Last weekend, we had a pre-deployment Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program (YRRP) event in Westminster.  These events are primarily used for informing the family about the benefits available for them, to help prepare children for the difficulties of having a parent deploy, and to give families some time together before mobilizing.  My mom and dad were able to attend the event.  I'm sure it wasn't the most exciting for them, but I think they had an enjoyable time.  The hotel was amazing (way classier than I'm used to).  And we had a good dinner at Rock Bottom Brewery.  But, overall, it was good for Mom and Dad to meet my commander and get a better feel for what we're preparing to do.  Mom has been the hardest to get on board with this deployment, and the YRRP (hopefully) helped give her some peace-of-mind.

While I don't have any dependents, I was glad to see the available resources for my fellow soldiers who are married and have kids.  The Army National Guard really does a lot to benefit its families and to help keep them as taken-care-of as possible while their loved one is deployed.

And while I'm on the topic of families, I'm taking a quick moment to interject the following:  go see the movie Warrior.  This movie is truly awesome.  Enough said.

Lastly, I have spoken with a few other OMLT soldiers, and we've decided that we're ready to just go.  Let's get moving to start this show.  I realize how important all of our pre-mobilization training is, but for those of us who are having to stay in Aurora (because we live too far to drive back and forth every day), we're getting a bit antsy at living in a hotel.  Regardless, morale and wellness are still up and good.  Well, until tomorrow, which is when some of us start a series of shots that, according to one sergeant, feel like "fire in your veins."  Yeah, things to look forward to...

Until then, hasta.