Heading to Iraq

[Trail Dog]

Happy New Years to all!

It may have been a while since some of you have heard from me. I apologize but things have been hectic. At first it was my new job keeping me busy, but lately new developments have occupied my time.

Over the last three months rumors have been tossed around about my national guard unit being deployed overseas. No more rumors, i ship to Fort Stewart Georgia on 7 January and i will be boots in Iraq sometime in May or June. What a way to start a new year. I can expect to be in Iraq for around 12 months, possibly more depending on the situation in 2005. So my return date should be june 2006 give or take. This is a rather long time, and my new job will have to wait but at least it will be here when i come home (or be here for me to quit when i come home so i can enjoy the trail again).

I will be sending out periodic updates on how things are whenever i get the chance. I probally wont be sending out too many while in Georgia since i don't expect anything too exciting or interesting to happen down there, but Iraq might be a different story. I will miss all my friends and fellow hikers so much. The trail will be constantly on my mind, and i look foward to watching everyones trail journals and reports this upcomming hiking season.

May eveyones new year be safe and happy. Hike a mile for me.

[Gacy]

be careful and godspeed on a safe return.

[Mags]

Good luck to you.

My youngest brother is in the Air National Guard. Rumor has it that he may be getting an all expense paid trip to Kuwait in a few weeks. My fingers are crossed for both of you!

[Lion King]

Thoughts and prayers and good trail vibes to you.

Hope its over before you get there.

[Bloodroot]

Dude I wish you the best. Finishing up my one year tour in late Feb. If you got any questions feel free to ask anytime.

Bloodroot

[Fiddleback]

Godspeed.

Fiddleback

[Brushy Sage]

The trail reaches to wherever you are.

[neo]

i will hike some miles for ya bro.God bless you,be safe
neo

[Mother Nature]

My thoughts will be with you. My son is currently deployed to Iraq and has been there for 10 months. He hopes to come home sometime in February, 2005. While I was on the trail, he would leave voicemails on my cell phone which meant the world to me to know he was safe. You should have periodic access to internet depending where you are sent. Look for future word from you. Godspeed.

Mother Nature

[coastal_guy]

My son came back in June.

We are here for you always.

[Big Guy]

Trail Dog: Will keep you in my prayers and wish you a speedy return to the trail. Stay safe and God bless you.

[skeeterfeeder]

Best of luck and THANK YOU. It is your service that protects my freedom to hike or do anything else I wish.

[saimyoji]

God bless, and thank you. You are the guys who fight for those of us who (for various reasons) don't. Coming from a family of a long line of war heroes: your sacrifice is held in the highest regard. Protect your own, do your duty, come home to those who love you.

[Jigger Johnson]

Thank you . Please return home safely, everything you guys do is much appreciated.

[FatMan]

Thank you for your service to our Country. Stay healthy and safe. The trail will be waiting your return.

[Lone Wolf]

Get some! Watch your 6.

[Skeemer]

Please take care...we are grateful for your service.

[whitedove]

My thoughts and prayers will be with you. Thank you for your service. Take good care of yourself!

[stickman]

Trail Dog, thanks for your service and be safe. We'll keep the campfire burning for you.

Does anone know how many WBlzers may have been to Iraq, or other combat zones? I was in Vietnam, obviously a long time ago.

[Divining Rod]

Hey man the best of luck to you. I did seven months there this past year. Let me know if you need anything.