Happy to report that I have talked to Brad a couple of times!! Yes, talked! He actually got a phone.
He gave me some updates in an IM chat a few days ago, and then we have had 2 quick phone chats. The first abruptly ended when he lost signal (I found out later), and the 2nd when he ran out of minutes. I guess it's not shocking that cell phone coverage where he is is not optimal, and minutes not unlimited.
He said that even though there is a lot more comforts at the big base, he has missed certain aspects of his VSP stint. I guess ping pong and a PX don't fully make up for the required increase in saluting, shaving, and hair-cutting required when a bunch of colonels are walking around. Talking to him made me think a little bit about old episodes of MASH... He spends a lot of time on gate guard - long shifts watching the Afghani soldiers guard the gate it sounds like.
He told me tonight that within a few weeks he will leave TK and move to another VSP village for the rest of his deployment. He thinks it's safe to send a package for another week or so, but after that best to hold off until he has a new address. Of course, all of this could change...
It was great to hear his voice. He sounded pretty upbeat, and I am certainly more chipper after the recent uptick in communication.
More later!
No comments:
Post a Comment