November 10
Hey Dad so I have a minute and I thought I’d write a little more. I’m at TQ and our living area looks like a chanty town. I can’t believe that NCO’s would let their guys live in these conditions. The room I have is 7x 10 and it was very dirty.
I’m going to have to buy a small tv with a dvd player. My room is very small. The walls are already closing in, but it will keep me out with my guys making sure they aren’t living in a 3rd world whore house.
well gotta get goin.
Love ya,
John
November 11
Hope all is well. I haven’t heard from Tracy since she left Kuwait. It sucks were we are. I will have lots of time to work out and get in shape. I’ve lost 25 pounds, its about 1200 meters to the chow hall. Good for the diet plan. How is everything there?
I miss you guys.
Love,
Johnny
November 13
So things have been pretty busy since I got here on the 8th; we pretty much hit the ground running. The infantry unit we are replacing is helping us out a lot with tips and tricks for what we’ll be doing. In fact some of them are going with us tomorrow on our first convoy. I am really excited to finally be getting on the road and to some semblance of normalcy… YEA!!! The days will be long and probably tedious, what with sitting in one place for 6-14 hours. Oh, I’ll be in charge of an ASV (you can google it if you’re curious), but it’s a pretty safe vehicle to be in though a little tight on space.
Well, I gotta get going to bed. I love you and miss you! And just keep in mind… “no news, is good news”
T 
Tracy McKenzie
Consultant w/The Pampered Chef
November 14
Made it to Ramadi and Al Asad with out incident last night. Iraq is a stinky place. Miss you.
John
14/11/2008 at 5:22 pm Permalink
We love hearing from you guys through your emails! Keep us updated! We are all proud of you. Good luck and God bless!
20/11/2008 at 4:48 pm Permalink
Dear Johnny and Tracy,
Life goes on as usual here in the US of A. Jake and Nicole have moved into their home in Boise. The kids seem to like it since they’re sleeping through the night in their own beds. Good news for mom and dad! We found out that they live a just a few blocks from Kelly Youngman and his family. (Emily’s brother) In fact, Brooke is in the same first grade class with Kari Youngman, Kelly’s daughter. Small world.
Nate will celebrate his 30th birthday on Monday, November 24. Jessica has a fun celebration planned for him. James Barron and Cole McKenzie celebrate their first birthdays this month. James celebrated his birthday in Mass. with Jason’s family. The Barron’s had a great trip!
Here’s a bit of a family update: Will is working hard at graduating at the top of his class at the Lineman College. We’re proud of him and Nate for persevering at their respective schools. Nate continues to receive high scores on his course work. Kel is attending her ESL classes twice a week and she is doing great with her English. She loves to practice so send e-mail! Jared is preparing to go to a two week school in Little Rock, Arkansas, November 30. This will be his first separation from his new wife since their marriage.
Dad and I decided to stay home for Thanksgiving this year. Jared and his family are coming. We’re excited to have them here, enjoy their company and to show off our redecorating project upstairs. There’s an open invitation to other family members who’d like to come! I hope Johnny and Tracy get to eat some turkey and stuffing for Thanksgiving with pumpkin pie for dessert.
Grandma Johnson celebrated her 89th birthday Nov 17. Dad and I had the day off so we drove to Shoshone to take her to lunch. She appreciated the cards and phone calls she received from friends and loved ones. Grandma made about 50 mini Christmas stockings and filled them with candy to send to Iraq for Johnny to disburse to Iraqi children. Her next project is to make a box full to send to Tracy.
Dad and I keep busy with Stor-n-Lock business, etc. We’re thankful for our many blessings and pray daily for Heavenly Father’s continued wathcare over our family.
Love,
MOM