Scouting in the Sandbox

[US Scout]

I have the honor and priviledge of reporting that I have arrived safely in Qatar.  I expect to be here for two weeks.  My planned trip to Mesopotamia (Iraq) has been cancelled, so I wont' have to worry about incoming and snipers this time.

I will be in touch as time permits.

US Scout
GAF Chief of Staff

[Silver Creek Slim]

You should still keep yer head down. Be safe, pard.

Slim

[Major Matt Lewis]

Make sure you got your sun tan oil....

[US Scout]

Actually, its been raining almost constantly since I got here.  Had some real thunder-boomers, complete with lightning.  There were a few times when I thought it might actually be artillery fire! 

Not to worry.  I'm on an American military installation and security is TIGHT!  That doesn't mean I don't keep alert though.

US Scout
GAF Chief of Staff

[Pony Racer]

Scout - hope the visit is short and you can come back for some good cowboy shooting.

Are you going to shoot the Blue ridge roundup in April?

PR

PO - and yes keep that head down

[US Scout]

Acting Captain Poney Racer-

Truth be told, I haven't thought past March yet.  Right after I return from this trip, I have to head back to Europe for a week to attend a conference.  When I return I have to write a comprehensive report to provide to the Secretary of the Navy, and then appear before a Review Board (as a witness) he is convening.  Somewhere in there my family expects me to spend some quality time with them.

Had a quiet day here - though I see they had some excitement up the coast a bit when some bad guys rode into town totin' some TNT to blow up the gas works.  Appears some local constables stopped them but lost their lives in the process.  I sometimes feel I'm more in the Old West here than I ever was back in the States.

I'm back at my barracks and plan to spend a quiet evening either reading or watching a DVD - or both! 

US Scout
GAF Chief of Staff

[Spanish Marshal]

  Sir:

   Only one thing, BE SAFE 

   Good Duty!!

    Spanish Marshal

[Ozark Iron John]

Did ya ever watch that movie Hildalgo, Colonel Sir?  I alwasy thought I'd like to take my horses along that route.  Run up there and around and through the desert.  I bet it'd be exhilirating!

[US Scout]

Seen "Hildago" many times and enjoy it, historical accuracy aside. 

Not sure if I'd want to make a trip like that on horseback, and probably not even by camel.  I've been out in that kind of country and can assure you it is hot, dirty, and sometimes dangerous.  I'd prefer to do it by a well-equipped Range Rover or similar type vehicle if I had to do it (and I almost did).

US Scout
GAF Chief of Staff

[US Scout]

I am pleased to report that I have concluded my scout and will be returning to garrison this day. 

Upon my return, we will begin reorganizing as promised.  I am pleased to report that many members who we believed were AWOL were simply MIA.  Some have managed to report in to The Barracks, and others have sent me telegrams advising me of their status.  We will move forward from here.

US Scout
GAF Chief of Staff

[Steel Horse Bailey]

Glad you'll be departing safely.  I had enough of that d*** part of the world back in '91.

Where in Europe will you be going?  (I understand that you probably CAN'T say.)  If you're anywhere close to some good Deutscher Bier, then I'd be happy to buy you one .. or two ... or .... well, you know!

It was truly an honor to meet you at the Convention - and your "Drummer Suit" (MY description) was out of this world! 

1SGT Jeffry C. Bailey
1st Sergeant, Cavalry
Dept. of the Atlantic
"Steel Horse Bailey"
Member # 98

[Dr. Bob]

Brv't Col US Scout,

I am please that you have completed your inspection tour of the land of sand!  Hope your re-adjust to EST is quick and painless.

YMH&OS,

Capt. R. H. Dorian
Brv't. LtC., Chief Topog. Engineer
Grand Army of the Frontier

[US Scout]

I have returned to CONUS.  A bit groggy but otherwise in good shape.  Trip took something like 30 hours from start to finish.

For those who are interested about our men and women serving in the Middle East, I can report that they are all in good spirits and appreciate all the support they receive from everyone. 

I was thinking that some of these people looked awfully young but then I remembered that I looked just as young when I first put on a uniform.  Others showed their years, not unlike myself, but they are just as dedicated and motivated as the younger generations. 

US Scout
GAF Chief of Staff

[Four-Eyed Buck]

Thanks for your report, Sir. We certainly do appreciate their efforts on our behalf......Buck

[US Scout]

Glad to oblige.  I know there are lots of folks in GAF that are concerned about our troops -whether serving in harm's way or not.  My job allows me close contact with them - both in CONUS and overseas - so the least I can do is report back what I see, OPSEC permitting.

US Scout
GAF Chief of Staff

[RattlesnakeJack]

US S:

You mean to say that you actually looked young at one time???   

Seriously, though, glad you made it back safely!   

[Dr. Bob]

RJR,

Heck, even I looked young once.   Of course, that was a few years ago.  Besides, US Scout is not near old yet!

Regards,

Capt. Dorian
Chief Topog. Engineer

[Ol Gabe]

Sir,
You bring great honor to your position and the GAF in your reports and endeavors. Despatches always give the reader a better understanding for what is really happening. We all appreciate your candor, your service to your Country and that you have accepted the responsibility to do what others of us cannot.
To that end, I salute you Sir!
'Ol Gabe,
Bvt. Capt.,
Adjt.,
Dept. of the Missouri,
GAF,
c/o Dunbar Station, Iowa Territory