Bigger is not better....an email from Seth

Jan and I had the pleasure of an early morning phone call with the boys. We did a conference call with Seth and Eli on seperate computers so we could all talk. Always a nice way to start the day! According to the boys they've developed a nice routine when they are on the base. They're working out in the gym each evening after supper, showering, shaving and then returning to their room for a movie before retiring. They're back on the base until this weekend when they will head out again. I'm sure most of you have seen Seth's most recent email, but here it is:

Dear Family and Friends,
I just got back from another patrol, this one to a place down south called Al Taqquaddum. This was my first trip down South, and it was my first patrol with Eli. This convoy was also the largest that I have been a part of. I am sure you all are all familiar with the saying, "Bigger is Better," well when it comes to convoys it is not the case. The convoy consisted of about fifty vehicles, which is probably the largest convoy we will be a part of. There are numerous problems that can occur in a convoy that size, and it seemed that we had to deal with all of them. The trip was supposed to take around three hours, but it instead took about seven hours. Some of the problems that come with large convoys are communication issues, slow speeds, and large distances between the element. At one point we estimated that the convoy stretched for about three and a half miles. One of the biggest problems that usually occurs has nothing to do with the size of the convoy, but with the size of the trucks we are escorting. These large trucks hauling full loads are not made to travel on the rough roads that Iraq has to offer. We frequently have to stop for breakdowns, blown tires, and for the truck drivers to make sure their load is still secured. The truck drivers that we escort are a combination of military drivers, and KBR workers. It is interesting to consider that the KBR workers and the military drivers do the exact same job, expose themselves to the same dangers, but there is about a $75,000 pay discrepancy between the two groups. The KBR drivers are typically older, ex-military, and male. They are good guys, but their main motivation is money. The military drivers that we escort are predominantly younger, and are mainly males with a few females mixed in. While money is a factor, it is not the primary reason they are serving. They are serving because it is an opportunity to better themselves, and because they believe in what they are doing. While I do not believe in the reasons for being here in Iraq, and I think our administration has let our military and our country down, I do feel like our armed forces are doing good things over here. I don't believe in this war, but I believe in our military. I respect the KBR drivers for what they do, but I respect and admire the military drivers even more for what they do.
I hope this e-mail finds you all doing well, and having a good week. I am glad to hear that rain has finally graced the valley with its presence, I do not look forward to the day when rain appears here in Iraq. Eli and I are doing well, and have settled into a routine. We think about you all and about home often, and know that it won't be long before we are back in good ole Virginia. Take care and I look forward to talking to you all soon,
Love from Iraq,
Seth