Has anyone received a message, yet, from a friend/family member. If so, I thought maybe we could share them in this thread, if it is OK with the family. Here's one I just received from a friend who is a Major in Intel in Kuwait (we assume). Being in Intel is probably why he was able to get an email cleared to send to his wife. Before that, he was interrogating Al Quaeda in Guatanamo Bay. This was forwarded from his wife, who said it was OK to forward it to others. <blockquote><hr>Whew, where do I start. I think it was last Thursday (the days run together and it really doesn't matter what day it is here) when the war started. I had just gotten out of lunch and was trying to get some cash from the ATM when the first alarm sounded. Everyone walked to bunkers and we put on our gas masks. I didn't know anyone in the bunker but I was by far the most senior ranking person. It was very crowded so myself and some sergeant sat outside. The loud speaker (we call it "the big voice") announced something that I thought was saying it was a test. Later it said that a test was being made for chemical weapons [<i>edit by hp: this means the Scud hit nearby</i>]. Then it cleared us to go about our business. I left being not that afraid. I got back to work and we were all laughing about it and taking pictures of ourselves in our chemical suits. Shortly after that the alarm went off again. I was putting my chemical gear on when I heard a loud whoosh above the building. I admit that it scared the **** out of me. I went to full speed on putting on my gear. I later found out that it was Patriot Missile launching. And that a rocket may have been headed toward us. That was two alarms. We had 8 more in the next 24 hours. We have had about 4 more since then. Everyone here is gleefully awaiting the total destruction of all rocket launchers in Iraq. Yes, we are wearing EVERYTHING. Helmet, flak vest, chem suit and carry mask everywhere. The flak vest is like those ankle weights but for your entire body. Everything was shut down but is slowly opening again. Anyway, good to hear from you. Its late and I need to get home and sleep. I have taken on a bigger chunk of work. Advantage; not micromanaged; draw back, more time I have to spend on it. Kiss J and tell everyone hello and prayer back at them.<hr></blockquote>
