All over but the cryin'

Here I am, minutes from departure. I have to go to the armory to pick up my sidearm, then off to the airport for a 12:55 flight to San Antonio.

These last 5 days have been a whirlwind of activity, not to mention worry, excitement, frustration, sadness, and anticipation. I've never been much of a camper, so I'm not exactly looking forward to CAST, but word from one of Muck's buddies is it's actually kinda fun. Having lived in SAT for 2 years, I'm well aware of the heat and rain that occurs this time of year. I prefer the former to the latter, but come what may.

I don't expect to have contact with the outside world for the next 12 days (perhaps I'm wrong), so Abi Goes To Iraq may be quiet for a while. I'll take pics along the way and upload them here when I get a chance.

Before I sign off, I must share one story. One of the gate guards on the Area B gate is an old Army Dog. He and I have for months exchanged niceties, and since he recognizes me, he's let me back on base after lunch a time or two after leaving my ID card at my desk (oops!).  Well, I had told him a few weeks ago I'd be deploying. When I came on base Friday, I mentioned it was my last day before departing. His response was to take a step back, call all the gate guards to attention, then render a salute. Very cool, and much appreciated. Now, I tell this story not to bring any attention to myself, but simply to say that--despite all the tripe you may see in the media--we have plenty of folks all around us who love this country, and appreciate the job we do to secure the rights and privileges we all enjoy.

HOO-AAH!!