Friday - Saturday, 09& 10 July

(Change of Plans)

Flight from Bagram to K2 in Uzbekistan

Unable to get to Kandahar due to the unavailability of flights and the need to make our scheduled flight back to the states the decision was made to forgo Kandahar and fly directly to the last base on our itinerary, K2 in Uzbekistan. Frustrated somewhat, having sat now for two days awaiting a flight to Kandahar,`the base where the one chaplin was located who had aggressed us so much throughout our tour we resolved ourselves to the 'reality' of our situation and moved forward. While awaiting our baggage to be loaded Gary called his lady Ruthie to fill her in on the change in plans and got her her 'noble' response: "you're there, extend your stay until you get the job done!" It was an amazing moment, the three of us not 'seeing' what was so obvious and even more so when Pete and I called our ladies and received the same encouragement! We salute you girls and appreciate your love and encouragement beyond what any words could express!

With renewed focus we aggressed the military personal responsible for developing our ITO's (entertainment travel orders) which are required when traveling anywhere in the theatre as well as for our civilian flight schedule returning us to the states. Understand, changing one's military orders 'on the fly' can be likened unto 'moving a mountain' but, once again 'that wasn't our problem'!

Arriving at K2 around 1AM Saturday morning we were greeted by one of the fantastic team members who so graciously serviced us throughout our tour (if anyone of you are reading this; Gary, Pete and I once again want to thank you for your patience and flexibility in putting up with us, we couldn't have accomplished our mission without you.) we bunked down and prepared ourselves for the one session the same day and confirmation that our desire to get to Kandahar had been approved.

Gary and Pete, still right on target once again stirred the souls of all who listened that afternoon and 'what do you know', change of orders approved with flight available that same evening!