Well this is not train related, but I must share anyway. The US Army acronym, Uncle Sam Ain't Released Me Yet, has once again proven true. I got the word over the weekend that my pending retirement was denied and that I am to ship out for a tour of duty in OIF on 1 June. This is not my first rodeo, but it will be my last. After 22 years I just don't feel like having another government paid vacation at the 140 degree beach. In the end I am a soldier, and soldiers fight wars and follow orders, so off I go.
I will check in from time to time when I get the chance, I understand that nowadays they have internet cafés and very nice recreation facilities in the sand box, so hopefully I can make somewhat regular communiqués.
I've learned a lot from all of you and I will be putting it to good use when I get back next summer. Shame about it all is that only half of my garden is blooming now and I won't get to see the full splendor until next season.
Oh well, at least it's all tax free!
The Dixie D Short Line "Lux Lucet In Tenebris Nihil Igitur Mors Est Ad Nos 2001"
T. J.
SORRY TO HEAR this , I hope this goes quick for you and keep in contact with us . take care
AND THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY . BEN
TJ,
It has been a pleasure having you on the forum. I pray for your safe return home. Maybe you can use your tour as a thinking time for some new projects. Hopefully you can keep in touch with us all. Later eh...Brian.
T-Jack, all the best man, the invite to Blackpool still stands for next year. Keep your head down and come home safe.
Cheers,
Kim
Age is only a state of mind, keep the mind active and enjoy life
Greetings Jack,
I look forward to seeing your posts on here again in the future. I am sure in your 22 years you have learned how to look after yourself but nevertheless the world seems to be a dangerous place in some areas. May God take care of you and your family.
Alan, Oliver & North Fork Railroad
https://www.buckfast.org.uk/
If you don't know where you are going, any road will take you there. Lewis Carroll English author & recreational mathematician (1832 - 1898)
HI TJ
You Keep your head down and in some good hard cover.
Keep in touch as best you can.
I am sure you will get loads of world wide invites so you can add mine to the list.
Give the engineers a hard time till they find some usefull MRR type material for you that will help the sanity for the waiting bit after the hurry up bit
You take care of your self.
regards John
PS You will not be short of sand for the base's of your war games miniatures, remember there is always an up side if you look hard enough.
Take care over there and hurry back. I'm sure we'll all be waiting to hear the news of your return. We'll be thinking and praying for ya.
Jack
Jack, Stay safe buddy!
Hopefully you'll get stationed in the non-shooting part of the world.
Look forward to hearing from you when you can.
Have fun with your trains
Proud of you.
Thank you
If you need any stuff mailed to yeah, ie. personal, just let us know. I myself would be happy to mail what you need.
Thank you and others who wear the uniform! Gods speed!
MOS 11B
Tom Trigg
Stay safe, and say hello to my uncle Sergent First Class Joseph Franz, HHC 1-168th GSAB unit.
Don't forget to come back with a nice tan!
I'm so sorry to hear that. You and all of the men and women over there, need to be at home with their families. I hope that you'll be careful and come home safely.
I know that when you're in the military, you follow orders and do what you're told. Be safe and know that we'll all be thinking about you. Check in when you can.
And remember to come home to those that love you. I'll be praying for you.
Melissa
I heard very recently that our President who has our Men and Women going off to fight and are dieing for peoples Freedom.
Has shut down our troops Freedom to communicate.
He has shut down all the internet cafes and is restricting cell phone access.
Source Paul Harvey News
T-Jack,
Thanks for your service from those of us who have been there is other wars in other times. It is a band of brothers like no other in the world.
Rex LTC USA (Ret)
TJ I wish a safe trip, and will be standing by for your return.
D W Beckett
USAF Retired.
The head is gray, hands don't work , back is weak, legs give out, eyes are gone, money go's and my wife still love's Me.
T-Jack, I'll keep you in my prayers, for a safe deployment and a safe return.
SandyR
T-JACK,
Sorry to hear the news. I wish you the best. The forum will be a lonely place until you return!
Dave, USMC Ret.
T-Jack :
Multiple dittos to all of the above replies. The father of my only grandchild also leaves on Friday (from Ft. Lewis, Wa) with his Kiowa chopper unit. A few years ago they told me I was too old and weathered to join. So I give everyone in uniform my endless prayers & gratitude for making our lifestyle possible , including being able to surf this forum. I'll be up early Friday to raise a toast in your direction.
I have already asked the good Lord to watch over you and keep you safe. Good luck and maybe if you introduce Model Railroading to the nut cases on the other sidemaybe they will all stop fighting and start Railroading , then ever one could come home. Probably not. But heck its worth a try.
yougottawanta wrote: I have already asked the good Lord to watch over you and keep you safe. Good luck and maybe if you introduce Model Railroading to the nut cases on the other sidemaybe they will all stop fighting and start Railroading , then ever one could come home. Probably not. But heck its worth a try.
I thought about that myself, but they would just end up car bombing each other over coupler pin length or what exactly "G" scale means. Fundamentalist HO scalers? Now that's scary!
Thanks to all you guys, I might not get more time to post for a while after tonight. I'll miss all of you, but I'll be sure to drop by and at least say hello when I get the chance. There is something special about model railroaders, Garden scalers above all. Cpt Bob has gone above and beyond to help me on a personal level, so I give him a very special thank you. I've visited some of the forum members and they have all been very good, kind and generous hosts. Benny, sorry I couldn't stop by again sooner but I'll be sure to make a special trip to see you when I get back. Dave, even though you live in NVA I never made the time to stop in, I'll fix that when I return (and I expect progress on you pike so get busy). Have fun!
T.J.
I HOPE YOUR DEPLOYMENT goes quick for you . when and if you get time e-mail the forum with updates . take care . BEN
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