Oh where, oh where will we go?

So I suppose I should let you all in on the goings on of the fast approaching move.

A few months ago Ryan applied for two jobs. One in Montana at Malmstrom AFB with the 819th Red Horse Squadron (here is a link if you want to know more about that unit http://www.malmstrom.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=4683 ). The second job was a Staff position with ACC (Air Combat Command), there were a few locations we could have ended up if selected for that position.

So, almost immediately Ryan got a reply from the Red Horse unit saying they wanted Ryan to go there. So since ACC positions were not being filled until the end of February, the assignments person told Ryan he was going to be taken out of the "bucket" to be able to be selected for the ACC job.

We started to make plans to move to Montana. The Red Horse unit was deploying to Iraq at the start of March but because Ryan doesn't graduate until March 26th, he was not able to initially join them. Arrangements were made for Ryan to be able to Join the unit after graduation and some combat skills training.

We decided that we would not try to rapidly rent or buy a house in Montana but decided Courtney and Jayla would go to Colorado and live with her parents until Ryan got back. That would put them in Colorado from about April 1- Sept 1.

We have been busily getting ready for the move and planning on what needs to go to CO and Ryan has been busy doing as much pre-deployment training here since he will have just a few days in Montanta before he deployed. We had some trouble getting the orders corrected for the long term storage for our belongings and what not and finally got that all squared away.

...here comes the kicker....

Monday February 23rd, Ryan got an email from General Byers from the ACC unit at Langley AFB in Virgina. (a link for a little more info http://www.acc.af.mil/) welcoming him to the unit. WHAT? I know! so for not being in the "bucket" anymore we are now going to MT and VA...that should pose for an interesting move 'eh?

Ryan has spent some time talking with local Colonels on what to do. Some said we were going to MT and some VA so that didn't help. He couldn't get a hold of the ACC assignments coordinator because he his out of town this week. So he talked to the Generals executive and he said what has to happen to go to MT is for the Colonel from the Red Horse unit has to convince the General he needs him more than the General does. So seeing that a General's opinion is more important than a Colonels, there is a very high chance we are headed to VA.

The last question you may wonder is what is the better job. Ryan would love to join Red Horse because he would get to do more hands on work as a Civil Engineer. The Staff job is more of a desk and paperwork job and very very good for his career. So Langley career wise is the best choice for Ryan's career.

Nothing is final yet but I know a lot of us...including myself were excited to be back in CO for a bit. I will still be in CO probably in May and then in August. Think of the positives though....we are very close to Virgina Beach! Yes sun and sand, mild winters. If we end up there please feel free to come visit. There is a lot to do there. Of course if we are in Montana you are welcome to come there too!

This is the life of the military family. No sense in getting upset at something that cannot be controlled. I just try to find the best of both options.

I will keep everyone posted as I know more.