Day 6

Today felt like a day of transition. It started with a bus ride to the supply warehouse here on base where our new uniforms were bagged up and ready to try on. Quickly, we found our bag and commenced to dump it on the floor...the easiest way to empty any seabag. Something about the smell of new military uniforms...couldn't wait to get them in the wash! A quick inventory then trying everything on. For me, the boots just didn't cut it and I had to exchange a few. After about 45 minutes, the group of about 20 or 25 re-stuffed their seabags and we headed outside for our bus ride back to our rooms. Then started the marking of everything. I had picked up some Sharpie pens that are made to survive the laundry which would mark every item that was given to me. In Oz, we all wear the same uniform and when the names on the outside are velcro, you've got to name and claim your gear. Before I finished, a visit back to the processing center was in order to complete final checkout and discuss the upcoming journey along the Yellow Brick Road. I must say, this process so far has been incredibly easy and seamless. Not normal for the Navy, that's for sure. The folks here really have their act together. Afterwards, it was time to head on back and back the box for home.

Given that I'm now finished with my Navy uniform and I need to minimize my carry-along gear, I boxed it up along with some other unneeded gear and shipped it home to Dorothy, the Tin Man and Scarecrow. I won't need any of that stuff until I return home to Kansas. After my next stop, most people have FOUR seabags of gear so the need to minimize is huge. Only the essentials on the Road.  

 After a so-so lunch...well, scratch that. After a cruddy wanna-be-Chinese-lunch-at-the-galley, it was time for 15 needle pricks. They dipped the fork-like needle in a live smallpox vaccine then pricked my upper right arm 15 times. Honestly, it didn't hurt one bit. My anthrax shot hurt worse, for sure. Supposedly, though, it will hurt. Given that it's a live vaccine, I now have to keep it covered and no scratching or getting it soaked until it scabs up and falls off.  That's supposed to happen within 30 days. They gave me a baggy with new dressings as they are needed and baggies to contain the discarded dressings and the eventual scab and then discard that in a medical hazmat container. So why the smallpox vaccine, you may be asking. Well, in 1979, the World Health Organization declared it eradicated. The concern is that in areas such as Oz, it could be used against us by the enemy. This vaccine is intended to raise our protection and stands good for 10 years after vaccination.

This evening, I decided to pass on the galley food after the yuck-lunch and instead stopped by the commissary (that's grocery store for you non-military types!) for some sushi. During the day, they have a sushi chef make up trays for purchase. I decided to go all out and got a spicy salmon roll and tuna/cream cheese roll...all raw. Back in my room, I enjoyed every bite. "Wise choice, Grasshopper!" The rest of the night was spent washing many of the uniforms to soften them up and rid my luggage of the new uniform smell. Another wise choice.

Another day, another step along the Yellow Brick Road. Hunch has it that things are about to change here in a few days. A clue: think "Army." Yep, this Navy guy is about to learn and be taught by my Army brethren what I need to know in a combat area like Oz. Lots of weapons, convoy training, first aid training, and cultural training about Oz. Heck, rumor has it that they'll even flip me over a few times. Stay tuned!

Back in Kansas, Dorothy and the kids are doing well and getting in their groove. Tin Man and Scarecrow are really looking forward to their dance tomorrow night...wrapped in yellow ribbons, of course. :-)

Goodnight, everyone.