#1 Found out I'm probably going to Iraq early next year. This means I will likely miss the second half of season 7, and you guys will have to save a seat for me on the bus and bring me up to speed when I get back.

#2 I am going to log out and see if I can log back in. If something bad happens and I can't get my name back, I'll use some variation of my old name, Neat Freak. Just a head's up, cuz last time I changed my name, some people didn't believe it was really me.

Foxtrot, charlie, tango -- we'd know you by any name, who can forget one of our most popular posters?

Going to Iraq, that's really bad news. I have very torn feelings about that war but my biggest feeling of all is while we are all getting on with our ordinary mundane lives and protesting that we should bring our soldier home it seems no one is supporting those of you who have volunteered to fight for our freedoms. If we spent as much of our time supporting and boosting the morale of our troops and really respected the jobs they are doing in this dirty little war the troops just might feel the cause they were fighting for was worthwhile to all of us stateside.

Every week I go to my local Premiere Radio Network and send a email to the men and women overseas, just to let them know that I appreciate their bravery and courage - they are the true heros in this world. Our wounded warriors don't get the support they need either. They fought the brave battle and they didn't lose the fight. I collect books and many other things I donate to our men and women in the hospitals and overseas just to let them know I haven't forgotten them.

If you have a VCR, I tape all the episodes - I'd be happy to have them copied and mailed to you, just say the word.

Sue

Let us know how to donate a season or two to the unit.

My cousin is a gunnery sergeant out of Camp Legeune and just did a year in Fallujah at the field hospital there. I guess it depends on where you're stationed--if you're going to be in the field most of the time, you won't have daily access to the internet like my cousin did. Once you get over there, if you can find a way to post an APO mailing address where you can receive letters and packages, I'm sure you'll pick up several pen pals in here--at least that way, you won't feel so isolated from all your friends here during your tour over there.

God Bless you Foxtrot.

That's kind of off-setting news. There is still so much instibility there that it's bound to have a dew of us worried while you're gone. I know the military never says this stuff, but do you know where exactly your headed, for how long, or what the asignment is?

Well, no matter what, take care of yourself. And everyone around you.

-Mandeville

Yes, please, Fox/Neat----Send us your APO addy, or something similar, when you get there. You know there'll be a ton of us praying for you and sending you little "Monk Care Packs".......I'm sure you'll need lots and lots of wipes over there---pretty sandy place.

Meme

Spoken like a true Monk fan --

"I'm going to Iraq? Aww man -- I'm going to miss the second half of the season."

We'll miss you, man. Maybe something will happen to change or delay it.

(If you have access to a DVD player -- I have a recorder.)

God bless you for serving and keeping the rest of us safe I don't support the war, I support the soldiers over there fight to keep all of us state side safe. God Bless.

Good luck foxtrot and be safe

I too want to thank you and all the others over there protecting our freedom over here! It is a very special person who would do this for their fellow americans and their country. Wishing you a safe journey and may God Bless you all! I look forward to your safe return!

LUV

God Bless you, Foxtrot! There are not words to express my gratitude to you all all of the other servicemen and women who fight for our freedoms and to keep us all safe. Know that you are in my prayers!

Hey, I don't know if I can throw mudballs that far! God bless you and keep you safe, Neatfreak/Foxtrot!

Thank you all for your kind words and support. I never know what to say when people say to me, "God bless you," or, "Thank you for serving." It really means a lot to me. It makes me remember that you guys are why I'm here in the first place. I hate being all emotional, but I gotta say you guys struck a heartstring. Thank you all.

Mandeville: They're saying we'll either go to Saudi Arabia or Kirkuk. I'm Air Force Security Forces, so my mission will likely be basic base security. Maybe some convoys. If they get really shorthanded they might have us go on foot patrols with the Army or Marines, but I doubt it. I'll be deployed for six months. Not too bad at all, considering the Marines go for 18 months.

Meme, Yvette and Kees: I will do my best to make contact as soon as I can. If we end up in Saudi, I'll likely have internet access at least some of the time. Kirkuk is a little rougher, so I might be limited to snail mail. Regardless, I'll drop you all a line.

BfloGal: You put a big, silly grin on my face. And yes, it is possible that something will happen to delay or even prevent me from going. Especially with the election coming up, which we won't talk about any more after I put the period on the end of this sentence.

Tami: Nice to see you! It's been a while, eh? And don't worry about mudball range, I've been working on my latest invention: the Mud Missile 3000.

Quinfran: He does everyday. Can't figure out why, but I don't ask questions.

Everybody: You guys are the best. Thank you for all the offers of taping episodes. I'll let you know what sorts of electronics I have at my disposal when I get there. "Early next year" is still a long way off, though, so let's enjoy today while it's here.

Your own GI,
Foxtrot

Foxtrot,

I am an Army wife and please count me in. I can do care packages in my sleep! I know that you feel you are just doing what you trained for, but you are a very special person. Our country would not be the same it weren't for all of you who "just do your job". I am very proud of and thankful for you.
My husband spent all of 2005 in Iraq, and someone had a couple of seasons of Monk on DVD and he watched it on his laptop (no internet) there. When he came home and talked about how he related to Adrian, it got me thinking that I should check out the show. So that led to.... MAJOR Monkophilia - a bad case! So we can make sure you have some DVDs to get your fix from.
The people my husband worked with over there became like family to him. I know you will watch out for each other. But we will watch out and pray for you, too.

Kathy