Mississippi and Beyond

We've had regular contact with Seth and Eli as they have settled in at Camp Shelby, Mississippi. When they first arrived they were housed at a FOB (Forward Operating Base) which seems to be Army talk for sub-standard housing. Seth noted that in four years with the Guard he has experienced many different living situation and this was by far the worst! While at the FOB they experienced shortages of water, food and toilet paper. Now you could claim that the Army is trying to get them adjusted to possible deprivations they may face while in Iraq, but I don't think there was any reasoning behind this other than a total lack of preperation. So far, Mississippi doesn't have much to recommend it other than hot, hot, hot, humid, humid, humid and daily rain showers.
The good news is that they are now housed in air-conditioned barracks and can at least get a decent night's sleep - no minor thing. Seth and Eli are together now and are in the same barracks. They get to spend a lot of time together, eating meals and relaxing in the evening. Seth notes that they look the same again with matching uniforms and haircuts. Eli will be leaving on the 11th for Texas to brush up on his medical training. He is supposed to be gone about a month. Seth has been asked to be the RTO for his platoon. I'm not sure exactly what that means, but Seth was very appreciative of the confidence his Lieutenant expressed in him by naming him RTO. RTO stands for Radio Transmission Officer and in past wars was the guy running around with the big radio. Seth notes that the job entails much more now and is in many ways an administrative position. Whatever....he is pleased to be asked to assume this responsibility for his platoon.
If anyone wants Seth's address, send me an email and I'll get it to you. Seth and Eli have the same address, but Eli will be leaving for Texas and I don't have a new address for him.
Oh by the way...........Happy Birthday Little George.........I don't think they offered birthday cake to the soldiers.