On January 5th after a very painful week (felt like a month) of delays we were reunited with Terry. The one of the best moments had to be the next morning when we went to wake Tyler up for school, and told him happy birthday, he was just waking up and said "Daddy, I am so happy you made it home for my birthday!" Jason asked Terry about a dozen times whether Terry had to go back..was he home for good.
Reintigration has been painless for the most part...we seem to have all found our way again with a family of 5.
January has been very busy for me with work, volunteer opportunities, and unit functions. The Financial Readiness manager encouraged us interns to sit thru the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) class here on post. That took 3 days one week and then we decided to do the certification (taking a test) to be able to volunteer at the Tax Assistance Center here on Fort Drum. Let me just say that the test was very painful, even open book working with someone...but we did pass and will probably donate some of our time (like we have any extra) to helping soldiers do their taxes.
Our St. Barbara's day ball is on Jan 29th and I have been helping with that...we are making some ceremic cannons (45 of them) and it has turned into quite a project. Many Saturday mornings have been spent at the Arts and Crafts center working on them.
Some kind Veteren donated a ton of money to throw 3 BCT a party. It was a great turn out and alot of fun.
February is block leave for 3 BCT and things will quiet down, and then in March gear up again with people coming and leaving....and then in April we'll have Change of Comands...
Terry is starting to work with Branch on our next assignment...we could very well be moving from Drum, bittersweet this Army life ,hate leaving all the wonderful friends we have made, but would love to be closer to family...