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Entry One: Thursday, June 10, 2004

It is 2150. We have twenty-four hours to go; this time tomorrow, my family and I will be taking Shuttle Express to the airport in anticipation of the air traffic. I am not even packed yet (yikes!). Our flight leaves at one o'clock, Saturday "morning." Since it will be an overnight flight, I think I will bring a blanket with me. We shall see if I will be able to sleep!

We have a layover in Minneapolis, come to think. Signing out—Agent 520

Entry Two: Friday, June 11-Saturday, June 12, 2004

To catch you up-to-date, on June 11, Shuttle Express picked up my family and me at about 2150. There was a convoy of 140 United States of America military men headed to Iraq in front of us. Putting it lightly, the scene was very bittersweet. These men are doing their duty for America's sake, but are in effect leaving wives, children, girlfriends, and others behind them.

Kayla and I saw the Rankin family drive up, followed soon after by the Smith family, Candice, and the Swansons. Around 2300, we checked our luggage in, printed our flight tickets off, and left for security checkpoints leading to the S Gates. The military men entered through ahead of us, and as I watched them say goodbye to loved ones, it nearly broke my heart—some might never return. They sacrifice so much for Americans and others—I really wonder why some people say their time is wasted. At the checkpoint, I was told to remove my shoes. Safety precaution.

Everyone was tired enough to stay awake without the quad-shot espresso upon arriving at the gate. Our flight out went fast. The 757 also had military men aboard. I was lucky enough to have a window seat, and watched as the airplane took us east into the growing daylight. That was the most indescribable sunrise I have ever witnessed! All others I have seen pale to this spectacularly stunning sunrise from a height of over 37,000 feet. I only got an hour's rest at the most.

Now back to the present. Our connecting flight went smoothly, and we are on to our final destination: Baltimore.

P.S. Everyone is grouchy and cramped, tired and complaining. I myself cannot wait to feel level ground planted beneath my feet! Signing out—Agent 520

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