Afghanistan deployment

JT left for Afghanistan yesterday. He left March AFB around 2pm, stopped over in Bangor, ME and then flew across the Atlantic. I'm not sure exactly where he is going to end up for the next leg, maybe Kuwait? He is expected to arrive in-country around the 15th. He will be working in one of the southern provinces of Afghanistan, probably Helmand for around 7 months give or take. This is going to be a rougher deployment than Iraq was for him. He won't be on a base at all because things are not that established in Afghanistan. He is attached to an infantry battalion out of Camp Lejeune and will be providing them with information on the Taliban insurgents. He has 7 men that he is responsible for out there.

He is really looking forward to the work and the excitement of being in charge of a team. However, he knows that is going to be a rough deployment -sleeping in a foxhole he dug, eating MRE's (meals-ready-to-eat are largely preservative based meals that come in little green bags), and showering perhaps once a month. Mail wont be immediate out there, but it should arrive. He gave me the following address:

1stLt John T. Pruitt

3/6 H&S Company

Unit 73290

FPO AE 09510-3290

He doesnt have much use for care-package type doodads, but he really enjoys receiving letters and homemade things. I remember how excited he was when he received a homemade book from his younger cousin Joy. Even if you dont know JT that well, I'm sure he'd like to receive an upbeat letter from someone at home.

Please pray for his safety and his quick return. I am doing my best to convince him that he has spent his time in the marine corps and should settle down and go to graduate school. Hopefully this will be his last deployment and he will do his men proud.