Fortunately, the human body adapts to change pretty well. I've only been here for two days, and already the heat doesn't seem unbearable, although I know that the day after tomorrow, when we go shooting and have to wear body armor for the first time, will be rough. But the only way we're going to be able to get used to it is by doing it, so while I'm not looking forward to it, it will be good training.

We arrived in Kuwait almost exactly on schedule. That fact is all the more impressive when you consider how many little problems we had on the way. We had to reload the aircraft at every stop, which meant we ended up staying extra hours on the ground every time before we could make the next leg of the flight. The only reason we ended up landing early was because we ended up cutting out one leg of the flight, going directly from New York City to Germany without stopping in Ireland as was originally planned. It worked out, but it made for a long and painful voyage.

And it wasn't over when we landed. As soon as we touched down we were told that we would have to stay on the aircraft so our bags could be transferred to a truck, and that we weren't permitted to take pictures. There was a C-5 on the runway, and five caskets were loaded on board while we waited to deplane our aircraft. A somber reminder of the dangers of this part of the world.

Those reminders kept coming as we were informed that the airbase was under a security lockdown, and so we couldn't be permitted to leave yet, so we all went to a holding area to wait. After less than an hour we were free to leave, so we loaded the buses and moved to the edge of the base. There we had to draw ammunition for four personnel, just in case anything happened while we were heading to our base. All the curtains on the buses had to remain drawn as well, I'm not sure why. All in all, it was a sobering way to start our time in theater.

We dropped the National Guard unit at another camp before heading north to Buehring, where we will spend about ten days training before we leave for Iraq proper. The training here is intended to reinforce what we learned at Fort Riley, focusing on items considered of particular importance. We'll refire our weapons, conduct some convoy and IED training, and get some more Arabic training, among other things. There are a total of eight days of training scheduled for Camp Buehring.

The camp is pretty nice. Our building is a frame tent, a metal frame with white canvas to keep out the wind and sun. It has lights and air conditioning, so it is reasonably comfortable, although I'm not partial to cots as a rule. It certainly beats sleeping out in the weather, however, as we're experiencing a pretty nasty windstorm at the moment. For a place to stay for a few days, it's quite satisfactory.

I'll be happy when we leave, though. I am ready to get down to business after three months at Fort Riley. So we'll take advantage of the training here, but my eyes are on the mission now.

READER COMMENTS

Thanks for the blog..our son is in Mosul..he says it is very hard to get the Iraq people to take charge of their own country.be patient and know your work is really appreciated by all of us back home..be safe and post your troop address for care packages when you get to your destination. God Bless..Army Mom

Hello Andy!!
I'm your mother's cousin and hopefully you'll remember me. We attended your beautiful wedding!!! :) Buzz is still in awe about the castle. LOL
I'm glad to hear you arrived safely and you'll be in our thoughts and prayers every day while you are on this important mission!!!! Take care and please stay out of harms way!
We are very proud of you and what you are doing!!!!
Love, Donna and Buzz

It is good to hear about you if only through the blog. We think about you every day.
Stay well and safe.
Love, Mom

I enjoy your blog. Thanks for the updates and the descriptions of what you are doing and when. You and your troops are in our prayers. Keep safe. There are a lot of Americans that believe in what you are doing. May God Bless and Keep you all. Judy

I remember you before you were born. Your mom and dad are longtime friends; I bumped your mom over the back roads of Bangor to help your arrival!!

I've enjoyed reading your blogs and look forward to keeping up with you as you continue writing them. Thank you for your commitment to our country. Many of us here REALLY appreciate your sacrifice and hard work. God bless.
Linda

Happy 4th of July, son. Give our best to you and your troop. Stay safe.

Dad