1-19-2007

Hey Guys,
Things remain much the same as before; more ranges, classes, and attempting to scrounge medical supplies. They say we'll get a bunch when we get north, but i still didn't want to go empty-handed. Made some friends down at the clinic here on base, and they're hooking us up with some of the basics, kerlix, tourniquets, motrin...nothing too outrageous, but its a start.
Biggest news of the day is that we finally got our address for where we'll be in Iraq (I'll post that at the bottom.) Everyone was happy to see that on the board this afternoon.
Been teaching some medical classes to the infantry guys; for some its like trying to train a rock, but for most of them they're taking to it quite well. They're all eager to learn, especially when they know its for their buddies that are to their left and right. Afterwards, they reciprocated by teaching me all about the heavier machine guns that they carry. Interesting quid pro quo.
Some of our unit has already begun shipping north; the first flight left this afternoon, so it shouldn't be more than a couple days and we'll be joining them. I'm sure we'll be a sight for sore eyes to the unit we're replacing; they've been deployed for 15 months, the last 9 where we are headed. Rumors continue to fly about us getting extended, but since we've been over here not even a week, I'll keep thinking good thoughts that it'll just be a standard 12 month-tour. The big question is regarding the troop-surge, and what that will do to the rotation as far as relief. I think they said the unit that was supposed to replace us will be over here around June/July, and that their scheduled replacement will be right behind them. Who knows...nothing to do but keep driving on.
Not much else to report; our train-up is about done, so we'll have a couple easy days over the weekend before we hop on the northbound C-130 and set up shop for a year. I'm actually looking forward to leaving this camp because I'm tired of living out of my duffle bags...my "great bag of convenience." Its anything but "convenient" because you can never find what you need, and end up burying whatever it is you're looking for. It'll be nice to have a semi-permanent "home" to live out of.

My address is:

PFC Ruffin, Troy
Bravo Co, 3d Plt, 2-7 INF
Unit # 73431
Camp Hit
APO AE 09333-3431

Hit is actually the area we'll be in, but its pronounced "heat." We've been told mail takes about a week to 10 days from the states, which isn't bad considering the miles it has to travel, and all the hands it passes through. Mail in general will be greatly appreciated, and I'll do my best to respond, though it may have to come in the form of an email. We'll see what life is like, along with the facilities we'll have on our FOB (forward operating base.)

Some of you have asked if I'll get to come home at all while I'm here. I'll have 2 weeks R & R, rest and relaxation. Right now I've put in for the 2d and 3d week of October, so it'll be a while. John, I've heard good things about getting what we've requested, so I'm staying hopeful about being there for the wedding.

That's about all for now. Thanks for the emails, the thoughts and prayers and continued support.

I'll email again before we head north.

Love you guys,
Troy