Merry Christmas from Kuwait

Westminster's Department of Planning, Zoning and Development Director Thomas Beyard, 56, departed for a 400-day rotation with the Maryland Army National Guard in late summer.

Beyard joined the Guard in 1997 after years with the Army Reserve. He has worked for the city of Westminster for close to 24 years.

Until his return, his position is being filled by interim Director Steve Horn.

Beyard sends occasional correspondence to Patch and we will post his letters and photos as we receive them.

-----

Holiday greetings from Camp Buehring, Kuwait! My new home away from home.

The entire 29th Combat Aviation Brigade completed its move from Iraq to Kuwait last week.  The media was everywhere in Iraq and Kuwait last week covering one of the biggest news stories of the decade – the end to the war in Iraq. Our movement to Kuwait was very complicated and our Soldiers flawlessly performed their mission safely and without incident.  We were in a sprint, as we never had time to catch our breath since assuming the mission at Taji a few months ago. We met the President’s decision to have all US troops out of Iraq by 31 December 2011. Now we are in Kuwait, in preparation for our next mission.

From my experiences from a previous deployment, I know that the holidays can be a very stressful time for Soldiers and their Families. I encourage all of our Soldiers to talk to their loved ones over the holidays and to keep in touch. It is very important for the Soldiers, but it is also very important for our Families to know that our Soldier are doing OK. The outpouring of support from Families and friends has been nothing less than awesome.  The boxes of goodies, letters and cards, Christmas cards and more have put big smiles on the faces of our Soldiers. Thank you so much for the constant thoughtfulness . Our Soldiers appreciate it.

In the midst of our mission, we also took the time on Christmas Eve to hold our unit Christmas party. Of course, it is not like back home, but it was just very nice. We had our Christmas tree, wrapped presents (from companies and organizations back home), not one but two Santa Claus plus elves (all Soldiers), some smoked turkey, cookies, cheese and crackers, plus music and fun. One company from back home provided each Soldier  with an IPOD Touch, loaded with about 100 songs and movies, so you can imagine how happy and thankful our Soldiers were for such generosity.

We had a very exciting event on Christmas morning. No, I am not talking about the Camp Buehring 5k run at 0600! I am talking about our Soldier who received a telephone call from President Obama. In late November, our unit was tasked to provide the names of two Soldiers to be considered to receive a Presidential phone call on Christmas. We provided the names and time passed. Then the big news yesterday – our Soldier was selected to receive the call. It happened about 0800 here on Christmas morning (about 12:00 midnight back home – the President was up late) and the Soldier was thrilled. The Soldier said that the President passed along his thanks to our Soldiers for their sacrifice in support of our nation and way of life. I have never seen a happier Soldier in my life at the end of the call.

For me, I am working to settle in here in Kuwait. A new location brings new challenges and opportunities. We are all working together to make the transition smooth and seamless. I am thankful that my Family and friends remember me in letters, emails and with their nice packages. I am running in the mornings and I am trying to improve my time in the 5k (about 3.2 miles). I exercise to feel better and to relieve the day-today stresses that affect us. I am also meeting many new people and learning something new each day.

Again, please have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!! I have attached some photos. First, a photo from Camp Buehring, Kuwait! Second, the big Christmas tree at the outdoor stage at Camp Buehring. Third, the Christmas tree surrounded by gifts at our Christmas party. Fourth, two Santa Claus and elves who showed up at our Christmas party. Fifth, CSM Beyard “warms” his hands at the fireplace. Sixth, CSM Beyard in front of the Christmas tree and fireplace.

Please enjoy your holiday!!!

Regards,

Tom