Not yet.
I got an e-mail from him the other day saying that he will be out of comm for the next month or so. He couldn't say why, know what I mean.
I DID get a letter from him saying thank you for the cigars and that he will get a pic to me as soon as he gets back from wherever he's going.
Here's his e-mail telling me some stories:
"I have been down in the hole known as FDC working on fire missions. During that time, I got the chance to go out with some Civil Affairs Group marines for some patrols in the city. That was interesting. Those streets get pretty tight. My biggest fear was that some kid was going to toss a grenade into the back of the HMMV I was riding in. That didn't happen and most of the kids we came into contact with were nice if a little demanding for chocolate. Anyway, the entire city that I could tell was decimated by war. I mean, there were bullet holes EVERYWHERE. Crazy. The Marines tore that city up.
The other news is that I will be out of comm again for the next couple of weeks. Of course, I would tell you why but I cant. Don't worry though, nothing too exciting or dangerous. I will tell you though is that I haven't been able to do laundry for a while and I am running extremely low on the essentials. It will be nice to get back and get my clothes clean. Don't worry, I have enough clothes to wear, just not clean ones right now.
I would like to thank everyone for the emails and letters. They help a lot.
The Marine Corps Bday was nice if shortlived. We had to work. From here on out, it seems like we will be doing a lot more than what we have been tasked with. This is good as it will make the time go by faster. As is, I can't believe it is already December almost. wow. Time is flying by.
I will continue to take pictures but the constraints of the job sometimes limit my shutter time. On the patrol in the city the other day, I got a few shots off but felt nervous because I was in the middle of the city in traffic. Not the best idea but the shot were good I thought. I hope my pictures will give everyone an idea of what this place is like. Third world for sure. Some of those streets were so tight it made me nervous a couple times. One kid threw a rock and landed in the back of our HMMV. I mean, he winged that thing right in there. I'm glad it was only a rock.
Like I said, I will be out of comm for a while. I'm sorry this has to be a group email. We have been busy getting ready for this next job and it may last a while. I will let you know hopefully if I will be gone for more than the next week or two.
I would like to wish everyone a happy thanksgiving and a merry Christmas if I don't get the chance. Please don't send anything too big. I would say don't send anything at all but I know some people wont comply.
You all need to know that you mean a lot to me. I know this war doesn't sit well with a number of people but we really are trying to make things better. The problem is mostly cultural from what I can tell. The money is there and the willingness is there on our part but, the Iraqis have different ways of doing things I guess. I don't know. They just strike me as a less than proactive people. I don't know. They still butcher sheep on the street corner. That was a wierd sight!
When I get back I will tell you as much as I can. Don't bother writing back for a while. I won't be able to read anything for a couple of weeks.
love and Semper Fi!
Greg"
I know that's a long one but I just want everyone to know that he does appreciate what you all did for him and that you all don't think that I scammed anyone.
As soon as he gets me those pics I will get them on here.
Thanks again everyone!
