25-26 NOV: Iraq

Hello all!! Just thought I would update everyone on what I've been up to. We (LTC Reid and myself) have been spending the last couple of weeks meeting with the Iraqi Army sBG (Staff Brigadier General) BDE Commander that we will be advising (sBG Rasheed). We've also met his G2 (LTC Jamir) and the 1st Battalion Commander (sLTC Mohammad). The first Battalion is known as the Falcon Battalion, so we got a picture with their namesake. We travel to and from COP Nimir (where the IA BDE is located just outside of Synjar, Iraq) to FOB Sykes (South of Tal Afar). I got a picture of the MRAP that I travel in, and took a self portrait of me in the TC (troop commander) seat where I ride. We had a really good Thanksgiving, as I hope you all did, and of course I made a pig of myself eating a Thanksgiving Lunch and Dinner (had to take a nap in between). Well, hope all is going well for all of you. Take care and God bless.

Kelly

Out of The Mouths of Babes

No pictures this time, sorry. Just wanted to pass on something that Kyle said that just makes me smile everytime I think of it, so I thought I would spread some joy your way. Last night after Awana, Kyle says "Mom, you know what, GOD is kind of like the Flash! Because he made everything in 7 days, now that is one quick guy." Makes me smile everytime. He is so much like Kelly, referencing everything back to super heroes :-)

I was able to chat with Kelly last night. He is doing well and seems in good spirits, nothing really new to report from him. I think he is glad to be at his destination and is ready to get their mission started. He is just taking it a day at a time, as we are here. I hope this finds you all doing well! Until next time..

Newest Update from Iraq

Hello everyone. Just wanted to pass on that I'm still doing well. I've moved from Mosul to FOB Sykes and COP Nimur. We'll be passing our time between the two locations, with the majority of the time being spent at COP Nimur where the 11th BDE/ 3 rd Iraqi Army is located. I do have an address, and it is as follows:

Kelly Boian
STT/HHC/2nd BCT/3 ID
Fob Sykes, Iraq
APO AE 09351

No pictures yet, but I'll post more as they become available (or I take some). Take care and God bless.

Kelly

Ryan learned how to use his push toy. It has been sitting around for probably a month and a few days ago he decided he would take it for a walk. He is all over the house and we don't go anywhere with out it. He is really trying to walk, so I am sure that is coming soon too. It is just a different world when they start walking.

Hello from Iraq

Hi everyone!! I'm temporarily located in Mosul, Iraq, waiting to push West to Synjar. Synjar is about 100 miles West of Mosul, and 30 miles East of the Syrian border. I'm not sure yet what my living conditions are going to be like or my mailing address for that matter, but it will give me something else to post once I find out all of that information. Here are some photos of training that we conducted in Kuwait prior to moving to Iraq (Foreign weapons training - shooting AK 47s and RPKs; Crew served weapons training - disassemble/assemble of the M240B machine gun and 50 caliber heavy machine gun/load/reduce stoppage, and firing; also conducted evacuation/roll over training on the MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Proof) vehicle - this consisted of being put into a mock up of the vehicle, strapped in, then rolled (couldn't find a better ride in Disneyland - couldn't stop laughing)). I've been really busy in Mosul - eating, sleeping, and reading mostly (Laurie gave me an Ebook reader for Christmas (early present) and I've gone through 23 books already), but I doubt these "busy" days will last much longer. Well, that's all for now. I'll post again when I have some more information for you all. Take care and God bless.

Kelly

Iraq

Most of you all know that Kelly has been preparing for a year long deployment to Iraq. He officially made it to Kuwait about two weeks ago and he has now made it safely up to Mosul, which is in the northern part of Iraq. He was not sure if he was going to be staying in Mosul or if his job was going to take him elsewhere. He should have a mailing address in a week or so and I will make sure to post it. We thank all of you for your prayers and support. We wouldn't be able to make it through this year without you.

Ryan's First Haircut

Ryan's First Haircut

Like Kyle and Tyler, Ryan has been blessed with a full head of hair from birth. Just like the other two boys, at 10 months he was definitely in need of a haircut. Kelly usually does the honor of giving the boys their haircuts, mainly because he has been cutting his own hair for years and I am a super big chicken. Since Kelly is deployed, Aunt Shannon had the honor. I consider her an expert because she has been cutting her 3 boys hair for at least 20 years. She did a terrific job and Ryan was a super good baby. First haircuts are always a little sad for me because it seems as if my little baby is turning into a little boy right before my eyes. They just grow up way to quickly! Here are some photos of Aunt Shannon and Ryan. Enjoy!

We had a wonderful Halloween. We started the day by going to Kyle's last soccer game of the season. He had a great game and a wonderful time. After the game the team had a party with pizza and goodies galore. They had a great time. Later in the afternoon we had the Blackstocks over for chili and began our halloween celebration. I don't know what I would do without my sister and her family. They are wonderful! They handed out candy and watched Ryan while I took Kyle and Tyler out trick or treating. Kyle was so excited... he was always 5-10 steps in front of Tyler and I, always looking for the next house. I think he would still be trick or treating if he could. Now for the costumes. I had a house filled with Star Wars guys. Kyle was commander Cody, Tyler was Commander Fox and sweet Ryan was Darth Vader. They had a great time.