[bthornton17]

Hopefully this deployment will not leave you with so much uncertainty like last year. I hope all will go smooth for you and the kids.

But I must say - ASK FOR HELP - ESPECIALLY FROM FAMILY. You are flying solo and will need the breaks. Take advantage of all offers of help and don't be afraid to ask for it. I made the mistake of waiting to long to ask for help. By the time I did I was at my wits end. I was in Germany at the time too, so no family was close. But I did have my military family. So don't repeat my mistake of waiting. Keep your sanity early on and ask for the help you need to get the breaks you need.

I will be thinking of you and keep us informed of how everything goes. We are here for you too.