Hello All,

Well, I've lost track of the days we've spent here on the Iceberg, and that's probably for the best. I don't like Wisconsin in the winter (in case you never noticed) and am looking forward to a warmer climate. Say, Belize or Mexico. Margaritas are good. Beaches are better. Warm water and cold beer are BEST with bikinis and sun tan oil (I'm in my happy place).

Tonight I'm pulling CQ (command of quarters, no it's not a cool gig) from 0000 to 0600. You might think that sounds a little cool, but it really entails answering the phone, counting the weapons and picking up the drunks from the bar (yeah, I'm babysitting drunks instead of being one... kinda a nice change of place, don't you think?). Anyway, I thought that I'd take a moment to tell you all about my comrades in Xth Platoon and the rest of the XXX Chem.

SSG Jeff is my Platoon Sergeant. I've been working with Jeff since before we opened the detachment in Vermillion, SD. He's tall, a bit rounded in the middle and has the salt-n-pepper look going on top of his head. He has a natural aggressiveness that commands respect, and a sense of humor that involves a deadpan lie that you have to struggle not to believe. He's the kind of prankster that will tell you your promotion was denied, 5 minutes before the commander pins the rank on your collar.

SGT Matt is a veteran of the XXX Chem. He's my roommate, and returned from Texas to go on this little adventure. A year ago, Matt moved down to South Padre Island as a cardio tech, but when he heard we were being activated, he dropped his cushy civilian life in the sun to come here. I have a lot of respect for him, it takes guts to walk into a fight, even more when you don't have too. Matt reminds me of a WHITE Orlando Jones (form the 7-Up commercials, Evolution) and has a way with women that I take notes on.

SFC John is the Platoon Sergeant for 1st, and I've know and worked with him for 10 years. He's also a bit rounded in the middle (a common theme in this reserve unit for senior NCO's). He has a happy-go-lucky sense of humor that can always put a smile on your face, but when he goes into HOOAH mode, look out, shit is on the way. John is the kind of man you like, even if you don’t like his style, looks or politics.

SSG Mac and I have been to most of our NCO training together. I've spent more hours traveling with him than any girlfriend (trust me, it's not a fair trade 'cause Mac has lousy legs and a mustache that would make Magnum PI proud) and I've never been left wanting. He's got great stories from his days driving a M1 Abrahms tank, and loves Guiness beer. His temper is shorter than a Ney York minute, but he’s never STARTED a bar fight yet. Somehow that always gets done by somebody else (I wonder who that could be???).

Well, I think that's about all I have for now. I'm off duty at 0600, or when the first sergeant gets off his lazy ass in the morning and relieves me. After that, there's a light duty day, and a 20 hour pass for me. I've made reservations at the Holiday Inn (and I'm being raped at those prices). My plan is to eat a steak, watch a little TV (oh, I haven't seen any of since I left Sioux Falls) and drink too much beer in the Hotel Bar. A couple other sergeants are going with me, call it a night out without the kids (younger enlisted soldiers).

I hope you all have a great weekend,

Love,

Will