Doesn't that title sound like something from an old movie?

Anyway, for anyone reading who didn't know this already, I'm going to be deploying to Iraq with several other members of my Air National Guard unit. I'll be doing my thing as an Air Force medic for about 60 days.

I just got my orders today... early March through early June. I realize that's a lot longer than 60 days, but it's because it includes time to out-process, travel time, as well as some extra time on Active Duty orders once I'm back...

The dates might change a little bit, but only by a few days in either direction.

It's officially less than 3 weeks away. I'm expecting my deployment to be relatively safe (for a war, at least), seeing as how I'll be at a base within a base... and there's a pretty good chance I won't ever leave the complex.

For better or for worse, it will be one of the most unique experiences of my life.

Even though I will probably have some level of Internet access, I don't think I'll be doing much posting here while I'm gone. I'll have to look into the rules and regulations about that sort of thing, and I'll post if and when I'm able to, but I think my primary means of updating friends will be via e-mail. I'll set up a list like I used during Basic Training so that I can send e-mails to lots of friends at once.

I will also make a post with my contact info over there... it will be a friends-only post, not public... so If you're not on my friends list, and want my contact info, let me know so I can make sure to get it to you (if appropriate, of course).

Stay tuned for more "getting ready to ship out" posts over the next few weeks.