video.   This is the link to it.  If you have a chance take a look. Mike and April

http://www.gratitudecampaign.org/fullmovie.php

Our soldiers are 5 months into their deployment already!- Mike & April

April came home with Bobbi Riddle for her R&R a couple of weeks ago.  It was so good having her home.  We have missed her so much.  She left this morning headed back to Kuwait.  I really hated to see her go.  One of April's good friends was at the airport to wish her well (Dixie Robinson).  Thanks Dixie for coming.  I've posted some new pictures on the web site.  Mike and April

from

Mike, April, Ashley and Kristin

2007

Our soldiers are 4 months into their deployment already!- Mike & April

Greetings everyone.   Our elegant First Lady visited our troops in Kuwait today.  She talked about Breast Cancer Research and of course the support of our troops. I know that all of the troops were very excited about seeing her.  On the stage with her is Task Forse Commander LTC Bobbi Riddle and CFLCC Commander General Wickham.  You can see April in one of the pics that I'm going to post.  I'm sure that it has been very busy around there with additional work preparing for the visit.  Mike and April

The girls and me were able to talk to April on Skype this Sunday.  It was so good being able to see her and talk at the same time.  We had a few dropped calls but if any of you have used Skype you know that will happen.  She looks really good.  I think that it did all of us good.  She sent a couple more pictures that I'm going to put on the web site.  One is of her in her room and the other it the sun rising in Kuwait.  You can see a couple of Kuwaiti bunkers that was damaged during DS/DS.  You really can't see the damage in the pictures though.   Mike and April

We hope everyone is doing fine.  The 1146th is very busy.  All are doing okay.  April sent a few pics that I will post to the web site.  If you get a chance send her a card or email.  She loves hearing from all of you.  The 1146th is doing a great job over there supporting our troops and we are very proud of all of them.  Mike and April

Kristin and me went to Fort Bragg Sunday to take April back from leave and spend a couple of days with her.  We had a good time, until yesterday when it was time to leave.   It was very hard saying goodbye.   April and a few others are leaving today for Kuwait.  They are on the advance party.  They will will probably be in country a week or so before the main body gets there.  Monday afternoon Fort Bragg had a departure ceremony for the 1146th.  LTC Riddle has a few pictures of it that she will send to me.  As soon as I get them,  I'll post them to the web site.  As soon as April gets a mailing address I'll post that also.     Mike and April

The 1146th has one month down on their deployment.  It seems as though everyone is doing fine.  The training is very intense and we  that have been through this sympathize with them.  Mike and April

Hi everyone.  April sent a couple of pictures of  the unit involved in HEAT training.  The acronym HEAT stands for HMMWV Egress Assistance Trainer.  This training teaches the soldier how diffulcult it is to get out of a HMMWV during a rollover.  I had to go through this in Kuwait.  When that vehicle rolls over, it is diffulcult to get the seat belt off and determine the best way out of it.  You can see in the pictures April inside the HMMWV and her IBA stacked neatly on the ground.  Hers is in front with a green book in front of it.    Mike and April

April and the rest of the unit made it safely to Fort Bragg on the 6th of July.  They have been going through a few briefings since arriving there and have picked up some additional individual equipment.  April has her IBA now.  In case you don't know what that is it's the armored vest that the soldiers wear.  It's pretty heavy and hot but it does help protect our soldiers.  They have been involved with getting their personal affairs in order for delployment, like dental, finance and medical.  This will all take place before they get heavly involved with the training that's ahead of them.  April wanted me to tell everyone hi for her.    Mike and April

The 1146th had their deployment ceremony today.  They had numerous family members and friends today.  The Patriot Guard motorcycle group (patriotguard.org) was there today also.  If you don't know who they are, they are a motorcycle group that supports deploying units and various other things for our soldiers.  I am going to try and post some pictures of todays events on the web site.  It may take a couple of days but I'll give it a shot.  We really appreciate the support.    Mike and April

Office Party  

April's office gave her a deployment party today.   They all enjoyed talking to April and giving her their best wishes.  April and me really appreciate this.  We just want to thank all of our family and friends for their support.    Mike and April

Hello everyone! I have great news! Mike is home, sort of...I knew Mike was due to redeploy back to the states sometime around the 13th but to my surprise on Friday, 11 May, he called me first thing at work, asking me to come pick him up at the Atlanta Airport!  What a shock and a wonderful surprise.  I was so excited, I dashed out of the office and hit the interstate to go get him.  After a couple of days at home, he reported to Camp Shelby, MS on Sunday to complete the redeployment process.  He should be there 4-5 days barring any problems and then return home.

Mike's homecoming is bittersweet though.  As most of you know, I am preparing for deployment myself.  We will have only about 6 weeks together before my unit departs home station.  But, we are going to make the most of it and enjoy our time together as much as possible. 

I am so thankful to those who had a part in Mike's early redeployment.

Before Mike left Iraq, a little get together was held for him at the unit.  See our "pictures" page of the gathering. See CPT Ford, CPT Stevenson, CW3 Gibson and LTC Cole - April and Mike

ANOTHER MONTH OFF THE CALENDAR FOR THE 226TH ASG!

WE ARE SO PROUD OF OUR TROOPS!

Some of us wives got together last night and went to the 98.9 Birthday Bash celebration (a local country music radio staion in Montgomery).  We had a great time.  Rick Acord is home on leave and was there with Vicky enjoying the show.  The radio folks gave him a "shout out" from the stage between acts, thanking him and the rest of the troops for their service.  Others in our group was Donna McCord, Donna Hudgens, Rosemary Travis, Cindy Stephens, Debra Rigsby.  We saw Hope Gibson there too! It was a great show, great music and good time with the ladies, I know Vicky is glad to have RIck home.  Vicky Acord was able to talk one of the DJ's into letting a couple of us meet Ty Herndon.  See our "picture page to see who the lucky 2 ladies was.  Thanks Vicky, Rick, Donna H. Donna M., Rosemay, Debra, Cindy, Jacob, Kristin and Jillian for a great time, since it was my birthday TOO! - April and Mike

Since I have been away at Annual Training the last 2 weeks, I haven't been able to keep up the website.  Mike sent me some pictures and I finally got them uploaded on our "pictures" page.  These pictures are of LTC Terry Travis and his birthday party from 29 Mar.  These pictures have SGT Batts, CW3 Sharpe, MAJ Elias, LT Perkins, SPC Sacramona (I hope I spelled the name right), MAJ Langley, LTC Rigsby and you might see a few others here and there.  There is a picture of a "dust storm" before and after.  -April and Mike

Several weeks ago, SGT McDonald from the Millbrook Fire Department on Deatsville Hwy asked me to send something to my husband and our troops in Iraq.  I was very much surprised to see what the items was he wanted me to send over there.  SGT McDonald gave me an American Flag they use to fly on one of their engine trucks which is now retired and a long banner the citizens of Millbrook signed during one of their fund raisers on a weekend in front of the local Winn Dixie store here in Millbrook.  What a great show of community support!  I couldn't thank SGT McDonald enough.  He was so excited to be able to do this for our troops and has been anxiously awaiting to hear from me to let him know it was received by Mike and the unit.  Well, I packaged the flag and the banner and mailed it to COL White and asked him to present it to Mike and the unit.  I mean, community support means a lot to our troops.  Not only is Mike from Millbrook, but Jeremy Gilliand and his family is just down the road in Elmore.  COL White and Mike sent pictures of the flag and the banner, so please go to our "pictures" page to see the generousity of the Fire Dept and the citizens of Millbrook, Alabama.   April and Mike.

ANOTHER MONTH OFF THE CALENDAR!

Hey Everyone,

I have talked to Mike a few times since I have been at Annual Training via cell phone.  Sure do miss the nightly web cam talks with him. Mike says the weather is still in the 70's over there.  I wish it was here.  Our outdoor temp has been in the mid to high 80's where we are and it seems much worse when we are out training in it.  HOT! I've been at annual training since 23 Mar and will be here until 6 Apr.  We are getting some good "hands on" training to prepare our unit for deployment.  Long days everyday on our training schedule.  We certainly stay busy. -April and Mike

The 226TH  ASG folks have been extra busy the past week.  First, the weapons qualification day on the range and then the APFT (Army Physical Fitness Test) yesterday.  It was raining the day they went to the range, MIke said the wind felt like ice.  The wind is still gusty.  The cook outs are cranking back up sounds like.  Frankie Sims returned from leave and cooked some ribs, Mike said they were great.  April and Mike

Hello everyone, I talked to Mike this morning and he said all is well there.  The wind is picking up with some sand blowing around.  It was around 45 degrees but was expected to warm up to 67.  Mike is so ready to come home, me too.

Hope Gibson (Darrin) sent me a picture of Chely Wright, country music star and some of the 226th ASG members.  She came through on a tour a few days ago.  Click on our "picture" page.  Thanks Hope!

I was talking to a friend and coworker MSG Cathy Cook and she asked if Mike mentioned if Chely Wright had been there and I said yes and told her about the picture I just received from Hope. Cathy reminded me about her friend Judy who travels with stars who performs for troops and she said Judy was there with Chely Wright and met some of our 226th ASG troops!  Thanks Cathy for letting us know about her website.

Judy Seale is from Prattville, Alabama and was proud to meet some of the people from the 226th ASG and hear some southern talk! She has a website and is very proud to do this for a living.  Please check out her website.  MSG Cook stays in touch with Judy by email and she says Judy loves to get email, so try to email her on her website. Thanks Judy!  That's it for now!-April and Mike

http://www.judysealeinternational.com/

We don't have have an oak tree in our yard, but that doesn't mean I can't tie the biggest yellow ribbon on a pine tree!  Mike really likes the song playing on this page too.  Tony Orlando and Dawn's "Tie a yellow ribbon around the old oak tree".  Of course I've had a yellow ribbon already tied on the gas lamp post in our yard, and have had to change it and put a new one on  a couple of times due to the weather and sun damage.  I want to make sure when Mike gets home, it looks fresh and new and has that "welcome home" look.   Back in the seventies, when my dad did his last overseas 1 year tour with the Air Force which was in Thailand, I can remember my mother getting ready for him to come home.  We put rellow ribbons along our driveway, on the fence, and on our pecan trees.  It was the first thing my dad saw when we got back from picking him up from the airport.   He liked it a lot.  April and Mike

Yes, I'm counting the days and marking them off as they go by!  Mike has been in country 7 months today.  I sure wish he and the others were home already.  Mike said it was cold and windy today and things have being going pretty good over there, business as usual.  Everyone is looking forward to coming home but not as much as we are!

Mike and I talked this morning about the devastation and sadness as a result of the tornadoes in Enterprise from yesterday.  Our hearts and prayers go out to all the families and friends who lost a loved one and friend.  Those young lives left behind will never be the same.  Take care everyone- April and Mike

7 MONTHS AND COUNTING!

I had lunch with some of the wives today who have husbands over there with Mike.  We had a very good lunch at Country's BBQ on Zelda Road.  It sure is great to be able to spend time with other wives who have husbands overseas.  Thanks for a good time today ladies: Janice Alford (Butch), Lori Gibson (Tom), Donna Hudgens (Scott), Donna McCord (Bennie) and Cindy Stephens (Josh).  Soon after I arrived at Country's BBQ, Mike called on my cell phone.  All of us yelled out "hey!" to him.  It's always nice to hear from Mike no matter when or where I am. Have a good weekend!- April and Mike

P.S.  I have updated the kids page, and put a link to the National Army Museum website.  There are fun facts and online games for kids!

Received an email from Mike.  See excerpt from his email below.  They are trying to conserve water on the base over there.  No chance of water being wasted! April and Mike

"...WHO: All units/tenant organizations aboard Al Asad.

I've added a new page to our website, called the "Garner's Guest Book".  Please sign it and let us know where you are from!  Our Shout Box has had comments from people from Montana, California and Oregon!  Thanks.  April and Mike

Click on the "Garner's Guest Book" link on the left.

Hi everyone, just wanted to let you know Mike emailed some new pictures.  You can see them on our "picture" page, just a click away.  One is of Josh Stephens, James Sullivan, and one is of a picture they made to welcome back Brad Stevenson from R&R leave.  There is one picture of Lake Al Asad.  There are 2 pictures of Jordan-Hare Stadium (Al Asad style) too.  The other pictures are of Mike and the American Flag he had flown on our anniversary which was 18 Feb.  Hope everyone is doing well.  April and Mike

MIKE!

I love you always and forever, April

I've added a special page to our website titled "Anniversary", hope you enjoy it.  See Page link to left.

Yesterday, I had lunch with some of the wives who have husbands that are with Mike.  We enjoyed a very nice "Valentine" lunch at Ruby Tuesday's.  Thanks Angel Cole (Richard), Hope Gibson (Darrin), Rosemary Travis (Terry), Angie Jolly (Tracy), and Lawanda Fortner (Jamie).  We decided since we weren't able to be with our husbands for Valentine's Day, we would have lunch together. 

My good news (sort of) on our web site from yesterday, turned out to be too good to be true.  When I returned from lunch yesterday, I received a call from my commander.  It appears to have been a big mistake when our unit got some bad information, but nonetheless, I will not be home when Mike and the rest of his unit returns home from their tour of duty. April and Mike

As some of you may know, I am getting ready to deploy myself.  My unit was scheduled to move forward to our mob station about the same time Mike and his unit is due to return home.  So, every little bit of time Mike and I can spend together, either on the phone, by web cam, even when he was home on emergency leave last month is precious to us.  We were thinking I wasn't going to be home when he returned home from his deployment.  So the good news (sort of) is my unit's deployment has been pushed back 4-5 months and even our mob station has changed.  When I found out I was going to be home when Mike comes home, I was at work, I went down the hall at my office telling everyone, I was so excited!  -April and Mike

P.S.  Mike sent me some new pictures, click on  the "picture" page at the left.

The 226TH ASG has 6 months down on their deployment already!  Hang in there!  We all miss you back home!

I have talked to Mike a few times since his return to Iraq (via SKYPE).  He is doing good.  Everyone there has welcomed him back, Tom Gibson even said they were glad to have Mike back "home" jokingly of course.  I said oh no, Mike isn't home...don't get no ideas!  Mike said today the weather was sunny and fair.  April and Mike

Hi everyone. Mike has arrived safely back with the unit. Mike left Montgomery Tuesday at 1200 and arrived back at his duty station at 0800 our time today.

I sure hated to see him leave Tuesday, but I knew that day was coming.  I dreaded the 25 minute drive to the airport. Mike's son Jeremy was able to leave work and be at the airport to see his Dad off too.  We stayed with him, watched him go through security and on to the gate.  We waited for the plane to push back from the gate and take off.  I wanted to see him for as long as I could even if it was a glimpse.  Jeremy and I stood in the parking lot of the Airport and stared into the sky until Mike's plane disappeared into the gray clouds. 

Under the circumstances for why he was home on unscheduled leave, Mike, me and his family were able to spend some valuable time together.  We enjoyed the family coming over, and friends coming by too.

Hope you all are doing well.  April and Mike

As you most of you know, Mike came home on emergency leave due to the passing away of his Mother on 7 Jan.  Mike made it home safely around 12:30 am on 10 January.  Mike, myself and all of his family wish to thank everyone for the kindness shown by all of you during this difficult time.  Words cannot express the grattitude we feel for what you all have done for Mike and our family.  We are very fortunate.  The many cards, phone calls and beautiful flower arrangements were thoughtful and appreciated.  -April and Mike

I knew that I had missed Mike, but when I saw him at the Atlanta Airport on Tuesday night, a flood of joy came over me because I haven't seen him since August 1st and I couldn't wait to throw my arms around him, but knew when the reality of everything finally set in, emotions would run wild through my mind.  I wanted to jump the metal fence that stood between him and me.  We kept walking along side each other parallel to the fence until we found an opening in the fence.  At that moment, time stood still for me, there stood my husband, nothing between us, no metal fence, no web cam, not 6,000 miles of land, water, or desert.  I could put my hands on Mike.  It was great.  My husband was home, I didn't care why, or for how long.  I was the happiest woman in the world.

The 15 days that Mike is home is precious time for us, we are marching to the beat of his drum and doing whatever he wants to do.  He is enjoying this nice weather we have been having and eating whatever he wants.  One day we took a drive, he said just looking at the trees, the green pastures, the hay fields, was nice.  He said seeing green grass and fields, was good to see.

Mike will be leaving some time towards the end of the month to start his long return trip back.  He seems to be catching up on some much needed rest and is doing well under the circumstances.  It will be very hard to see Mike leave again, I know it has to be this way but that doesn't make it any easier.  I am thankful he was able to come home when he did. I know when he leaves again, it will be one of the sadest days of my life.

Well, that is all for now, I need to get back to April

Mike emailed some pictures of them having a cookout on New Years Eve day.  They invited other personnel to the cookout that work with the 226th ASG, some may be Air Force or Marine.  Go to our "picture page" to see these pictures.  Mike is doing well, he said it is VERY cold now.  Mike is scheduled to come home on leave next month, and yes, we are counting down the days! -April and Mike

The 226th Area Support Group is 5 months into their deployment!

Well it is almost Christmas and I still don't have my shopping done.  As always, I wait to the last minute.  I talked to Mike last night and again this morning.  He seems to be doing good, he is wishing he is home, but not as much as I am.  He sends his well wishes to everyone and hopes Christmas goes well and to those who have their loved ones home on leave, enjoy it as much as you possibly can.  This is the first Christmas Mike and I will spend apart and next Christmas we might be apart too since my unit is gearing up to deploy in the summer of '07.  Mike is scheduled to come home in February on leave, so we will be spending every second together.  I can hardly wait for February!  Well this is all for now, we wish you all a safe and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. April, Mike, Ashley, Kristin

P.S.  Don't forget to check out our Kid's Page, after you get there, click on the link and kids can track Santa on Christmas Eve, and there is a lot more fun things there to do!

Mike emailed some new pictures.  See the picture page.  April and Mike

Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld visited the troops at Al Asad on 9 Dec.  It was televised on the Armed Forces Network (AFN).  Mike turned his web cam on his t.v. so that I could hear and see the broadcast.  Several of the troops from the base were on hand to to ask Mr. Rumsfeld questions.  Including LT Wu of the 226TH ASG.  After the 3rd from from LT Wu, Mr. Rumsfeld told LT Wu that was his last question for him which resulted in a big roar of laughter from the crowd.  Mr. Rumsfeld went on to field more questions from other troops. See picture of CW3 Jolly and Secy Rumsfeld on our picture page.  April and Mike

Greetings everyone! Mike sent me some new pictures.  Tom Gibson and Mike went rambling yesterday and took pictures of them snooping around at the Iraqi junk pile.  Brad Stevenson fabricated a fire pit for the folks to sit around in the ghetto courtyard.  Pictures of the fire pit and and Iraqi junk pile excursion can be seen on our picture page.  Mike is receiving cards almost daily from family and friends.  We really appreciate it!  He is receiving cards from his brother David, his sister Lola, packages from his son Jeremy and daughter in law Camby, and he is receiving packages from people we don't even know.  He is always receiving emails which keeps him busy sending a reply back.  Mike says the weather is very cold there.  It is sunny and pretty but cold.  I told him it is the same here, sunny and VERY COLD!  Have a great weekend.   April & Mike

Hi everyone, I've been real busy as I'm sure all of you have been too.  Talked to Mike this morning.  All is fine.  The unit is staying busy with their jobs.  They are missing home more than ever, especially here at the holidays.  Don't forget to send those cards, letters, care packages and of course emails!  Our soldiers love getting mail from home even if it is just a post card.

Hopefully the internet and phones over there will be back up soon, but in the meantime, we will just keep praying that all our troops everywhere are safe and sound. April & Mike

The 226TH ASG is now 4 months into their deployment!

Please visit our "Kid's Page"  We have a link there for you and your kids to track Santa.  But you can't start tracking him unitl 24 Dec.  But this web site gives you a lot of other things for kids to do.  Enjoy!  April & Mike

FREE Things To Do: (On the Kid's Page)

Send a letter to Santa
Send holiday postcards
Stories to read & color
Santa's Birthday Cards
Games to play
Christmas Karaoke
Holiday recipes
Northpole Wallpaper
Puzzles &Activities
Good Deed Calendar
Visit Elf Academy
Educational Activities
Q&A with Santa
Find the hidden stories
Naughty or Nice List
Santa Tracker (Dec 24)

Sitting: CW3 Garner, COL Brown, MAJ McPherson, SGM McCord,
MAJ Ramspeck Standing: LT Stark,  MAJ Branch, MAJ Pepper.
23 Nov 06 (COL Brown put a ribbon on top of Mike's head just as the
picture was taken)

TO ALL OF YOU

Mike emailed new pictures today. A couple of CPT Pepper being promoted to Major.  Congratulations to MAJ Pepper! One picture is of a tank rolling through Al Asad. Also Coach Shula (University of Alabama) shipped some items to the Alabama fans in the unit, so the fans posed for a picture to be sent back to Coach Shula.- April & Mike

Greetings everyone!  I'm sure most everyone is gearing up for the big game.  Our soldier's are shoveling out the Auburn/Alabama jokes big time even over there in Iraq.  Mike emailed me some pictures of them waiting in line for the flu shot today and one of SGM Bennie McCord showing his allegiance to a certain flag...check out our picture page. - April & Mike

P.S.  WAR EAGLE!

Mike celebrated his birthday on 12 Nov with a bang.  A surprise gathering was waiting for him at the cook out area as he was presented a card signed by many in the unit and a gag birthday present.  They sang "Happy Birthday" to Mike (I know he really liked that!) and had a great time.  Mike said he enjoyed everything and appreciated all the good fun and birthday wishes.  I want to thank everyone who took time to send him birthday cards and email greetings, it meant a lot to Mike and me.  (see birthday pictures on our picture page.  - April & Mike

Sorry for the inconvenience.  Problems with the web site.  Having to re-enter data.  (home page only)  Other pages on our web site were not affected and still work.  - April & Mike

WE LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU!

Be sure to use the following address when sending Mike a care package, letters, cards.  (it is different than the one we were using). This address should be used for all unit members in the 226TH ASG.  April & Mike

CW3 Michael Garner
226TH Area Support Group
Unit Number: 73380
APO AE 09333-3380

Our soldiers are 3 months into their deployment already!- April & Mike

The unit had some USO guests to drop by today.  See separate page "USO Visit". - April & Mike

See "USO Visit" Page at left for more pictures

Received an email from Mike. Here is an excerpt from it.

...It seems a lot of people are having problems with their cans leaking.  We had a big storm last night.  It rained, the wind blew and we had hail.  Scott and me went down there yesterday and caulked the inside of my trailer, not the whole thing, and it was much better.  It’s not completely dry buy 100% better. I think I’m going to caulk the whole inside of my trailer as soon as it clears up and dries up a little"...

Hope things get better for them. - April & Mike

Mike sent new pictures.  "Floyd's Barber Shop.  1LT Stark is cutting CPT Peppers hair.  Another picture of a mosque, the end of Rammada. - April & Mike

 What a nice day the weather turned out to be for our FRG Family Fun day.  I want to thank everyone worked worked tirelessly to make our family day a HUGE success.  I have added a new page to our web site, it has the pictures from our FRG Family Day, 21 Oct. - April & Mike

Today is our grandson's birthday, Michael (Michelle and Bryant's oldest child).  He is 6 years old today, hard to believe he is already in kindergarten.  Papaw Mike misses Michael a lot!  Happy Birthday Michael, we love you! - Nana & Papaw

May have to click the play button more than once, give it time to load though!

Mike received a nice surprise today.  A care package from our friends and use to be neighbors in Eclectic.  Thanks Tony, Cindy, Olivia, Stewart and Miss Kay! - April & Mike

Hope your weekend went well. New pictures from Mike.  They are of MSG Grantham, MSG Claybrook, SPC Zuk and CPT Stevenson.  They are hard at work building a porch for their office.  Mike mentioned to me LTC Richard Cole emailed John Boy and Billy (radio talk show personalities) and asked them for some of their grilling sauce.  LTC Cole received 5 gallons of it!  Mike received 3 more care packages from home yesterday.  He says he is pretty well taken care of for now. - April & Mike

Well the TIGERS couldn't pull it off, Arkansas came to play ball. Mike sent more pictures of his day off.  See our picture page.  There is one CW4 Randy Hickman, a cookout at the Palms Condominium and a horseshoe game between MSG Bennett and SFC Graveman.  Mike took a great picture just as SFC Graveman threw the horseshoe.  It is in mid-air and looks like a ringer!  For those of youthat don't know about the "Palms..." that is LTC Richard Cole's area of trailers which I believe he may have nicknamed.  - April & Mike

TGIF!  Mike called this morning. Said he is busy with his work and he has been busy taking pictures too.  He sent me new pictures and they are on our picture page.  See SGT Batts, SSG Blicker, SFC Hudgens, MAJ Valentine, LTC Vaughn, LTC Rigsby, MAJ Branch and MAJ Langley.  I have added a few more pictures to the slide show on the Camp Shelby Departure page.  Mike told me "THE GAME" will be on tomorrow night over there at 7:30 which is good.  He won't have to get up so early to watch or stay up so late to see the whole game.  WAR EAGLE! - April & Mike

Mike and I talked this morning.  All is well, he is missing home more and more.  He received a care package today from my sister Regina.  It had several goodies in it but he really liked the AUBURN sunglasses and cap she sent.  The sunglasses have the Jordan-Hare stadium reflection on the lens.  He is ready for the game on Saturday.  Thanks Regina! - April & Mike

Hope everyone is doing well.  I talked to Mike this morning and they have already had the time change in Iraq and they are now 8 hours ahead of us.  When we have our "fall back" on 29 Oct which is when our daylight savings time ends here for us, they will go back to being 9 hours ahead of us.  He sent more pictures and they are on our picture page.  They are of MAJ Branch, MAJ Langley, SSG Blicker, SGT Batts, SFC Hudgens, and SFC Darnell.  Have a good week.- April & Mike

The 226th ASG is 2 months down on their deployment!

Hi, are you getting ready for the game tonight?  So are our soldiers in Iraq.  I;m sure some of them will be up at 3:30am to watch it.  I added a new image to our AUBURN page, some of your will get a "kick" out of it.  The picture was sent to me by MSG Melanie Jordan and thought our folks over there in Iraq would get a laugh over it, you will too.  Thanks Melanie.  Mike is doing good.  He is getting over a terrible cold.  He seemed to be feeling better today when I talked to him.  - April & Mike

Hope everyone is doing well.  Talked to Mike several times over the weekend.  He had SUnday off.  As usual he was happy about AUBURN winning the game.  His normal day off is Saturday but had to work and changed his day off to Sunday.  He said things are going about the same, everyone seems to be doing good.  Not much to do there but go to work, go eat, and go back to their can.  He said he misses home so bad, misses his family a lot.  We miss him more than he knows.  There is a new picture on our picture page of CPT Pepper and LT Stark.  LT Stark gave us permission to put it on our web site.  Thanks Brad!.  CW3 Tracy Jolly and SFC Butch Afford is seen in the background.  We have added a page for kids.  Parents can go online and order a letter to be sent to their children signed by their favorite Loony Tunes character.  This is special for military kids with deployed parents/grandparents.  See our "kids page" for details.  - April & Mike

Mike received his webcam today! We video'd and talked twice this morning.  It is so nice to be able to talk to and SEE him at the same time.  He bought a bicycle the other day.  Now he has wheels to get around with over there on base.  He received Jeremy and Camby's care package (Mike's son and daughter in law) yesterday and has already watched a couple of movies they sent him.  He is so proud to get mail from home.  He says he has just about what he needs except being at home. - April & Mike

TGIF!  Hope everyone had a good week.  Mike said it was movie night for them.  They watched "Wedding Crashers" and of course cooked on the grill.  He said it was a funny movie.  I added more pictures to our picture page.  CW3 Tom Gibson emailed them to me today.  Thanks Tom!   - April & Mike

I added more pictures to the Camp Shelby Family day slide show and the Camp Shelby Departure slide show as well.  I have added one more picture page.  These pictures are of our soldiers after they left Camp Shelby and are at Gulfport hanging around the hangar waiting on their flight out of the  states.  Again, I want to thank SGM Dwight Brown for giving us these pictures.  Dwight, these pictures mean so much to our family members, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Talked to my sweetheart a couple of times today.  He is doing good and said everyone back at the unit is doing a GREAT JOB.  He is very proud and lucky to be serving with this bunch.  He sends his greetings to you all.  Enjoy the pictures, we sure are! - April & Mike.

Just a quick note to say I have added the pictures of the Camp Shelby departure (day after family day) See the "Camp Shelby Departure".  Mike is doing good, misses home.  - April & Mike

Greetings everyone.  I see some of you have found the SHOUT BOX on our web site.  Even some of our soldiers have used it to send us a shout back!  Mike and I have received a lot of comments on our web site and appreciate every one of them.  Mike emailed more pictures yesterday and today.  They are on our picture page.  Check out the one of Mike standing in front of the lake...beautiful blue water!  There are more pictures of a cook out for the football game (AUBURN) last weekend.  Ribs on the grill one night, then steaks the next night...hmmm sounds like they are eating good.  We sure hope so!  Mike misses everyone and wishes you well.  - April & Mike

Mike said to tell everyone hello, all is well.  SGM Dwight Brown was very kind to share some picutres he took of the 226th ASG while at Camp Shelby (family day), the departure day and while they were waiting on their flight at Gulfport, MS.  They are wonderful!.  I have a copy of them and made a new page on our web site, "Camp Shelby Family Day".  I haven't added the departure day or the Gulfport part yet, but will soon, stay tuned.  Thank you so much Dwight, our families are going to love you for them. - April & Mike

Hope everyone had a good weekend. WAR EAGLE!  Mike watched the game and he was on pins and needles right to the end.  I have added a new page to our web site.  It is called the Shout Page.  Anyone can type a short message on it and send their loved one or friend at the 226th ASG a SHOUT.  Mike says a lot of the folks over there are hearing about our website, so click on the SHOUT PAGE at the left and send a short note to your soldier!  If they get a chance, they can send one back to you.  Just something fun to do. - April & Mike

The guys enjoyed ribs on the grill last night.  See a few pictures on our picture page.  Mike is excited about being able to watch Auburn football on t.v.  It will be on t.v. over there 11:30 their time.  Last words I heard him say before we hung up on the SKYPE was "WAR EAGLE!" Things are about the same there, which is GOOD! Have a good weekend.  WAR EAGLE-April & Mike

I talked to Mike last night and was able to see him via WEB CAM!  Mike went to CPT Stevenson's trailer to use his web cam.  It was great talking to and SEEING Mike.  We both couldn't stop smiling.  The SKYPE program is awesome!  Thanks Brad for letting Mike use your web cam.  I ordered Mike one from AAFES online last week and it is being shipped to him.  I hope he will have it sometime next week.  Ashley and Kristin visited with Mike too, they thought it was pretty cool.  Kristin held our new kitten "Trixie" up for Mike to see.  He said to tell everyone hi.  - April & Mike

Hi everyone, talked to Mike this morning and his doing good. Nothing to share but maybe 1 or 2 new pictures on the picture page.  If you wish to continue viewing our site, please add it your favorites.  I will be updating it with pictures and other items as I get it from Mike but may not send out emails as often as I have been to let you know about the updates.  LTC Bobbi Riddle send me some pictures of the Bama gang and I added them to the web site yesterday.  Thanks Bobbi.  Mike will be taking more pictures and sending them to me as he can.  - April & Mike

Due to Operation Security (OPSEC) some of my comments on our web site may seem VAGUE.  We need to do our part as family members to protect our troops.

I received an email from Mike last night.  It seems around the 226th ASG they have put nicknames on their areas of trailers. "The Palms Condominiums" and the Ghetto".  Both places is showing the movie "Barbershop" tonight.  Everyone was invited.  - April & Mike

I had to leave work early yesterday, after I left, these flowers were delivered.  Mike called the florist and ordered beautiful flowers for me.  No special occasion.  - April & Mike

I asked Mike for more pictures and boy did he come through!  CHECK OUT OUR PICTURE PAGE! - April & Mike

Hi Family and Friends, hope all is well.  Mike is doing good.  He said to tell you hi and he wishes he could talk to all of you so this is the next best way.  He is staying busy with the planning of projects for the base. I sent him 2 care packages a week ago and he received them this past weekend and he was happy.  I sent him some stuff for his trailer and some other nice to have goodies to make his "can" feel more comfortable. (see picture on the picture page).  I've been sending him our hometown newspaper and other local newspapers (he can read them online, but the internet can be slow).  Our hometown is small but he can read them and keep up with Millbrook and the surrounding areas.  They may be a week old, but it is from home.  The Skype program is GREAT! If you download it on your computer at home, be sure to search for Mike and add him to your contacts list.  We talk daily on it and as soon as he gets the web cam I am having shipped to him from AAFES.com, we will be seeing each other via web cam.  I can hardly wait!. I already have my web cam set up and ready to go.  Mike and some of the other guys had some pizza from the Pizza Hut the other day.  The guys said it tasted just like Pizza Hut here at home, Mike said it didn't.  Steaks on the grill is on the menu for tonight.  Mike said they BBQ'd ribs the other night.  (see pictures on the picture page).  They seem to be doing good...-April & Mike

I talked to Mike several times this week and this morning.  He is doing good.  He said to tell everyone hello. He has been busy with his job.  He is working on plans to build a new hospital on base.  A lot of meetings with contractor and other people who are involved with this project keep him busy all day long.  Not just people from Al Asad but from Baghdad too. He has settled in his "can" as he refers to his trailer, complete with t.v., small refrigerator, desk, armoir, internet.  He told me about the program called Skype.  It allows us to talk to each other from our computers as if we were on the phone.  It is realy cool.  I talked to him several times using our computer at home, now I can call him.  Skype.com can be downloaded from the internet for free.  He said he got 5 cards in the mail from me yesterday.  I know I didn't send him 5 at one time, guess all the mail goes to one place in Kuwait and then holds up until a flight goes into Iraq. I have sent him 3 care packages already and a 4th one started. He loves getting mail from home.  He likes email too, but I'm sure getting old fashioned snail mail will put a smile on anyone's face in a place like Iraq.  Send him a card or a letter.  Click our address page for his mailing and email address. - April & Mike

I talked to Mike this morning.  The 67TH Area Support Group cleared the base and the 226TH Area Support Group unit members have finally got their living quarters now!  Mike moved into his trailer this weekend and sounded in better spirits.  He was able to unpack his footlockers that shipped separate from the unit and get to his camera.  He took some pictures and sent them to me.  As you can see, I put the one of him above!  I put the other ones on our picture page.  Please check them out.

Needless to say, Mike is proud to have his own space now.  He said it certainly isn't homw, but he is making the best of it.  Me and the girls sent him a couple of care packages last week.  It has items that will help make it seem less like the desert and more like home.  Hopefully he will have them toward the end of the week.  - April & Mke

Talked to Mike this morning. He is doing good. The mornings are not hot, but get hot quick.  When we were talking it was 7am Alabama time which was 4pm Iraq time.  He said him and Scott Hudgens (one of our good friends and works in the same section as Mike) had to go find a building on base they are supposed to have a meeting in on Sunday.  Mike is in the section where they are in the planning and review phase of constructing new projects.  This meeting is about building a new hospital.  Mike and Scott rode around the base, said there is a big hill or mountain on the southside.  They rode up it.  The road going up was bumpy but after they got closer to the base it smoothed out.  The road on top runs all the way down the perimeter and overlooks the main part of the base.  He said on the west side it overlooks an oasis.  As soon as he can get to his camera, he will take pictures and sen them to us.  He said the temperature was 110 now and still not as hot as it has been.  He said to tell everyone hi. - April & Mike

Mike is doing good other than being real hot.  He told me the DFAC they are using will be closing down 140 days to be renovated.  They have to ride a bus to eat at the other DFAC.  He told he doesn't eat the bread as much as he loves bread, he can't eat it because it is so hard and flat!.  The other unit is still there.  They are waiting on last minute clearance and other military things that can generally hold them up.  He is getting email from several of you, and he appreciates them, he is doing his best to answer them all.  Please keep sending him emails.  - April & Mike

This is the last day of August and that means Mike and his unit has 1 month down on their deployment!

I talked to Mike yesterday, he said he received a care package I mailed on 19 Aug.  He was excited to receive mail from home.  I mailed a variety of goodies and some things he needed.  Temperatures are reaching 118 in the shade, 127 and higher out of the shade.  He said he will soon be getting his own trailer in a couple of days which will be home for the next 12 months or so.  The trailer is often referred to as their "can".  It is very small, big enough for a twin bed, a couple of chairs, a couple of wall lockers.  The can is often made to feel made at home with pictures of family and friends, bed sheets from home, bed spreads, etc.  The can has no windows, but is air conditioned!  Can you believe August is just about gone?  They are one month off their deployment already!  The unit the 226th ASG is replacing is scheduled to leave this week. - April & Mike

I have talked to Mike several times since he arrived in Al Asad, Iraq.  He said they are getting settled in as much as they can.  The 226TH ASG (MIke's unit) is still in transition trying gain as much working knowledge from the unit they are replacing before it leaves the first of September.  Mike's job keeps him busy which is good, the time will pass by more quickly.  He has seen more sand storms, nothing major and a few rain showers.  The Dining Facility (DFAC) is extra nice.  He says it is better than most restaurants here in the states.  Soldiers must wash their hands upon entering the facility.  As soon as he able to unpack some of his personal items that shipped separate from the unit, like his camera, he will begin emailing pictures to me for our website.  He says hello to everyone! - April & MIke

Mike called last night. He and the rest of the 226th made it to Al Asad safely, had to board a third plane in Kuwait before finally taking off.  The first two planes had mechanical problems and never took off.  Unit members who were already at Al Asad were up all night to greet them at the air field and needless to say was glad to see them.  More to follow.  April & Mike

Talked to Mike last night.  The 226TH departure from Kuwait was moved up, they are preparing to move forward to Iraq that night, a day early.  Some of the unit has already went forward.  This move will complete the 226th ASG's  forward move to Iraq. They only a few days with the outgoing counterpart they are replacing to gain their knowlege before they leave the country heading home. Mike said they have been doing physical training (PT) everyday.  Aerobics was on the training schedule for the last 2 days.  The phones have been harder to get to, due to the increase of troops coming into Kuwait.  Same thing for the DFAC.  The wind has been kicking around threatening a sand storm. - April & Mike

Mike seems to be doing good.  Considering the heat and being away from home.  Temperatures continue to scorch.  The generator being used to keep the air conditioner running Mike's tent broke down the other night.  Mike woke up hot. It wa