A Real Cluster

Tomorrow, Krystina and I were invited to participate in a ceremony honoring caregivers.  It is quite an honor. 

In order to be ready, Derek was told he needed his dress uniform.  His Class A's are in NJ.  The Army has a new ASU which is now the dress blues.  A non-profit offered to pay for the uniform for the guys who are attending the ceremony.  On Friday, we went to Fort Belvoir.  We were told not to buy the ribbons and awards that go on the uniform, because they would all be provided.  Derek gave the Sgt a long list of everything, and when we left, two Sgts were gathering the items in baskets.

We arrived to pick up the tailored uniform last night.  We were given three ribbons.  That's it.  We were not given a ribbon bar to put them on, his CIB, his jump wings, his infantry cord, the unit citations, or any of the ribbon earned in basic and prior to deployment.  Derek was not happy.

Derek's Squad Leader showed up today and it letting Derek use his jump wings, and cord, as well as the insignias that go on the collar and shoulders.  Tomorrow, we are to show up at 62 at 0700 to get the other stuff..... I hope.  Derek is not happy.  He does not want to wear a uniform that is not perfectly squared away. 

 Last minute and half assed.

However, he is happy that his promotion came through and his uniform is sporting the SPECIALIST rank! 

But it should be a good day tomorrow.  Krystina and I are excited and feeling quite honored to be selected. 

So, we will have quite a lot to report tomorrow.  I am charging my camera battery and plan to take lots of pictures!

Yesterday, we got out to see a movie.  Mission Impossible:  Ghost Protocol.  Good movie.  Edge of your seat action.  We wanted to go to dinner after, but Derek was not up for it.  I hope he makes the long day tomorrow!

Today, we hung out in the room, resting for tomorrow.  Derek's best comment today (warning: crude language ahead):  "But, Mommy, I almost died!  I'm a cripple!  I got one leg!  And it's only ten inches!  There are dicks longer than my leg!"  He is also planning on pimping me out to the secret service tomorrow!  Oh, Derek.  He just wants me to find a good man.

Tuesday Derek is scheduled to stand on his new prosthetic!  Woot!

Exciting things this week!
So, for tonight, keep your head up, your eyes on the prize and climb to glory!