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1. There is still no information as to how long our soldiers will remain in-country. We were reminded that their amended orders have August 12 ,2004 as an end date. Hopefully, they will not go that long, but it is a possibility. It all depends on what happens on June 30th, when the Iraq government takes control of its country. Colonel Morrow also added that this particular call up for our unit by law is up to two years.
2. Our soldiers' mission is to escort convoys from Kuwait to Iraq. Sometimes missions can last up to a week. However, at the end of their mission, they do return to the base and relax for a couple of days.
3. We were told that the vehicles our soldiers are using on missions have now been fitted with bullet-proof windshields to be installed on their vehicles.
5. Our soldiers will be receiving an extra $1,000 in addition to their current salary. It will be paid our in two protions, however, it is unknown what the split will be.
If any family member should have a concern, Colonel Morrow has offered to personally address them. He offered the following telephone numbers where he can be reached at any time.
work: 217-761-3704
home: 217-627-3597
cell: 217-494-3853
His e-mail address is:
[email protected]
(Soldier's Rank and Name)
933rd Military Police Company
Camp Udairi
APO AE 09330
If you are interested in sending your soldier a box, the military has offered to mail back one box to your soldier free of charge. However, the details are still being worked out. You will be receiving by mail, further information regarding this offer. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact Marge Walsh at 847-875-7702 or by e-mail at [email protected].
Pens and Stationary
gum or hard candy that won't melt
washcloths (dark colors work best)
Chapstick
Tube socks or women's knee-highs
hand sanitizer
band-aids
sunglasses
decks of playing cards
saline eye solution
waterproof bags
duct tape
small binoculars
batteries
waterproof matches
a lighter
a good pair of gloves
extra bootlaces and insoles
baking soda
fly bait, ant and mouse traps
For female soldiers:
feminine products
clear nail polish and nail products
body sprays
hair scrunchies and clips
- Caring for you and your family
- Managing your everyday life
- Available anytime, anywhere
- Your privacy is assured
- No cost to you
Counselors are only available in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. All you have to do is make the call. Call Army One Source today from the United States: 1-800-464-8107
Army One Source is brought to you by the U.S. Army, at no cost to you - any time of the day, wherever you are. They have consultants who speak Spanish and offer simultaneous translation into more than 150 other languages.
TTY/TTD accessibility and Website also available.
Online: www.armyonesource.com
User ID: Army Password: Onesource
En espanol, llame al 1-800-375-5971
TTY/TTD: 1-800-346-9188
At the May 1st FRG meeting, social workers and therapists who are affiliated with the Army One Source Program were on hand to discuss concerns our family members might have had at the time. They encouraged us to take advantage of the Army One Source program. In addition, one of the military chaplains who attended the meeting offered himself as a resource if he were needed by one of our families. His name is Chaplain Steve Foster and he can be reached at 217-433-1043 or by e-mail at [email protected].
http://geocities.com/militarypolice933rd
It's a great place to keep informed about the unit's activities to share with other family members. If you have any questions or concerns regarding their website, please contact Ms. Adriana Vargas at 773-251-6305.
SPC Kelly Reyes celebrated her 20th Birthday on April 22nd. Her family sends all their love. Mom says this is her second birthday over in that big sandbox across the ocean.
SPC Edward Ulatowski celebrated his 21st birthday on April 25th. His father, friends and family send him a very special greeting.
Happy Birthday to SGT. John R. Stark who celebrated his 25th birthday on May 7th.
Happy Birthday to SGT. Javier Reyes who celebrates his birthday on May 23rd.
SFC Daniel Faczek will be celebrating his 14th Wedding Anniversary on May 19th. His wife sends all her love and hopes that maybe next year they can actually spend it together. "I love you sweetheart!"
SPC David Weigal Jr. will be 22 on June 1. His family wishes him a Happy Birthday!!
The Kane County Cougars have joined forces with Lt. Governor Pat Quinn's office to support Illinois military service men and women and their families this Memorial Day Weekend. Raising awareness and funds for the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund and Operation Home Front, the Cougars are hosting a Military Appreciation Weekend, Friday, May 28 through Monday, May 31, when the Cougars battle the South Bend Silver Hawks in a 4-game series. As a special tribute, all troops and family members showing proper military identification will receive a complimentary ticket to watch the Cougars take on the Silver Hawks throughout the 4-game series. Fireworks shows set to patriotic music will follow the Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening games. For more information, contact the Cougars box office at 630-232-8811 or visit online at: kcccougars.com
Video Day Set at Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington
On Saturday, May 15th the University will host its second video day for military families. On this day local families have the opportunity to create a movie on DVD that they can send to their family members serving in the military. The movie can be composed of still photos (digitas or regular) put to music, home video, or a combination of both. Families are also provided an opportunity to videotape a brief message that day to include in their movie. Space is limited and reservations are required. The event starts at 10a.m. and families should plan on spending approximately 2 hours creating their movie. For more information please contact Tim McKeown at (309) 556-3846 or by email at [email protected].
Stars and Stripes at Adventureland!
Adventureland Park is again saluting all members of the Armed Services this Memorial Day Weekend with an invitation to attend the amusement park in Des Moines free of charge. All current members of all branches of the regular military and current members of the National Guard and Reserve will be admitted free to Adventureland on May 29-31, with their military ID. In addition, all members of the military, National Guard and Reserve may purchase up to 6 admissions to the park during this time at $22 each (a savings of $5.00 off regular price of $27). Children ages 3 yrs & under are free. For more information please contact Bill Fisher at 515-266-2121 or visit the website at www.adventurelandpark.com
May 7, 2004
Dear God,
This prayer that I say tonight
Is for my spouse who must fight
For you see, he is away from me
Keeping his country safe and free
This is the one that I love
And so I ask you Lord above
Please keep him safe while under way
And briing him home to me some day
While he is gone, please hear my prayer
And let him know I will be there
Waiting for him upon the pier
Hoping and praying with some fear
This prayer is not for him alone
But for all military far from home
I ask you to keep them safe and sound
On their way to where they're bound
We love these soldiers who are asked to fight
So, keep them safe for us tonight.
" Cindy Ledbetter "
A Mother's Prayer
We mothers rocked the cradles
And we held the little ones
We sang to them,
And read to them
Our daughters and our sons.
You ask the greatest sacrifice
A mom could ever make.
You want them for their service.
The dearest thing that you could take.
Well, I will give my child to you
As did the mothers of the past --
With pride and fear, anxiety --
And the hope The War ends fast.
But you must do one thing for me.
It's not too much to ask.
Please give my child back to me
When The War is done at last.
- Author Unknown
Recently at the Illinois Nationa Guard State Family Readiness Conference members of our own FRG were presented with state awards for their contributions and commitments to our unit.
Marge Walsh and Rhonda Eckwall were both presented with the Elizabeth Armstrong Award, the highest honor presented to a civilian for their support and commitment to the Family Readiness Program.
Maureen Diebolt, Amy and Terry Reagan, Herminia and Ed Vaughn, Yolanda Resendez, Adriana Vargas, George "Chief" Gandara, Marie Vazquez and Carmen Faczek were awarded an Illinois Plaque and Certificate of Appreciation for their leadership and support of the Family Readiness Program.
Congratulations to all the awardees. We greatly appreciate all the time and effort they put into our FRG Program
Name: Adriana Vargas
Email: [email protected]