Khanukka continues- mostly the same folks but one new person who just arrived   here in BAF and fortunately was directed to us.  There were two soldiers killed   in action, so Xmas eve. began with a "fallen comrade" ceremony for one of them-   all available personnel line the main road as the casket is brought to the   airfield for a "ramp ceremony" prior to takeoff.  The time was changed so we   missed it, but the two individuals were in the same units as two of our Jewish   soldiers- sobering beginning to the Christian holiday.    It was interesting to hear the two soldiers talk about their perspectives- one   was the young man who had also served in the IDF.  He was dismayed at the lack   of seriousness and respect of the members of his unit.  The other was our   Infantry dude, and he does not like these ceremonies and prefers not to be   reminded of the cost of war.    He was brought up in the former Soviet Union, came to the States and remembers   having a bris with no anesthesia at age 7!  He's talking about joining the   Phoenix Police Dept. when he gets out, so perhaps you'll meet him.  He stayed   late last night and talked alot about his experiences. (The Fillipino Chaplain   Assistant who is our adopted child- been following us since Ft. Benning-   commented to me after he left- "One thing I notice about Jewish people- they   talk a LOT!")    They have been talking a lot- they are so happy to have other Jews to talk to.    This young man expresses much frustration with the rules of engagement and the   paperwork battle.  He said that any op. order that includes more than he can   write on 4 fingers of one hand is too much information.  He noted that death is   the last thing on his mind, that he's a professional soldier, and that anyone   who's running around afraid  of being shot or blown up is in the wrong business.    We have a Black female Captain in our group- her husband is president of the   local Orthodox synagogue back home.  Even she expressed disdain for the   oversight of the International Committee for the Red Cross which she feels   inhibits her operations at the local detainee facility.    The infantry dude replied- "Yeah, I'd like the ICRC to inspect the Taliban   detainee facilities- oh yeah- they don't have them- they just cut our heads off   in front of the cameras".      We received a bunch of Chanukka cards yesterday from a nun in Carmel, CA,   describing her experiences as a missionary in Haiti.  She included Khanukka gelt   that was wrapped in Euro denominations- that was new to me..    The whole thing is pretty surreal.    Our favorite comedian won't be with us this eve.- he's flying around the area   delivering Christmas meals to the outlying FOB's.  Won't be the same without   him.    Someone asked SFC Cohen last night if he knew the lay leader at Ft. Benning.  He   replied, "Why would I need the lay leader?  I brought my own rabbi!"    I had faxed some requested paperwork to my unit back home from Ft. Benning-   somehow they never got it.  Believe it or not, they're bugging me for it from   here- I'm going to dig it out and try to scan and email it- beyond belief. . . .   .