Day 1-22FEB. Sunday. I am in Camp Swamp…er, McCrady, SC, tucked into the SE corner of Ft Jackson. Typical travel day to get here. Lake effect snow on I-196 but thanks to Carl (our neighbor—thanks for the ride!) got to the airport in plenty of time. Four hour trip became 12 due the scheduled plane’s broken brakes, forcing a re-ticket to travel West instead of East. Six hour layover in Chicago. However, NWA gave me a $5.00 “We’re sorry” certificate with which I bought some excellent soup at an O’Hare eatery. Today’s two TSA security checks while in uniform were almost civil. Waited for the bus at the Columbia SC Airport for 90 minutes. Got to Camp McCrady at 2330, where at least the key to my 10’ X 10’ room was waiting--that reservation worked. A good landing equals a good day. Day 2, Monday, was all briefings, the “over 40 (years old)” physical exam process began; other medical stuff and more mandatory briefings. The “Class 22,” (Remember “Catch-22”?) Of which I’m a member (as these recall groups are called) consists of about 130 enlisted men the vast majority of whom are infantrymen recalled to active duty. Nineteen officers including the class’s only two women. In talking with many of these, there were a wide variety of assignments and motivations. Several are coming back for another recall assignment. More medical and dental screening. I received eight inoculations done in five shots. Wireless Internet service (“WiFi”) doesn’t work in my room. Day 3. Tuesday. Up early for a 0415 group formation for the Army’s traditional urinalysis (illegal drug) screening. Fortunately mine are legal. Had a fasting blood test scheduled for today also. For the elite group of six “Over 40 Physical Exams” waited until about 1000. Another urine sample and seven tubes of blood later, I was able to eat one of my emergency Power Bars and a large coffee that got rid of the lack-of-caffeine-headache. The Dept. of the Army Civilians were pitifully slow in doing the administrative portion—I never made it to them--resulting in hours of wasted time, hence the photo of me in the waiting mode. More waiting around for transportation to the “Camp” and three more evening briefings. BTW, we make these trips in large commercial buses; about 30 minutes each way. Will see what happens tomorrow. WiFi doesn’t work. Day 4. Wednesday. Learned today that I have hearing loss—duh. However, the exceptionally thorough Audiologist (CPT, Dr.) took the time to do a very fine job and to set me up with some, yes, hearing aids. They will be here in a couple of weeks, well, they will be here next week for fitting. Finally got some PT (Physical Training=exercise) in. I learned that WiFi works, but not in my room—signal here is too weak. Day 5. Thursday. The physical part II. Another day of hanging around waiting to complete perhaps 60 minutes of actual work. However, did get my new ID card and a new will, which we needed anyway. Celebrated finishing the physical by having a beer(s), listening to the Warrant Officers tell stories—all “old” guys like me; all going to either Iraq or Afghanistan. There is a story going around that the deployment age record for 80—a retired Special Forces officer. Day 6. Friday. I “graduated” from “SRP,” the Soldier Reprocessing Point; a two-day process crammed into five days. To celebrate, I once again spent part of the evening with Class-21’s Warrant Officers (who leave tomorrow) tell “war stories,” as they invited me for a beer(s). Great bunch of officers. Day 7. Saturday. Raining hard. Predicted to rain through Monday. Loafing, writing, reading, trip to the PX, more PT, organize stuff for next week. So, as you might gather, there’s plenty here to keep me busy and entertained. I’ve been in regular contact with P. However, it’s evident from our conversations that she’s quite lonely. So, as you pray for families who are separated by these events, please remember her—maybe give one of them a call or send a note. Blessings to all. More; later.
