Write to Alex at:  alexander.lawes@us.army.mil

August, 2006
Wonderful news comes from Alex this month!  He is safely home from Iraq and settling in now again in Kennett Square, getting the hang again of being a husband and father:

"All is well.  It's looking like I'll take off the months of August and September to get acclimated to life and do a few house projects, not to mention a week at the beach.  As for the Reserves, this is my 20th year, so I'll have to make a few decisions:  Do I stay or do I go?  I was wondering about whether I would get back into teaching CCD again, but it seems like fate has intervened.  My old class is vacant, so I guess I'll be back!"

December, 2005 message from Iraq. 
"Greetings St Patrick! When I am not wearing the uniform, I am a fellow parishioner (for close to 8 years) and I teach 6th grade PREP. Currently, I hold the rank of Major and am stationed in Northwestern Iraq. After being mobilized from the Reserves in May, and three months of stateside training, I arrived in Kuwait in August (just in time for 130 degree weather). I had several more weeks of training and travel before arriving current location.

"Life is hectic to say the least. I am involved with training the Iraqi Army. The unit I am with is responsible for training the staff and leadership, so I don’t spend time kicking down doors. As can be expected, it is rewarding and frustrating, and it would be an understatement to say I miss good old Kennett Square. Although, right now, I understand the weather here is a little nicer than back home (highs of 80, lowers in the upper 40’s).

"I miss St Patrick Church. Sometimes you don’t realize what you have until you go away. Fortunately, I have been able to attend mass on most weekends and if a priest is not present, there is a Eucharistic Service. I leave behind a wife and daughter who keep the home fires burning. If all goes well, I’ll be home to see them in February for 2 weeks and then for good sometime around the end of summer. Feel free to drop me a line."