A temporary Farewell...

[attworth]

It's a bittersweet moment in my life right now. I've had to keep this quiet for fear of my employer finding out and letting me go, but I am leaving for a little while. Unfortunately I will not have access to the Cafe.

Like all the great men and women who have come before me, I am setting forth on a journey that has boundless opportunity, and an instilled sense of immeasurable pride. On April 18th, I will be leaving the Dallas MEPS for Army Basic Combat Training in Fort Jackson, SC. I feel that a hole has finally been filled in my life by pursuing this dream of mine, and although I am nervous, I cannot wait to be counted among the many who've come before me. After talking about this with my wife for the past 2 years, we decided this is where we belong. (In other words, I stopped sitting on the fence and I freakin' jumped!)

In light of all of this, I extend my deepest gratitude to all of you. Gratitude for the things you've taught me, the friendship you gave without hesitation, and the dedication you have to this fine craft we all so reluctantly give 110% to (because as a certain someone says, "Good enough, never is.") Please accept my leave of absence, and don't talk bad about me when I'm gone - because I will look back through all of the posts while I'm away when I get back... Just kidding.

Oh, and don't say anything sappy, because the only reason I'm REALLY going, is because RollingRock won't leave me alone - he's always come over, making a mess... It's horrible.

So, drink one of these  in the next couple weeks and think about how crappy it is that I don't get to.

[Too Stroked]

Tony,

Best of luck to you!

Tom

[GreyMichFX4]

Tony, good luck at basic and I wish you and your wife luck and health with following your dream and making it happen.

[BigSur]

Awesome man.  Best of luck to you.  

I WILL have a   for you....probably two...or maybe more...however many it takes for me to feel like I've paid my respects.

If you DO get a chance to post a thread while you're in SC, please do.

[texbigred1]

good luck man!

dont forget about us little people!

[Blown F-150]

Very best to you and your wife on your journey!

I look forward to your return and the rest of us will try to keep RR in line while your out. No promises.
 

[attworth]

Thanks guys! I'll write when I can. It may be 4-5 months before I see the internet. 

[Kitzy]

Best of luck to you and your family.  We'll be here when you get back.  

We could probably all use some time away from the internet...

[roushstage2]

Hey man, best of luck to you and your wife!  Take care and we'll see you later!   

 :Old Dogg?:

[Rollingrock]

Ok T-Bone....since you called me out, here goes. 

Things will be a little different around here without you that is for sure  You have been a rock (like that pun?) here at the Cafe and you have started with us from day one so we will keep the lights on for you and await your return.   Sappy, here it comes.......you and Sam are a great new couple, you are a young man who's got a good head on the shoulders and a heart as big as the state you live in.   Most of all, you are a family man and family to me.     Follow your head and heart and it will guide you on your journey in this little thing called life we all play in.   

I have always respected your work ethic and dedication, all great traits that the armed forces can use.   I want to thank you for your gift to us by serving your county.    My only hope is that you return to to Sam and to us here at the Cafe.   I know you will be out temporarily but sneak out from time to time and get your Cafe fix. 

Good luck Tony, you're ready for this and we support you.

Ok Tony how was that?   I tried to back off a little due to the last time.   I had to hold you for like an hour while you cried it out in my garage over a spilled bottle of Pro Polish.   

 

[gipraw]

Tony - I am sad that you won't be around here for a bit, but I am very proud of the reason why.  Best of luck to you.  Keep yourself safe, and thank you.

As a veteran myself, I will simply tell you this:

The only thing in life that will ever make you prouder than serving your country is your children.

[05supercrew]

Best of luck to you and your family.

[Poorboy]

Good luck and be safe ....

btw what is MEPS?

[gipraw]

MEPS ? Military Entrance Processing Station

it is where you to go to do the final processing and paperwork, before heading off the basic.  You will out and verify a ton of paperwork, get a final physical, hearing test, eye test and stuff like that.  You sign your contract with the branch you are serving and the government, then you take part in the Oath of Enlistment ceremony. 

[Poorboy]

Thanks Doug