In 2018, I deployed to the Middle East for (probably) the last time.
My kids were 6 & 4.
To keep connected, I asked if I could take their favorite stuffed animals. They agreed.
I sent pictures of our adventures nearly everyday & we discussed in our calls:
1/9
I decided they’d get into frequent trouble.
Kids loved that the stuffies were mischievous, so I’d invent stories.
Like when Tigre took control without authorization & tried to head home…he missed my 6 year old, but eventually understood he had a duty & he’d be home soon.
2/9
Or when they had a showdown with a curious cat near the highest peak in the UAE…
A battle ensued. It was a draw. They were allowed to remain & explore.
(That’s what I remember saying, anyway…)
3/9
For the most part, they were chill hanging out with our Sq mascot in the barracks.
The kids were happy they’d made a friend.
They really enjoyed hanging out together in the Boom compartment, giving gas away
4/9
There were some night missions.
They were very vigilant and had no trouble staying upright…but it was way past their bedtime & they regretted it the next day.
5/9
The payoff was getting to see some of the remarkable sights in the Middle East, specifically in the UAE.
(I didn’t take them to a couple places to avoid being disrespectful…inside a Mosque is not appropriate)
6/9
Of course, they had to suffer through military food.
They LOVED the cookie ‘care package’ the kids sent…dove right in!
Fortunately, our Boom Operator didn’t mind hooking them up, too! How about nuggets w/ sauce?!!
7/9
They enjoyed time on our balcony, which we we outfitted via the Ace Hardware Store in Abu Dhabi.
Why not? Make it fun if you’ll be there 2.5 months…
Unfortunately, a Haboob rolled through shortly after & it was less pleasant.
8/9
Anyway, those stuffies saw some things, man!
They helped Daddy, kept the kids interested & did more than their duty.
The kids have been done w/ them for a while….they don’t know where they are now. Lost interest. Maybe a little sad…
…but I know where they are, though.
9/9
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