Howdy everyone,
I just thought I would say hi to you all. Every once in a while I get a little free time and can slip into the computer center t get on line. It is nice to hop on AR and get my fix of gun porn.

It has been 100mph since I hit the ground here. My first day in country one of our smaller bases was hit by mortars and 2 of the guys were hit and had to be medevacced out to Anaconda. Luckily both were in body armor and had eye protection on. It saved both of their lives and sight. One did have a real close call when a large piece of shrapnel missed his happy package by a 1/2" and imbedded in his thigh with out hitting any major blood vessels. I was riding back from Anaconda to my base camp with the BDE CSM when the call came in and we turned the convoy around to meet the incoming bird. it was cool to see them awarded their Purple Hearts on the spot. Even more impressive was the incredible medical staff here. Those folks have the toughest job in the world and to say they are incredibleis an understatement.

The ride from Kuwait to Anaconda in the back of a C130 was better than any roller coaster. You sit in 2 rows facing each other on fold down nylon webbing seats. It is so tight your knees interlock with the guy across from you. Add full body armor, weapon, and a 70 pound ruck sitting on your lap and it gets real interesting. Since it is a combat zone we land in they come in steep, fast, and make a lot of hard turns. This is suppposed to throw off any enemy gunners during that last descent. And with a lot of turbulence from the desert heat it is one crazy ride. Did I mention the back ramp of the plane is down during the ride so you feel like your butt is hanging out into space. No experience like it.

Life here is pretty good. They have us living in sandbagged CHU's. Containerised housing units. They are metal shipping containers that have been converted into 2 man hooches. We have power and AC and even real bunks. it is a lot better than the back deck of a tank or in a tent. The food stinks and I will never get used to powdered eggs but it is at least nourishing if nothing else. They do keep us well stocked on Gator Aid though and that is a big plus. The base has internet and phone access and their is usually no wait. i have been able to cal home a couple times now and it is so good to talk to my family.

I want to thank all of you who have sent me the great PM's and emails. It means a lot to know that the soldiers over here have your support.

Hey buddie, remember what I told you. Okay dont keep your head low when you are interlocking knees with someone across from you. He may get the wrong idea.

Going to get a care package off next week. Find out what items are needed over there. I have some fat pills for you already, we can slim you down when you get home.

Bill,

Remember what I told you when you left, be polite and courteous to everyone you meet...and have a plan to waste every SOB in sight.

You hang tough! Remember...this too,shall pass! My E-6 son should be passing through soon (1st Ranger Batt)

Mr. Berger, Thank You for being there.

Hey, Matt...

PM his address and I’ll put him on the care-package list too.

Anything for our guys.

Bill, a small FAT FREE care package will be on the way Friday. Please let us know here at AR what you guys need that we can get to you. Thanks again for being there.

Keep your head down!!

Want to see you pulling the trigger on a 550 one day!!
jeffe

quote:

Originally posted by Rick 0311:
Bill,

Remember what I told you when you left, be polite and courteous to everyone you meet...and have a plan to waste every SOB in sight.

Most Affirmative.
Thanks to you and all for your service.
Gene

Stay safe and thanks to you and all the others over there for what you do for us.

At the risk of redundancy, I'll add my thanks for your service! Be safe and come home safely (maybe they'll close the butt end of the plane for your ride home!) Prayers are with you!

quote:

Originally posted by Rick 0311:
Bill,

Remember what I told you when you left, be polite and courteous to everyone you meet...and have a plan to waste every SOB in sight.

Rick, that is a great mind set, get him thinking like a MARINE

Hog Killer

quote:

Originally posted by Hog Killer:

quote:

Originally posted by Rick 0311:
Bill,

Remember what I told you when you left, be polite and courteous to everyone you meet...and have a plan to waste every SOB in sight.

Rick, that is a great mind set, get him thinking like a MARINE

Hog Killer

To me the only “rule†of engagement is that you “engage†the SOB’s whenever and wherever the need arises.

The same old gunny that told me that many years ago had fought in Korea as a young PVT, and he drilled into our heads to take no pleasure, nor accpet any guilt, for doing what you gotta do to make sure that you and your guys come home in the upright position.

Glad the ride in was exciting but uneventful.

Thanks for your service. Take care and keep your head down.

M1, stay strong and Gods Speed. You guys are all genuine bad-asses. I'm in the camp that believes we are doing the right thing over there, and I'm sure proud of you and the rest of the troops.

My sincere thanks and Best Regards--Don

Mr. Berger,

Keep counting the days. When you get so "short" you can sit on the edge of a dime and your
feet don't touch the ground, then it is close to time to head home. I am glad that our country
is no longer blaming the soldiers for whatever war they are sent to. Whether the war is right or
wrong, we appreciate your efforts.

I don't know you, but just because you are an American soldier, I pray without reservation that you
get home safe.

Shoot the pukes and help the friendlies!

Old Elk Hunter, US Navy, Vietnam
My father and various grandfathers fought in all the wars back to before the Revolutionary War. We started
in the Jamestown colony.
That is the perpetual price of freedom.

Thanks for covering my fat ass and that of my family. Most appreciated. Come home safe and come home soon.
Better tomorrows!

Thanks guys for all the good wishes and replies. And also I dont want to leave out my thanks for the great advice and packages. I know my soldiers will especially like to get into those!!!

I work with a great bunch of soldiers and that makes it a lot easier. They are all good at what they do and put 110% into it. I couldnt ask for a better group of guys.

Poking my nose around AR is a big relaxer for me over here. I dont get to do it very often let alone make any posts, but I enjoy reading and learning from you all.

Thanks again and take care!!!