I think this is representative of what /how they talk about this thing.

[Joe for Clark]

I know it can be hard to talk to them - remember, these really are our 19 year old kids that signed up to do this job - It is just the job to them, not their life story. They talk like this -

We've had an interesting couple of weeks here in Kuwait. We wake up usually at 0430 in the morning and start our day by doing PT or some other duties. We have to get our Strykers ready for up North and that usually has us running around. Then we usually have classes of some sort in the morning. By lunchtime the afternoon is all ours. We are usually watching movies or napping (or both) and playing cards. We've done a few ranges and have braved a few sandstorms, which I liken to a snowstorm only a lot more painful. All in all everyone is doing well and enjoying a quiet break before our real work begins.

[Joe for Clark]

1. I am so sorry - I hit the wrong buttons -

Please respond to the first post - I was trying to give an idea of how they talk. But the truth is I will copy the first one to send to the batallion newsletter.

Sorry I am just old and not so good on a PC.

Opps,

Joe

[Joe for Clark]

2. Maybe this was a good accident.

Talk to those kids on my other post. Miss Waverly sure has this right. Better than me - they want to hear normal things - regular things. I am not the best at such language - I want my kid out of their right now - and I guess that shows.

They sure know this is their third time back in the line and they know - even these 19 year old kids - that your odds are not so good the third time around - they know.

Damn. You have to admire the morale courage - in not such a clear situation either.


If they were your cousin or nephew or such, talk to them like that - that is what they need to hear. They don't need their parents lectures right now. I know that - that is why I ask.

Thanks,


Joe