Short Post

I just wanted to tell you all that yesterday was one of the cooler days of work I have had thus far in Germany.

We had our first day of reintegration for the soldiers and I have to admit I felt like a nurse during Pearl Harbor (well at least how the movie portrayed it). There was a lot a LOT of planning that went into this mission and I really can say that my heart is starting to grow for soldiers and what they do for our country....it was kinda a moment for me when I came to the realization that I love being on the nursing side of the military.

I went to work at 6:45 yesterday where myself, the headnurse and the immunization nurse where the ones sent to the reintegration site to do blood draws. The first group didn't come in till 0900 but we went over to the site to set up and make sure as many hiccups were out of the way before they arrived. Walking into the building was pretty neat. They set up this entire warehouse with different stations and things for these guys to do their medical portion. Roughly about a group of 300 soldier came in two days ago so the medical portion is Day 1 of reintegration for them. They have a total of 7 days of reintegration.

Once the guys arrived on bus, they marched into the warehouse where they were given a brief. Then the fun began. I did about 40 blood draws and there was only one that I could not get....opps. A lot of the guys were very dehydrated (from the jolly juice). It was a very busy and fun day.

Josh isn't expected back until the end of May. Although I talk to him almost every day via phone or email. He is all done and basically trying his best to keep his soldiers motivated (and to not get lazy) with PT.

I am very very excited for his return. I told him I am not drawing his blood when he gets back because I know he will be a punk. He said he would wait in line as long as he had....little does he know I'm the commander. :)

Well I had to tell you all about my day yesterday. The next reintegration day is this Sunday so I will be getting some comp time.

Love you all,

Gretchen