For the first few months of Brad's 2002-2004 Iraq deployment, he had to have someone drive him to a phone. It was only once a month, and only for about a 10 minute call. Stock up on those calling cards! The war had just started and bases were still being set up. We wrote letters, and were thrilled when yahoo messenger was set up so we could chat almost daily. How funny it seems to now think how excited I was about yahoo messenger. Phone calls started coming about once a week, but were often down or had a rough connection. Also, phone usage was limited to 10 or 15 minutes. Mail takes about 3 weeks.
2008:
Messenger was once again a prime use for communication along with a weekly time limited phone call with crummy reception, and lots of random emails. All was made up for by our use of google video chat, which didn't always work, but was still fantastic since we could actually see each other. Mail still takes about 3 weeks.
2011:
With a wifi connection, not only can Brad call, but he can also text right from his own phone which so far has had excellent clarity. No more timed phone conversations with junky reception. He will be able to call or at least text just about every day. Such a step up. We still plan to Skype a couple times a week. I can only assume mail will still take 3 weeks.
To keep up with the evolving communications, it only seems fitting we should be allowed to tag along with Brad on the next deployment. Not holding my breath, but I can't imagine better communication than this under the circumstances.
Side note: Brad has made his arrival in Kuwait. He is safe, and I know nothing else. That's all that matters though.
No comments:
Post a Comment