Balad

So here I am! Safe in Joint Base Balad. You'll have to google it to see where I am in the country. Right now I have a room shared with another guy from a different unit. After our crew we're replacing leaves, we'll take over their old rooms. There is everything we could ever need here. From several gyms and dining facilities to rec centers, movie theatre, stadium with track, sports field, two restaurants, general Post Exchange, and much more. We have already started doing our missions under the guidance of the unit who's leaving. My platoon from Pocatello is the Personal Security Detail for on base and any trips out to other bases that the VIP's need to go visit. I do have internet in my room, but the speed is very unpredictable. Soon we'll have a regular schedule after the Christmas tours slow down. I'll send a few more updates, but my schedule will be pretty routine for the remainder of the tour. See everyone in July when I come home for R&R leave!


Since LeeRoy arrived in Balad we have been able to Skype. I cannot express how wonderful that has been. The kids went crazy! Wendy has been crying a lot over her dad lately, worrying about him not having a bed to sleep in with it so cold outside. I explained to her that the army gave him a bed and that helped a little but her being able to actually see him sitting on his bed and talking to her helped a lot. He also has such a great attitude. Just seeing him and talking to him for a short time puts us all in a great mood and eases our fears. I love technology!