Home of the Soul Cookie

As a public service for those of you who might not have received this news already:

Tom Bender is getting deployed to Iraq for four months.

From: Tom Bender
Date: Nov 6, 2006 9:43 AM
Subject: Off I Go…
To: [a bunch of people]

Everyone,

Some of you already know, but for those of you who don’t know, I am leaving this afternoon to head over to Baghdad, Iraq. I will be there for 4 months. I greatly appreciate the well wishes people have expressed to me and to Sarah regarding my trip. I am not going over there to be on the front line, and I will be within a secure compound the entire time. I expect Sarah will call on several people for assistance over the next few months, but if anyone is concerned, please don’t hesitate to give her a ring.

I will have internet access in my room, and will have a bed and indoor plumbing. In fact, I will be at Camp Slayer. Camp Slayer is the coalition name for Saddam’s former primary personal residence. Located right next to Saddam International Airport, our living facility is the former guest houses located along one of three man-made lakes. I will have full use of a Post Exchange, workout center, a Burger King, Pizza Hut, and, like I said, wireless internet from my room. It’s practically club med only in camoflauge.

I barely escaped being over there on my birthday, but will be there on Mom’s birthday, Thanksgiving, Dad’s birthday, Christmas, New Years, Valentine’s Day, and Rhys’ 4th birthday. If anyone wants to send me care packages (or care packages for any other deployed soldier, sailor, airman, or marine…I can get lists of names of those most in need) my address will be:

Morris Bender (do not put rank)
MNFI C2, CSG
APO AE 09342

Take care,
Tom

You may recall that Tom received his commission from the Navy three years ago next week.

So, if y’all find yourselves in possession of an empty slot on your Christmas card list this year, you might consider sending something Tom’s way. Heck, like he says, there will be many servicemen and servicewomen who would, I’m sure, love to get something over the holidays.

My best wishes to Tom and Sarah and their families.