Caleb in 120 Degree Heat

I spoke to Caleb today on Facebook (text). He had access to a computer for an hour on the boardwalk where his unit is temporarily based in Afghanistan. They were mortared a couple of days ago. A female soldier lost her leg. Although it's fairly safe on the base and the boardwalk, occasionally the enemy will fire missiles their way.
He tells me there is a TGI Friday's on the boardwalk and a pizza joint. Even with the good food he says he has lost around 10 lbs. due to the heat. It's about 120 degrees F where they are. When they go outside the fence in a few days it will be their time to take care of each other and eat out of their MRE's. So for now they are enjoying the food while sweating it out.
Caleb is doing as well as expected. I appreciate everyone's prayers and their support. He will have his address soon. I am putting together a care package to be sent to him once I find out what the mailing address will be. I want to send him some things that the entire unit will enjoy. I think "junk" food is the key to a smile over there.

Caleb's Big Fish

Occasionally I will post something about Caleb to let everyone know more about him. That way you can be or feel as though you know him like we do. Caleb is a typical boy who grew up in North Georgia in a town called Dahlonega, Georgia. We live near a river (Chestatee) there where the fishing has been very good for years. Here is a picture of Caleb a few years back when he was grinning from ear to ear because he just caught a big trout and both he and I were very proud when he brought this fish up to the house.
He had three fish that day. The biggest is in this picture weighing 7 lbs. 1 oz. and 24 inches long. He had all three fish on a stick hanging across his shoulder with the fish hitting him in the back of the legs. He was so excited when he came up from the river that day.
Caleb went on in to Afghanistan today on the C-17. I didn't get to talk to him but we did share texts. Go safe with every step Caleb and we'll go fishing soon together. Just you and me.

Caleb Near Afghanistan

I am about to leave for another trip to Tokyo this morning. While checking my computer one last time while packing up, I noticed to my surprise that Caleb was showing to be online (on Skype). I took the chance of texting him and he actually answered back. He called me on Video Skype Call immediately so we had the opportunity to speak and see each other for a few minutes.
He was smiling....that was good. Their tents were all set up there and they were seeming to be in good spirits. He said the plane ride was long. They're almost in Afghanistan. He sent me a text saying, he was finally at war. I guess that is the feeling among his platoon. They've been preparing for over 8 months in Germany for this tour of duty. I guess being out there in the field actually going into the front lines is a change of pace and a time to reflect on their fellow soldiers. It's all about team.....taking care of the other guy while he takes care of you. Watching each other's backs.
I have to go now and get packed for Tokyo. I will keep everyone informed as I hear from Caleb.

~Jef Welch, Caleb's "Dad"

The Caleb Welch Blog

As Caleb's father, I am very proud. I am starting this blog website so that everyone in the family and circle of friends can keep up with any current (allowed) information which can be posted. Pictures sometimes speak louder than words. So if any pics get sent to us that are something Caleb is OK with sharing, those too will be dropped into the content of the blog.
Many are on Facebook and are keeping up with Caleb that way. Others are connecting on Myspace. For those who are not members or don't care about joining Facebook or Myspace, this will be accessible to everyone without membership or having to enter passwords. This is just a site that will be an ever-growing scrapbook of Caleb's adventures in the army.
Caleb and I spoke yesterday briefly before he shipped out to Afghanistan. It was nerve racking to say the least. I thought I had missed his call. He called me from a landline phone in the platoon's quarters in Vilseck, Germany that had spotty coverage for some reason. When he called me it went directly to my voicemail on my cell phone. I was in the airport in Sacramento, California about to board to Salt Lake City, Utah. When I saw I had missed his call, I immediately called him. Another soldier answered and said he would find Caleb and have him to call me back.
About 5 minutes later, Caleb called me. He was strong, in good spirits and getting ready to ship out. It was great to hear his voice. He didn't have any time to spare and couldn't call everyone so I am passing along his words that he loves everyone and will be home soon.
He lost signal a couple of times but he kept calling back. He was shipping out in less than 30 minutes from that point at around 3:00 a.m. there in Germany. His time was getting tight and he had to go.
Once he has been processed in Afghanistan, we will make sure his friends and family have his address to ship goodies for him and his platoon. I'm sure they will appreciate an occasional Snicker's Bar or some chips, etc. For those closest to him, an occasional short letter of encouragement would go along ways.
Caleb will be stationed on his deployment in Afghanistan for approximately a year. His commitment to our country is immeasurable. We all are proud of our American Soldier, Caleb Welch.

~Jef Welch, Caleb's "Dad"