Hello friends and family,
Well its been a quick sixty days, it really seems like i just got here...but I'm finally completely settled in.
My unit has not been extremely busy operationally, mostly because we just support ourselves. However, the
pace is picking-up really fast...in a few weeks my unit will moving to two different camps, my platoon and I will be moving
from Camp Fallujah to Camp Al Asad.
I have 20 Marines in my platoon...15 guys and 4 girls with a mix of 11 job specialties. Our job here is to
support the DASC (Direct Air Support Center), they control everything in the air. Anyhow, we ensure that their operations
are never interrupted...for obvious reasons. Once in a while we like to change things up by playing sports, field meets,
poker tournaments, and every Sunday we watch a movie (chips/salsa/popcorn). We have the military dogs facility right
next to my shop, so last week I asked if we could put the training suit on with the the dog's, I've attached a picture...enjoy!!!
We also get some pretty nice care packages from families back home once in a while, that really puts a smile on the Marines
face...a touch from back home is all it takes to make things better. There is a real estate agent in Fallbrook, CA who
takes really good care of us...her name is Jan, she sends us so much stuff that we are never short on snacks, hygiene items,
and other miscellaneous stuff. We are very appreciative of her and her coworkers.
I've had the opportunity to visit a few other camps since I got here, some trips by helicopter and others in convoys...its
weird to travel around when so much is going on. The most impressive thing I've seen out here have been the young service
members (air force, navy,army,national guard, and Marines). These guys and gals are in their early twenties and lead
convoys all over Iraq...traveling with them is as safe as it gets, their mission is to move mission critical cargo and personnel
around and they do it with utmost professionalism and confidence. You all should be very proud of our young Americans.
Although there is a war going on around us, there is always some type of event going on to keep our minds at ease and
have some fun once in a while. Last weekend I made a trip to Al Asad on business but was also lucky enough to be there
for Rachel's body building competition. It was a really good show with about 18 competitors, they all did really good.
Rachel won the women's competition, it was awesome...she worked really hard and I'm very proud of her accomplishment.
I've attached a picture.
I'll send a follow-on email with more pictures and another update in about 45 days.
I hope you are all doing well.
Chris
