Significant, It's Not

More of the same around here with a lot more people. Apparently all of the new bunkers were built to accommodate the many, many troops passing through. The DFac doesn't look crowded, camp outside looks basically deserted (is that because it's 100+ degrees?), but the USO is rocking! We've had over 50 people at a time in line to use the phones. That's five people on five phones for 20 minutes each with 50 people waiting for their 20 minutes. I've even offered up my cell phone if it works with a calling card.

A couple of nights ago we were participating in the "Pros v. G.I. Joes" Call to Duty, World at War video game challenge on TV to start at midnight our time. We had more than enough people signed up and itching to play, all five X-box stations reserved, the "World at War" games set aside, back-drop hung, Monsters and near beer for refreshment and tons of people in attendance. The excitement level was peaking just as the telecast was about to start . . . then ppppffffttttt --- our generator conked out. Lights out, AC dies, games off . . .

Don't tell anyone, but I liked it. Almost everyone left and I just chilled with some of our volunteers and my TC4ME Marines. We found a couple of flashlights, hung and talked for awhile. I went home after about an hour (since I was supposed to be off at midnight anyway). The next day someone asked me why the USO was closed at 0400, so I guess the generator did not go back on until later that morning. The next night we were able to participate in the games. You can watch a snippet on http://g4tv.com/attackoftheshow/videos/38028/pros-vs-gi-joes.html. That's Becerra (very quiet, 20 years old in May) on the left; Hucks is Mr. Personality (and very funny) on the right. Hucks won't admit that he's afraid of Tom Morello on Guitar Hero, but that's another issue.

Updated: Hucks did beat out Tom Morello on GH3. I saw it with my own eyes. You rock Ryan -- literally.

Two days ago we received care packages from Amy and USO @ LAX and Beverly and Keesal, Young & Logan. Thank you to everyone for your kindness, thoughtfulness and generosity. As always, the Girl Scout cookies just vaporize. I put out a tray, refill, refill and refill until they're gone. It's usally a couple of hours and ten or more boxes have disappeared. The beef sticks, sour candies. War Heads and Peppermint Paddies are also very popular. We have some really fancy and delicious snacks in care boxes from Harry and David (which is really nice of them to donate so much), but it's the down home stuff that appeals, especially to the guys are in their late teens or very early 20s.