Farewell Dennis!!

Dennis deployed to Iraq on May 3, 2009. He is in the 4th Brigade, 1st Armored Division. The day of deployment was LONG and EMOTIONAL!! We began at 10:30am by meeting the soldiers at their company headquarters.

They had bags lined up waiting to be loaded into the trucks to take to the airport. The airport was on base, a couple miles away.

Each soldier had to sign out their weapon. The guys were responsible for them as part of their carry-on luggage. Lots of pictures and waiting. We waited for a while. They called roll (manifest) twice while at the company headquarters. The guys in the unit went to the airport in shifts.

Dennis, I am totally framing this picture because I am TONS taller than you!! LOL

This is Dennis and his friend Glenda. She lives near Mom in Myrtle Beach. They have a real nice relationship. I like her so far....we'll get to know her a little better once Dennis gets back next year. :)

After waiting for a few hours, we went to the gym where the soldiers got to hang out and eat. The unit grilled hot dogs and hamburgers for all the soldiers and their families. The buses surrounded the outside area. There were 7 of them for Dennis' group.

(A look at the gym inside.)

It was a super emotional day. We are going to miss him so much and can't wait for him to get back! If you want more information or updates on his unit..you can check them out on facebook.

~Jennie