Santa sent Roofus this snazy top... and he wanted to show it off!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Rex Photos
I know everyone has been awaiting these! There are tons of pictures from the batch I received from Rex. There is pictures from there Humanitarian projects, hanging around the FOB, and just little bits of whatever else I could find that he is in them.
I want to say a quick Thanks for everyone who has put together service projects.. hopefully I have captured pictures from them. Lucky enough Rex has received so much that it is hard for him to be out on every delivery and making sure that he gets everything on film.
Hopefully the next pictures I post from him… will be of the two of us (his leave is going to be here before we know it!)
Happy Christmas shopping…remember nobody likes a Grinch out shopping!!!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
A true patriot. A truly great American. He won’t be forgotten.
Rex & I wanted to share this story to tribute a fallen hero. Please remember our military in your thoughts and prayers, especially the family of Master Sgt. Davis and all others who are grieving over the loss of a loved one.
“He believed in our effort over there in Iraq. It wasn’t just a job. It wasn’t just a benefit.”
By Michelle Malkin • November 30, 2008 09:52 PM
As Thanksgiving weekend draws to an end, please say a prayer for the family of Master Sgt. Anthony Davis and find a way to show lasting gratitude to him — and all those who have sacrificed for our freedom. Davis was killed while delivering humanitarian supplies in Biaj, Iraq. He had served in the Army for 26 years. He loved his job and he believed in his mission. If this doesn’t put life in perspective for you, I don’t know what will. A true patriot. A truly great American. He won’t be forgotten.
Include is the article written in the Baltimore Sun:
An Army master sergeant who grew up in Baltimore and graduated from St. Frances Academy was killed Tuesday while distributing food on a humanitarian mission in Biaj, Iraq, the Department of Defense said.
Master Sgt. Anthony Davis, 43, had served in the Army for 26 years and was planning to retire when his tour ended, said his brothers and sisters, who gathered yesterday in Baltimore’s Harwood neighborhood to remember the man who loved the Army so much they called him ” G.I. Joe.”
Sergeant Davis was married and had five children and one grandchild. Living in the town of Triangle in Northern Virginia, his life was intertwined with the military. His wife, Anna Davis, is an Army major based at the Pentagon. And his 26-year-old daughter, Keona Rowe, also has served.
“He died doing what he loved to do,” said Adrienne Kelly, Sergeant Davis’ sister. She said her brother, one of 17 children, didn’t talk about the dangers he faced in Iraq. He didn’t want the family to worry.
On this tour, which began in May, Sergeant Davis trained and mentored Iraqi army members and delivered food and relief supplies to poor villages. He was part of a team that assessed schools and then planned renovations and organized supplies. His daughter Diana, 18, collected soccer balls to ship to her father, who distributed them to children on his missions.
This month, the News & Messenger newspaper in Northern Virginia published an article about the father-daughter effort.
In an e-mail to the paper, Sergeant Davis wrote, “We must remain vigilant and pray that we a[re] getting through to the younger generation, who will one day inherit this nation, so that they remember us as peaceful and encouraging, not intruders and invaders.”
On Tuesday, Sergeant Davis was distributing water and food in Biaj, about 250 miles north of Baghdad, when he was shot and killed by an Iraqi security force soldier, the Defense Department said. Some news reports have indicated that a U.S. Marine was also killed and that several Iraqi civilians in line for relief supplies were injured, but an Army spokesman could not confirm that yesterday.
“He was Army in every sense of the word,” said Jorge Tardi, Sergeant Davis’ brother-in-law. “He believed in our effort over there in Iraq. It wasn’t just a job. It wasn’t just a benefit. It wasn’t just hardship pay. He was a patriot.”
“He believed in our effort over there in Iraq. It wasn’t just a job. It wasn’t just a benefit.”
By Michelle Malkin • November 30, 2008 09:52 PM
As Thanksgiving weekend draws to an end, please say a prayer for the family of Master Sgt. Anthony Davis and find a way to show lasting gratitude to him — and all those who have sacrificed for our freedom. Davis was killed while delivering humanitarian supplies in Biaj, Iraq. He had served in the Army for 26 years. He loved his job and he believed in his mission. If this doesn’t put life in perspective for you, I don’t know what will. A true patriot. A truly great American. He won’t be forgotten.
Include is the article written in the Baltimore Sun:
An Army master sergeant who grew up in Baltimore and graduated from St. Frances Academy was killed Tuesday while distributing food on a humanitarian mission in Biaj, Iraq, the Department of Defense said.
Master Sgt. Anthony Davis, 43, had served in the Army for 26 years and was planning to retire when his tour ended, said his brothers and sisters, who gathered yesterday in Baltimore’s Harwood neighborhood to remember the man who loved the Army so much they called him ” G.I. Joe.”
Sergeant Davis was married and had five children and one grandchild. Living in the town of Triangle in Northern Virginia, his life was intertwined with the military. His wife, Anna Davis, is an Army major based at the Pentagon. And his 26-year-old daughter, Keona Rowe, also has served.
“He died doing what he loved to do,” said Adrienne Kelly, Sergeant Davis’ sister. She said her brother, one of 17 children, didn’t talk about the dangers he faced in Iraq. He didn’t want the family to worry.
On this tour, which began in May, Sergeant Davis trained and mentored Iraqi army members and delivered food and relief supplies to poor villages. He was part of a team that assessed schools and then planned renovations and organized supplies. His daughter Diana, 18, collected soccer balls to ship to her father, who distributed them to children on his missions.
This month, the News & Messenger newspaper in Northern Virginia published an article about the father-daughter effort.
In an e-mail to the paper, Sergeant Davis wrote, “We must remain vigilant and pray that we a[re] getting through to the younger generation, who will one day inherit this nation, so that they remember us as peaceful and encouraging, not intruders and invaders.”
On Tuesday, Sergeant Davis was distributing water and food in Biaj, about 250 miles north of Baghdad, when he was shot and killed by an Iraqi security force soldier, the Defense Department said. Some news reports have indicated that a U.S. Marine was also killed and that several Iraqi civilians in line for relief supplies were injured, but an Army spokesman could not confirm that yesterday.
“He was Army in every sense of the word,” said Jorge Tardi, Sergeant Davis’ brother-in-law. “He believed in our effort over there in Iraq. It wasn’t just a job. It wasn’t just a benefit. It wasn’t just hardship pay. He was a patriot.”
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Thanksgiving-
As the holiday falls upon us, I was struken by the sadness that must be felt to many families around the globe. I have seen and heard of quite a few different situations taking place right now. I am personally so grateful for the safety of my husband and the many other military members out there. But I am also vividely reminded of the fragility of life all around us. My heart goes out to those this holiday who will not be spending the holidays with family and that are facing much more challenging times ahead. Life is fragile and can change at any given moment. My hope is to let us all hold our love ones close this holiday & forget all the little things that stop us from loving one another and be grateful for what little life we have to share with one another.
"It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live."
-Marcus Aurelius
Kira
"It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live."
-Marcus Aurelius
Kira
Friday, November 14, 2008
Christmas Delievery-
FYI-
For those interested in sending gifts/treats to Rex or other soldiers deployed right now. The post office has published dates that packages must be mailed by.
For Rex's address the dates are as follows:
First-Class Mail® Letters and Cards: Dec 4
Priority Mail® : Dec 4
Parcel Airlift Mail (PAL)2: Dec- 1
Space Available Mail (SAM)3- Nov 21
Parcel Post® Nov 13 (oops too late!)
Again- I will not be posting his address on the blog. But if anyone needs it, email me or call & I can give it to you.
Thanks!
Kira
For those interested in sending gifts/treats to Rex or other soldiers deployed right now. The post office has published dates that packages must be mailed by.
For Rex's address the dates are as follows:
First-Class Mail® Letters and Cards: Dec 4
Priority Mail® : Dec 4
Parcel Airlift Mail (PAL)2: Dec- 1
Space Available Mail (SAM)3- Nov 21
Parcel Post® Nov 13 (oops too late!)
Again- I will not be posting his address on the blog. But if anyone needs it, email me or call & I can give it to you.
Thanks!
Kira
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
New furniture... do you like???
The other day I found this AWESOME ottoman. I have been looking for something for a while to spruce up my living room... and finding the "right" item has taken some time but I feel that the pieces are all starting to come together now. Really- I just needed a place to show Rex his new furniture and brag about how totally awesome my design skills are!
FYI- Rex told me that he is working on another newsletter and hopefully more pictures. If you are not on his email... just send me a message & I can let him know to add you.
Thanks to all who are making all the service projects come together!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Seven... months that is!
Can anyone believe it has been 7 months since this picture was taken! It has been 217 days since this beautiful couple were last seen together! I don't know about anyone else, but I am certainly glad we are on the down hill side of this deployment. I can hardly believe that I have been seperated from the love of my life for over 7 months now and yet I still have 3 more to go until I see him. I am super grateful that he is safe and we are still surviving this rollercoaster ride. Thanks to all that is supporting him from afar & me up close! All I can say is I am glad we are finally making some progress towards the end! Friday, October 17, 2008
oh...my butt-ous!
Ok- some may know, some not! I have been having pains in my leg/butt for over a year now, and have tried various forms of treatment. This week I was able to go to a Orthopedic specialist... who has finally helped me to some relief. I have been diagnosed with Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction & moderate Sciatica.. I have included pictures to illistrate!
SI= SacroIliac Joint.. Where your spine & hip meets! The sacroiliac (SI) joint sits between the sacrum and the iliac bone (thus the name “sacroiliac” joint). Symptoms of injury to this area include: (most common symptoms) are low back and buttock pain. The pain may affect one side or both SI joints. The pain can radiate down the leg all the way to the foot and may be confused with a herniated disc in the lumbar spine. The pain may radiate into the groin area. People often feel muscle spasm in one or both of their buttocks muscles. Problems with the SI joint may make sitting difficult. Pain in one SI joint may cause aperson to sit with that buttock tilted up. It is usually uncomfortable to sit flat in a chair. All of these I have had a problem with over the past few years. YIKES!
After physical therapy, taking it easy & anti-inflammatories a new treatment has been pursued. This week after my speaking with my DR. injections where the treatment of choice.
Injections are used primarily to confirm that the pain is coming from the SI joint. And a series of cortisone injections may be recommended to try to reduce the inflammation in and around the SI joint. Cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory medication that is commonly used to control pain from arthritis and inflammation.
Anyways to make a long story short, originally the area got worse... usuall, but it might actually be starting to feel better!!! Let's hope we have finally found a reason & the healing process can begin... so i can kick EVERYONE's butt up the Grand Canyon next year!!!!!
SI= SacroIliac Joint.. Where your spine & hip meets! The sacroiliac (SI) joint sits between the sacrum and the iliac bone (thus the name “sacroiliac” joint). Symptoms of injury to this area include: (most common symptoms) are low back and buttock pain. The pain may affect one side or both SI joints. The pain can radiate down the leg all the way to the foot and may be confused with a herniated disc in the lumbar spine. The pain may radiate into the groin area. People often feel muscle spasm in one or both of their buttocks muscles. Problems with the SI joint may make sitting difficult. Pain in one SI joint may cause aperson to sit with that buttock tilted up. It is usually uncomfortable to sit flat in a chair. All of these I have had a problem with over the past few years. YIKES!
After physical therapy, taking it easy & anti-inflammatories a new treatment has been pursued. This week after my speaking with my DR. injections where the treatment of choice.
Injections are used primarily to confirm that the pain is coming from the SI joint. And a series of cortisone injections may be recommended to try to reduce the inflammation in and around the SI joint. Cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory medication that is commonly used to control pain from arthritis and inflammation.
Anyways to make a long story short, originally the area got worse... usuall, but it might actually be starting to feel better!!! Let's hope we have finally found a reason & the healing process can begin... so i can kick EVERYONE's butt up the Grand Canyon next year!!!!!
Monday, October 6, 2008
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Thoughts… frustrations… humm
Today I worked… oh yes by the way people work on holidays & weekends in the hospital… NEWS FLASH to all… sick people are NOT just sick Monday thru Friday 9-5…. It’s kind of a constant around the clock kind of thing. BUT why is it people are so ignorant to the fact that working weekends, holidays, days that end in y’s is such a hard concept to gather??? Most people have common sense, oh wait… that hasn’t been proven yet… I take it back. So I have realized my frustrations with people.
This will be my rant of the day….
Nurses have a freaking hard-ass job. We deal with the defective, sick, weak, pitifull and dying. Most of the situations I deal with on a daily basis, as well as my co-workers (who rock!) deal with people in a major crisis. Let me help put this in the best… CRISIS as defined on dictionary.com reads:
1. a condition of instability or danger, as in social, economic, political, or international affairs, leading to a decisive change.
2. a dramatic emotional or circumstantial upheaval in a person's life.
3. Medicine/Medical.
a. the point in the course of a serious disease at which a decisive change occurs, leading either to recovery or to death.
b. the change itself.
Anyways- My point is that my job is hard (and rewarding)… But it is IMPORTANT. To me and to the people that I get to help that are in a crisis. …. SO stop acting like I am bothering/interrupting everyone elses ‘busy’ 9-5… or mommy-only schedule because I work 40+hours a week (nights/days/weekends and holidays) MY question is… “Is it my job to fit into your schedule… or your’s to attempt to facilitate mine???“ AND really- if you wanted me to be involved/at things… shouldn’t you ATTEMPT to check my schedule PRIOR to planning????????????????
In life I believe that actions speak louder than words, and if you do something that speaks for itself… then it takes a significant amount of words(&time) to take back your actions that were louder & clearer than your words.
What a bunch of words to digest. Perhaps you have all caught me on a bad moment. Perhaps you caught me on an HONEST moment.
THOUGHTS… by kira
This will be my rant of the day….
Nurses have a freaking hard-ass job. We deal with the defective, sick, weak, pitifull and dying. Most of the situations I deal with on a daily basis, as well as my co-workers (who rock!) deal with people in a major crisis. Let me help put this in the best… CRISIS as defined on dictionary.com reads:
1. a condition of instability or danger, as in social, economic, political, or international affairs, leading to a decisive change.
2. a dramatic emotional or circumstantial upheaval in a person's life.
3. Medicine/Medical.
a. the point in the course of a serious disease at which a decisive change occurs, leading either to recovery or to death.
b. the change itself.
Anyways- My point is that my job is hard (and rewarding)… But it is IMPORTANT. To me and to the people that I get to help that are in a crisis. …. SO stop acting like I am bothering/interrupting everyone elses ‘busy’ 9-5… or mommy-only schedule because I work 40+hours a week (nights/days/weekends and holidays) MY question is… “Is it my job to fit into your schedule… or your’s to attempt to facilitate mine???“ AND really- if you wanted me to be involved/at things… shouldn’t you ATTEMPT to check my schedule PRIOR to planning????????????????
In life I believe that actions speak louder than words, and if you do something that speaks for itself… then it takes a significant amount of words(&time) to take back your actions that were louder & clearer than your words.
What a bunch of words to digest. Perhaps you have all caught me on a bad moment. Perhaps you caught me on an HONEST moment.
THOUGHTS… by kira
Sunday, September 14, 2008
deep thoughts.... or lack there of
So today I thought that I would enligthen the blog-o-sphere with my 4am night shift thoughts.
They are simple and true...
if you like to be blue.
so many of you know of my place of employment,
where i get so much enjoyment.
Although it may be hard
most of my coworkers think I am a 'tard'
I deal with stress and death
and also deal with Meth.
But overall... i would say I am not so stressed
it seems lately i have been doing my best.
I miss my man oh so much
oops, I think i might have missed my lunch.
So when you read this nifty poem
realize at 4am, i was not alone.
HA HA HA... i am trying to be more keen
so all you bloggin' ladies will relax your lean!
kira
They are simple and true...
if you like to be blue.
so many of you know of my place of employment,
where i get so much enjoyment.
Although it may be hard
most of my coworkers think I am a 'tard'
I deal with stress and death
and also deal with Meth.
But overall... i would say I am not so stressed
it seems lately i have been doing my best.
I miss my man oh so much
oops, I think i might have missed my lunch.
So when you read this nifty poem
realize at 4am, i was not alone.
HA HA HA... i am trying to be more keen
so all you bloggin' ladies will relax your lean!
kira
Monday, August 25, 2008
Rex sent this email just the other day
22 August 2008
Iraqi Service Project Updates
A few months ago I put out a call for people back home to support the Iraqi people and our mission here in Iraq by starting some service projects. For the past few months our team has been receiving a ton of packages from many of you back home. A newsletter showing some of the good things that have come from all the love and support you’ve sent is long overdue. Within the past six weeks my team and I have been able to make a difference in people’s lives across the desert of Iraq’s Ninevah Province, and we want to let you see some of the results that have come from your donations.
The first small project we were able to complete occurred in mid July when we were able to hand out thirty personal hygiene kits that friends and family members helped put together back home. The soldiers of the Iraqi Battalion we advise were very grateful and excited to receive the American products. We had jundis (the Arabic word for soldiers) coming up to us asking for more for the next couple of weeks afterwards. Many of them were surprised to know that people in America cared enough about what the Iraqi soldiers are doing out here to gather the resources needed to put together and send out the packages. It made them feel good about what they are doing and the project was a big success.
Since we arrived in Iraq, we’ve been receiving a ton of candy from back home. Once our team stockpile got big enough, we began giving the Iraqi Soldiers candy to hand out when they are on missions. The pictures you see here are of our battalion commander handing out some of the candy to kids in a village after the Battalion had just completed a cordon and search operation. When Iraqi Soldiers do these kinds of things, big steps are made towards getting the people of Iraq to support and trust the Iraqi Government. Meanwhile, because the Iraqi Army is still in its infancy, simple things – like getting together some candy to hand out – are difficult to make happen, so the effort to help from people back in the U.S. is not only appreciated, but it helps fill a gap that would otherwise be overlooked. Besides, our American candy is “the best” to the kids out here, so even if they could get some candy, it wouldn’t be as good as the stuff you’re sending. It’s surprising to realize how much of a difference these simple acts of service and kindness from people thousands of miles away are making over here. So please keep the candies coming, these guys go out on patrols all the time and they can use every last bit we give them.
The last good news story I have about our battalion is about a Medical Assistance Visit (MEDAV) we recently conducted in a small Iraqi village. The village has no clinc, and the people there often find themselves in a difficult political situation because the people come from some smaller, less powerful tribes. These types of villages are targeted by insurgents because it’s easy for them to throw some money and/or threats around to gain passive support from the people living there. This MEDAV was a large scale operation that involved the use of a lot of Coalition and Iraqi Army resources. Medical personnel were able to see some 250 people, and we handed out about $10,000 worth of medications to those in need. During the operation, some of the goods that our team has received were handed out to the people of the village, including some school supplies that were given to the headmaster of the small school which the operation took place in.
The best part of all of this is that there will be much more to come. In addition to the many small projects that have been and will continue to be done, we have several large-scale projects that have been set in motion. Soccer is huge in Iraq, and our Iraqi Army counterparts have agreed to help build some soccer fields in towns where the kids don’t really have a place to play. Where they need our help is to come up with soccer balls and money to have some goals built. Our other larger-scale operations that we have planned are dependent on us receiving monetary donations from back home. We plan to purchase needed goods such as clothing, blankets, heaters, etc. off the local economy and give them to the Iraqi Army to hand out in villages that could use the help. These projects act as a double edged sword because they not only heighten the Iraqi Government’s reputation and provide needed goods to distressed people, but they also provide a needed boost to the local economy. Steps have been taken to set up a charitable bank account to collect donations for these projects. The account has been set up at America First Credit Union, and donations can be made a couple of different ways:
1. Online banking - The account number is 903452-1, and the America First routing number is 324377516.
2. Make a check out payable to America First Credit Union.
Be sure to note on the check the account name: US Army MITT 0331
Charitable, and account number 903452-1. Checks can be mailed to:
America First Credit Union
P.O. Box 9199
Ogden, UT 84409
As always, any and all support anyone can give is greatly appreciated. If you have any ideas, questions, or would like to be put on the e-mail list, you can contact Rex Broderick at bubba.broderick@us.army.mil. If you know anyone who can get a hold of a ton of soccer balls, please contact Kira Broderick at kira2rex@msn.com. If you have any questions about making donations to the account you can contact Ernie Broderick at edbroderick@graniteschools.org or edb84093@msn.com.
Iraqi Service Project Updates
A few months ago I put out a call for people back home to support the Iraqi people and our mission here in Iraq by starting some service projects. For the past few months our team has been receiving a ton of packages from many of you back home. A newsletter showing some of the good things that have come from all the love and support you’ve sent is long overdue. Within the past six weeks my team and I have been able to make a difference in people’s lives across the desert of Iraq’s Ninevah Province, and we want to let you see some of the results that have come from your donations.
The first small project we were able to complete occurred in mid July when we were able to hand out thirty personal hygiene kits that friends and family members helped put together back home. The soldiers of the Iraqi Battalion we advise were very grateful and excited to receive the American products. We had jundis (the Arabic word for soldiers) coming up to us asking for more for the next couple of weeks afterwards. Many of them were surprised to know that people in America cared enough about what the Iraqi soldiers are doing out here to gather the resources needed to put together and send out the packages. It made them feel good about what they are doing and the project was a big success.
Since we arrived in Iraq, we’ve been receiving a ton of candy from back home. Once our team stockpile got big enough, we began giving the Iraqi Soldiers candy to hand out when they are on missions. The pictures you see here are of our battalion commander handing out some of the candy to kids in a village after the Battalion had just completed a cordon and search operation. When Iraqi Soldiers do these kinds of things, big steps are made towards getting the people of Iraq to support and trust the Iraqi Government. Meanwhile, because the Iraqi Army is still in its infancy, simple things – like getting together some candy to hand out – are difficult to make happen, so the effort to help from people back in the U.S. is not only appreciated, but it helps fill a gap that would otherwise be overlooked. Besides, our American candy is “the best” to the kids out here, so even if they could get some candy, it wouldn’t be as good as the stuff you’re sending. It’s surprising to realize how much of a difference these simple acts of service and kindness from people thousands of miles away are making over here. So please keep the candies coming, these guys go out on patrols all the time and they can use every last bit we give them.
The last good news story I have about our battalion is about a Medical Assistance Visit (MEDAV) we recently conducted in a small Iraqi village. The village has no clinc, and the people there often find themselves in a difficult political situation because the people come from some smaller, less powerful tribes. These types of villages are targeted by insurgents because it’s easy for them to throw some money and/or threats around to gain passive support from the people living there. This MEDAV was a large scale operation that involved the use of a lot of Coalition and Iraqi Army resources. Medical personnel were able to see some 250 people, and we handed out about $10,000 worth of medications to those in need. During the operation, some of the goods that our team has received were handed out to the people of the village, including some school supplies that were given to the headmaster of the small school which the operation took place in.
The best part of all of this is that there will be much more to come. In addition to the many small projects that have been and will continue to be done, we have several large-scale projects that have been set in motion. Soccer is huge in Iraq, and our Iraqi Army counterparts have agreed to help build some soccer fields in towns where the kids don’t really have a place to play. Where they need our help is to come up with soccer balls and money to have some goals built. Our other larger-scale operations that we have planned are dependent on us receiving monetary donations from back home. We plan to purchase needed goods such as clothing, blankets, heaters, etc. off the local economy and give them to the Iraqi Army to hand out in villages that could use the help. These projects act as a double edged sword because they not only heighten the Iraqi Government’s reputation and provide needed goods to distressed people, but they also provide a needed boost to the local economy. Steps have been taken to set up a charitable bank account to collect donations for these projects. The account has been set up at America First Credit Union, and donations can be made a couple of different ways:
1. Online banking - The account number is 903452-1, and the America First routing number is 324377516.
2. Make a check out payable to America First Credit Union.
Be sure to note on the check the account name: US Army MITT 0331
Charitable, and account number 903452-1. Checks can be mailed to:
America First Credit Union
P.O. Box 9199
Ogden, UT 84409
As always, any and all support anyone can give is greatly appreciated. If you have any ideas, questions, or would like to be put on the e-mail list, you can contact Rex Broderick at bubba.broderick@us.army.mil. If you know anyone who can get a hold of a ton of soccer balls, please contact Kira Broderick at kira2rex@msn.com. If you have any questions about making donations to the account you can contact Ernie Broderick at edbroderick@graniteschools.org or edb84093@msn.com.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Saturday, July 26, 2008
our troops rock!
I thought I would post this video of some AWESOME soldiers. They are working so hard to build up the Iraqi forces. We all need to show support any way we know how. GOOD JOB GUYS... KEEP IT UP!!!
If you need help thinking of things to support the troops & the Iraqi counterparts they work with... contact me! kira2rex@msn.com
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Thursday, July 10, 2008
A message from Rex
Today I received three packages full of candy and a bunch of cards from your neighborhood kids. Thank you so much! My team enjoyed the cards from the kids. Once we're done with them, I'll take the cards up to our base morale and welfare center so other soldiers will be able to enjoy them as well. The candy will be put to good use and be given to Iraqi children in our area. Our team does "drive-bys" when we're out on patrols, throwing the candy out from our gunners' hatches. We're trying to get the Iraqi battalion we advise to do the same thing. The kids here love it.
I've attached a few pictures that you may like to share with the kids who made the cards. Even though it happens all the time, it's proven difficult for me to get a video of some of these kids as they're sprinting up to the road, waving, and jumping all around in hopes of getting some candy from us. Once I get something that will work, I'll send a copy your way
Thanks for all the support!
1Lt. Rex Broderick
US ARMY MITT-0331
Sunday, June 8, 2008
R.I.P
Chonch
July 15 2000- June 8 2008
This morning after a long struggle with liver disease, chonch was laid to rest. Chonch was an professional snuggler , expert trick-do’er and loved to play with the ball. He was by my side for many moves, deployments and other separations from Rex and He will be missed!
July 15 2000- June 8 2008
This morning after a long struggle with liver disease, chonch was laid to rest. Chonch was an professional snuggler , expert trick-do’er and loved to play with the ball. He was by my side for many moves, deployments and other separations from Rex and He will be missed!
Thursday, June 5, 2008
trip to fort campbell
So many of you know, I went to Fort Campbell last week to visit a friend. I had fun & it was good to go back! My friend had heard of this new thing the army is doing, it's called "post-tour". It is a new program the army put together to try & show families & the public what it is the soldiers do & how they train for it. So our day started with a briefing... a what/how/when about the history of Fort campbell. Then we went off & were able to do the helicopter flight simulator. That was fun... i crashed! (Kim is on the left-flying! The red with cracks in the backround means I just crashed!)
kim & some friends from FRG (Family Readiness Group)After that we had some lunch, then headed off to the mock- urban training center. The place i hear is a pretty good representation of what Iraq is like... if that is true- I really feel for our guys who have to live there, for months & a year!!! After that we got to go to the Engagement skills training Facility. Here we got to use M-16 simulator guns. We got to target practice first- shooting Turkeys (on an interactive screen). After that we got to run through some different training skills. It was really hard to be able to shoot well & then re-load in a timely manner and regain your shooting skills! It really mad me appreciate how awesome our military men & women are. They have to be so trained & prepared. I really just want everyone to know how awesome our men & women are & let Rex as well as all the other soldiers out there know how proud of them I am!! GOOD JOB & STAY SAFE!!!
This is me & kim... guns... we have no idea what we are doing!!!
HA HA HA!!!
Snazy photo
Rex is working on finishing up his memory card & sending it back to me. It may take some time. His internet and phones have not been working reguarly... so he can't communicate much these days. He was able to send me this one photo of him all geared-up!
Please try & get the projects he mentioned before going... time is flying by... let's not slack anymore!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
email from Rex...
Hey Family (& friends),
It’s been too long since I wrote everyone last time. I’d say sorry if I felt really bad, but I’ve been getting worked like crazy since I got here so I just feel a little bad. During previous deployments I’ve had a tough time falling asleep because I tried to get to bed early. I figured the deployment would go by quicker if I slept through more of it. This time around, I have no problem falling asleep because I’m so tired by the time I have a chance to go to bed. Other than working so much, I really love my job this time. It’s a lot of fun getting out there and interacting with the people here. I’m having fun learning and adapting to being around a different culture. My living conditions are good when I’m around my CHU, (containerized housing unit) but I’ve been moving around to different places a lot recently, so I’ve been living out of a rucksack a lot too. I really don’t even mind doing that too much either. It’s not as big of a deal when you know you’ve got a nice “home” to return to, but this country does suck. I don’t have a clue how/why the people hang around here. I guess it has something to do with not knowing anything better, traditions, family, or something. At any rate, I’ll never understand it. This place straight-up blows.
I want to tell all of you thanks for all your love, support, and prayers. Most importantly, I want to thank you for all the packages you’ve been sending. Within a couple of days, I received six packages. You guys have quickly established yourselves as the best family. You’re all very popular among my team. You’ve all set a pretty high standard early on, and I’m sure you’ll keep the goodies coming. Also along the same lines, I’ve sent Kira and a few of you some ideas for service project type things you guys can do back home. I’m in a pretty unique situation in that I have regular opportunities to interact with the people, so it’s really easy for me to hook them up with stuff. The kids here love soccer balls, candy, and small toys. And the Iraqi soldiers love any kind of pocket knives, leathermen, gerbers, etc. If any of you have ever wanted to find a way to impact how things are going over here, now’s your chance. It’s the little things that are making a difference in us winning this thing, and you guys would be surprised to see how much of a difference small things like that make. I’ve got access to interpreters if you want to send little notes or whatever to the people here, and I’d be happy to send pictures or other things your way. Please join the fun and start doing some of these things. I know all of you are thinking it’s a good idea, so you might as well get up and start doing something about it. Before you know it, I’ll be a couple of months away from coming home, and it’ll be too late to get something going. You’ve all got ten months, so let’s see how much good you can do. Contact me for more information when you want it. Anyways, thanks again for all your love and support. I miss you guys and think about you all the time. Keep on taking care of Kira and the dogs for me while I’m away and enjoy your lives in the land of the free.
Love, -Rex
P.S. I'm working on getting some more pictures out. I'll send another e-mail with a couple, and within the next week or two I plan on getting Kira a bunch of them.
It’s been too long since I wrote everyone last time. I’d say sorry if I felt really bad, but I’ve been getting worked like crazy since I got here so I just feel a little bad. During previous deployments I’ve had a tough time falling asleep because I tried to get to bed early. I figured the deployment would go by quicker if I slept through more of it. This time around, I have no problem falling asleep because I’m so tired by the time I have a chance to go to bed. Other than working so much, I really love my job this time. It’s a lot of fun getting out there and interacting with the people here. I’m having fun learning and adapting to being around a different culture. My living conditions are good when I’m around my CHU, (containerized housing unit) but I’ve been moving around to different places a lot recently, so I’ve been living out of a rucksack a lot too. I really don’t even mind doing that too much either. It’s not as big of a deal when you know you’ve got a nice “home” to return to, but this country does suck. I don’t have a clue how/why the people hang around here. I guess it has something to do with not knowing anything better, traditions, family, or something. At any rate, I’ll never understand it. This place straight-up blows.
I want to tell all of you thanks for all your love, support, and prayers. Most importantly, I want to thank you for all the packages you’ve been sending. Within a couple of days, I received six packages. You guys have quickly established yourselves as the best family. You’re all very popular among my team. You’ve all set a pretty high standard early on, and I’m sure you’ll keep the goodies coming. Also along the same lines, I’ve sent Kira and a few of you some ideas for service project type things you guys can do back home. I’m in a pretty unique situation in that I have regular opportunities to interact with the people, so it’s really easy for me to hook them up with stuff. The kids here love soccer balls, candy, and small toys. And the Iraqi soldiers love any kind of pocket knives, leathermen, gerbers, etc. If any of you have ever wanted to find a way to impact how things are going over here, now’s your chance. It’s the little things that are making a difference in us winning this thing, and you guys would be surprised to see how much of a difference small things like that make. I’ve got access to interpreters if you want to send little notes or whatever to the people here, and I’d be happy to send pictures or other things your way. Please join the fun and start doing some of these things. I know all of you are thinking it’s a good idea, so you might as well get up and start doing something about it. Before you know it, I’ll be a couple of months away from coming home, and it’ll be too late to get something going. You’ve all got ten months, so let’s see how much good you can do. Contact me for more information when you want it. Anyways, thanks again for all your love and support. I miss you guys and think about you all the time. Keep on taking care of Kira and the dogs for me while I’m away and enjoy your lives in the land of the free.
Love, -Rex
P.S. I'm working on getting some more pictures out. I'll send another e-mail with a couple, and within the next week or two I plan on getting Kira a bunch of them.
something some one emailed me...
Link: http://gratitudecampaign.org/shortmovie.php
I tried to post a video, it wouldn't work. Check out the link!!!!
But this is a message from the creator of The Gratitude Campaign:
"For the past several years as I've been traveling around the country, I've been approaching Soldiers in airports and thanking them for serving for us. On several occasions I have noticed that it felt a little awkward for both of us. There are several reasons, some of which I am even just now learning as I produce this film and talk to more Service Men & Women and Veterans. But they have always appreciated being thanked, and I have always felt better having expressed my gratitude.
I started to think that it would be nice if civilians had a gesture or sign that they could use to say "thank you" quickly and easily without even having to approach. I did some research and found the sign that we are now using.
Is this limited to the military? Not at all. If you look around you I'm sure that you'll find lots of people who are serving their communities, from local to global. If you appreciate their service, give them a sign. Say "thank you from the bottom of my heart."
-Scott Truitt, FOUNDER, The Gratitude Campaign
I tried to post a video, it wouldn't work. Check out the link!!!!
But this is a message from the creator of The Gratitude Campaign:
"For the past several years as I've been traveling around the country, I've been approaching Soldiers in airports and thanking them for serving for us. On several occasions I have noticed that it felt a little awkward for both of us. There are several reasons, some of which I am even just now learning as I produce this film and talk to more Service Men & Women and Veterans. But they have always appreciated being thanked, and I have always felt better having expressed my gratitude.
I started to think that it would be nice if civilians had a gesture or sign that they could use to say "thank you" quickly and easily without even having to approach. I did some research and found the sign that we are now using.
Is this limited to the military? Not at all. If you look around you I'm sure that you'll find lots of people who are serving their communities, from local to global. If you appreciate their service, give them a sign. Say "thank you from the bottom of my heart."
-Scott Truitt, FOUNDER, The Gratitude Campaign
Saturday, April 26, 2008
conversation...
Rex & I had a conversation the other day (online). I thought i would share some of it... I think he makes some valid points.
Kira- "people always ask me what you think about the war, when they find out you are over there... can you tell me... so i can make sure i am getting it straight?"
Rex- "Tell them I don't think people at home care enough about it."
Kira- "anything else?"
Rex- " people back home only care enough to pay attention to the news from over here that catches the headlines. if they cared enough to see what was really going on, all these bull crap of "when do we get out of iraq" debates would quit getting so much attention."
Well what can I add. We need to be more informed of what is really going on & really support our troops. Rex is in a unique situation to help the Iraqi forces help the Iraqi people.... which is VERY important. My ward here will be doing a service project for the children out in Iraq. If anyone wants to help out, any help will be appreciated. I will post more specifics later
love... Kira
Kira- "people always ask me what you think about the war, when they find out you are over there... can you tell me... so i can make sure i am getting it straight?"
Rex- "Tell them I don't think people at home care enough about it."
Kira- "anything else?"
Rex- " people back home only care enough to pay attention to the news from over here that catches the headlines. if they cared enough to see what was really going on, all these bull crap of "when do we get out of iraq" debates would quit getting so much attention."
Well what can I add. We need to be more informed of what is really going on & really support our troops. Rex is in a unique situation to help the Iraqi forces help the Iraqi people.... which is VERY important. My ward here will be doing a service project for the children out in Iraq. If anyone wants to help out, any help will be appreciated. I will post more specifics later
love... Kira
pictures... i know everyone has wanted some
Real Camels!! WowBelow is a picture of Rex with one of his fellow MITT member.
They are out and about doing what they do!
You thought your place was too small????
This is Rex's living space. He says it's the best
out of all previous tours. FANCY huh!!!
Friday, April 25, 2008
cutest pugs ever
Thought i would share a picture of my babies.. Chonch& LLoyd! They were playing... and i thought it was cute. Chonch has been feeling better this week! Let's hope he keeps it up. He had a bad week last week... here is a picture of the snuggle king! Enjoy!
Saturday, April 19, 2008
small update
From Rex...
"I'm really busy now. It seems like there's always something I need to be doing. That's all right though, it makes the time fly. A month of deployment time is already up, and 4-1/2 months of the 15 total months are gone. So at least we've got that going for us. The place I'm at is nice, definitely the best living arrangements I've ever had on a deployment. The job is also nice too. Working on a small team is much better than being stuck in a big army unit. We really have a lot of freedom to do our job how we see fit, and I've got a lot of say over what happens. I've been doing bad at taking pictures. I carry my camera around with me all the time, but I never remember, or I'm too lazy to take any pictures. I'll start doing better and get some sent out to you. Once again, you'll probably have to wait for those until we get our internet to ourselves."
Rex
(posted by Kira)
"I'm really busy now. It seems like there's always something I need to be doing. That's all right though, it makes the time fly. A month of deployment time is already up, and 4-1/2 months of the 15 total months are gone. So at least we've got that going for us. The place I'm at is nice, definitely the best living arrangements I've ever had on a deployment. The job is also nice too. Working on a small team is much better than being stuck in a big army unit. We really have a lot of freedom to do our job how we see fit, and I've got a lot of say over what happens. I've been doing bad at taking pictures. I carry my camera around with me all the time, but I never remember, or I'm too lazy to take any pictures. I'll start doing better and get some sent out to you. Once again, you'll probably have to wait for those until we get our internet to ourselves."
Rex
(posted by Kira)
kind of funny... well if you have that kind of sense of humor... be warned!
FROM the MAN himself..... "So your husband was incredibly hilarious tonight. Get this, we (Cliff, Josh, me, and MSG Tucker) were heading back from the MUF (Multi Use Facility) and we decide to stop off at the latrine trailer to take a leak. Well, we're in PTs -- and you know what that means for me... super tight shorts -- and we each step up to one of the four urinals to take care of business. As I'm walking up there, I realize that there is no way I'll be able to go about business as usual, my shorts are just way to tight. So I went ahead and shimmied the PT shorts half way down my buttocks. It would have been a great Kodak moment... me and my buds all standing at the urinals taking a leak with me standing there with my glutes hanging half way out... Magnificent. I know you all wish you could've been there!"
from Rex's email!!!.. posted by me
from Rex's email!!!.. posted by me
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
house keeping...
So I finally got around to doing some house keeping. I know that i have some friends that asked for pictures of the house once i got settled... I am still settling. But i have gotten a few rooms where I want them. I don't have people over much, so i thoguht I would share some pictures with y'all~!!!
This is a picture of my living room... I love the new sofas!!! Except they are a little too slippery for chonch!
This is the entertainment center that Rex & I worked on last year... and finally finished!
Next is the fireplace.. i love the little decor!
Then there is a picture from the living room looking into the dining/office area. I just back painted the wall. I really like the new color.
Anyways... i will work on the Kitchen and clean up my bedroom so i can post some more pictures. I better go. Hope everyone is doing well.
Rex is hanging in and has a mailing address... i won't be posting it on the blog. But if you want to send him something. PLEASE email me!!!
love ya!
Thursday, April 3, 2008
in iraq... words from the man himself...
In an email from Rex he wrote the following:
"I thought you'd like to know that I'm now in country. It'll still be a while before I get settled into the job I'll be doing; we've still got some more training to go through. Things here are good. I'm more and more amazed everyday at all the ammenities that are here. It's a huge improvement to what I've been used to, even compared to 3 years ago.
Coming back on deployment this time reminds me of how I felt when I got to the MTC. Literally, as I got off the plane in Kuwait I felt the spirit... Wierd huh? "
More to come... Hopefully he will get settled in soon!!
from,
Rex..... written by kira
"I thought you'd like to know that I'm now in country. It'll still be a while before I get settled into the job I'll be doing; we've still got some more training to go through. Things here are good. I'm more and more amazed everyday at all the ammenities that are here. It's a huge improvement to what I've been used to, even compared to 3 years ago.
Coming back on deployment this time reminds me of how I felt when I got to the MTC. Literally, as I got off the plane in Kuwait I felt the spirit... Wierd huh? "
More to come... Hopefully he will get settled in soon!!
from,
Rex..... written by kira
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Hello from Kuwait
Hey there. Rex sent this picture and i tought i would share it with everyone else. These are 2 of his good friends... next to him is Josh & next to Josh is Clint. They are great guys... who said they will take care of Rex!!!!
Update for Me- I am busy working... I work 3 12hour shifts at the New hospital here in Salt Lake... Intermountain Medical Center... in the Shock/Trauma ICU. It is a very challenging job and I am learning tons everyday!
Keep you posted.... Kira
Keep you posted.... Kira
Thursday, March 27, 2008
update
Family & Friends-
I thought I would get this blog jump started. As many of you know Rex has set of for another deployment for Iraq. Last week he arrived safely in Kuwait, he will be training there for a period, then move into his final destination in Iraq. He said that things are much different from the beginning of the war... there's a Taco Bell in Kuwait now- So I am sure he will be happy!
As for information- I will not be very specific on where he is, what he's working on without his clearance. With information so free flowing these days it takes an extra effort to be dilligent in keeping our troops safe! ! ! I will do my best. Hope everyone is good & don't forget the many other men & women that are supporting our nations freedoms... Pray for them often!!
Included is the "Bone Crushers"... the team Rex is assigned to!!! Enjoy!!!
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