Shoeboxes for the Troops

Lord of Life Preschool

Thank you for your kind words and the delicious snacks! I apologize for not writing until now, we’ve been very busy, but are now getting ready to pack up and leave for home. Spirits are high, but tensions are also high as our re-deployment to Ft. Campbell KY nears in August.

It seems like only yesterday that I was at Lord of Life Preschool learning important skills such as sharing and working in groups. I now get the opportunity to develop those skills as an Army EOD Officer in Afghanistan. It seems only fitting that my mom (Mrs. Miller) is teaching at the Preschool to help shape the minds of the new generation (I love you mom!) It is a welcome surprise to come back from a long mission with no sleep and see a care package on my desks. Meals Ready to Eat (MREs) have nothing on homemade cookies and snacks!

Let me tell you a little bit about our unit. I command three explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) teams that have the unique mission of removing hazards from the battlefield to include chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, explosive and improvised explosives. In Afghanistan, our biggest threat is Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and it keeps us extremely busy. In other words, the bad guys put lots bombs in the road to try and hurt people so my soldiers and I make the bombs go away to keep everyone safe. Most of my soldiers are in their early 20’s and love explosives and fire. We’re also all a bit crazy; you kind of have to be in our line of work!

Thanks again for the snacks! Anything we get from the U.S. is treated like gold over here and reminds us of all the loved ones we have back home supporting us. We’ve enclosed some pictures of us here in Afghanistan. Take care, and thanks again for your support and prayers!

God bless,
CPT Ryan Miller
49th EOD
FOB Connolly