1/14/08

Just thought I'd say hi; not a whole lot to report, besides it being COLD!!! Doesn't help that there's nothing out here to stop the wind from Syria to Baghdad . oh well...thats what snivel gear is for, huh?
Finished "In the Company of Heros" and "Clan of the Cave Bear." Both great books!!! Really enjoyed both of them; I've left them in the chow hall for other people to pick up if they want.
Will try to get the day light pics of the snow off my computer tomorrow if I get the chance. Also, I got a short little video clip on my camera of one of my buddies sledding!!! He took a sign of the back of a humvee and bent the corners up so he could put his feet there, and took off down the hill. its pretty funny, but probably too large to email. Most of the snow is gone...it lasted for about a day and a half, but now the only places it remains is where the sun doesn't hit. It was sure fun while it lasted, though. You should have seen all the infantrymen and their snowball fights! Good times.
The Battalion Commander stopped by our "humble abode" today. I guess Paul overheard him talking about trying to give coins to deserving Soldiers, and he dropped my name in his ear. So, later this afternoon he stopped by the aid station and presented me with a coin. Its pretty cool looking, too. Its the 2-7 Infantry Regimental coin. Now I've got one from my battalion, division and major command ( Lt Col , 2-star general, and 4-star general respectively.) My collection is growing, plus we'll all get one for the deployment. Paul was really happy that it worked out; he was really happy with how I was able to take care of my guys with no direct oversight since we left Hit. He was bragging to everybody we saw this afternoon that I got a coin from the BC. Kinda cool.
Other than that, not a whole lot going on right now. Will have a couple things to take care of tomorrow, but nothing too big. I've been slowly working at typing out an email (aka abbreviated version of events since we left Hit) but it is taking more time than anticipated. I'm not sure anybody will read the whole thing, but it'll be nice to have a record (if somewhat abridged) of events over the past several months. I'll get it out when I can, but there's still a ways to go.
Just got off the phone with Kristen before I sat down at the computer to write you guys. Not too many people out right now as it is COLD and the wind is really howling...makes guys tend to stay inside next to the heaters (like normal, sane people). She's doing well, and is trying to get ready for her next semester of classes. I guess U of I doesn't start till next week; seems late, but then again its been a while since I've been in college. Can't WAIT to get my degree finished!!! That'll be really nice to have completed that step in the process.
Speaking of completing processes, we're trying to get everything together for my paramedic recert; the packet you mailed off will help immensly, thanks for doing that! Looks like I may have to spend several days on KV to be able to go through some classes with Doc Brown so I can check off the necessary blocks. I'm definitely not opposed to this, as it'll be a great learning experience, plus it'll be the only real test of knowledge I've had since I joined the Army.
Well...I should probably head to bed. 07 comes early...

Love you guys more than fresh-fallen snow!
Troy