More Awards/ Mr. Popular

Hey

Just a quick update. The National Guard Bureau General McKinley was on site today. I got to meet him and have dinner with him. He's really personable and seemed genuinely interested in the input we had to offer to him about being here and about the Guard in general. We also had our Commander's Call and I was awarded for meritorious service and received Kingpin Airman of the Week. There are other exciting things I'd like to tell you but will have to wait until I get back. Our projected leave date is May 17. Also I received two boxes today from Mom's in Touch/Marsha Turner. Everyone gets excited when I get a box around here because they know that it's packed full with goodies. I appreciate everything you and everyone else is doing for me while I'm away. I can't wait until I get back to personally thank everyone. I'm going to go back to my dorm and get some sleep. It's been a long day. I'll ttyl.

Bazaar shopping

Congrats. Can't wait to see it [Mom's new car] when I get back home. Wish I could've been stationed in England to enjoy pancake day. We don't have those over here. All I get for breakfast is dry cereal and if I'm lucky, an egg lol. I miss real food :-(. I can't believe that I'm almost done with February already though. It's gone by a lot faster than I anticipated. I'm still looking for a magnet for you. I guess they don't have a high demand for tourist type gifts. I did pick up a few souvenirs at the base bazaar for everyone...it's different having to haggle for prices. You wouldn't believe the beautiful handmade rugs they have here. Of course I wouldn't dream of buying one. They're way out of my price range. I'd get some pictures but we're not allowed to take pictures of the tcn's(third country nationals).

-Andy

i got the box with the pop-tarts and the box with my xbox game.

Missing Birthdays

Sorry I haven't replied. Just haven't been on a computer in a few days. I got the package with the computer part in it. It works perfectly. Wish I could be there for everyone's bdays too. well I'll see if I can get a call sometime soon. I'll ttyl.

-Andy

Breakfast Request

I have a request for things to put in care packages. Breakfast foods. I as well as most of the other people here have not had breakfast in over a month. We're stuck here working during breakfast hours so anything like poptarts or individual cereals would be great. Thank you for the Valentine's. It's really appreciated. Sorry I haven't updated. I've been working on the unit mural and it's due today. Honor Guard is a lot of fun. It's, well, an honor being part of something that's very important to families of fallen airmen. I'll try and get some pictures of the practices next time I go. I'll ttyl.

-Andy

Packages for Andy

From Andy's friend, Genevieve:

I found a program that you all might be interested in. If you call this number 1-800-610-8734, press 1 for Express mail/Priority mail, and ask for the "Military Kit", the USPS will send you free supplies to mail 6 packages - 6 boxes, strapping tape, customs forms and envelopes, and labels. I got mine within a week. Hope this helps people send Andy more goodies!

If you need ideas of things to include in Andy's packages, please look at the list on the right side of the blog.

Promotion

Hey

If people want me to send a thank you note then they should leave their email address in the box so I can send them one. Today there is a lot of wind. Gusting about 35kts. I'm glad I bought a scarf so I don't have to taste sand everywhere I go. I'm going to an Honor Guard (they do funerals, fire parties, etc.) session tonight to learn more about it and hopefully join it. It is a great opportunity to represent the Ohio National Guard. I also got promoted yesterday. It was a surprise ceremony. I knew I would get the pay but not when I actually got to pin on my stripes. Also there is a request for the 5th Harry Potter movie (Order of the Phoenix ). We've been going through all of them at night and that is the only one we don't have here. I'll talk to you later.

Andrew