A couple weekends ago we also had the opportunity to go to a Brigade Ball for Josh's Brigade. We got to get all dressed up and went to the Sheraton Resort for a nice three course meal and a nice presentation with all night dancing to follow. They had a nice tribute to the fallen soldiers of their last deployment to Iraq. It was very touching, special and a little bit of an eye opener, (I guess you could call it). It was just a lot more personal to see those who are in Josh's same unit who lost their lives and knowing that he will be leaving at the beginning of this coming year.
We really enjoyed ourselves and had fun getting to know the people in his company better. We had the opportunity to sit at the head table with his Company Commander and the First Sergeant. And I apologize that we didn't get any pictures of this event or of us dressed up but we weren't exactly sure how these Balls work and there were a lot of important people there so we just played it safe and cool (if you know what i mean, i know Sara does!!)

(Just for you Sara, we got to toast "To the ARMY", To the President", To the Spartans", "To the United States," and there is a new one that I haven't gotten used to but I like it.... First the soldiers sit their wives and then all the guys toast, "To the LADIES" its awesome!!)

Josh lately has found out more information about his up coming deployment. As of right now he will be going to Northern Afghanistan. Unlike his companies last deployment, Josh and his platoon will be separated from the rest of his company providing communication assets to different units than the other platoon in the company. In lamest terms this puts a lot more responsibility on Josh and enables him to have a greater role in being a platoon leader and taking control of his area and soldiers. I know that he is ready for this challenge and has shown what a great leader he is and will be with running his platoon.