What do you guys think? It's been almost a month since you arrived, right? Has the squadron been supportive or ambivalent or hostile toward NCS folks? Were you able to get approved to live off base? Have you encountered anything you weren't expecting as you settled in? And, of course, how is that adorable pup???

I'm counting on you guys to convince Tom to get us over there!

Kara

From my perspective (military member), I have run into very few problems. My chain of command so far has been more supportive than I expected. My NCOIC has his family here NCS, so that put my mind at ease very soon.

I still have a dorm room, but I don't expect to have it for long. I thank my wife every day for joining me here, the dorm room I was given should be condemned. The A/C doesn't work, the bathroom ceiling leaks and there isn't any funds available to fix it. To top it off, the base shut off hot water to the laundry machines in the dorms as a money saving tactic. Having Heidi here has the added benefit of getting me off base. My squadron has been very supportive of my application to live off base. Luckily, our dorms are very full right now.

I'll let Heidi reply to give you her perspective.

Oh, and email me or fax me your orders this week and I can get a PO Box set up for you before you arrive! Let me know if you need anything else.

Brad

To be honest, I really don't see the big deal in being NCS, except that you have to pay for the plane ticket over here. It was easy going through the process of finding a place to live. Tomorrow I'll be going through Spouse orientation which I've heard is very thorough. I'm someone who is very involved with the church I attend and I'm already plugged in with the Ladies Ensemble and helping with the kids choir. I was also lucky to find a job at the Chapel - right place at the right time. I don't know if Brad told you, I too have pretty bad asthma and other medical things, and although I haven't used the medical facilities yet, I've heard it's not difficult to get in.

As for our puppy Cooper, he seems to have no residual effects from being in the kennel for 2 weeks, except he was a little better behaved. The first few nights were tough because he wasn't sure what all the noises were outside of our house, so he was barking at everything. Thankfully that has gotten better.

I hope you will make it over here. It is a great experience!

Heidi

Thanks, guys. I'll let Tom know about the offer to set up a P.O. Box. That's really very generous, considering he's supposed to be *your* sponsor!

Heidi, are you working at the base chapel? Have you been there during AWANA? I'd be interested in getting involved in chapel programs as well if we make it over. Both Tom and I have taught Sunday School and lead Cubbies and Sparks groups. Not knowing what his schedule will be like I don't want to commit him, but I would love to help where help is needed. Assuming we make it over, of course.

How was the apartment hunt? Did you have an easy time finding a place? Did you end up getting a washer and dryer?

Sorry for picking your brains so much. I know you must have better things to do with your time than answer my questions...

Kara