The Army decided even though we had only been at Fort Bliss, TX for 11 months, that was long enough. In fact they decided the whole unit didn't need to be there. Our unit was being deactivated. So all the LT's were called into a room to decide what they wanted to do. We were given three choices-learn the Patriot missile system, go to the officer advance course really early or go to Korea-alone-for a year.
John and I didn't like any of our choices. We talked for hours over the pro's and con's of each choice. We tried to figure out what was best for our family. Even though it was the hardest choice, we knew it was the right one for us. We picked Korea-alone for a year. At the time, we thought Rob was young enough to not remember, I could go back to St. Louis and stay with family, and mostly we could "check the box" on our own terms.
All the LT's met back into that same room to tell their choices. When it was John's turn he spoke up and said, "Korea". He was the first one and the room fell silent. The LTC sitting in front of the room turned to him and said, "Does Sue know this?!" John laughed and said yes, we made the decision together. The LTC just shook his head and turned around. We were granted our wish and ended up being amoung the first people to leave.
We had 4 weeks to get everything in order, for John and Rob and I. We had to pack and ship stuff to Korea, pack and ship stuff to St. Louis, and pack and store stuff for the year. There was also a passport to get and shots to recieve. Then we had to sell one vehicle and pack the other one for a three day drive across country. Lucky for us my folks flew down and took Rob back with them. Somehow we managed to get everything done in time.
Before we knew it, all the goodbyes were said and I was waving goodbye to John. Let the countdown begin.
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