Hi everybody! It's the 9th of March, and I'm just about ready to begin my long pass weekend. Four days with no duty, no formations, and the chance to wear something besides Army uniforms. Next week is our departure ceremony, but I'll miss it because I'm leaving for South Carolina on the 14th. The ceremony is quite the dog and pony show. We have an "Animated Bull" where all the soldiers gather in an enormous design of our division logo (The Red Bull) that has already been staked out on the parade field. Later on, we have pass and review parade/ceremony with General Honore (whom you may remember from the Hurricane relief as "the Ragin' Cajun"), Governor Pawlenty, and a whole handful of other VIPs who together should make the ceremony last two hours or more. During that time, the troops will all be standing in one place in full battle rattle (helmets, weapons, body armor, etc).  Pray for nice weather for them.

For now, I'm on my way to Pensacola, FL for 4 days of relaxation. My parents are coming down to spend the weekend with me. Everyone in my unit is in a good mood now because of this pass weekend and the chance to see their families. Well, almost everyone--some people had their hotel reservations cancelled because of the whole thing with FEMA extending time for the Hurricane displaced folks. Those families are not too thrilled at having to get hotels an hour and a half away or more.  But they still get to be here, and it's the last time they'll see their soldiers for a long, long time. I hope they enjoy the weekend; there are going to be some teary goodbyes when it's over.