Adjusting...

The countdown for me to return home started on 24MAR. My first couple of weeks were spent at Camp Leatherneck. Although I was working with a bunch of good people, I hated my time there. Too many people are out to make a name for themselves. The backstabbing and rumors were just out of control. Luckily, my name was added to a list for thee major project of our deployment. The skipper calls it 'mission critical'. I wish I could tell you more but this project is the sort of stuff that will pop up in Seabee history books. Hoo-rah!

Anyway, a small group of us have been sent out to a FOB (forward operating base) in the middle of AFG. The base is bigger than the other FOB's that I've been to but it is what it is. By the looks of things, we forced our way in and took over a hilltop and small section of this city and built the base up from there. But now the base is run by the Polish army and let me just say that they are not the friendliest of people. I am sure that it is more of a cultural thing that will only take time to help me change my initial opinion of them. But unlike Iraq, this war has pushed us to blend in with military personnel from other countries. We've rubbed elbows with Estonians, Georgians (not the ATL!) Jordanians, the Aussies, the Brits, the Danes and many more. This war is truly a joint effort and one that I am glad to be a part of.

Our side of the came is still being developed. We are waiting for our 'permanent' housing to be completed. To include our own 'rooms' and internet. (We sure have come a long way.) but those are just extras. The base is as secure, if not more so than any of the bases that I  have been to and I am working with a solid crew of guys. Now that we have started doing the work that we were trained to do, we are finally able to get into a groove. Thankfully, the days are flying by.

Much love to all of you.