Day 185

Hey everyone...it's me. Sailor14. Anyone not know why I chose that? The obvious first...I'm a sailor. The 14? I've been in for 14 years. I know...deep stuff! I'm looking for the day in the not-too-distant future where I can tell you who I really am, where I really live, and show you Tin Man and Scarecrow...along with their real names. Anyway...it was a Tuesday like nearly every Tuesday before it...quite slow. Wednesdays are always the boost towards the weekend and when the work and busy days accelerate so I'm looking forward to tomorrow. Overall, not very busy today yet again. So, I worked on some more turnover stuff so when my relief gets here, I can get him up and running ASAP. Speaking of whom, I haven't heard from him. I am a bit surprised, though, as I am sure he is aware of his flight schedule by now for crossing the great Atlantic Ocean. If my departure, though, was dependent on his arrival, I'd be a bit on edge. It is not so whenever he gets here...he gets here. I'm leaving, regardless! If things work to plan, he should be on the way by week's end.

Back home, Dorothy is starting her graduate degree today so I'm really excited for her. She has done so well throughout her career and has always supported me, my pursuits, and my education so I'm more than ready to support her in this. It's the next logical step for her in her career and we're fortunate to have such a great program so close to our home. It's also perfect that just as she ramps up her school, I'm about to go home to pick up the slack with the rest of life and our family. I love our team!

I know lately that there hasn't been much talk of war, Afghanistan, and all that "stuff." Well, the war goes on but unlike Iraq which doesn't have the traditional winter, this country does and the mountains surrounding us now have snow pack on them at 12,000 feet and above and that is lowering each day. In a country that lacks something as simple as electrical power, the Taliban largely retreats into Pakistan to take refuge for the winter. Now down south where it's still hot, the fighting does continue...mostly Marines are involved down there. So yes, it is quieter these days and today marks one month since our last rocket attack at my base. In addition, there is a LOT of turnover on my base so the "business" in the area I handle has been down. I still am managing about $40 million worth of material on order and on the way into country but most of the orders for winter preps has been done and that material en route or on the ground. The enemy is still out there (they just caught a few folks trying to photograph our security procedures at our main gate) but simply less aggressive right now. So there you have it...a little explanation on the current state of things. And with that..adios, 185.

Goodnight, everyone.