Hi Everybody,

I know it's been a couple days since you've heard from me, but things have been a little busy around here, and just getting here. XXX Chem left Sioux Falls around 0400 on Monday and flew to a small airbase near La Cross, WI, and then traveled to Ft. Mc Coy (see Arctic Circle). We are living in barracks originally built for WWII. Some people might bitch, but I've been around long enough to know that any roof is better than a roof made of canvas (see Tent), also that the Army considers Tents a valid form of shelter, for any environment. The food isn't bad, again, some might bitch about Army Chow, but I've also been around to understand that the Army considers MRE's a valid choice of food (see constipation).

To say that the weather is cold would be a mild understatement. Something along the lines of saying that the founding fathers of Hiroshima had a bad day in 1945. I brought one pair of thermal underwear (bottoms only) and that was a small mistake also (see previous Hiroshima comment). However, soldiers are built to adapt and survive in any type of environment, even one that would kill a Floridian in about 60 seconds.

Morale is good, and I can say that I am truly proud of the soldiers of Xth Platoon (mine). The general attitude is one of, "It's time to get there (where ever that is), do our jobs, and get the hell home." I would like to add that we all want to leave CONUS (Continental United States) as quickly as possible, not because we're looking forward to the war, but we really hate Wisconsin (why do people live here????? Don't they know that snow, while a natural phenomenon, is no way to live for 9 months out of the year!)

Seriously, things are moving quickly and favorably. We all got our shots (10 for me) and final paperwork finished today. Training is picking up, and we are hoping that our replacements/augmentees show up soon. We're short a couple soldiers. News is scarce here, nobody has time for the paper and TV isn't available in the barracks. There is some grumbling, but the only time to worry about a soldier is when he/she STOPS bitching.

Email access might become scarce in the future, and then we’re back to snail mail. I’ll try to write as much as possible, but please bear with me. I love you all, and appreciate all your support. I’ll be home soon.

Love,

Will