100th day??

Hello All,

I am checking in from Talil, Iraq aka Camp Adder. I think according to Jess I am approaching the 100th day mark for my deployment. We have spent most of the time up until now working to be ready for our "special purpose". We are still unpacking boxes and cleaning/rearranging our shop to our liking.

Living conditions in Camp Bashra are improving. It had been under British control up until now. I am not sure what they soldiers on this base were used to, but there is not much as far as extra activities to keep urself busy. It is by far the most basic base I have been to on this journey. They are in process of expanding the PX here. Right now they have problems keeping many items in stock for soldiers to buy. At Bashra, I couldn't buy a broom for my room or even an air freshener. You can imagine how we get to start smelling after a long days work outside. But they have told us that they will be building one of the biggest PX's in Iraq by the end of July/August.

I should have an internet connection to my room within a week....I should have much more time to keep updated on the internet. I also have a TV coming from Jess (thank you to Best Buy for paying for shipping)....things should be on the up n up with in a week or two.

I miss everyone and cant wait to enjoy a summer at home....I will miss spending Memorial Day with family up at the lake.

Thats all for now,

Sam

Updated Address

Here is a poster i found in one of the shower/latrine trailers. I did not have the temptation to wash my feet in the sink because I used my hands to wipe. lol.


Anyway the moral to my new post is that my mailing address has been changed slightly for increased effientcy in receiving mail.

The new address is:
Holl, Samuel
HSC, 34th ID, MAINT 1, UNIT 117
APO AE 09374

Feel free to mail away.....I will be at that address soon.

Kuwait Freeways

Hello Everyone,

Just taking some time to update my blog. I recently had the chance to drive on Kuwait Freeways for the first time. I will have to admit I was a little nervous the first time out. Not nervous for IEDs or gunshots, but nervous for other drivers, speedbumps, and unfamiliar roads. I was able to get a fair amount of drivetime on the roads and can say that I am used to the traffic patterns. I had to go to another drivers training class when I arrived in Kuwait for my NTV license (non tactical vehicle) and they warned us about the speeds and habits that others exhibit. For one example, so matter how many lanes are marked on the road, there are always room for more. Stop signs off post are mearly a suggestion. It is acceptable to tailgate and flash your brights when you want to pass. It is allright to flash your brights toward oncoming traffic for no reason. The fast lane is the fast lane so stay out unless ur in a race. I have heard that these roads are some of the deadliest in the region.....but all are human error. I personally saw a mid size truck sitting perpendicular on a guard rail about 20 feet from the hole that it placed in it. Anyway, I just stay out of the way and mind my own business when on the road.

I am still not in my job role as a wheeled mechanic, but am tasked with misc logistical operations. It is something to do for now, but I am looking forward to getting my hands dirty some vehicle work. Everyday is hot here and I have been able to experience my first sunburn. i am hesitant to relay specifics of where I am or what I am doing so do not think that my blog is extremely boring.

I am doing well and miss everyone extremely.

Later,

Sam