It’s hard to say no matter what language you use.

Yes, it’s that time again.  In a matter of days, I leave for deployment.  My last one was a bit more vacation-like compared to this time around. No long stay in Japan, visiting old friends, and SCUBA diving. I’ll spend a lot more time at sea and a little closer to the tip of the spear as I do my nation’s bidding. As usual, I can’t mention any details, but it’s safe to say we will be sailing east until we hit desert, and then sailing a little more east. I should be able to post periodic updates along the way, mostly after we have come and gone at a particular location. For those that want to keep an eye out in the news, I’ll be floating aboard the USS NASSAU in support of the 24th MEU (Marine Expeditionary Unit).

I’m looking forward to what should be an interesting adventure over the next 7 months or so, but do not look forward to leaving the family for so long. This will be deployment #2 for Faye (and Shannon for that matter), and I really don’t think it gets any easier for any of us. Last time we had ready access to Skype and phone calls, this time I will be far more isolated. Luckily, I married a super-wife and I know she will keep the kids and I involved in each other’s lives with photos, videos, letters, and treats via good old fashioned mail. I will be coming home to a completely different son who will, God-willing, be walking and talking, but hopefully he won’t forget who I am with a steady stream of pictures and videos.

Some of you out there have asked what kind of things I would like to receive in the way of care packages while underway. If you really want to make my day, I have updated my Amazon wishlist specifically for deployment (to include my deployed mailing address). Books and movies are a great way to pass the time when we aren’t busy. Space is extremely limited on the boat, so please hold off on buying me that new bike or bar-b-q grill until I get back. Homemade snacks and treats are always good too. Just realize it may take 2-3 weeks to reach me, so no deviled eggs please.  Shannon has my mailing address, so you can drop her a line if you want to send something directly.  Even letters and cards offer a great morale boost, so don’t hold back.

Thanks for all the support and good wishes!  Please keep my family and I in your prayers.

Posted under Jason | Tags: 24MEU, deployed, marine corps