Six days in Norfolk was six days too many! The only saving grace was being able to reconnect with one of my old Shipmates. You know who your true friends are when you can go twelve years without seeing them and pick up the conversation as if you saw each other just yesterday. I could definitely have done without the cold, though!! I've been spoiled living in the wonderful warmth of Phoenix, AZ. I miss my home. Mainly, I miss my wife and son.
So, yes. Norfolk was quick. They stuck me with a couple more vaccinations and loaded me down with a HUGE bag of gear. More than I was issued when I went to GTMO. I felt pretty good helping out the Sailors who were experiencing all this for the first time. We've got a Petty Officer from Phoenix who had a million and one questions and I really enjoyed helping him out with advice on what to bring, what to leave, etc.
The bus ride from Norfolk to Ft Jackson was a nice long one. Good thing I didn't get a wink of sleep the night before so I could zonk out during the trip. We're over in some remote corner of the base where no one really bothers us so it's interesting. Kinda weird for a city boy to be out in the middle of nowhere like this. Living conditions? Well, it's clean. Spartan is the best way I can describe it. They we're in open barracks. Thankfully, they spread us out enough where we were all able to take bottom racks. All the guys are really upbeat and, thankfully, they seem to be tolerating my joking and humor. After the long days we've had here so far, we NEED to laugh.
Battle Rattle. That's what the Drill Sergeants...yes, I said Drill Sergeants...call our full battle dress. I was told by multiple sources that I look like a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle when I'm fully dressed out. Stuff's heavy, but it saves lives so I'm willing to deal with it. I must say, with each day that goes by here, I gain more and more appreciation and respect for my infantry brothers in the Army and Marine Corps who have to carry all this stuff around all day, day in and day out.
It's certainly a different world while I'm down here. Great training and fun to be learning new things...I pray I never have to use it but if I do, I'm glad they're exposing me to it. With every day that passes I get closer and closer to making it to Djibouti. I'm looking forward to putting training behind me and getting on with my mission.
My arms and hands are kinda sore from holding our rifles all day and my body is sore from wearing the battle rattle. More of the same tomorrow. Yippee!!! Time for some Aleve, a shower, and some rack time.
Good night.
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