2009.07.11
11JUL09--Replacements Arrive
This evening was full of excitement and handshakes, as my team is one step closer to redeployment. The team that replaces my team arrived at our base today via Blackhawk helicopter fresh for duty.
Inbound Blackhawk
New team dismounting. Boots on the ground.
Taking their bags to their rooms. The overhead cloth acts as a sunshade.
The base's commanding colonel briefs the newly-arrived team on expectations on the basketball court. Dust is in the air constantly.
North Carolina National Guard First Sergeant briefs the team on rules of the base and the Baghdad area, for example: All Soldiers must wear boonie caps not patrol caps.
A couple Soldiers give a class on the wag bag (waste alleviation and gelling bag or toilet in a bag) and the importance of their proper use. The board in the background as a map of the base for orientation.
Sergeant First Class Diaz moves into his new room and prepares for tomorrow's inventories.
An exciting time! Congrats to you on your mission coming to an end, and I say congrats to them for finally getting started.
Thank you for the pictures. :0)
Comment by R — July 11, 2009 @ 6:15 pm
CONGRATULATIONS! ANXIOUS TO MEET YOU WHEN YOU GET TO FINCASTLE. THANKS FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE. YOUR BLOGS HAVE BEEN VERY HELPFUL AND INFORMATIVE. GEORGE AND I HAVE ENJOYED THEM. HE SAYS EVERYTHING HAS CHANGED SINCE WWII.
MARY
Comment by Mary Black — July 12, 2009 @ 8:24 pm
R, my pleasure to provide pictures. I really tried to get some good ones of your husband. He is a very easy going and friendly guy. It was my pleasure to meet him and work with him.
I know that the new team will be successful. I have seen how well they work with each other. Team dynamics is half the battle.
Mary, I look forward to meeting you and George as well. Maybe in August. I am sure that George has at least a few stories to share with me.
Comment by Rich Connaroe — July 18, 2009 @ 12:55 pm