TIME OF CELEBRATION

I may be in Iraq but the celebration of life events goes on at home. Hannah is turning 13 tomorrow, Mother's Day is Sunday, and Erica graduates on the 23rd of this month. So Happy Birthday Hannah, Happy Mother's Day Loretta, my mother and Loretta's Mom, and congratulations to Erica on graduating Lassiter High School shortly. I send my love and congratulations to my family. We'll celebrate again when I get home.

It's been a busy week in that the days seem to fly by. I've been going to 'school' for various certifications I need and a Seabee Pin (also called a "Bug") I'd like to earn. It's a little overwhelming to spend several hours a day (and night) learning new things while carrying out my regular duties. I now have an Assistant Supply Officer aboard to take some of the load, although that entails a certain amount of work as well.

Overall, the work is going well. We're almost finished inventorying every piece of equipment and supplies that we own and ahead of schedule. Almost as soon as that's done, we are already planning for the contingency of being the last Seabee Battalion here. Nothing's definitive yet, but we are planning for the 'worst' case. From a work load perspective, Supply has the most "stuff" to move out, so we're in the spotlight. As usual, it's just another challenge.

Tomorrow is a special day for us. Instead of the usual 6.5 days of work a week, we will be off Saturday afternoon through Sunday morning. That may seem ridiculous by civilian standards but this is a treat. One day off!! It's also funny to think you expect someone to answer their phone late at night but it's true. I went to dinner tonight and came back around 8:00 PM. There was a message from someone else saying that I could call them up to 10:00 PM. Most of the senior enlisted and officers go back to work for a few hours after dinner to catch up on extra work. It's just how things work around here.

Last week, we had a long ball golf driving contest to raise money for MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation). I hadn't played golf in a very long time but then I suspect others hadn't either. I was in for fun, whatever the cause or opportunity. The MWR team found a long, flat, open field and placed cones for out of bound markers. Somehow they came up with 5 drivers (who plays golf here) and I supplied the balls (remember I'm in Supply - don't ask). I came in a little late so some had already driven. I must say that I was pretty rusty and shanked 3 of the five balls. But 1 of my shots went straight and true for 285 yards, including some rolling. I had first place and the honor of the Supply Department at stake. Unfortunately, there were other challangers (and repeat ones) with better skills and I ran out of time and money to reclaim my rightful place. I settled for 2nd place with a vow to redeem myself once again.

Saturday afternoon, Supply will have a cook out in celebration of Mother's Day. We do have a fair contingent of mothers who I'm sure miss their kids vey much. We hope this celebration will ease their pain a little. We're cooking T-Bone steak that we inherited from the previous Battalion. With a little luck and a professional chef aboard, I am counting on the first good steak since I arrived. For a fait accomplis, I would only ask for a cold cider to wash down the food. Alas, no alcohol is allowed on base.

We finally opened our Battalion Barber Shop for business. I insisted on being the first customer. Our barber is actually a hair stylist instructor in the civilian world so I knew I was in good hands. I did notice more gray hair than usual falling on the cape. But that's life.

Well, once I again I need to say goodbye. It's late here while it's only mid-afternoon for those back in the USA. I'll write again in a few days. Until then......