13 Dec.- Way, way beyond exhausted in Kuwait.  Thirty hours from first formation at Benning to arrival at Ali Al Salem Air Base.  May be stuck here for a few days.  Old joke- Kuwait= (K) U-WAIT. 

The highlight of the final moments in GA was blessing the Sinai-bound Jewish soldier, "Yevarekhekha", before we left.  He was truly touched.  Coincidentally, my AGR chaplain in CA sent me the same blessing in English only a few hours later!

We lined up at 0500, I with my distinctive "Distinguished Visitor" bag tags.  Don't know if that's a signal to lose that bag immediately, or, you'll be in trouble if you lose this bag.  In any event, all 4 duffles arrived here with me. 

I was the only soldier on the plane with no weapon.  I found it amusing that we STILL couldn't bring blades over 3 inches on the flight!  I think even with no ammo. you could hurt someone if you were so inclined by knocking them out with the butt of the M-16. I was happily armed with a bottle of water and a full size tube of toothpaste.  What a thrill to pack those in my carry on luggage.   

After we boarded, the cadre stood at ease in formation outside the aircraft, coming to attention and saluting as we pulled away.  Very touching.

First stop was Bangor, Maine, where the devoted Maine Troop Greeters welcomed us.  They posted photos of us at www.ourstopinmaine.smugmug.com.  I sent you mine; it's from the Dec. 12, 2:00 file.

Had dinner this evening with an Australian chaplain.  Very cool!  Only other stop was in Leipzig, then to Kuwait City Airport and by bus here.  Next roll call is 0630 (ugh), but I know there's no flight for a couple of days.

So I'll have LOTS of computer time, though likely not much to talk about.

The Air Force chaplain DID bring one of his Jewish Airmen to meet me this eve.- unfortunately he's going somewhere else tomorrow so I won't have the opportunity to visit with him.  But I was able to give him the phone # of a "local" rabbi- 45 minutes or so away at Camp Arifjan.

Next stop transient billeting. . .

Sunday-

Okay- one alibi from yesterday- (that's army talk for i forgot/made a mistake). . .
I indicated that the formation stood at ease as we loaded up.  They were actually, as I think about it, at parade rest- a more formal posture.  Just didn't want you to think that they were slacking. . . .

      So here's how it went- due to my exalted status as a DV, I was actually entitled to linens!  Got my pillow and blanket and stumbled into a pitch dark tent trying to get myself settled and not wake the two other people sleeping.  Gonna buy a better flashlight right after this!
      BTW- have to sign up and wait for computer- then- 30 minute limit.

      Went to get washed up- generator went down half way through.  Fortunately there was enough ambient light.  Took off the outer layers and finally laid down around 2300.  My plan had been to use my cell phone as an alarm clock, but the cell phone couldn't find service.  I panicked that I might have to give up my comfy bed and go join my folks, who decided to just sleep in the air terminal in some big chairs there.  Fortunately I was able to set the Blackberry, figure out the time difference, AND, after a little while, remembered that there was a.m/p.m. to consider.  Gonna buy an alarm clock when I go for the flashlight.

     Was sleeping soundly at 0030, when someone came banging in looking for folks.  Fell back asleep, when I was hurriedly awakened at 0230 with the word that we had a flight and I needed to be back at 0430.  Dutifully reset the alarm, dragged myself out of bed, got washed and dressed and was there at 0400.  Oops- never mind- no reality to that flight!!!

     Did I mention that I am tired? 
     There are no flights to Bagram on the schedule,  which is only released one day in advance.  However, we have an itinerary set up which we hope will get us to Kandahar this evening and from there to Bagram in the a.m.
     Fortunately the coffee in the DFAC is excellent!