deployment...for real this time!

Hello, everyone!

Monte was notified of a new deployment on April 20. Well, I say "new," but this is actually the same deployment as before with a new departure date. Monte reports to Camp Lejeune, NC on June 15 and will depart for Afghanistan approximately 2 weeks later. Unlike last time, he has actual orders for this deployment and even has Marine Corps digital desert camo already.

We've waited to share the news until we had more details. Yesterday, we learned that Monte will be part of an FRSS (Forward Resuscitative Surgery System) with the 2nd Medical Battalion. He will be the sole anesthesia provider on a team with 1 general surgeon, 1 orthopedic surgeon, 1 nurse, 2 hospital corpsmen, and 2 surgical techs. This type of unit is basically an operating room in a tent, located between the front lines and the hospital. The only patients who will be treated in the FRSS are those who are not expected to survive long enough to make it to the hospital.

The living situation will be, in a word, camping - sleeping in tents and eating MREs. A surgeon currently deployed in an FRSS sent Monte a list of recommended equipment which could just as easily be for an extended mountaineering expedition. Their location will always be classified and they will move as the Marines at the front move, probably every couple of weeks. On occasion, they will travel back to one of the larger bases to resupply. It is only on these resupply trips that we will have any contact with Monte - once a month, or perhaps less.

Our prayer requests are for Monte's safety and morale, for good connections between the team members (he'll be with the same 7 people and perhaps a few Marine guards the whole time), and for a strong and bold witness. The Marines who end up on Monte's operating table will be critically injured and close to death. God is choosing to put Monte right next to their ears at that time! Pray for those Monte will treat - they will literally be fighting for their lives.

The kids and I will spend part of the time Monte is away out West and visiting our New York family. We also hope to spend a good chunk of the time here at home. Please pray for AJ. Since the kids and I returned from our trip to New Mexico he has been more attached to Daddy than ever. He asks for Daddy constantly when he is at work. Helping him through Monte's absence will require daily effort. Please pray that Daddy will not become a stranger to Sammy, who will be 6 months old when he leaves. Please pray that we will always be immediately available at the times Monte has access to a computer or a phone so that we do not miss an opportunity to tell him that we love him.

We do not yet have an address for Monte. I'll send it out when we get it - and please do send letters and cards! Without the benefit of internet and phone on a regular basis real mail will be especially welcome. Since his access to the internet will be extremely limited, we probably won't set up a blog for him. Instead, I will post updates on our family blog: http://boodoodle.blogspot.com If you are not already an invited reader, reply to this email and let me know you would like access. I'll add you as soon as I can.

Thanks in advance for your prayers!
Love,
Monte, Gen, AJ, and Sammy