I wish you were right Wokka. However, two years is a minimum. Also, if North Korea keeps up, he'll head over there and start the tour all over again. We may not see him for a very very long time. Also, I'm wondering why you would make this statement. I'm not sure its really all that helpful.

tx... would you mind elaborating a bit? I'm very interested in what you have in mind. Electrics are completely foreign to me.

Well its been a month. He did deploy as planned. Its been pretty tough; in fact his daughter turns 4 this weekend. I've met with his son a few times since and the boy is really interested in flying, and not so much interested in building. I think, above all though, he's interested in hanging out.

Interestingly enough, before he deployed they were hunting around in the attic and found an unopened Goldberg Eagle 63 kit. It looks like its from 1980 or so, but all the parts are there and the wood looks to be in great shape. We've sort of made it something to look forward too; when dad gets back we'll all build it together. He seems to have really locked on to that and talks about building the plane with his daddy all the time. In the mean time, I think we'll stick to small cheep electric park stuff, and buddy box him with the nitro.

Thanks for all the support guys. I mentioned this thread and the outpouring of good will to his wife, and she was overwhelmed. Its isn't going to be easy, but if he keeps his head about him, stays focused and comes home safe, I think they'll get through this just fine.