August 10th, Email from Shane

Good Morning Love,

I am sorry we didn't get finished talking yesterday either. The DNVT died on me go figure. Everything is going good here. I have no complaints.
The sand storm finally stopped sometime yesterday but not before everything I have was covered in dust and sand.
I really missing you guys can't wait until I get home.
Have you thought about where you would like to go on a trip to. It really doesn't matter to me as long as the desert isn't involved in it.

09 August 2005
As I was telling you yesterday we were on QRF yesterday, which is Quick Reaction Force.
We had to make a little run out to Dog Patch yesterday and take some people out there. No big deal, was only there may be 20-30 minutes at the most.
The only bad thing was that is was during lunch, so I missed some good pork tenderloin.
Oh well I should have gone as soon as the chow line opened but I waited, so I paid for it.
Check one up for learning: Always get to chow at the beginning when on QRF.

The rest of the day was very laid back. Nothing else went on. I watched the last season that is on DVD of 24 season three. I don't know what I am going to do when I finish this season and have no more 24 to watch. I am going to have withdrawals I believe. I also read some more of The Expendables. Almost finished, should have it complete before the week is out.

I went to bed about 9:30 - 10:00 last night because we had an early morning patrol at 5:00 and wake up was at 4:30. Most of us slept with our uniform pants on and t-shirt and socks. In case we got a call last night: QRF stands for Quick so we wanted to make the the Q stay in QRF.
But nothing happen Thank God!

10 August 2005
Got up before the sun this morning to run the Triangle patrol route. It is not a real triangle, as matter of fact, it is missing a whole side. But if you were to draw a line in the desert it would be a triangle, that is where the name comes from. We left this morning and I was the last vehicle of three. We and a 113 (Armor Personnel Carrier), an HUMMV and my 113. So I was tail end (Charlie) or the last vehicle in the patrol group.

My job was to make sure no one came up behind us. We had no problems and was back about 6:30-6:45 that morning. When we got back we had a surprise waiting for us.
We had REAL EGGS in the chow hall. Real Eggs!!! We couldn't believe it.
Of course we got our gear put away as quick as we could and took off to the chow hall.

I had fresh toast, REAL EGGS, grits and sausage and a nice ice cold coke to drink. What a way to start a day off. I finished eating and came to the internet cafe and no computers were open at the time so I went a head and took my shower and shaved.
Got back to the tent about 8:30 9:00 and read some more on my book. Then I remembereed that I have OP 3 duty tonight from 1:00 to 7:00 the next morning, so I thought I better get some sleep. And sleep I did from 10:00 until about 1:00 this afternoon. Then I grabbed a snack for lunch and watch some more of 24 while I read. Tried the computers again and got one. So I have nothing else to do until OP duty tonight at three. I am going out with some different tonight.
His name is Duiett, this is a kid younger than Justin. This kid is 19 or 20. So I am going to be on duty with him tonight. Tomorrow the Squad is going back out to Dog Patch but me and Duiett are not going. As of yet. I will not know for sure until tomorrow morning. So if you don't here from me tomorrow then I am at Dog Patch.

Well that is it for now, I love you and can't want to see all three of you again. I love you terribly. Always remember that. You are the reason I get up in the mornings.

To My Lover and My Best Friend
Shane