How do you say so long?

Submitted by Kim Loran

Sgt. 1st Class Austin Boots will be deployed for his 3rd tour of his Army career to Afghanistan. Earlier this summer Austin's wife Kayla had a surprise deployment/family picnic to enable family members to say "so long" (because we can't say goodbye) and hang out with him. He was humbled that so many showed up to honor him, because after all he is one of many that fight for "our freedom". We are honored to have him as part of our family.

 Austin›s career started in 2001 and has made quite a long list of accomplishments to his years of service. He has recently been promoted to Sergeant 1st Class. Previously he was a Drill Staff Sergeant Instructor at Fort Jackson, SC. He has been awarded with the Bronze Star Medal for his outstanding performance and expertise, which were seen as instrumental contributions to his unit's overall success during their operations in Iraq. While deployed Boots also received a Commendation Award for Valor for his selfless actions during combat.

 Aside from any medals and awards we (his family) would like him to know that he is a hero in our eyes and we are proud to be his family.  Along with the many family friends that he has come to know. Scary stories and all!!! We would like to say thank you first of all for our freedom and the sacrifices you're making, stay safe and our family will watch over your wife and babies so don›t worry about them. God Bless you Austin, we know that he will watch over you and bring you home safely to your family.

 All our Love from your family,

Your wife Kayla, Masyn & Micah

Kim, Cody & Leslie

Grams

Deanie, Maday & Nash

Deedee, Chris, Kenz & Bronwyn

Shelby, Sekowa, Turner, Bryn &Gwen

Dan, Sue, Stacee, Danny & Hudson