This past weekend I got a break from the normal routine at my fob. I went to another fob for a time of rest and recuperation. Was I successful in having time off and enjoying it? Well, I was able to get an hour long massage for $34, so that was the best part. I had real pizza for lunch one day, subway twice, and burger king once. A Sergeant who was also there from my squadron played me in ping pong. We each won one game and called it a day because we started breaking a sweat (even in the A/C). The fob that I went to was even less scenic than my fob so no pics for ya, sorry. The tent we stayed in was hoooooot. About 6 hours during the day it was 91-95 degree in the tent. Yes, that is with the A/C on. There simply were not enough units to cool the tent due to the 125 degree heat. The generator went down for a while one day and within minutes it jumped to 108 degrees in the tent. Lets just say we quickly found another place to hang out. It was an interesting trip back to my fob. There are stray dogs and cats that wander this country. One stray kitten some how found its way in the back of a cargo truck. It rode all the way in the back without our troops knowing it was there. Once it was found, they noticed it was scared and shaking. Due to General Order number 1, we can't have any pets here, so the guys knew we could not keep it. We also did not want to leave it stranded at another fob when its mother might be wandering our fob. So, it rode back in the safe hands of a Sergeant First Class who was the patrol leader. Both he and I played babysitter and held the kitten for the ride. She was still a bit scared and dehydrated, but after some water and comforting, all was well. Even with the A/C on it was still over 100 degrees in the vehicle. She found the only cool place in the vehicle. Once she wrapped herself around my water bottle, which initially had ice in it, she fell asleep. She was cute, but I am still only a dog fan. Overall it was an OK trip and I did get a break from platoon leader life.
This week has gone OK. Nothing too exciting happened on the fob, and thankfully no one has been hurt too bad or killed. I do have one troop that fell from a guard tower (inside) over a week ago and hurt his back. The last update on SPCt is that he went to Germany for an evaluation, then to the states, and is now at home recovering. I am unsure if he will rejoin us here. Despite his efforts to try and get back to his fellow brothers in the platoon, hopefully the Army will decide he should stay home and continue his recovery. Another one of my troops (SSGc) found out that his wife is having brain surgery, so he left immediately. Please keep them in your prayers. Thanks.
All in all, still have all my boys alive and kicking. My Troop commander here has already written two letters to grieving families and we want to keep that number from rising. Yes, he told me it was the hardest thing he has done in his military career. Thank you to the hundreds of motorists and pedestrians that pull over and pay respects when the troop funeral processions drive by. From what I heard, the last two processions brought part of east Tennessee to a stand-still.
John F. Kennedy
"The problems of the world cannot possibly be solved by skeptics or cynics whose horizons are limited by the obvious realities. We need men who can dream of things that never were."
Hi Shawn! We are glad to hear about your mini break! We just wanted to say . . .
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU . . .
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU . . .
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR SHAWN . . .
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU ! ! !
We will be thinking about you tomorrow. Sure wish you were here!
HAPPY 30TH BIRTHDAY ! ! !
Love Ya,
Tesse
Posted by: Tesse | July 15, 2005 at 01:42 PM
American Soldiers are my defenders. You defend my wife, my children, my grandchildren as well as the rest of Americans too. When I read those words: "still have all my boys alive and kicking," I had to catch my breath. Millions upon millions of Americans are proud of all of you and the task before you. May God bless your every waking and sleeping minute in your deployment. Take care. Keep Safe. Stay Strong; and come home to America, to the nation you are respresenting so very well. Prayers are coming your way every day from Maine. GRANDFATHER
Posted by: 'GRANDFATHER' bob kord | July 15, 2005 at 01:45 PM
happy b'day bro (tomorrow, or maybe today for you?). if you want i'll hold off on celebrating your b'day till you get back. much like we did for your 21st. you won't be skipping out on drinks like last time though. &:~D -shalom, bro
Posted by: gavin | July 15, 2005 at 01:52 PM
I'm so glad you got a little R&R. Thanks for all you are doing. We are so proud of each and every one of you and grateful for your service. God bless and have a Happy Birthday. I am praying for you daily.
Posted by: Donna | July 15, 2005 at 02:09 PM
Happy Birthday, Shawn! Stay as safe as you can. As always, we're grateful for what you do, and will keep praying for all of you.
Posted by: MissBirdlegs in AL | July 16, 2005 at 02:00 PM