The Family Readiness Group (FRG) has informed me that the last day mail should be sent over to Kevin is November 1st.
I'm sure you will all be happy to hear that Cain is doing well and is healing quickly. They are still in Texas, but will hopefully be able to go back to Colorado soon. His wife, Jenn, has given me their Colorado address, as they do not have one for their Texas location. Everyone feel free to write, send cards, whatever you'd like, I'm sure they would both appreciate it.
Current Location: Camp Corregidor, Iraq
Current Time: 9:10PM
Current Weather: 46◦ F
I will be brief because I am at work, but I just wanted to update everyone. It seems that yesterday Kevin sprained his ankle badly, and it is very painful for him to walk. So he won't be able to go down to the MWR to go online for a few days. He did say that he will endure the pain and walk down there so he can call us on Christmas day, though he's not sure what time. Poor Kev :(
Current Location: Camp Corregidor, Iraq
Current Time: 8:30PM
Current Weather: 55◦ F
Well, it's been a while! Luckily these past few weeks Kevin has had somewhat ample time to come online, make phone calls, and post on this website. I did get a message from him this morning though saying that his platoon is picking up security for the entire COP for about 2-3 weeks, because Able Company is going out into the city, or something like this. He is going to have guard duty 6 hours on, 6 hours off, continuously for almost a month. This is definitely going to limit his abilities to go online or call, but hey, at least it's not him going out into the city! So just keep in mind he may not be around too much for a while, and he may not be able to post comments here as frequently as he has been. Other than that, he says that this new guard duty is actually helping him quit smoking, because he no longer has time to sit in his room for hours to be bored and chain smoke. So at least one good thing is coming from this!
And one last reminder: if anyone is still planning to send anything out for Kevin for Christmas, the priority mail deadline in December 11th (it must be sent out by mid-morning time). Oh and also thanks so much to those that are contributing to Kevin's digital camera purchase! If anyone else is interested, please let me know! :)
Current Location: Camp Corregidor, Iraq
Current Time: 7:40PM
Current Weather: 63◦ F
It feels like it's been forever, but I finally got to talk to Kevin this afternoon! In his ample, bored, spare time, he was kind enough to create an AWESOME video for all of us to see; it includes some great pictures of his early army days, as well as new ones from Iraq. It's actually a video that he added to his myspace account, but I realize most of you don't have that. So the following link SHOULD work without having to log in. Please let me know if you are having any problems with it. I'll also add it to the "Pictures" section so you can refer back to it. KEVIN'S VIDEO.
Current Location: Camp Corregidor, Iraq
Current Time: 7:30AM
Current Weather: 72◦ F
Edit: 01Nov06 @ 4:00pm Eastern:
I finally heard from Kevin!!! They flew over in the chinook and got to their base just fine. They aren't doing much of anything just yet, and Kevin says the place they are at is a shithole. They are all crammed into one room, and have ONE personal shower. They do have portapotties though, so no need for them to crap in ditches. The food sucks; so let's all start sending over the homemade baked goods for him and his battle buddies! The address I had listed earlier is actually incorrect- how surprising-the army always gives me incorrect information! But I fixed it down below, and sent out an email to those on my mailing list with the correction as well. If any of you want to be added to the mailing list, please let me know! My email is [email protected].
They won't have access to the phones or the internet for the next few days/weeks because they are letting the 506th guys use it as much as possible, as they have been there for a year now, and want to be courteous. Kevin is requesting lots of Redbull (they have fridges there), Febreeze, baby wipes, things of that nature. Still hold off on phone cards for a while until I hear back on that situation. Morale is still high over there, we just have to make sure it stays high! Unfortunately they are being worked "like dogs" (as Kevin says) to refortify the position. That's about it for now- I'll keep the updates coming as I get them. Sorry again about the mailing address, I hope it didn't mess anyone up! [END OF EDIT]
Finally! I've received Kevin's address from the FRG (Family Readiness Group) leader! Unfortunately, I haven't heard from him in a few days, since he left for their FOB (forward operating base) in the Black Hawk. But now we can all start sending things to him. Make sure to copy down the following address very carefully:
PFC Kevin Fletcher
HHC, 1-9 IN, Mortar Platoon
Camp Corregidor (COP)
APO AE 09381
I'll let you all know as soon as I hear from him. Also, I discovered something very cool for those of you that have email through Comcast. If you go to www.comcast.net and log into your account, then click "mail" and then click "videomail," as long as you have a webcam you can send Kevin an email with video and audio of yourself! Let me know if you have any questions on accessing that. I'm not sure what other email providers have similar features, but if you know of one that does, let us know!
Current Location: Undisclosed Location, Iraq
Current Time: 3:50 AM
Current Weather: 77◦ F
Our soldier has arrived safely at his next destination. Not sure exactly when they are leaving again for their final location-the answer changes daily. Still no word yet on the phone card situation. A definitive address should be on its way soon. That's about all that's going on right now.
Current Location: Camp Buehring
Current Time: 6:30 AM
Current Weather: 86◦ F
A special message to everyone from Kevin: AmericanInfidel0 (1:03:31 PM): tell everyone i said hi and i love them
Our soldier hasn't had a very eventful past few days. Yesterday they went deeper into the desert to zero their weapons and fire some rounds for re-familiarization. Morning wake-ups are at about 4:30 AM each day, and an 8 mile run in the sand is the standard PT.
According to the Battalion Commander, the next week or so they will be test firing weapons, receiving additional classes, and preparing equipment. Rumor has it that they will go off to the next location during the middle of next week, but nothing is certain yet.
I did get some information in the mail from the Family Readiness Group leader regarding postal services and holiday deadlines. The U.S. Postal Service is offering FREE Military Care Kits, which include (4) Priority Mail boxes, (6) Priority Mail Flat Rate boxes, (10) Priority Mail labels, (1) roll of Priority Mail tape, and (10) custom forms with envelopes. You can order this kit by calling 1-800-610-8734. As far as holiday deadlines (X-Mas seems far away, but it will sneak up on us, I'm sure); December 11th is the last date to ship out (Priority Mail) packages if you want Kevin to receive it by Christmas. I realize he hasn't received an address yet, and probably won't for at least another 2 or 3 weeks. I'll be sure to post his address the minute I get it. I'll also try and find out what sorts of things he needs/wants most, if people want to get him anything(s).
Other than that, he seems like he's doing OK. The days are long and tiring, but it seems like they get a few hours to go on the phones, go online, or take naps. He hasn't been able to use his laptop yet, as it seems there is no wireless internet. Hopefully he'll have wireless access at his next location. That's all for today!
Hello everyone! I�ve decided to start a little circulation of emails to keep everyone updated on Kevin while he�s away. Whenever I hear from him I�ll let everyone know what�s going on with him, how he�s doing, send along any pictures he�s able to get, etc. I�ve gathered up all of the email addresses that I know of for the family, but if I�m forgetting anyone that you think would like to get updates, please let me know so I can add them to the list!
Current Location: Camp Buehring
Current Time: 5:15 AM
Current Weather: 73◦ F
*After a mere 24 hours of traveling from Colorado Springs, CO to Bangor, ME, to Hahn, Germany, our soldier finally lands safely in Kuwait.
*You will all be just ecstatic to know that right around the corner from the air-conditioned tents is a Taco Bell, Subway, AND a Baskin Robins. Not too shabby!
*There are plenty of phones available, but apparently the phones go down very frequently, so it will take him a while to be able to call out to anyone.
*There�s also internet access, but no wireless, and the lines to use the computers are miles long. :(
*They are �scheduled� to stay in Kuwait for approximately two weeks, and then they head to Iraq, but who knows what will change between now and then.
That�s all for tonight. Hope everyone is well!