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"Iraq, the Story Unfolds" -- My Deployment is Half Over!

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty

Well, we have finally reached the half way point.  My unit was mobilized at the end of December, got to Iraq in the beginning of Feburary and we are now half way done!  I guess looking back the time is kinda flying by.  While each day seems to take forever I believe the past six months has flown by.  I think it has helped that most of us find something in the near future to look forward to. 

   For most it is that beloved Sunday that we get most of the day off.  Alot of units do not get that luxury but we managed to get "Mountain Time", named after the 10th MTN Division that started the Sunday break.  It is the one day a week we are allowed to sleep in, take most of the day for ourself, we only have to report at 6:00PM to ensure that we did not miss anything important.  Every week it seems the same, everyday feels like it is no closer to the next Sunday, however once Sunday hits it seems like it was yesterday when we had the last one.  Funny how that works.

   For me I think it is the care packages and online orders.  To be honest I don't really need the care packages.  Every once in a while there is something I am really looking forward to, like the one coming from my wife right now which has a digital photo frame so that I can put 500 pictures of her and us on my desk.  I also have an order from a store coming with some games on it to help pass what little bit of down time I get.  On average it takes about 10-14 days to get a package, and I try to space them all out so that I am always waiting on one.  This is my near future goal that helps me pass a week or two at a time. 

   Right now its in the countdown stage.  First I am counting down to leave.  I scheduled my leave for late September.  I wanted to take leave at the last possible moment during the deployment.  I did this because the last time I was over here I remember that I was fine until I took leave.  Then once I got to visit home for a few weeks when I came back I was not worth anything.  All I could think about was getting back home.  I wanted to put this off until last moment so that I would reduce my "worthless" time.  I scheduled this at the last moment so that when I come back from leave I only have two things to worry about; packing up, and training my replacement. 

   And of couse I am counting down to time for "re-deployment" (thats when we come back home).  I have total about eleven weeks until I get to come home on leave.  I have about 20 weeks until my replacements come.  I have about 23 weeks until I leave Iraq.  And i have about 25 weeks until I am back home at what we all like to call Fort Livingroom.

   Thank you all for listening; oh and if you have not checked it out yet I am still excited about my new website.  Let me know what you think.  www.HomeSalesEastTN.com

Thanks again,

Nicholas S. Bush

Total Auction and Realty

www.HomeSalesEastTN.com

 

Show All Comments Sort:
Geri Sonkin
Douglas Elliman Real Estate 516-457-7103 - Merrick, NY
Long Island Real Estate & Staging Expert

Nick,

I love your new web site.  It looks wonderful and I'm sure you'll do great things with it over time.  I would make a suggestion though.  In the paragraph where you tell the consumer about your deployment, tell them a little more about you, i.e.:  Though I'm currently deployed blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, your needs are very close to my heart.  During this time I've arranged for a colleague to take care of your immediate needs.  He works much as I do and I know you'll be in good hands.  Just send me an email telling me about your specific requirements and I'll put him in touch with you.  Something like that. 

It's exciting that half your tour is over.  I'll be counting the days with you.  Take  care of yourself.

Jun 24, 2009 11:41 AM
Terry & Bonnie Westbrook
Westbrook Realty Broker-Owner - Grand Rapids, MI
Westbrook Realty - Grand Rapids Forest Hills MI Re

I remember looking forward to leave and also did it late on my tour. Have a save tour and come home soon.

Jun 28, 2009 01:02 PM
Ed Vogt
Midwest Properties of Michigan - Grandville, MI
Grandville, MI Midwest Properties

The time will fly by before you know and you'll be back in time to spend the beautiful fall with your family.

Jun 29, 2009 01:25 AM
Melissa Grant
A Serendipity World - Greenbackville, VA
The Law of Attraction In Life & Business

Please know that we are very proud of what you do, what you are doing and our thoughts and prayers are always with you. I have a very good friend, more like a little brother who just got back and yet he feels his work was not done. As a mother of a 17 year old who wants to enlist and has been JROTC for 3 years my body quivers at the sound of Iraq or Aphganastan. However, it's men and women like you that are the brave forces that keep scared mothers, fathers, grandparents at ease. Thank you for everything that you do and will continue to do.

Jun 29, 2009 01:29 AM
Linda Wasson
VirtualizedOffice.com - Cincinnati, OH

Love the Web site. You are a great American. I am a virtual assistant, based 30 miles north of Cincinnati OH, but my husband and I owned a houseboat in Somerset for years and my family is in Cookville TN so I spend a lot of time in TN myself. My siblings attended UT Knoxville so I familiar with that area as well. Thank you for your service, God bless you and your wife for your sacrifice. I look forward to following you through AR throughout the remainder of your deployment and after you return and take the Knoxville real estate market by storm. 

Jun 29, 2009 01:48 AM
Jon Sigler
Coldwell Banker Realty - South Windsor, CT
Sigler Sold Another! 860-306-8029

Great post.  Stay safe and get home to Fort Livingroom!

Jun 29, 2009 02:32 AM
Pamela Cendejas
Second Self Virtual Assistance - Kingman, AZ
Second Self Virtual Assistance (928) 692-3235

Nicholas - Thank you for sharing part of your Iraq journey.  I am so thankful to you and the many others who unselfishly protect us from harm.  I had to laugh, though, when I looked at your website.  You are the consumate saleman, I must say.  Still promoting real estate while serving your country.  Stay safe.

Pamela Cendejas - Second Self Virtual Assistance

Jun 29, 2009 02:34 AM
Debra and Scott Brooks
Brooks Prime Properties, Lake Conroe - Conroe, TX
Lake Conroe Real Estate and Luxury Home Specialists!

Hi Nick- I am vrey grateful for you and your service to our country and our freedom. I salute you, Sir. My son, Daniel Brooks just reurned from deployment in Iraq last February. He has now been re-assigned to Ft. Polk from Ft. Benning. We are so glad to have him home, and also closer.

Take care of yourself, keep your head down, and stay safe. I hope the time flies by and then you're home with your loverd ones. God's speed. Best regards-Scott

Jun 29, 2009 03:05 AM
Gene Riemenschneider
Home Point Real Estate - Brentwood, CA
Turning Houses into Homes

Thank you for your service.  I know that my kids sleep safely at night due to the sacrifices of people like you. 

Jun 29, 2009 03:34 AM
RICH & LISA JOHNSON
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Realty - Redlands, CA

Freedom has a different flavor to those who have fought for it!  Thanks for your sacrifice.  My family understands what you're going through. HOOAH!

Richard- USAF Reserve

Jun 29, 2009 04:00 AM
Jerry Current
HBC Realtors - Pasadena, CA

Nick,

Thank you for your service and for helping secure the future of the Iraqi people.  Now get home safely and sell some real estate.

 

Jun 29, 2009 04:13 AM
Beth Lester
Beth Lester Designs - Torrance, CA
Home Staging & Interior Decorating

Thank you for your service, Nicholas.  One of our dear friends was over there for 6 months, and it was extremely difficult for his family, and he came home pretty much exhausted.  But he came home - hallelujah!

Blessings on you and your family, and I wish you much business success when you return home.

Jun 29, 2009 05:00 AM
Jay-Paul Lowry
Riverside, CA

Thank you for defending our nation. God bless you!

 

JP Lowry--Preferred Financial Funding, Inc

Jun 29, 2009 05:47 AM
Barbara Singleterry
S Squared Group - Keller Williams Realty - Roseville, CA
Honesty - Integrity- Loyalty

Congratulations on being featured and what a timely post with the 4th of July coming up.  Thanks for your service and your family's sacrifice.  Stay safe...

Jun 29, 2009 09:46 AM
Carol Gilles
The RealEstate Group, 310-864-9738 - Torrance, CA
Negotiate & Communicate - Southern California

Nick - you are one of our new HEROES!  Thanks for your service and the opportunities you have to help those in Iraq. My husband is a Vietnam Vet and your military service is well respected by those who served and their families.  God is blessing you.  Check out your "angels" all around... keeping you safe!

Carol Gilles, The RealEstate Group - Torrance California

Jun 29, 2009 10:44 AM
Kim Curran
RE/MAX Unlimited of Northern Virginia - Bristow, VA

Nicholas,

Always so glad to see your posts! Congrats on your half way point. That is awesome.

 

Jun 29, 2009 01:57 PM
Sonya Loose
Modern Realty - Beaverton, MI
Helping Buyers & Sellers of Waterfront Property

Reading your post near the 4th of July here has special meaning for me!  I wish for you to be safe and realize that all of us here are constantly thinking of all of you there and can't wait for you safe returns home!!!

Jun 29, 2009 03:58 PM
Bryan Makowski
Sandals Realty - Sarasota, FL
P.A.

Nick,

I sent you a private email.  Did you get it?  I'm sure you're probably pretty busy, but if you didn't see it, please drop me a note and I will re-send it to you.

Take care, stay safe, and God Bless!

 

Sincerely,

Bryan

Bryan@BryanSellsHomes.com

Jun 29, 2009 04:36 PM
Goodbye Active Rain
Out of Real Estate

Nick, Happy 4th of July to you!  Stay safe and thank you for everything you do!

Jul 04, 2009 02:59 AM
Dianne Deming
RE/MAX Realty Group - Rehoboth Beach, DE

Is there anything we can do to help support your wife and family at home until your return?

Jul 24, 2009 08:13 AM