My Great News

[oldsoldier]

Well, we finally got the word for our demobilization today. For those of you who dont know, I have been activated with the National Guard since 28 Sep. Me and 99 other folks were sent down from MA for homeland defense. We have been separated from friends, loved ones, and our personal lives for almost a year. It has been a long time since I have slept in my own bed, drank with friends from home, and all the other little stuff I used to take for granted. We are to be officially deactivated as of Sep 15, probably going back a week before. I have to say that, being here (in NJ) and doing this ( playing cop) has been, well, interesting. I have had a chance to get back into paintball when not working, have seen yet another part of this great land of ours, have seen some of NJ's staranger areas, thanks in part to Wierd NJ magazine, and have met new friends. I have endured long hours of boredom, dealing with, well, not the sharpest tools in the shed, all knowing that someday I get to go home. Well, today, they finally gave us the date. I know that, by far, I havent had the worst of it. I have 2 buddies serving in Afghanistan right now, with a 3rd in "parts unknown" somewhere out there.
We were literally activated and shipped out within 3 days. That is, got a call on a tuesday, reported wednesday, and was gone Friday. I dropped my whole life, gave up my apt, had to have friends remove all my belongings and put into storage, cancel all my accounts, all while being mobilized. No fun. But, I am just so happy that I cvan return to my civilian life again, that I just wanted to share it.
I am literally sitting here with a stupid grin on my face!!!

[FactsOfLife]

Welcome home and thanks!

HOOAH!

[Timmee]

Glad to hear that you'll be able to return to civilian life. My uncle is up in MA right now, activated, and it's been tough on him. He hasn't been there for his wife and 2 year old son nearly as much as he's wanted to. But I'd like to take this time to thank everyone who's been serving this great country.

[subbeh]

Thanks... can't say that enough. Your sacrifice means a lot to us.

[oldsoldier]

Ok, I just reread my post. All I wanted to get across is that I finally get to go home. My "sacrifice" was self-chosen. I chose to serve this country, as did a number of others here on this forum. I really appreciate the kind words. but after I read it, it looked like I was fishing for compliments. That wasnt my intent. I am just so excited that we have an end date. Sorry, I know I am rambling...and I want my own bed back!!!

[FactsOfLife]

even if you think you were fishing, in my book you've earned them.

[Load SM5]

Congrats....soon you can let your hair grow out as long as mine.

I'll buy you a celebratory adult beverage at Shatnerball.

[Jonno06]

yummy adult beverages.....

glad to hear you get to go home...

[virus]

hmm... then we are going to have to go out and play again =)

anyways welcome back...

[TheTramp]

I'm glad to hear that you'll be back. We'll have to put together another MA AO meet and hopefuly I'll be able to make this one.

[Army]

Did you volunteer for the MOB, or did you get hard orders?

If you were involuntarily MOBed (AO members; this is not a bad thing, despite what that sounds like), you did not have to give up your apt. Your lease could have been carried over until you returned. (Soldier/Sailor act).

You have good friends. To help you store and keep safe all your things without you being there, is a tribute to their generosity, and what they think about you. hooah

Remember, it ain't over, 'til it's over. Watch your back and keep aware.

"To us, and those like us..."

HOOAH!

[oldsoldier]

Army, involuntary. And I am getting BHA...sublet my apt, so I am doing ok there. It was just all a pain, and, unfortunately, got left to my family. But, hey, what can you do, right? I have used the S/S Act, for my bills. Its nice paying that rate...allowed me to pay off some debts!
Virus, yep, will be back in the area soon, possibly days after Shatnerball. So, we can definitely get together and play again. I am home on leave from 19 july-1 aug too, and I might be down that 1 weekend to play, possibly on Sat. the 20th.
Load, I'll hold you to that.