Call from Iraq

Dave was able to call Kelly today from the big American base at Al Asad, Iraq, where he is spending 4-5 days.

There were travel difficulties getting from Kuwait to Iraq, and the battalion is traveling in groups, so they're waiting for the last ones to arrive. A number of his Marines are suffering from food poisoning. They went to a McDonalds in Kuwait, and everyone who ate a certain (unnamed) burger became very ill.

Security on the base is very intense, and a buddy system is strictly enforced. Sleep is at irregular intervals on a dirty concrete floor with bright lights blazing all around. The closest chow hall is a 15-minute walk, and some days he's gotten only one meal, but is glad they're not having to eat MREs yet.

Tomorrow they begin classes regarding their mission, so Dave is glad to have something to do besides taking care of barfing Marines.