Military Life

Tory left this week for a 3-1/2 month long deployment to Afghanistan. We have known for months that it was coming, but the reality sank in quickly this month that he was leaving.

The squadron hosted a Thanksgiving/Christmas/New Year/Valentine's party at a local pub. It was a fun celebration with friends.  And we had our own family celebration too. We put the Christmas tree up two weeks ago and had a mini Christmas dinner and the kids gave Tory some presents as a send off. It actually felt surprisingly festive around here.

Tory headed out earlier this week and has arrived safely at his base. Its a real bummer that he will be gone over every major holiday -- Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, both of our birthdays... but it is the first time in all his years in the Air Force (13 years) that he has been gone for the holidays.  Me and the kids will be making the best of it back here in England, and heading to Germany for Christmas. 

These are some pics from the send off. The one of all four of us must be on Tory's camera and these are from my phone, so not the best. We are very proud of you Tory and miss you lots!

If you want to send him a Christmas card, note, picture or care package this is his address:
Tory Woodard (no rank or other info)
83rd Rescue Squadron
Bagram Airfield
APO, AE 09352