Updates from CPT Ashley

Hello Hurricane Families! I hope this finds you and your family doing well. We continue to remain hard at work here on COB Speicher in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 09-11. Spring has finally arrived and we are beginning to prepare each Hurricane for the unique challenges the harsh climate of this region will soon present. My head began to spin the other day, as the Air Force Weather man briefed us regarding the 120 degree days and frequent dust storms (called either Schmaal’s or Haboobs) we can expect in the coming months. I failed to mention last month that 1SG Pilkinton, SPC Sager, and SPC Mood all successfully erected an Internet SPAWAR café here at our company headquarters complete with telephones and computers (web cam available). I truly hope that your spouses and friends have utilized either e-mail, telephone, or web cam to stay in touch with you. Speaking of our headquarters, the building itself is located in an old Iraqi Air Force hangar with 24 hour security. The offices have state-of-the-art computer equipment that operates on secure lines. Our company headquarters is located within walking distance of our living areas, gymnasium, MWR (Morale, Welfare, Recreation) facility, and the South dining facility which has a wide range of meal choices ranging from healthy, to short-order, to traditional meals (equipped even with Baskin and Robbins ice cream too). Since I’m on a roll here, everyone has 24 hour access to DOC Kneff or DOC Schano (our Flight Surgeon team) to receive either immediate medical attention, or to get prescriptions filled. The combat support hospital on COB Speicher is a major regional hospital with all the technology and staff necessary to accomplish its wide and important mission. Open 24/7, the hospital provides the Soldiers and civilians with the best health care that can be offered.
SGT Companion, and his wife Patricia, along with their two children Iyan and Shayleigh recently welcomed a new addition to their family. Maiyah Grace Companion was born 18 February 2009, just in time for SGT Companion to be there on R & R! Along with this wonderful news, we recently conducted the Army Physical Fitness Test, and I am proud to announce we awarded ten individuals the Army Physical Fitness Badge. Congratulations to Chaplain (CPT) Crawley, CPT Schano, CW4 Osborne, MSG Grainger, SGT Rodriguez-Bertha, SGT Hall, SGT Carter, SGT Blasingame, SPC Lee, and SPC Nyanankpe. I would also like to say congratulations to all those who will soon celebrate a special day (birthdays and anniversaries). Happy Birthday to SGT Hightower (01 APR), Mrs. Langlois (07 APR), CW4 Brian Hawkanson (19 APR), Mrs. Jessica Bucher (23 APR), Mrs. Nicole Carambot-Perez (26 APR), and SPC Algie Westfield (28 APR). Happy Anniversary to SGT Hall (04 APR).
We think of you all every day, and I pray for your health, security, and happiness. Tracy, thank you, and keep up all the tremendous hard work you are doing back there for each Hurricane Family. Please do not hesitate to e-mail me at a moment’s notice for any information or problems you may have.

Sincerely,
Aaron D. Ashley
Hurricane 06