Phone Call Away

I spoke to Scotty today in Iraq. We can call him whenever we want with the technology today, Yahoo and Skype calling work great to reach people around the globe for a minimal amount per call. It's cheap and it provides an excellent way to keep in touch with someone in another country, by providing a personal phone number within the States.

It's always good to hear from him and to know that he is doing well. We talked for about 30 minutes or so, but since he has night duty tonight and will be up alnight, we had to cut our conversation so that he could get some rest. I am anticipating new photos from Iraq in the next few days.

Missing The Tradition

Scotty called on the 4th of July. As usual, we expected a call from him, especially on the Holidays. I imagine it being very hard for him, especially on days where memories of times before make him wish even more that he were home. He and I talked a short time, answering questions about who all was there at momma's and what was going on at the time. I guess getting a painted picture of the traditional family cookout on the 4th of July is so much different than what he actually knows of past experiences. I imagine a little bit of sadness in being separated and seeking to get some of the feeling through the telephone conversations. Since there was a lot of family and friends there, most everyone had to take turns with the phone, speaking to Scotty and giving him bits and pieces of a picture that only his mind could put together and enjoy.

He did express some enjoyment over the dinner that was put together for the soldiers on the base, but also expressed the disconnect between what was somewhat of a Thanksgiving meal, versus the traditional BarBQ that he is so used to at the family cookout. I did tell him that only about 7 weeks separate him and the next expected family cookout when we celebrate his safe return home. Hopefully, having the opportunity to speak to several friends and family, gave him some comfort in being away and knowing that our tradition continues on, at least something to look forward to when he returns.

MY BROTHER, THE SOLDIER

This is my brother, SFC/E-7, Christopher Scott Johnkins "Scotty", has served in the U.S. Army since graduating high school in 1988. He is currently on his 3rd tour in Iraq. He did serve with the 101st Airbourne Division, but has since been reassigned with another unit.

Scotty decided to join the military and follow in daddy's footsteps right after high school. He was also an Army Veteran. Daddy's brother, Caleb Johnkins also served in the U.S. Army many years ago but was killed at the age of 19 in the Korean War.  Scotty has carried the generational military service at least this far. There are so many other nieces and nephews in the family that may one day decide to keep that generational service going as well.

We are all very proud to have him serve the United States of America and take every chance we get to let him and everyone know how proud we are of him.

He is scheduled to serve another full year in Iraq after leaving in early March of this year. We expect him to return home on leave during the later part of August. We LOVE planning family cookouts or parties, its just another good reason for all of us to get together and laugh, eat, and laugh! We will celebrate.

PLEASE REMEMBER

Continue to remember all of our U.S. Soldiers fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq. Every day there is someone somewhere who has lost a Soldier. Also, remember the Soldiers who have come home and left a part of them at the fight. There will be physical and mental scars left in the lives of our Soldiers for many years to come.