Hello From IRAQ

Hello this is Matt.

I am writing from FOB (foward operating base) Marez. I am safe and ok. I have been very busy and working hard. Today i got the day off so i was going to write a quick note. Thank you everyone that has sent me something or a package or letter, it means the world to me. I am having the time of my life here. On my off time i have been doing everything i can to stay in contact back home but have found it hard to because the internet is slow or the phones are busy. We hear 50 cals. going off all the time and we hear explosions going off about once a day. Lucky we haven't been hit yet.

Well sorry that this is short but I will try to write more next time

Well, this is my first entry. I hope it works. Matt ended up losing his single room. He is now rooming with another soldier. They had to make room for other companies to come in. He is doing good. I talked to him late last night. I don't really remember the conversation but he is out on a mission and should get his birthday off. I am hoping to get to talk to him before I go into work tomorrow afternoon. He loves and misses us all and looks forward to care packages. Just little things will make him happy. He loves his cookies and would love home made ones. I can't bake so I am asking those that can to send him some and send lots of love with them.
I am doing good. I am keeping busy with work. Well, kinda. I usually work the late shift and stay up late and sleep most of the mornings. Just depends. I am coming home on December 20th and will stay until the 31st. I hope to get to see everyone there!
I love you all and can't wait to see you!
Love ya tonz

Matthew is now in his "room" - a small room about 10x12 that he does not have to share. He got his locker - finally and all the things that he has been without for the past month or so. He does not have internet in his room yet and goes to the computer room to "talk" - instant message. He has a web cam and I have been able to see him several times as we chat on instant messaging. He says that I "talk" too fast. He works hard and has been very busy. His off time is watching movies, playing games, and talking with Kayci, Richard, and of course, his Mom - ME!

He will be working today, Thanksgiving, but have tomorrow, his birthday, off. I am not sure what he will be doing but relaxing and eating pumpkin pie will be on the list.

He has not been able to send pictures or post because of the internet connection that he has. He tells me that he is SAFE and WELL. You cannot ask for more than that.

We have much to be grateful for - especially for the service men and women that are fighting to protect our freedoms here in the USA.

Matt has been deployed for 1 month with 14 months to go. It seems that the best time for Matt to call is during work and the office staff knows that when I am on the phone with Matt - work stops for me. It is always good to get a phone call saying, "Hi, MOM - I'm safe". He states that he will be moving to his "room" by the end of the week. He has been super busy working on vehicles. His unit has been doing lots of missions and thus repairs are always needed. They work on the vehicles until they are all fixed and ready to go which causes some long days and nights for him. He worked on 2 power steering pumps that took almost 20 hours to do.

He has a mentor that has been in the service for 27 years as a mechanic and has lots to teach Matt. Sargent Mulos will be teaching Matt while they are there.

He has been designated one of the mail clerks for his company, which means he gets to go and get the mail when it comes and distribute it. Oh course since the mail pilot quit and the runway needs to be repaired, the mail has not made it to them for over a week and it will be several more days before he will be able to get any mail.

We talked about Brother Bob Call, who was Matt's scout leader. He wanted me to tell Brother Call - THANK YOU for all that you taught me in scouts. Matt is using what he learned in scouts in Iraq. Always nice to know that when you serve that you have benefited someone and Brother Call - Matt is grateful for all that you taught him.

That's all for now. Hopefully as he gets his internet he will be able to post to this blog.